However, with multiple subscription tiers available, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for your needs. In this article, we will look at the differences between Microsoft Teams Essentials and Premium, which are the two main categories for Microsoft Teams. To improve your work experience, it is important to know the features, storage options, advantages, and disadvantages of each subscription level. This knowledge is crucial whether you are a small business owner or working for a large enterprise. Understanding the benefits of each tier will help you make the right decision and select the right subscription level for your needs.

What is Microsoft Teams

If you are looking for a powerful collaboration tool to bring your team together, Microsoft Teams may just be the answer you have been searching for. So, what exactly is it? Well, think of it as a digital hub for teamwork that brings chat, meetings, files, and apps together in one place. Whether you work remotely, in the office, or on the go, Microsoft Teams has your back. But who uses Microsoft Teams? The short answer is, anyone and everyone! Be it a small startup, a mid-sized business, or a large corporation, Microsoft Teams is designed to meet the needs of teams of all sizes. Teachers use it to connect with students, healthcare providers to collaborate on patient care, and retail teams to stay in sync during busy periods. What makes Microsoft Teams impressive is its different versions, so you can choose the one that is right for you. For example, for your small business setup, you can opt for the free version, which includes basic features like chat, video calls, and file sharing. Note: Microsoft Teams (Classic), which is the free version, retired on 12th April 2023, as per Microsoft’s announcement. On the other hand, consider one of the paid versions, which offers more advanced features like advanced security and compliance tools. In a nutshell, Microsoft Teams is an incredibly versatile tool that brings teams together and helps them collaborate more effectively, no matter where they are in the world. With its range of features and subscription options, it is no wonder Microsoft Teams is quickly becoming the go-to platform for modern teamwork.

Microsoft Teams Essentials

It is a new communication and collaboration plan designed specifically for small businesses. It offers a professional, affordable meeting solution that promises to provide unrestricted online meetings and chats. Microsoft Teams Essentials comes with a simplified chat interface and Zoom-like functionality. The focus on features such as meetings and video calls is quite apparent, with Microsoft dropping some features that may appear unwanted for small businesses. This makes the service much easier to navigate and use for small business owners who may not be tech-savvy. The service offers unlimited group video calls for up to 30 hours, group chat, file sharing, and calendaring. With data encryption, customer support, task-assigning tools, and polling, MS Teams Essentials provides all the necessary features required for small businesses to connect, collaborate, and be productive. It also provides 2 GB of personal cloud storage per user, with an additional 10 GB of shared storage for the entire organization. This amount of storage should be sufficient for small businesses that may not have a significant amount of data to store. This standalone plan is available at $4 per user per month, making it an affordable option for small businesses. You can also avail the one-time annual subscription for $48 per user per year. This pricing model ensures that small businesses can access affordable communication and collaboration solution that does not break the bank. Purchase Microsoft Teams Essentials here

Microsoft Teams Premium

Microsoft Teams Premium is a product of the Microsoft 365 suite. It offers two plans, i.e., Business Basic and Business Standard, that you can choose according to your needs.

Microsoft 365 Business Basic Plan

The best choice for small to medium-sized businesses is the 365 Basic plan. It provides you with all the essential features needed to stay connected and collaborate effectively, without breaking the bank. This plan comes with 1 TB of storage per user, which is more than enough for most small businesses. Storage is shared across all Office 365 applications, including email, OneDrive, and SharePoint. This means users can store and share files across all their devices, ensuring they have access to important documents wherever they are. The subscription price for the Microsoft Teams Business Basic plan is $6 per user per month. This pricing structure is competitive, making it an excellent option for businesses that want to keep their costs low while still getting access to the features they need to stay productive. The major features included in the Microsoft Teams Business Basic plan are: Purchase Microsoft Teams Premium Basic (Microsoft 365 Business) here

Microsoft 365 Business Standard Plan

It is also a subscription-based plan offered by Microsoft that provides businesses with powerful tools to boost their productivity and collaboration capabilities. This plan is designed for medium to large-sized businesses and includes various features that can help streamline workflows and enhance communication between team members.
The Microsoft 365 Business Standard is priced at $12.50 per user per month. Each user is entitled to 1 TB of cloud storage, which can be used to store and share files across the organization. Additionally, users can access Office apps on up to 5 PCs or Macs, 5 tablets, and 5 smartphones. The significant features that this plan offers include: Purchase Microsoft Teams Premium Standard (Microsoft 365 Business) here

Microsoft Teams Essentials vs. Premium Comparison

The table below highlights the salient features and compares the different Microsoft Teams plans. You can use this information to choose the plan that meets your requirements and make an informed decision.

Ending Thoughts

Both Microsoft Teams Essentials and Microsoft 365 Premium offer a plethora of features and functionalities that cater to the diverse needs of modern businesses. While Microsoft Teams Essentials is an affordable option for businesses that require basic online communication and collaboration tools, Microsoft Premium provides a more comprehensive suite of applications that include advanced security, device management, and productivity features. Ultimately, the choice between these two plans will depend on the specific needs and budget of your business. So, take some time to evaluate your requirements, consider the features offered by both plans and choose the one that aligns with your goals and objectives to help drive your business forward.