Choosing the right Microsoft 365 licence can help your business give employees the applications, collaboration tools and security features they need without paying for services they rarely use. However, with multiple business plans, optional Teams versions and Copilot offerings available, comparing licences can be confusing.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Business Standard and Business Premium are designed for different working requirements. Some businesses need browser-based Office applications and professional email, while others rely on installed desktop applications or need more advanced security and device management. Microsoft also offers Apps for business for organisations that primarily need Office applications, along with versions of selected plans that do not include Teams.
The best choice depends on how your employees work, which services your organisation already uses and what your business needs to protect. This guide compares Microsoft 365 business plans and pricing in India, explains the differences between licence options, and helps you estimate the cost of licensing your team.
Choosing the right Microsoft 365 licence can help your business give employees the applications, collaboration tools and security features they need without paying for services they rarely use. However, with multiple business plans, optional Teams versions and Copilot offerings available, comparing licences can be confusing.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Business Standard and Business Premium are designed for different working requirements. Some businesses need browser-based Office applications and professional email, while others rely on installed desktop applications or need more advanced security and device management. Microsoft also offers Apps for business for organisations that primarily need Office applications, along with versions of selected plans that do not include Teams.
The best choice depends on how your employees work, which services your organisation already uses and what your business needs to protect. This guide compares Microsoft 365 business plans and pricing in India, explains the differences between licence options, and helps you estimate the cost of licensing your team.
Microsoft 365 business plans are generally priced per user. The table below shows the current Microsoft India list prices found during our review for selected business subscriptions with Teams, expressed per user per month under an annual commitment.
| Microsoft 365 plan | Price per user/month, paid yearly | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 Business Basic | ₹170 | Web and mobile Office apps, business email and cloud collaboration |
| Microsoft 365 Business Standard | ₹860 | Employees who need desktop Office applications and business services |
| Microsoft 365 Business Premium | ₹1,830 | Businesses that need productivity apps plus enhanced security and device management |
| Microsoft 365 Apps for business | ₹830 | Employees who need desktop Office apps and cloud storage without the full business email bundle |
These prices are in Indian rupees and exclude applicable GST. Annual subscriptions auto-renew under Microsoft’s published terms. The price displayed at checkout or on a partner quote should be treated as the final reference because Microsoft can change pricing, offers and plan packaging.
For most businesses, the first decision is whether employees need desktop Office applications, additional security controls or only browser-based tools.
Choose Business Basic if employees primarily use web and mobile applications and need business email and cloud storage.
Choose Business Standard if employees need installed versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Choose Business Premium if your organisation also needs stronger security and device-management capabilities.
Consider Apps for business if employees need desktop Office applications but the organisation does not require the full set of business email and collaboration services in a broader Microsoft 365 plan.
These are starting points rather than fixed rules. The sections below explain what each licence includes and when the additional cost may be worthwhile.
The main difference between Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Business Standard and Business Premium is the combination of applications, collaboration services, security and management capabilities.
| Feature | Business Basic | Business Standard | Business Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word, Excel and PowerPoint | Web and mobile | Desktop, web and mobile | Desktop, web and mobile |
| Professional business email | Included | Included | Included |
| OneDrive cloud storage | 1 TB per user | 1 TB per user | 1 TB per user |
| SharePoint | Included | Included | Included |
| Microsoft Teams | Depends on selected version | Depends on selected version | Depends on selected version |
| Desktop Office apps | Not included | Included | Included |
| Advanced security capabilities | Core protections | Core protections | Enhanced protections |
| Advanced device management | Not the main focus | Not the main focus | Included capabilities |
| Typical use case | Browser-first teams | Office-based teams | Businesses with stronger security needs |
Features depend on the exact licence SKU and Microsoft’s current service terms. Confirm the inclusion of any business-critical feature before purchase.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic provides core productivity and collaboration services without desktop Office applications. Employees can work with web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook while using business email, OneDrive and SharePoint.
Key features include:
Business Basic is suitable when employees primarily work online and do not depend on installed Office applications. It can be a practical option for browser-first teams, frontline workflows and businesses that need email, document sharing and cloud storage.
If employees rely on desktop Excel, use locally installed Office applications or need desktop Outlook, compare Business Standard. Paying less for a plan that does not support employees’ everyday work can lead to extra costs or productivity issues later.
Business Standard includes desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, alongside web and mobile apps and core business services.
Key features include:
Business Standard is a strong option for employees who prepare reports, work with complex spreadsheets, build presentations or rely on desktop Office applications throughout the day.
For many office-based employees, the key question is straightforward: do they need the desktop versions of Office applications? If they do, Business Standard is often the most relevant plan to evaluate first.
If your organisation also needs advanced security controls, device management or additional information protection capabilities, compare Business Premium. The extra licence cost should be assessed against the business’s security and IT-management requirements.
Business Premium combines productivity and collaboration services with additional tools designed to help organisations protect business data, manage devices and reduce security risks.
Depending on the current subscription and feature requirements, its capabilities include:
Consider Business Premium if employees access business data from multiple devices, your organisation needs centralised device management, or your IT team requires stronger security controls.
For businesses with specific regulatory or compliance obligations, verify that the selected licence includes the precise controls required. A licensing specialist can help check eligibility and identify any additional licences needed.
Business Premium is not automatically the right choice for every employee. If some users only need web applications and email, a mixed licensing approach may be more cost-effective.
Microsoft 365 Apps for business includes desktop versions of core Office applications and 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage per user. It may suit organisations that already use a separate email platform and want to license Office applications independently.
Before choosing this plan, check whether employees still need Exchange business email, Teams, SharePoint or other services included in a broader Microsoft 365 subscription. Buying these services separately can change the overall cost.
Microsoft offers versions of selected Microsoft 365 business plans with and without Microsoft Teams. This matters because businesses do not all use the same collaboration platform, and not every employee necessarily needs Teams.
The following table lists Microsoft’s current India prices for selected no-Teams subscriptions, expressed per user per month under an annual commitment.
| Plan without Teams | Price per user/month, paid yearly | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Business Basic (no Teams) | ₹130 | Web and mobile Office apps, business email and cloud collaboration |
| Business Standard (no Teams) | ₹665 | Desktop Office applications without the Teams service |
| Business Premium (no Teams) | ₹1,565 | Productivity, security and device management without the Teams service |
Applicable GST is extra. Prices and terms should be reconfirmed before purchase.
Choose a Teams-included plan if employees need Teams for chat, meetings and collaboration and you want it included in their Microsoft 365 subscription.
A no-Teams plan may be more appropriate if your organisation uses another collaboration platform or if selected employees do not need Teams. If you later purchase a separate Teams licence, compare the combined cost and verify that the separate product provides the capabilities your business needs.
The important point is to compare equivalent services. A no-Teams plan may have a lower subscription price, but the savings depend on whether your organisation needs to purchase a separate collaboration licence.
Your Microsoft 365 licensing cost depends on the number of users, the plan assigned to each user, whether Teams is included, the subscription commitment and applicable taxes.
The table below estimates the monthly equivalent cost for businesses using one plan for every employee. The calculations use the annual-commitment prices listed in this guide and exclude GST.
10 users/month
10 users/month
10 users/month
These figures are estimates based on the monthly equivalent of an annual commitment, not a quotation or a flexible month-to-month price. Your actual bill may differ based on billing frequency, taxes, discounts, plan changes and the final terms offered.
The goal should be to assign the right capabilities to each employee rather than automatically purchasing the same licence for everyone.
Employees who only need browser-based Office applications may not require desktop Office licences.
Compare the Teams-included plan with the no-Teams version, taking any separate Teams cost into account.
Some employees may need Business Basic, while others need Business Standard or Business Premium.
Review whether your current security services overlap with capabilities included in Business Premium.
Review employee departures, inactive accounts and changes in responsibilities.
Annual commitments may offer a lower monthly equivalent but can restrict cancellation or changes during the term.
Review user requirements and current prices before a subscription renews.
Cost optimisation should not remove security protections that the business needs. A good licensing review balances cost, productivity, security and ease of administration.
The monthly price displayed on Microsoft’s website does not always mean you can cancel the subscription at any time. Microsoft offers different commitment and payment arrangements, and the total cost depends on the selected option.
The subscription is committed for a year, with payment made annually.
The subscription is committed for a year, while payments are spread across the year.
Offers a shorter commitment, subject to the available plan and terms; the monthly price may be higher.
For example, Microsoft currently lists Business Basic at ₹170 per user per month when paid yearly, while its monthly-subscription option is listed at ₹204 per user per month. Business Standard and Business Premium also have different prices for monthly subscriptions.
Before ordering, confirm the commitment term, payment frequency, renewal conditions and cancellation policy. The right option depends on whether your organisation values a lower annual cost or the flexibility of a shorter commitment.
Businesses evaluating Microsoft 365 Copilot should check the exact subscription rather than assuming every Microsoft 365 licence includes the same AI features.
Microsoft distinguishes between AI chat experiences available with eligible subscriptions and Microsoft 365 Copilot capabilities that work with organisational data inside supported productivity applications. The features included, eligibility requirements and pricing depend on the specific plan or offer.
Microsoft’s current India pricing page lists the following annual-commitment options that include Microsoft 365 Copilot Business:
These prices exclude applicable GST. Confirm the current plan details, feature eligibility and any usage-based charges before purchase.
Before adding Copilot, consider:
For current pricing and availability, consult the official Microsoft 365 business pricing page.
The right plan depends on employee requirements, not just company size. Use the table below as a starting point when mapping licences to common business needs.
For a mixed workforce, different employees can need different licences. For example, some employees may only need browser-based applications, while finance, operations or management teams may rely on desktop Office apps. IT administrators may also need to evaluate additional security capabilities.
Microsoft 365 Business plans are designed for eligible organisations with up to 300 users. Businesses with more than 300 users or requirements that exceed the business-plan limits should evaluate appropriate enterprise licensing.
Before purchasing or renewing Microsoft 365 licences, review the following questions:
Working through this checklist can help your business avoid unnecessary licences, duplicated services and unexpected renewal costs.
Selecting the right plan is only one part of managing Microsoft 365 licensing. Businesses may also need help comparing subscriptions, reviewing licence assignments, planning renewals and aligning productivity tools with security requirements.
Intcom Systems can help your organisation assess its requirements and compare suitable Microsoft 365 licensing options. A requirements-led discussion can make it easier to identify which employees need Business Basic, Business Standard, Business Premium or another eligible option.
Not sure which Microsoft 365 subscription fits your business?
Contact Intcom Systems to discuss your requirements. To help narrow down the options, share your approximate user count, whether employees need desktop Office applications, your Teams usage and any security or Copilot requirements.
Request a Microsoft 365 licensing consultation.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic is the entry-level option among the core business plans. Microsoft currently lists Business Basic at ₹170 per user per month when paid yearly, and Business Basic without Teams at ₹130 per user per month when paid yearly. Applicable GST is extra. Confirm current prices and terms before purchasing.
Business Basic provides web and mobile Office apps, business email and cloud services. Business Standard adds desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. If employees need installed Office applications, Business Standard is generally the more relevant plan to evaluate.
Microsoft currently lists Business Standard with Teams at ₹860 per user per month when paid yearly. The no-Teams version is listed at ₹665 per user per month when paid yearly. Applicable GST is extra, and the final price should be confirmed before purchase.
Intcom Systems is headquartered in Mumbai and assists businesses across India with Microsoft software licensing enquiries. Organisations in Noida, Delhi, Faridabad, Gurgaon, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Pune, Jaipur, Kolkata, Indore, Kochi, Visakhapatnam, Goa, Coimbatore, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Bhubaneswar, Nagpur, Dehradun, Zirakpur, Bhopal, Ranchi, Raipur, Guwahati, Patna and Trivandrum can contact our team.
Whether you need Microsoft 365, Microsoft 365 Copilot or other Microsoft solutions, our team can discuss suitable licensing plans, pricing and purchasing requirements remotely, without requiring a visit to our Mumbai office.
Yes, businesses outside Mumbai can contact Intcom Systems for Microsoft software licensing and purchasing assistance. We can assist organisations across India, including Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and other major cities.
Our team can discuss Microsoft 365 subscriptions, Copilot licensing and other available Microsoft solutions remotely. Pricing, licence eligibility and fulfilment arrangements depend on the selected product and applicable Microsoft licensing terms.
Business Premium may be worthwhile for businesses that need desktop Office apps plus enhanced security and device-management capabilities. The decision should depend on the organisation’s security requirements, current tools and the specific protections included in the subscription.
No. Business Basic includes web and mobile versions of core Office applications. Businesses that require desktop Word and Excel should evaluate Business Standard, Business Premium or another eligible licence that includes desktop Office applications.
Microsoft offers Business Standard versions with and without Teams. The current annual-commitment prices listed in India are ₹860 per user per month with Teams and ₹665 without Teams, before applicable GST. Confirm which SKU is included in the quote.
Yes, Intcom Systems can assist businesses with Microsoft licensing requirements for teams across multiple cities in India. Organisations in Noida, Delhi, Faridabad, Gurgaon, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Pune, Jaipur, Kolkata, Indore, Kochi, Visakhapatnam, Goa, Coimbatore, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Bhubaneswar, Nagpur, Dehradun, Zirakpur, Bhopal, Ranchi, Raipur, Guwahati, Patna and Trivandrum can contact us for assistance.
Our team can help evaluate Microsoft licensing options based on user numbers, applications, business requirements and applicable subscription terms, supporting software procurement across multiple offices.
