Office 365 E3 vs Microsoft 365 E3: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for Your Business?
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, choosing the right Microsoft plan can make or break your business’s productivity and security. Two of the most popular options Office 365 E3 and Microsoft 365 E3 often confuse buyers because of their similar names. But while both deliver powerful business tools, they serve different purposes.
In this updated guide, we’ll compare their features, pricing, security benefits, and ideal use cases so you can make the best decision for your organization.
What Is Office 365 E3?
Office 365 E3 is a cloud-based productivity suite designed to empower businesses with Microsoft’s most trusted apps and collaboration tools.
It includes:
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Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook – Core productivity applications
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OneDrive – Secure cloud storage
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SharePoint – Team content management and collaboration
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Teams – Unified communication via chat, calls, and meetings
Essentially, Office 365 E3 provides the productivity foundation businesses need to work smarter and faster.
What Is Microsoft 365 E3?
Microsoft 365 E3 builds on everything in Office 365 E3 -then adds enterprise-level security, device management, and compliance features.
It includes:
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Everything in Office 365 E3
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Windows 11 Enterprise – A secure, managed operating system for all devices
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Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) – Tools for identity protection, device management, and data security
If Office 365 E3 is about productivity, Microsoft 365 E3 is about productivity + security + control.
Key Differences: Office 365 E3 vs Microsoft 365 E3
| Feature | Office 365 E3 | Microsoft 365 E3 |
|---|---|---|
| Core Apps (Word, Excel, Teams) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Windows Enterprise License | ❌ | ✅ |
| Advanced Security (ATP, DLP) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Device & Identity Management (Intune, Azure AD) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Compliance Tools | Limited | Advanced |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Office 365 E3: Best for Productivity and Collaboration
Office 365 E3 shines for companies focused on communication and productivity.
Key Benefits:
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Cloud-based access from anywhere
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Real-time collaboration in Teams and SharePoint
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Easy scalability for growing teams
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Regular security and feature updates from Microsoft
Ideal For:
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Small to mid-size businesses
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Teams focused on office collaboration rather than device management
Microsoft 365 E3: Best for Security and Unified Management
Microsoft 365 E3 takes productivity a step further combining collaboration tools with enterprise-level protection and compliance.
Key Benefits:
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Built-in cybersecurity with Defender, DLP, and ATP
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Centralized management for users, apps, and devices
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Seamless integration between Windows, Office, and EMS
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Enhanced data compliance for industries with strict regulations
Ideal For:
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Mid-size to large organizations
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Businesses with remote teams or strict security requirements
Pricing and Value
While Microsoft 365 E3 costs more, it offers significantly greater value for organizations needing advanced security and management tools.
If you only need productivity apps, Office 365 E3 is cost-effective. But if your company prioritizes data security, device control, and compliance, Microsoft 365 E3 is the smarter investment in the long term.
Implementation and Integration
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Office 365 E3: Quick cloud deployment with minimal setup. Works seamlessly with most third-party business apps.
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Microsoft 365 E3: Includes OS-level integration and advanced security configuration, requiring more setup—but offering tighter control.
Support and Updates
Both plans receive regular Microsoft updates. However, Microsoft 365 E3 offers unified support—covering both software and device management, making IT operations smoother and more consistent.
Scalability and Future-Proofing
Both suites scale easily as your business grows, but Microsoft 365 E3 is more future-proof thanks to its all-in-one design, enhanced security, and continuous innovation under Microsoft’s cloud-first strategy.
Conclusion
When deciding between Office 365 E3 and Microsoft 365 E3, the choice depends on your business’s priorities:
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Choose Office 365 E3 if you need reliable productivity tools and collaboration apps.
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Choose Microsoft 365 E3 if you want a fully managed, secure, and scalable business environment.
Either way, both options ensure your team stays connected, productive, and secure in the modern workplace.
FAQs
1. Is Office 365 E3 cheaper than Microsoft 365 E3?
Yes. Office 365 E3 costs less because it excludes Windows and enterprise security tools.
2. Does Microsoft 365 E3 include all Office 365 E3 features?
Absolutely. It includes everything in Office 365 E3 plus Windows Enterprise and EMS.
3. Which is better for small businesses?
Office 365 E3 is ideal for productivity. Microsoft 365 E3 is better for growing or security-conscious companies.
4. Is data protection stronger in Microsoft 365 E3?
Yes. It provides advanced protection like data loss prevention, identity management, and endpoint security.
5. Can I upgrade from Office 365 E3 to Microsoft 365 E3?
Yes. Businesses can upgrade anytime based on evolving needs or compliance requirements.
