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Summary
Microsoft 365 Business Basic and Business Standard both give you professional email, cloud storage, and access to Office apps. The core difference comes down to one thing: whether you need the actual desktop apps installed on your computer, or if you can survive using only your web browser.
Before You Start
- None required. These details apply to any business comparing Microsoft 365 plans.
Instructions
1. The Core Difference: Desktop vs. Web Apps
When deciding between these two plans, ask yourself this: Do I need to install Word and Excel on my computer?
- If you only need to use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint in a web browser (like Chrome or Edge) and on your phone, choose Business Basic.
- If you must have the full, downloaded versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint installed on your PC or Mac, you need Business Standard.
2. Microsoft 365 Business Basic (Approx. $7.00/user/month)
This is the entry-level plan. It gives you the infrastructure you need to run your business, but expects you to do your work in a browser.
What you get:
- Professional email with a 50 GB mailbox (using your own domain).
- 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage per user.
- Access to Microsoft Teams for chat and meetings.
- Web and mobile versions only of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You cannot install the desktop apps on your laptop.
Who it's for:
- Remote workers who spend their day in a web browser.
- Frontline staff who only need email and basic document access on their phones.
- Budget-conscious solopreneurs who don't rely heavily on complex Excel spreadsheets or heavy Word formatting.
3. Microsoft 365 Business Standard (Approx. $14.00/user/month)
This is the most common plan for small businesses. It includes everything in Basic, plus the traditional desktop software you are used to.
What you get:
- Everything included in Business Basic (email, Teams, 1 TB OneDrive).
- Fully installed desktop apps for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook on up to 5 PCs or Macs per user.
- Publisher and Access (PC only).
- Advanced meeting features like webinars and attendee registration.
Who it's for:
- Anyone who needs to work offline.
- Heavy Excel users (the web version of Excel lacks advanced features like complex macros and certain data modeling tools).
- Users who prefer the speed and feature set of the desktop Outlook app.
- Businesses that frequently host webinars.
4. How to Choose
If you are a one-person business ("Solo Steve") setting up your IT for the first time, start with Business Standard.
While Business Basic is cheaper, the frustration of trying to format a complex document or run a heavy spreadsheet in a web browser is rarely worth the $7/month savings. Having the desktop apps installed gives you the full, familiar experience without compromises.
If you have employees, remember that you don't have to put everyone on the same plan. You can buy Business Standard for yourself and Business Basic for your part-time assistant who only needs to check email and access shared files in the browser. This guide compares only Basic and Standard — a third tier, Business Premium, adds device management and security on top of everything in Standard. For the full comparison, see Understanding Microsoft 365 Licensing and Plan Differences.
Troubleshooting
INFO
If you are unsure which license you have, or why you can't use a certain feature (like desktop Word), it is likely due to your assigned license.
| Symptom / Error | Potential Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| "Unlicensed Product" in Word/Excel | Assigned Business Basic license | You need Business Standard for desktop apps. Upgrade your license in the Admin Center. |
| Cannot download Office apps | Assigned Business Basic license | Business Basic only includes web apps. Use office.com or upgrade to Standard. |