M365 F3 vs E3: Which Microsoft 365 Plan Is Best?
Choosing the right Microsoft 365 plan can feel like navigating a maze. With a plethora of options, it’s easy to get lost in the details. Today, we’re putting two popular contenders head-to-head: m365 f3 vs e3, to help you make an informed decision.
Both Microsoft 365 F3 and E3 offer a suite of powerful tools designed to boost productivity and collaboration. However, they cater to different needs and budgets. Understanding the key differences is crucial to selecting the plan that aligns perfectly with your organization’s goals.
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the features, pricing, and target audiences of each plan. We’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of both Microsoft 365 F3 and E3, providing you with the insights you need to make the right choice for your business or team.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | m365 f3 | e3 |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | |
| Cloud Storage | OneDrive (limited) | OneDrive (1TB) |
| Web Apps | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) | Web Only | Yes |
| Microsoft Teams | Yes | Yes |
| SharePoint | Yes | Yes |
| Intune | No | Yes |
| Advanced Security | Basic | Advanced |
| Compliance Features | Limited | Comprehensive |
| Version Control | Basic | Advanced |
| Support | Standard | Priority |
| Business Voice | No | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Email and Calendaring
- M365 F3: Provides access to Outlook Web App for email and calendaring, but with limitations on storage capacity (2GB). This is suitable for basic communication and scheduling but can quickly fill up. A major con is the low storage limit.
- E3: Offers full Outlook desktop and web app access with a generous 50GB mailbox storage. Includes advanced features like shared mailboxes and calendars. A clear pro is the robust email capabilities, but it’s more expensive.
- Winner: e3
OneDrive Storage
- M365 F3: Includes 2GB of OneDrive storage. This is very limited for storing documents and files, making it challenging to save important information. The low storage is a significant drawback.
- E3: Comes with 1TB of OneDrive storage. This provides ample space for storing, sharing, and collaborating on files. It’s a major advantage for productivity and collaboration.
- Winner: e3
Microsoft Teams
- M365 F3: Provides access to Microsoft Teams for chat, calls, and meetings, but lacks some advanced features like meeting recordings and channel meetings. This is okay for basic team communication.
- E3: Offers full Microsoft Teams functionality, including meeting recordings, channel meetings, and advanced features. This is ideal for effective team collaboration and communication.
- Winner: e3
Office Applications
- M365 F3: Does *not* include access to the full suite of Microsoft Office desktop applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Access is web-based, with limited functionality.
- E3: Includes the full suite of Microsoft Office desktop applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.). Provides a comprehensive set of tools for creating and editing documents.
- Winner: e3
Security Features
- M365 F3: Includes basic security features like multi-factor authentication. Provides a basic level of security.
- E3: Offers advanced security features, including data loss prevention (DLP), advanced threat protection (ATP), and information rights management (IRM). This provides robust security measures.
- Winner: e3
Compliance Features
- M365 F3: Limited compliance features. Suited for organizations with very basic compliance needs.
- E3: Offers robust compliance features including eDiscovery, legal hold, and audit logs. Suitable for organizations that need to meet certain regulatory requirements.
- Winner: e3
Device Management
- M365 F3: Limited mobile device management capabilities. Offers basic device management functionality.
- E3: Includes more advanced mobile device management (MDM) capabilities, allowing for better control and security of devices.
- Winner: e3
Licensing and Cost
- M365 F3: Is a significantly cheaper license. Designed for frontline workers with limited needs, making it cost-effective for specific roles.
- E3: Is a more expensive license. The higher cost reflects the broader functionality and features.
- Winner: m365 f3
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Desktop Apps | e3 |
| Cloud Storage | e3 |
| Security | e3 |
| Compliance | e3 |
| Device Management | e3 |
| Cost | m365 f3 |
What They Have in Common
- Email Access: Both plans provide access to Outlook for email management, calendar scheduling, and contact organization, enabling users to stay connected and productive.
- Web App Access: Both m365 f3 and e3 include access to web versions of core Microsoft applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, allowing users to create and edit documents online.
- Microsoft Teams Integration: Both plans offer Microsoft Teams for collaboration, communication, and file sharing, facilitating teamwork and project management.
- Sharepoint Access: Both plans include SharePoint, a platform for document management, team collaboration, and intranet site creation.
- Onedrive for Business: Both plans offer OneDrive for storing and accessing files in the cloud, enabling users to work on documents from anywhere.
M365 F3 Vs E3 Buying Guide
Cost and Budget Considerations
When choosing between Microsoft 365 F3 and E3, cost is a primary factor. F3 is significantly more budget-friendly, designed for frontline workers who primarily need basic communication and collaboration tools. E3, on the other hand, is a more expensive option, offering a broader suite of features and applications. Consider your organization’s budget and the features you truly need. If your workforce requires advanced features like desktop versions of Office apps and more storage, E3 may be worth the investment. Evaluate the number of licenses required, as this directly impacts the overall cost.
Feature Comparison: Core Applications
The core applications available in each plan differ substantially. F3 provides web-based versions of essential apps like Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with Teams for communication and collaboration. E3 includes the full desktop versions of these applications, providing richer functionality, offline access, and advanced features. Consider how critical offline access and advanced features are for your users. If your employees need to work seamlessly offline and require the full capabilities of the Office suite, E3 is the better choice. The availability of advanced features like Power BI and advanced security also sets E3 apart.
Storage and Data Management
Storage capacity differs significantly between the two plans. F3 provides a limited amount of OneDrive storage, which might be a constraint for users who frequently share and store large files. E3 offers significantly more OneDrive storage per user, allowing for greater data storage and file sharing capabilities. Consider the volume of data your users will generate and store. If your organization relies heavily on large files or requires extensive data archiving, the increased storage capacity of E3 is a crucial advantage. Evaluate the need for data compliance and retention policies, as these are better supported in E3.
Security and Compliance Features
Security is a paramount concern for any organization. E3 includes advanced security features such as data loss prevention, advanced threat protection, and information rights management, which are not available in F3. These features help protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry regulations. If your organization handles sensitive information or needs to meet specific compliance requirements, E3 provides a much more robust security posture. Consider the potential risks of data breaches and the cost of non-compliance when making your decision.
User Experience and Accessibility
The user experience varies based on the features available. F3 provides a streamlined experience tailored for frontline workers, focusing on ease of use. E3 offers a more feature-rich environment, which can be beneficial for users who require advanced functionality but may also present a steeper learning curve. Consider the technical proficiency of your users. If your workforce is less tech-savvy, the simplicity of F3 might be preferred. Evaluate the need for training and support when choosing a plan. Consider how accessible both plans are on various devices.
Scalability and Future Growth
Consider your organization’s potential for future growth. E3 offers more scalability, allowing your organization to easily add new features and users as your needs evolve. F3 is designed for a specific set of needs and may become limiting if your requirements grow. Think about your long-term goals and the features you may need in the future. If you anticipate needing more advanced features or increased storage capacity, E3 provides a more flexible and scalable solution. Consider how easy it is to upgrade from F3 to E3 if needed.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy m365 f3 If…
- You need basic email, web apps, and collaboration tools.
- You are looking for a cost-effective solution for frontline workers.
- You don’t require advanced security or compliance features.
- You don’t need desktop versions of Office applications.
Buy e3 If…
- You need the full suite of Office desktop applications.
- You require advanced security and compliance features.
- You need a large amount of cloud storage.
- You need Intune for device management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary target audience for M365 F3?
M365 F3 is primarily designed for frontline workers, such as those in retail, manufacturing, and healthcare. It provides essential communication and collaboration tools with a focus on ease of use and affordability. This plan is tailored to meet the needs of employees who require basic access to Microsoft services to perform their daily tasks, such as sending emails, making calls, and using collaboration tools.
What key features differentiate M365 E3 from F3?
E3 offers a broader range of features, including full desktop versions of Office applications, significantly more storage, and advanced security features. It provides offline access, advanced data loss prevention, and enhanced threat protection. E3 is a more comprehensive and feature-rich plan, designed for users who require more advanced functionality and data protection capabilities compared to F3’s streamlined offering.
Does F3 include the desktop versions of Office apps?
No, M365 F3 does not include the full desktop versions of the Office applications. F3 provides web-based versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. To access the full desktop applications with offline capabilities and advanced features, you would need to subscribe to the E3 plan or a similar offering. This is a significant distinction in user experience and functionality.
What are the storage limitations in M365 F3?
M365 F3 has limited storage capacity compared to E3. The specific storage allowance per user is significantly less than the amount offered in the E3 plan. This can be a constraint for users who need to store and share a large volume of files. Users in F3 must be mindful of their storage usage to avoid exceeding their allocated space.
Is advanced security included in M365 F3?
M365 F3 does not include the advanced security features available in E3. Features like data loss prevention, advanced threat protection, and information rights management are not part of the F3 plan. Organizations that require robust security features to protect sensitive data and meet compliance requirements should consider E3.
Can I upgrade from M365 F3 to E3?
Yes, you can upgrade from M365 F3 to E3. This is a straightforward process, allowing you to add more features and functionality as your needs evolve. Contact your Microsoft representative or IT administrator to initiate the upgrade. Make sure to consider the costs and user impact of the upgrade.
Which plan is more cost-effective for a small business?
The cost-effectiveness of each plan depends on the specific needs of the small business. If the business requires only basic communication and collaboration tools, F3 is more cost-effective. However, if the business needs desktop versions of Office apps, more storage, and advanced security, then E3, despite being more expensive, provides better value in the long run.
Final Verdict
Choosing between M365 F3 and E3 depends entirely on your specific organizational needs. F3 offers a cost-effective solution for frontline workers, focusing on essential communication and collaboration. E3 provides a comprehensive suite of features, including desktop apps, advanced security, and greater storage, making it ideal for organizations requiring advanced functionality and robust data protection. Evaluate your budget, feature requirements, and security needs carefully.
Winner: Microsoft 365 E3