Should You Switch to Microsoft 365 Business Premium?

If you’re responsible for IT in a growing business, chances are Microsoft 365 Business Premium has crossed your radar. On paper, it looks like the complete package: the full Office apps your teams rely on, layered with advanced security, device management and compliance tools that promise enterprise-grade protection without enterprise complexity.

But in early 2026, with budgets tighter and cyber risks higher than ever, the real question isn’t what’s included — it’s whether upgrading from Business Standard, or even weighing it against Enterprise E3, genuinely delivers enough operational and security value to justify the extra spend.

Let’s unpack what Business Premium actually gives you — and whether it’s the right move for your organisation.

What does Business Premium actually add? 

Stronger threat protection 

You get Microsoft Defender for Business (enterprise-grade endpoint protection) plus Defender for Office 365 Plan 1. That means proper endpoint detection and response (EDR), phishing protection through Safe Links and Safe Attachments, and advanced malware defence across Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. Business Standard simply doesn’t go that far. 

Proper device management with Intune 

This is a big one. Business Premium includes full Microsoft Intune, allowing you to enforce security policies, manage mobile devices, control BYOD access, deploy apps remotely, and wipe lost devices. You also get Windows Autopilot, making it far easier to roll out secure, pre-configured laptops to new starters — ideal for hybrid or remote teams. 

Smarter identity and access controls 

With Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) Premium P1, you can set up Conditional Access policies — for example, requiring MFA based on risk, device compliance or location. It’s a step up from basic MFA and gives you much tighter control over who can access what. 

Built-in data protection 

Business Premium includes Data Loss Prevention (DLP), sensitivity labelling and core compliance features like retention policies and audit logs. For many growing businesses, that’s more than enough to meet GDPR and general compliance requirements. However, if you need advanced eDiscovery or litigation hold capabilities, you’d still be looking at E3 or above. 

Windows 11 Business rights 

Users can upgrade from Windows Pro to Windows 11 Business, unlocking additional management capabilities. It’s not the full Enterprise feature set you’d get with E3, but for most SMB environments, it covers what’s actually needed. 

Microsoft 365 plan comparison 

Bottom line: is Microsoft 365 Business Premium worth it? 

For most small-to-mid-sized organisations, the short answer is yes.

If you're currently on Microsoft 365 Business Standard, you’re essentially paying for
productivity tools without the security muscle. Microsoft 365 Business Premium adds the layers IT leaders actually worry about — conditional access, proper device management with Intune, zero-day threat protection, and endpoint detection.

At roughly £7 more per user, per month, it’s often cheaper than bolting on third-party security tools — and far safer than leaving gaps in your protection. If you support remote or hybrid work, handle sensitive data, or face compliance pressure, the upgrade usually pays for itself in risk reduction alone.