Microsoft Teams is the go-to collaboration platform for thousands of businesses across the globe – and for good reason. Integrating smoothly with other 365 applications, it provides a unified experience that allows staff to communicate, share files, and manage remote staff more effectively. But in 2023, Microsoft released an updated version: Teams Premium, which touts a variety of additional features. This has caused many businesses to ask themselves whether an upgrade is warranted.
Before any decisions are made, it is essential to carefully evaluate both options. While the allure of new technology is hard to ignore, particularly when all it requires is a package upgrade, poorly planned adoptions can cause more harm than good. Understanding the benefits of MS Teams Premium vs Standard is the first step in making a positive decision that drives real growth.
What is Microsoft Teams Premium?
Premium was introduced as an enhanced version of Microsoft Teams, designed to deliver a better user experience for businesses in need of more advanced tools. It provides all of the essential core features introduced in Standard, while expanding upon them. Premium does not aim to replace the original version – instead, it is designed to address situations where the original may not sufficiently meet company needs.
Microsoft Teams Standard vs Premium: What’s the Difference?
Features
The difference between Teams Premium features vs Standard’s offerings is significant. The Standard version includes all of the basic functionality businesses have come to rely on, including:
- Core Collaboration Tools: Facilitates chat, file sharing, and integration with other Microsoft 365 apps.
- Meeting Capabilities: Supports video conferencing with live captions and transcripts.
- Webinars and Town Halls: Offers basic functionalities for hosting webinars and town halls.
- Security Features: Includes standard meeting controls and basic security measures.
- Analytics: Provides simple reporting and usage analytics.
Microsoft Teams Premium retains all of these core features, but adds:
- A Better Meeting Experience: Introduces AI-powered features such as live caption translation and automated quality alerts.
- Advanced Customisation: Allows businesses to show off their brand in meeting lobbies, custom backgrounds, and Together mode scenes.
- Webinar and Town Hall Improvements: Adds features such as green rooms for presenters, attendee engagement analytics, and advanced registration options.
- Advanced Security and Compliance: Offers end-to-end encryption for meetings, watermarking of shared content, and integration with Microsoft Purview Information Protection so sensitivity labels can be applied.
- Comprehensive Analytics: Provides detailed insights into meeting usage, including metrics on Teams Premium feature adoption.
Pricing
When considering a Teams Premium license vs Standard, price is an important factor. It is important to note that the Standard version of Microsoft Teams is automatically bundled into many 365 subscriptions at the business and enterprise level. This means many companies that currently use Microsoft products already have access to Teams Standard at no additional cost.
To use Teams Premium, businesses must first meet a set of requirements:
- Must be a commercial, worldwide public sector, EDU, GCC, GCC High, DoD, or non-profit tenant.
- Must already have a 365 and Microsoft Teams license.
Premium then exists as an add-on for an extra annual charge. This means that unfortunately, businesses cannot jump straight into Teams Premium. Instead, they must start with Standard and then upgrade.
Use Cases for MS Teams: Premium vs Standard
Teams Standard is ideal for:
- Small to mid-sized businesses with basic communication and collaboration needs.
- Workforces primarily focused on internal meetings and day-to-day project management.
- Organisations that don’t require enhanced security for meetings or custom branding.
Teams Premium is a better fit for:
- Enterprises managing high-stakes meetings or sensitive data.
- Companies hosting client-facing webinars or professional virtual events.
- Global teams that could benefit from features like live translations and advanced recap tools.
- Organisations requiring advanced meeting room capabilities.
Microsoft Teams Premium vs Standard: Which Should Businesses Use?
The choice between Teams Premium vs Standard will rely on several factors, including:
- Business size and growth plans
- Industry
- Security needs
- Whether the workforce is in-office, remote, or hybrid
- Significance, complexity and regularity of external meetings
Businesses that already run smoothly using Teams Standard will likely find their current plan sufficient. However, those who are beginning to run up against the limitations of Standard, have plans to grow in the future, or would like to improve their collaborative process could significantly benefit from upgrading to a Premium license.
Make the Right Choice for Your Team With Expert Guidance
Ultimately, the choice between Microsoft Teams Standard vs Premium boils down to the experience businesses want their team and clients to have. Standard provides all of the foundational tools necessary for daily operations, often without any additional cost. On the other hand, Premium offers access to smarter, safer, and more customisable collaborative experiences that many companies may find extremely valuable. Considering the unique factors involved will allow businesses to make an informed decision about which will best help them drive success.
As one of Sydney’s leading Microsoft consultants, Platform 24 has the expertise your business needs to make the right decision. We evaluate your needs, and then guide you towards the solutions that will properly address them. If you have questions about Microsoft products, get in touch with an expert now.
