Microsoft has confirmed a new round of Microsoft 365 price increases from 1 July 2026, with some of the most widely used business licences becoming more expensive.
But there is one important exception: Microsoft 365 Business Premium is staying at the same price.
That may not sound particularly exciting at first glance, but for many SMEs it could make a real difference to both costs and security.
Business Basic and Business Standard are both increasing in price, while Business Premium remains unchanged. Microsoft says the increases reflect additional AI, security and management capabilities being introduced across the platform.
The result is that the price gap between Standard and Premium is now smaller than ever – while Premium continues to include a wide range of additional security and management features.
These include:
Microsoft Defender for Business
Device management through Intune
Advanced phishing and ransomware protection
Conditional Access policies
Identity and MFA management
Data protection and compliance tools
For businesses currently using Business Standard, the new pricing may mean it is worth revisiting whether Premium now represents better overall value.
In many cases, businesses are already paying separately for security products or services that are included within Business Premium. Others may simply not realise how many additional protections are available to them.
Why this matters for SMEs
Many SMEs set up Microsoft 365 years ago and have simply renewed licences ever since. Over time, this can lead to businesses paying for licences that no longer suit the way they work.
It’s common to find:
Users on the wrong licences
Old or unused licences still active
Separate security products overlapping with Microsoft tools
Missing security features that could reduce cyber risk
Staff using personal or unmanaged devices without proper controls
With pricing changing again, this is a sensible opportunity to take stock.
A proper licence review is not just about reducing costs. It’s also about making sure your business is secure, compliant and getting the most from the tools you already pay for.
A useful opportunity to review your setup
For businesses unsure whether their current Microsoft 365 setup is still right for them, now is a good time to have it reviewed.
A straightforward licensing review can help identify:
Whether you are on the most cost-effective licences
If Business Premium would now offer better value
Opportunities to improve security
Unused licences or duplicated services
Gaps in device management or user protection
For many SMEs, the upcoming changes may actually be an opportunity to improve both security and value at the same time – rather than simply absorbing another price increase.