Upgrading to a full Microsoft 365 E5 license feels like overkill for a lot of organizations. Both from a features and cost perspective. Microsoft’s answer to this? Microsoft 365 E5 Security.
Microsoft 365 E5 Security is an add-on to Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Microsoft 365 E3, and Office 365 E3. It provides advanced security features without paying for the full Microsoft 365 E5.
Let’s break down how it works, what’s included, and how to decide if it’s the right fit for your organization.
The Microsoft 365 E5 Security add-on is a bundle of Microsoft’s advanced security tools. Instead of paying for the full Microsoft 365 E5 Suite, you gain access to many of those security features for a fraction of the cost.
To be eligible for the Microsoft 365 E5 Security add-on you must have one of the required licenses:
No. Microsoft 365 E5 is a standalone license, whereas Microsoft 365 E5 Security is just the security portion packaged as an add-on to qualifying licensing. With the full Microsoft 365 E5 license, you get a boost across the full suite of Microsoft 365 solutions − security, compliance, collaboration, and data.
Here’s a high-level look at the security and compliance differences between Microsoft 365 E5 Security versus Microsoft 365 E5.
| Feature Area | E5 Security Add-On | Microsoft 365 E5 (Full Suite) |
| Threat Protection | Includes Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2, Defender for Office 365 Plan 2, Defender for Cloud Apps, App Governance, Defender for Identity, Defender for IoT – eIOT | Same as E5 Security Add-On |
| Identity & Access Management | Includes Microsoft Entra ID P2 (formerly Azure AD Premium P2) | Same as E5 Security Add-On |
| Information Protection | Not included | Includes Microsoft Purview Information Protection, DLP, and auto-labeling |
| Insider Risk Management | Not included | Includes Insider Risk Management and Communication Compliance |
| Compliance & Data Governance | Not included | Includes Advanced eDiscovery, Advanced Audit, and Records Management |
| Security Management | Includes Secure Score, Access Reviews, Security Baselines, Risk-based Conditional Access Policies, Privileged Identity Management | Same as E5 Security Add-On |
Want to learn more about Microsoft 365 licensing?
Check out our breakdown comparing
You’re probably thinking, “is Microsoft 365 E5 Security worth the cost?” E5 Security includes $28.20 worth of individual licenses for $12/user/month. Saving you around 57%.
But the savings go deeper than licensing.
By consolidating your security stack within the Microsoft ecosystem, you reduce the time, complexity, and administrative overhead of managing multiple point security solutions. That means:
When tools are integrated with E5 Security, your team has centralized visibility, faster detection and response, and automated workflows. That leads to reduced risk, minimized downtime, and less damage if an incident does occur.
Here’s what you get with the E5 Security bundle:
Identity and Access Controls: Microsoft Entra ID Plan 2
Identity Protection: Microsoft Defender for Identity
Device Security: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2
Collaboration & Email Security: Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2
SaaS Security: Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
Enterprise IoT (Internet of Things) Security: Microsoft Defender for IoT
How ProArch Can Help You Get the Most from Microsoft 365 E5 Security
Choosing the right Microsoft security licensing is just the beginning. You need a partner who can configure, optimize, and actively manage your environment.
That’s where ProArch comes in. As a top Microsoft Partner and proud member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA), we help you:
Ready to take your security to the next level without paying full E5 price?
Contact us to talk Microsoft 365 E5 Security.