Microsoft Planner Pricing Tiers & Costs
A complete overview of Microsoft Planner pricing tiers, additional costs, value for money, and how to pick the right plan for you. Plus, alternatives to consider and a side-by-side pricing comparison.
Our reviewers evaluate software independently. Clicks may earn a commission, which supports testing. Learn how we stay transparent, read our review methodology, and tell us about any tools we missed.
Microsoft Planner is a task management software that offers a subscription-based pricing structure without multiple pricing tiers or plans. Project managers use Microsoft Planner to organize tasks, collaborate with team members, and track project progress efficiently. Its pricing structure often provides good value compared to competitors. This guide covers everything you need to know about Microsoft Planner pricing, plans, and costs to make an informed purchase decision with confidence.
How Much Does Microsoft Planner Cost?
Microsoft Planner’s paid plans start from $10 per user per month and go up to $55 per user per month, with an annual commitment. A free version of Microsoft Planner is not available, but it is included in certain Microsoft 365 subscriptions, making it suitable for users already within the Microsoft ecosystem. Custom pricing tiers do exist for enterprises and larger business needs through advanced plans like Planner and Project Plan 5, which include comprehensive portfolio management features.
Microsoft Planner Plans & Pricing Tiers
Here's an overview of the available Microsoft Planner plans:
| Plan Type | Price per User | What’s Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 Business Basic | $6.00/month | Web and mobile apps, email and calendaring, file storage and sharing, Microsoft Teams, security and compliance, support and deployment, standard support. |
| Microsoft 365 Business Standard | $12.50/month | All features in Business Basic, plus desktop apps, advanced security, business analytics, device management, Microsoft Teams with more features. |
| Office 365 E3 | $23.00/month | All features in Business Standard, plus advanced security, compliance, analytics, voice capabilities, Microsoft Teams with additional features, advanced email. |
| Office 365 E5 | $38.00/month | All features in E3, plus advanced security, analytics, voice capabilities, Power BI, Microsoft Teams with advanced features, advanced compliance, advanced email. |
Note: Microsoft Planner is included within these Microsoft 365 plans and does not have standalone pricing. Let’s break down the available Microsoft Planner plans a bit further:
Microsoft Planner Microsoft 365 Business Basic Plan
The Microsoft 365 Business Basic plan is ideal for small businesses and startups needing essential productivity tools. It suits remote teams with its web and mobile apps, email, and file sharing features. However, it lacks desktop apps and advanced security, limiting its use for larger enterprises needing robust data protection.
Microsoft Planner Microsoft 365 Business E1 Standard Plan
The Microsoft 365 Business Standard plan targets small to medium-sized businesses requiring desktop applications and advanced collaboration tools. It enhances productivity with advanced Microsoft Teams features and device management. Its limitation lies in the absence of advanced security and analytics, which may be necessary for larger organizations.
Microsoft Planner Office 365 E3 Plan
The Office 365 E3 plan is tailored for large enterprises and industries needing comprehensive productivity and security tools. It offers advanced compliance and analytics, making it suitable for regulated industries. The plan does not include advanced voice capabilities and Power BI, which could be a drawback for data-driven businesses.
Microsoft Planner Office 365 E5 Plan
The Office 365 E5 plan is designed for large enterprises demanding the highest level of security, compliance, and analytics. It suits industries like finance and healthcare, providing advanced voice capabilities and Power BI. Its primary limitation is the higher cost, which may not be justified for smaller businesses with simpler needs.
Microsoft Planner Pricing vs. Competitors
Microsoft Planner is generally considered average in pricing compared to other task management software. It offers multiple pricing tiers through Microsoft 365 plans, providing flexibility for different business sizes. The feature set includes essential productivity tools, with integrations available across all plans. Advanced features like security safeguards are included in higher-tier plans, aligning with the needs of enterprises. Its pricing reflects the comprehensive offerings, making it competitive in the task management market.
Comparison Chart: Microsoft Planner vs. Alternatives
Wondering how Microsoft Planner pricing compares to other task management software? Here’s a comparison chart that breaks down the costs of other task management software side-by-side:
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for visual project planning | 14-day free trial + free plan available | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for built-in templates | Freemium version available | From $10/user/month (min of 2 seats) | Website | |
| 3 | Best robust free plan | 14-day free trial + free plan available | From $7/user/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for scaling organizations | 30-day free trial | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for centralized agency task management | 14-day free trial | From $9/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 6 | Best for customizability | 30-day free trial + free demo available | From $35/user/month (billed annually, min 20 users) | Website | |
| 7 | Best for versatile project frameworks | 14-day free trial | From $29/user/month (billed annually, min 5 seats) | Website | |
| 8 | Best for digital marketing teams | Free plan available | From $5/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for resource management | 10-day free trial + free plan available | From $4/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 10 | Best for recurring tasks | 30-day free trial | From $4/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website |
Alternatives to Microsoft Planner
Microsoft Planner is a solid task management software, but there are plenty of other options out there. Depending on your use case, budget, team size, and other factors, you might consider shopping around for a solution that’s better suited to your needs. If you’re looking for alternative task management software options to Microsoft Planner, here are a few worth checking out:
- Trello: Known for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and visual boards.
- Asana: Offers advanced task tracking and project management features.
- Monday.com: Provides customizable workflows and detailed analytics.
- Jira: Specializes in agile project management for software development teams.
- ClickUp: Combines task management with goal tracking and document management.
- Wrike: Features powerful collaboration tools and real-time reporting capabilities.
How to Choose the Right Microsoft Planner Plan
When deciding which Microsoft Planner plan to go with, you’ll want to consider the added value and potential drawbacks that come with each plan. Scrolling through long lists of features can quickly lead to confusion and uncertainty, so here are a few factors to keep in mind as you evaluate and assess your options:
Microsoft Planner Scalability and Team Size
Evaluating the scalability of Microsoft Planner is crucial for aligning with your team’s size and growth trajectory. For small teams or startups, the Microsoft 365 Business Basic plan offers essential tools without overwhelming features. As your team grows, the Business Standard plan provides additional desktop apps and advanced collaboration tools. Large enterprises may benefit from the Office 365 E3 or E5 plans, which include advanced security and compliance features, supporting more complex organizational needs. Consider your team's current size and potential growth when selecting a plan.
Need expert help selecting the right tool?
With one-on-one help, we guide you to your top software options. Narrow down your software search & make a confident choice.
Industry-Specific Microsoft Planner Features
Evaluate whether Microsoft Planner meets your specific industry needs by considering its tailored features. For example, the Office 365 E3 and E5 plans offer advanced compliance and security tools, which are crucial for regulated industries like finance and healthcare. These features benefit teams by ensuring data protection and regulatory adherence. However, these advanced tools are available only in higher-tier plans, so assess whether your industry requires such capabilities when choosing a plan.
Microsoft Planner Integration Capabilities
Connecting task management software with your existing tech stack is crucial for maintaining workflow efficiency. Microsoft Planner offers native integrations with other Microsoft 365 apps, enhancing collaboration within your team. While it does not directly integrate with third-party tools like Zapier, it supports APIs for building custom integrations, allowing you to connect with various external applications. This flexibility is essential for teams with diverse software needs, ensuring seamless task management across different platforms.
Microsoft Planner Security Safeguards
Considering safety and security features is essential when choosing a Microsoft Planner plan to protect your team's data. Microsoft Planner includes security features like data encryption and compliance tools, which vary between plans. The Office 365 E3 and E5 plans offer advanced security measures, including enhanced compliance and threat protection, ideal for industries handling sensitive information. Evaluate your team's security needs to determine which plan provides the necessary level of protection.
Microsoft Planner Pricing FAQs
Here are answers to a few common questions about Microsoft Planner pricing:
What additional costs should I anticipate with Microsoft Planner?
In addition to the base pricing of the Microsoft 365 plans that include Microsoft Planner, you might incur additional costs for premium features like advanced security and compliance tools available in higher-tier plans. If your organization requires these features, consider the costs associated with upgrading to plans like Office 365 E3 or E5.
Are there any discounts or promotions available for Microsoft Planner?
Microsoft Planner is often included in promotional offers for Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Discounts may be available for educational institutions, non-profits, and businesses purchasing in bulk. Check Microsoft’s website for current promotions and eligibility criteria to access these offers.
How often does Microsoft Planner change its pricing structure?
Microsoft Planner’s pricing structure changes periodically, typically aligning with updates to Microsoft 365 plans. The last significant change occurred when Microsoft updated its plan offerings to include new features and integrations. Pricing adjustments reflect these enhancements and market trends.
Can I upgrade or downgrade my Microsoft Planner plan easily?
Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade your Microsoft 365 plan, which includes Microsoft Planner, based on your evolving business needs. This flexibility allows you to adjust your plan to accommodate changes in team size or feature requirements, ensuring you have the right tools for your organization.
Is Microsoft Planner available as a standalone product?
Microsoft Planner is not available as a standalone product; it is included in various Microsoft 365 plans. You need to subscribe to a Microsoft 365 plan to access Microsoft Planner and its features. Choose a plan that aligns with your team’s needs and budget.
Does Microsoft Planner offer a trial period?
Microsoft Planner itself does not offer a standalone trial period, but you can explore it through a trial of Microsoft 365 plans. These trials typically last 30 days, allowing you to assess Planner’s capabilities and determine if it suits your team’s requirements.
Is Microsoft Planner Good Value?
In my opinion, Microsoft Planner offers good value for businesses already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 apps, providing an intuitive interface that supports team collaboration and task management. The pricing is competitive, especially for small to medium-sized businesses using Microsoft 365 Business Basic or Standard plans. For larger enterprises requiring advanced security and compliance, the Office 365 E3 or E5 plans deliver necessary features. However, Microsoft Planner might not be the best choice for industries seeking standalone task management software with advanced project tracking capabilities. Its strengths lie in environments where integration with other Microsoft tools enhances productivity. For example, a marketing team using Teams and Outlook can benefit from Planner's task organization features.
Verdict: Microsoft Planner is a valuable tool for teams leveraging Microsoft 365, but may not be ideal for those seeking standalone advanced project management features.
Want to learn more about Microsoft Planner? Check out their site for additional information.
From $5/user/month
A month’s free trial for all products
What's Next?
Want to connect with other digital project managers to share resources and best practices? Join our membership community and get access to 100+ templates, samples, and examples and connect with 100s of other digital project managers in Slack.
