Microsoft Teams is a collaboration and communication platform developed by Microsoft. It combines chat, video meetings, file sharing, and app integration into a single workspace, allowing teams to work together efficiently - whether in the office, remotely, or across the globe.
In today’s digital-first workplace, collaboration platforms are essential for driving productivity and maintaining secure communication across teams and organisations. Microsoft Teams has emerged as a leading solution, offering robust capabilities for meetings, messaging, and content sharing. To meet the varying needs of businesses, Microsoft provides two tiers:
- Teams Standard (included with most Microsoft 365 subscriptions)
- Teams Premium (available as an add-on license)
Understanding the distinctions between the two is critical when determining the right investment for your organisation.
Key differences at a glance
| Category | Teams Standard | Teams Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Core Collaboration Tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| AI Meeting Recap | ✗ | ✓ |
| Live Translation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Meeting Templates | ✗ | ✓ |
| Security & Compliance | Baseline | Advanced |
| Custom Branding | ✗ | ✓ |
| Virtual Appointments | Basic | Advanced |
| Webinar Management | Basic | Enhanced |
What is Microsoft Teams Standard?
Teams Standard is included with most Microsoft 365 and Office 365 business and enterprise plans. It delivers the core functionality organisations need for collaboration, including:
- Messaging: Persistent 1:1 and group chat.
- Meetings: Video calls, scheduling, screen sharing, recording.
- File Sharing: Seamless storage and co-authoring via OneDrive and SharePoint.
- App Integrations: Native with Microsoft 365 and third-party apps.
- Security: Baseline compliance and data protection.
Pros and cons of Teams Standard
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Included with Microsoft 365 (no added cost) | No AI-powered recap or automation |
| Comprehensive collaboration tools | No live translation |
| Strong integration with Microsoft apps | Limited branding/personalisation |
| Reliable baseline security | Basic compliance/security controls |
| Widely adopted, easy user experience | Minimal advanced customer-facing features |
What is Microsoft Teams Premium?
Teams Premium is an add-on license that enhances collaboration, security, and productivity with AI-driven features and advanced controls.
Capabilities Beyond Standard
- AI Notes & Insights: Automated note taking, action items, and personalised highlights.
- Personalisation: Engagement analytics to tailor meetings.
- Enhanced Security: Encryption, watermarking, and recording control.
- Advanced Webinars: Waitlists, approval workflows, branded experiences.
Benefits
- Insight: Analytics for more engaging meetings.
- Security: Advanced protections for sensitive content.
- Productivity: AI reduces manual admin tasks.
- Collaboration: Real-time translation for global teams.
Pros and Cons of Teams Premium
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| AI tools boost productivity | Additional license cost |
| Live translation for global teams | Features may be unnecessary for small firms |
| Advanced compliance & security | Some branding features are cosmetic |
| Branded, professional experiences | Complexity in mixed Standard/Premium use |
| Strong webinar & appointment tools | ROI depends on frequent, high-value meetings |
How we can help
At Wavenet, we are a trusted, verified, and accredited Microsoft Solutions Partner. Specialists in cloud management and cyber security, we bring a wealth of expertise across the Microsoft ecosystem, including: Microsoft 365 for Business, Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Defender & Microsoft Sentinel.
We can help you evaluate, implement, and optimise the right solution to achieve your business goals.
