Microsoft Intune Licensing Guide for 2026
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This Microsoft Intune licensing guide gives a clear comparison of both standalone and bundled licensing options. Intune Plan 1 delivers core device and application management. Intune Plan 2 adds advanced security, analytics and automation for stricter protection needs. Intune Suite combines all premium capabilities in one license for a unified and simplified management experience.
Standalone options include Intune P1, Intune P2, Intune Suite and device based plans. Bundled options include Microsoft 365 Business Premium, F3, E3, E5 and EMS E3 or E5, all of which include Intune P1 by default with higher tiers adding stronger identity, security and compliance features.
Table of Contents
Standalone Intune Plans Explained
Microsoft used to offer only one Intune plan. Today the lineup includes Plan 1, Plan 2, Intune Suite and Intune Plan 1 Device. Each one unlocks different levels of management, analytics and security.
There are other add ons and individual features available, but the plans below are the ones most commonly used by technical decision makers.
These plans can be purchased per user or per device.
| Plan | What it includes | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
Core device and app management, basic reporting, conditional access (with Entra ID P1) | Organizations starting with cloud device management | |
Plan 2 extends Plan 1 with deeper analytics, richer reporting and management features for specialized hardware | Teams that need more insight into device health, software performance and lifecycle status | |
Full set of advanced features including Remote Help, Privilege Management, Tunnel for MAM, advanced analytics, requires Plan 1 | Organizations that want a complete security focused management suite | |
Device management for shared devices not assigned to specific users | Kiosks, shared spaces, frontline devices |
Standalone plans are ideal if you want Intune without switching to a broader Microsoft 365 bundle.
Important limitation on Intune Plan 1 Device: There are restrictions documented in Microsoft Learn. If any of those limitations conflict with your use case, it is recommended to license the device with Plan 1 instead, even if the device is not tied to a user.
Bundled Microsoft Subscriptions that Already Include Intune
The following subscriptions include Intune Plan 1 by default. Plan 2 and Intune Suite are never included in bundles and must be purchased as add ons.
| Bundle | Includes Intune | Includes Defender | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Yes | Defender for Business | Best value for SMBs | |
Yes | Defender for Endpoint Plan 1 | F3 has more capabilities than F1 | |
Yes | No | Enterprise level core suite | |
Yes | Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 plus Defender for Office 365 and Defender for Identity | Most complete security suite | |
Enterprise Mobility and Security E3 | Yes | No | Identity, conditional access, and device management |
Enterprise Mobility and Security E5 | Yes | Defender for Identity and Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 | Advanced identity protection |
Microsoft 365 Government G3 and G5 | Yes | Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 | For regulated environments |
Important reminder: Office 365 F1, Office 365 E1, Office 365 E3 and Office 365 E5 do not include Intune. Only the Microsoft 365 versions include it.
If your organization is approaching the 300 user limit of Business Premium, consider moving to the enterprise level subscriptions or frontline options and then layering Intune add ons as needed.
Core Features Across Standalone and Bundled Licenses
Plan 1 is always included in bundles. Plan 2 and the Suite never are. This matters when you want advanced security or better analytics because you may need to add those separately.
Core Management Capabilities
| Feature | Standalone licenses | Bundled licenses |
|---|---|---|
Core device and app management | Intune Plan 1 | Business Premium, F3, E3, EMS E3 |
Basic reporting | Intune Plan 1 | Same as above |
Conditional access | Entra ID P1 | Included in bundles that include P1 |
These are the essential features for standard device and application management.
Advanced Analytics and Security
| Feature | Standalone licenses | Bundled licenses |
|---|---|---|
Advanced analytics | Intune Plan 2 or Intune Advanced Analytics | Business Premium with defender suite, E5 |
Advanced reporting | Intune Suite | Defender and Purview Suite, E5 |
Risk based conditional access | Entra ID P2 | Bundles that include P2, mainly E5 and EMS E5 |
Endpoint threat detection and response | Defender for Business or Defender for Endpoint P2 | Defender Suite, E5, EMS E5 |
These capabilities matter most for organizations with higher security or compliance requirements.
Windows Licensing Requirements
To enroll Windows devices in Intune, the device must run a supported Windows edition.
| Requirement | Standalone licenses | Bundled licenses |
|---|---|---|
Latest version of Windows | Windows 11 Business, Windows 10 or 11 Enterprise E3 or E5 | Included in Business Premium, E3, E5 |
Full Comparison Summary
Choosing the Right Intune Plan
Use this simple decision path:
- Choose Intune Plan 1 if you need the basic management layer.
- Choose Intune Plan 2 if you want improved analytics and deeper visibility.
- Choose Intune Suite if you want advanced management, remote help and security tools in one place.
- Choose Business Premium if you want the best all in one value bundle for SMBs.
- Choose E3 or E5 if you need enterprise scale security, compliance and identity protection.
| Category | Standalone options | Bundled options |
|---|---|---|
Core management | Intune Plan 1 | Business Premium, F3, E3 |
Advanced analytics | Intune Plan 2 or Advanced Analytics | Business Premium with defender suite, E5 |
Full management suite | Intune Suite | E5 security suites, Defender and Purview Suite |
Conditional access | Entra ID P1 | Bundles with P1 |
Risk based conditional access | Entra ID P2 | Bundles with P2 |
Endpoint security | E5 or defender suite | |
Windows upgrade rights | Windows Business or Enterprise | Business Premium, E3, E5 |
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Why Partner with 365 Cloud Store and Team Venti
As a direct tier one CSP reseller, we simplify licensing, help you spend less and ensure you only buy what you need. We also partner with our sister brand Team Venti for service and consulting whenever required.
Before purchasing additional licenses, review your current subscriptions. Many organizations already own the features they need through existing bundles.
If you need guidance, our licensing team can help you compare options and avoid overspending.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in Intune Plan 1?
It includes core device and app management features across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Who should choose Intune Plan 2?
Organizations with advanced security or compliance requirements benefit the most from Intune P2.
What does Intune Suite include?
It includes all features from P1 and P2 plus premium capabilities such as Remote Help, advanced analytics, and stronger data protection.
Can I mix Intune licenses?
Yes, organizations can assign different plans to different user groups depending on their needs.
Does Microsoft 365 Business Premium include Intune?
Yes. Business Premium includes Intune Plan 1. It does not include Plan 2 or Intune Suite.
Can Intune manage devices without assigning a user?
Yes. Intune Plan 1 Device can manage shared devices. If its limitations do not fit your scenario, license the device with Plan 1 instead.
Do Office 365 subscriptions include Intune?
No. Office 365 plans like F1, E3 and E5 do not include Intune. Only the Microsoft 365 versions include Plan 1.
What is firmware over the air (FOTA) in Intune?
Firmware over the air updates allow specialized devices to receive firmware upgrades remotely using Intune Plan 2.
Written by Andy Sanchez Microsoft Licensing Specialist
August 3, 2026
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