Last updated: 9 November 2026
Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) E5 is a Microsoft bundle of identity, device and data-protection tools that sits alongside Office 365. For most organisations under 300 users it is not the best value, because Business Premium already includes much of it. It tends to suit larger organisations licensing Office 365 E3 separately.
What EMS E5 includes
| Component | What it does |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Entra ID P2 (formerly Azure AD Premium P2) | Multi-factor authentication, Conditional Access, risk-based sign-in protection and Privileged Identity Management |
| Microsoft Intune | Device and app management. Since July 2026 this includes Intune Plan 2, Remote Help and Advanced Analytics |
| Microsoft Purview Information Protection | Sensitivity labels and encryption for documents and emails |
| Defender for Cloud Apps | Visibility and control over the cloud services your staff use |
| Defender for Identity | Detects suspicious activity against on-premises Active Directory |
What it does not include
EMS E5 does not include Microsoft Defender for Office 365 (email phishing and malware protection) or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Those come with Microsoft 365 E5, Microsoft 365 Business Premium (Plan 1 versions) or the Microsoft Defender Suite add-on. It also does not include Office apps, Exchange or Teams.
Is it right for a small or medium business?
Business Premium first
It already includes Entra ID P1, Intune, Defender for Business and Defender for Office 365 Plan 1.
Add the Defender Suite
Where more protection is needed, the Defender Suite for Business Premium adds Entra ID P2, Defender for Endpoint Plan 2, Defender for Office 365 Plan 2, Defender for Identity and Defender for Cloud Apps.
Larger organisations
EMS E5 tends to suit those that license Office 365 E3 separately and want advanced identity and data protection without moving to full Microsoft 365 E5.
For reference, typical UK list prices per user, excluding VAT, on an annual commitment: Microsoft 365 Business Premium is £16.90 per month and the Defender Suite for Business Premium is £92.40 per year. Monthly-commitment licences cost about 20% more, and prices change regularly, so ask for a current quote.
How ABCOM helps
We review what you pay for, what you actually use and where the security gaps are, then recommend the most cost-effective combination. See our managed IT services.
Quick answers
Is EMS E5 still available in 2026?
Yes. Microsoft still sells EMS E5, and in 2026 it gained extra Intune capabilities at no additional cost.
Does EMS E5 help with Cyber Essentials?
Its MFA, device management and access controls support several Cyber Essentials requirements, but certification depends on how the tools are configured and applied to every device and account in scope.
Unsure which Microsoft security licence you need? Ask for independent licensing advice.
Related answers and guides
- Enterprise Mobility + Security E5: what it includes and who needs it
- What Microsoft Defender and Purview really cost
- ABCOM managed IT services
- All ABCOM FAQs
Sources and further reading
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