Microsoft Intune Pricing: A Comprehensive Guide to Plans, Costs, and Value

Microsoft Intune is a cornerstone of modern enterprise mobility management (EMM) and mobile device management (MDM), offering businesses the tools to secure and manage endpoints across a diverse ecosystem. As organizations evaluate this powerful platform from Microsoft, one of the most critical considerations is understanding Microsoft Intune pricing. The cost structure is not a one-size-fits-all model; it is intricately tied to Microsoft’s broader licensing suites, making it essential for IT decision-makers to analyze their options carefully. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the pricing models, available plans, and factors that influence the total cost of ownership for Microsoft Intune.

The primary way to access Microsoft Intune is through Microsoft 365 or Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) suites. It is rarely sold as a standalone product, which means its pricing is bundled with other valuable services. This integrated approach provides significant value but requires a closer look at the different tiers.

1. Microsoft Intune Plan 1 (Standalone): This is the exception to the bundled rule. It can be purchased on a per-user, per-month basis and is typically aimed at businesses that need only pure device management without the additional security features. However, for most enterprises, the bundled suites offer a more cost-effective and feature-rich solution.
2. Enterprise Mobility + Security E5: This is the most comprehensive suite, including Microsoft Intune, Azure Active Directory Premium P2, Microsoft Purview for advanced compliance, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. It represents the top tier of security and management.

For a vast majority of businesses, the choice boils down to three main licensing suites that include Intune.

• Microsoft 365 Business Premium: Designed for small to medium-sized businesses (up to 300 users), this plan is a powerhouse bundle. It includes not only Microsoft Intune for device management but also Office applications, Windows 10/11 upgrade rights, and core security features like Azure AD Premium P1 and Microsoft Defender for Business. The pricing for this plan is highly competitive and offers immense value for the price.
• Enterprise Mobility + Security E3: This is a popular choice for mid-sized to large enterprises that require advanced mobility and security capabilities beyond what the Business Premium tier offers. EMS E3 includes Intune, Azure AD Premium P1, Azure Information Protection, and Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps. It is the go-to suite for organizations focused on securing a mobile workforce.
• Microsoft 365 E3/E5: These enterprise-grade suites include everything in Windows 10/11 Enterprise, Office 365, and either EMS E3 (in M365 E3) or EMS E5 (in M365 E5). They provide a complete productivity, management, and security solution for the entire organization. The E5 suite represents the pinnacle of Microsoft’s integrated offerings.

Understanding the listed price is only the beginning. The final cost to your organization is influenced by several key variables that can change the total investment required.

• Subscription Model: All plans are offered on a per-user, per-month subscription basis. This operational expenditure (OpEx) model is predictable and scales with your organization.
• User vs. Device Licensing: Intune is primarily licensed per user. This means each user can enroll multiple devices (e.g., a laptop, a tablet, and a phone) under a single license. However, for shared device scenarios—like a tablet on a manufacturing floor or a kiosk—device-based licensing is available and can be more economical.
• Commitment Term: Microsoft offers discounts for annual commitment contracts. Paying monthly provides flexibility but often at a slightly higher rate than committing to a full year upfront.
• Existing Agreements: Organizations with a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA), a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) partnership, or a Microsoft Products and Services Agreement (MPSA) may have access to different pricing tiers and volume discounts not available on the public web store.

When evaluating Microsoft Intune pricing, it is crucial to look beyond the sticker price and consider the return on investment (ROI) and total cost of ownership (TCO). A cheaper, standalone MDM solution might seem attractive initially, but it often lacks the deep integration with the Microsoft ecosystem that Intune provides.

For companies already invested in Microsoft 365, adding Intune through a suite like Business Premium or EMS E3 is arguably the most cost-effective strategy. You are not just buying a management tool; you are enhancing your existing security and productivity stack with a seamlessly integrated component. The value derived from automated compliance policies, conditional access rules that leverage Intune device compliance status, and unified endpoint management for PCs and mobile devices often justifies the investment by reducing manual IT overhead and mitigating security risks that could lead to costly breaches.

To get precise and formal pricing for your organization, the best course of action is to engage with a Microsoft representative or a licensed Microsoft CSP partner. They can provide detailed quotes based on your specific user count, desired commitment term, and existing licensing agreements. They can also run cost comparisons between different suites to find the most optimal and budget-friendly path for your needs. The public pricing pages on Microsoft’s website serve as an excellent reference point, but they do not reflect the potential discounts available through enterprise agreements.

In conclusion, Microsoft Intune pricing is designed to be flexible and scalable, aligning with the diverse needs of modern businesses. While the cost is embedded within larger licensing suites like Microsoft 365 Business Premium, EMS E3, and EMS E5, this bundling offers unparalleled value by combining world-class device management with robust identity and security services. The key to making a sound financial decision is to thoroughly assess your organizational requirements, understand the different licensing tiers, and consult with Microsoft licensing experts to obtain accurate pricing. Investing in Microsoft Intune is ultimately an investment in a more secure, manageable, and productive modern workplace.