When it comes to task and project management, Microsoft Planner is a trusted ally within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It’s designed to help teams organize, assign, and track tasks with ease, making it a favorite for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re mapping out a marketing campaign or juggling multiple deadlines, Planner offers an intuitive interface that simplifies collaboration.
But for those who need more than just the basics, Microsoft Planner Premium is the way to go. This upgraded version is packed with advanced features that can significantly boost your productivity. From AI-driven insights to advanced reporting tools, Premium is built to help you work smarter and achieve more.
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between the standard and Premium versions of Microsoft Planner. You’ll discover what sets Premium apart, its standout features, and how it can elevate your team’s efficiency. We’ll also cover pricing details and highlight the latest updates that Microsoft has rolled out for Premium users. Whether you’re considering an upgrade or just curious about what’s new, this guide will give you all the insights you need to make an informed decision and unlock the full potential of Microsoft Planner.
What is Microsoft Planner and Its Versions?
Microsoft Planner is a task management tool that helps teams organize, assign, and track tasks seamlessly. It’s part of the Microsoft 365 suite, making it easy to integrate with other apps like Teams, Word, and Excel. With its visual Kanban-style boards, Planner simplifies collaboration and keeps everyone on the same page—whether you’re managing a small project or coordinating a larger initiative.
👉🏻If you’re new to Planner or want a deeper dive into its core features, check this out:
- Our detailed article on Microsoft Planner
- Microsoft Planner in Teams for Task Management
- Updates in Microsoft Planner 2024
Merge all calendars in one place
Try Virto Calendar to Sync all data
Key differences between the Basic and Premium Versions
Microsoft Planner comes in two flavors: Basic and Premium, each tailored to different needs. Here’s how they stack up:
Basic version
The basic version of Microsoft Planner is perfect for smaller teams or straightforward projects. It includes:
- Core features like task creation, assignment, and tracking.
- Kanban boards for organizing tasks visually.
- Simple progress tracking with charts and lists.
- Integration with Microsoft Teams for seamless communication.
This version is great for users who need essential tools to manage their day-to-day tasks without extra complexity.
Premium version
For those managing larger teams or more complex projects, the Premium version offers advanced capabilities to take productivity to the next level:
✔️Better analytics: gain deep insights into task progress and team performance.
✔️Advanced filters: quickly sort and find tasks based on custom criteria.
✔️Power BI integration: create detailed reports to track project metrics.
✔️Improved security: advanced access controls ensure sensitive data stays protected.
✔️Better integrations: seamlessly connect with other Microsoft 365 apps for a unified workflow.
The Premium version is designed for organizations that need robust tools to handle intricate projects while maintaining high levels of security and control.
Whether you’re a small team looking for simplicity or a large organization needing advanced features, Microsoft Planner has an option to suit your needs. In the next section, we’ll dive deeper into the standout features of the Premium version and how they can transform your workflow.
👉🏻Is there a premium version of Planner? Yes, Microsoft Planner does have a premium version. While the basic version, included with most Microsoft 365 subscriptions, provides essential task management features like Kanban boards, task assignment, and progress tracking, the Premium version offers advanced capabilities for more complex project management needs.
These include:
• Timeline (Gantt chart) views for visualizing project schedules.
• Task dependencies to manage interconnected tasks.
• Custom fields for tailored task tracking.
• AI-powered tools like Copilot, which streamline workflows and provide insights.
The Premium version is ideal for larger teams or organizations requiring more sophisticated tools. You can also try it out through a 30-day free trial to explore these advanced features
👉🏻 More users’ opinions of Microsoft Planner Premium in Reddit discussion: New Planner Premium plans
Microsoft Planner Basic vs Premium
The two versions of Planner set the stage for a closer look at what each offers.
What is Microsoft Planner Basic?
Microsoft Planner Basic is perfect for small teams or simple projects. It offers essential features like:
- Task creation and management: users can create, assign, and track tasks using Kanban boards.
- Progress tracking: basic charts and lists help monitor task progress.
- Limited integration: it integrates with Microsoft Teams for seamless communication but lacks advanced integrations with other Microsoft 365 tools.
- Core views: users can view tasks in Grid, Board, and Charts views.
This version is ideal for managing day-to-day tasks without needing complex project management features.
What is Microsoft Planner Premium?
Microsoft Planner Premium takes productivity to the next level with advanced features:
- Improved analytics: offers deeper insights into task performance and team efficiency.
- Advanced security: includes customizable access controls and enhanced data protection.
- Project management tools: features like Gantt charts, task dependencies, and custom fields help manage complex projects.
- Reporting and automation: provides advanced reporting capabilities and workflow automation options.
- Integration with Microsoft 365: seamlessly integrates with tools like SharePoint, Outlook, and Power BI for comprehensive workflows.
Premium is designed for larger teams or organizations needing robust project management capabilities.
Comparison of versions
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between Microsoft Planner Basic and Premium:
| Functionality | Basic | Premium |
| Task management | Basic task creation and tracking | Advanced task dependencies, custom fields, and Gantt charts |
| Analytics | Basic progress tracking | Enhanced analytics and reporting with Power BI integration |
| Security | Standard access controls | Customizable access controls and elevated security features |
| Integration with Microsoft 365 | Limited integration with Teams | Advanced integration with Teams, SharePoint, Outlook, and Power BI |
| Storage | Limited storage | Increased storage capacity suitable for large organizations |
| External integrations | Limited API access | Enhanced API and external app integrations for complex workflows |
| Automation | Basic workflow management | Advanced automation capabilities with AI-driven tools |
In summary, while the Basic version is great for small-scale task management, the Premium version offers advanced features that cater to the needs of larger teams and organizations, providing more sophisticated project management tools and enhanced security measures.
👉🏻Find more differences in official Microsoft breakdown:Comparing Basic vs Premium Plans
👉🏻What is the difference between Microsoft Planner Premium and Basic? The difference between Planner Premium Microsoft and the Basic version is significant, especially for teams with complex project management needs. While the Basic version offers simple task creation and tracking, Planner Premium Microsoft introduces advanced tools like Gantt chart views, task dependencies, and custom fields to manage workflows more effectively. Premium also provides enhanced analytics and Power BI integration for detailed reporting, which is not available in the Basic plan. Additionally, it includes features like People View for workload balancing and deeper integrations with Microsoft 365 apps such as SharePoint and Outlook. Lastly, Premium offers advanced security settings with customizable access controls, making it ideal for larger teams or sensitive projects, whereas the Basic version is better suited for smaller teams with simpler needs.
How to Get Microsoft Planner Premium
To access Microsoft Planner Premium, you need a subscription plan that includes it. Planner Premium is available only as part of corporate Microsoft 365 plans, not as a standalone subscription. Here’s how you can get started:
- Subscription requirements: you need a Microsoft 365 subscription that includes Planner Premium. This typically means opting for corporate plans like Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Microsoft 365 Enterprise.
- Subscription options: various Microsoft 365 plans offer Planner Premium. For instance, Microsoft 365 Enterprise plans provide comprehensive features suitable for large organizations.
- Enabling Planner Premium:
Step 1: Ensure your organization has a compatible Microsoft 365 subscription.
Step 2: If you have a basic Microsoft 365 plan, you can start a 30-day free trial of Planner Premium from within the Planner app in Teams or on the web.
Step 3: After the trial, you can request a full subscription from your administrator or purchase it directly if allowed by your organization.
👉🏻How do I access Microsoft Planner Premium? To access Microsoft Planner Premium, you need a Microsoft 365 subscription that includes the premium features. Planner Premium is available as part of certain business or enterprise plans, such as Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Enterprise plans. If you already have a compatible subscription, you can enable Planner Premium directly through the Planner app or Microsoft Teams. Alternatively, new users can start with a 30-day free trial to explore premium features before committing to a plan. Keep in mind that Planner Premium is not offered as a standalone product—it’s bundled within specific Microsoft 365 plans
Pricing for Microsoft Planner Premium
Microsoft Planner Premium is not available as a separate subscription; it comes bundled with certain Microsoft 365 business plans. Here are some general pricing insights for plans that include Planner Premium:
Microsoft 365 Business Standard: typically costs around $12.50 per user/month (billed annually), offering a range of productivity tools including Planner Premium.
Microsoft 365 Enterprise: Pricing varies based on the specific plan (e.g., E3 or E5), but generally includes advanced security and management features along with Planner Premium.
👉🏻Do I need to pay for Microsoft Planner? Yes, you need to pay for Microsoft Planner, but it’s included as part of a Microsoft 365 subscription. There’s no standalone free version of Planner. To access it, you must subscribe to one of the Microsoft 365 plans, such as Business Basic ($6 per user/month), Business Standard ($12.50 per user/month), or Business Premium ($22 per user/month). These plans bundle Planner with other Microsoft apps and services, making it a cost-effective option for businesses already using Microsoft 365.
Choosing the right plan
Microsoft Planner Basic is perfect for small teams or simple projects, offering essential task management features. On the other hand, Planner Premium is ideal for larger organizations or those requiring advanced analytics, enhanced security, and more sophisticated project management tools.
Planner Premium is particularly beneficial for big companies that need robust security measures and advanced reporting capabilities. If your business involves managing complex projects or requires detailed insights into task performance, Planner Premium is the way to go. However, for smaller teams with straightforward needs, the Basic version might suffice.
Benefits of Microsoft Planner Premium
Using Microsoft Planner Premium can significantly enhance your team’s productivity and project management capabilities. Here are some key benefits:
✅Elevated team collaboration
Planner Premium helps manage more complex projects by improving team interaction. For example, features like People View allow you to see where team members might be over- or under-allocated, helping you balance workloads more effectively. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and working efficiently towards common goals.
✅Detailed reporting and analytics
With Premium, you gain access to advanced analytical tools that help track task progress, team performance, and overall project effectiveness. By integrating with Power BI, you can create detailed reports to visualize project metrics, making it easier to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.
✅Security and access control
The Premium version offers improved security features, allowing for more precise control over data access within your organization. You can set customized access permissions for users and groups, ensuring that sensitive information is protected while still maintaining collaboration.
✅Flexibility and customization
Planner Premium provides more options for personalizing workflows, which is particularly beneficial for large companies with diverse needs. You can tailor your project management setup to fit specific business requirements, ensuring that your tools align with your unique operational needs.
✅Task automation and integration
One of the standout features of Planner Premium is its ability to integrate seamlessly with other Microsoft products like Power Automate and Power BI. This integration allows for advanced task automation and simplifies task management by automating repetitive processes and providing deeper insights into project performance. For instance, you can automate workflows to update task statuses or generate reports automatically, streamlining your project management processes.
New Features in Microsoft Planner Premium
Microsoft Planner Premium just got a whole lot more exciting! Let’s dive into the latest updates that are making project management a breeze.
Advanced analytics dashboards
Imagine having a crystal-clear view of your project’s progress. The new better analytics dashboards make that a reality. You can now track tasks and progress in a super detailed way, which helps you spot any roadblocks and make informed decisions.
Project management enhancements
Planner Premium now offers customizable filters and improved workflow management. This means you can tailor your project setup to fit your unique needs. It’s like having a personalized toolbox that helps you organize and prioritize tasks with ease.
Integration with Microsoft 365 Apps
The latest updates also make it easier to connect Planner with other Microsoft 365 apps like Teams, SharePoint, and Power BI. This integration is a game-changer for creating a seamless workflow. For example, you can use Power Automate to automate tasks or create custom reports with Power BI.
Enabling new features
Ready to start using these cool new features? Here’s how:
- Update your planner app: make sure your Planner app is up-to-date to access all the latest goodies.
- Explore new templates: check out new premium templates like Goals & Objectives, Project Retrospective, and Sprint Retrospective to streamline your project planning.
- Configure custom filters: use those customizable filters to refine your task views and focus on what really matters.
- Integrate with other apps: see how you can connect Planner with other Microsoft 365 tools to supercharge your workflow.
By using these new features, you can take your project management to the next level and make your team more productive than ever!
Virto Kanban Board App as an Alternative to Microsoft Planner Premium
If you’re looking for a more flexible and customizable solution than Microsoft Planner Premium, the Virto Kanban Board App is worth considering. Designed for users who need advanced tools for task and project management, it offers features that go beyond what Planner Premium provides.
Why сhoose Virto Kanban Board?
- Visual task management
Virto uses Kanban boards to organize tasks visually, similar to Planner. It offers more customization options, such as fully customizable boards, swimlanes, color-coded tasks, and detailed filtering. This makes it easier to adapt workflows to your team’s specific needs.
- Project management
With features like task dependencies, subtasks, WIP (Work-in-Progress) limits, and detailed analytics, Virto Kanban Board is ideal for managing complex projects. It provides tools to track progress and optimize workflows efficiently.
- Seamless integration
Virto integrates deeply with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Azure. This means you can manage tasks directly within the tools you already use, improving collaboration and productivity across your team.
- Customization
Unlike Planner Premium, which has limited customization options, Virto allows you to tailor every aspect of your board—from columns and templates to automated notifications—making it perfect for businesses with unique workflows.
- Security
Data stays within your Microsoft 365 environment, ensuring compliance with organizational security policies while offering role-based access controls.
Comparing costs
While Microsoft Planner Premium is included in certain Microsoft 365 plans (e.g., Business Standard or Enterprise), the Virto Kanban Board App requires a separate license. Pricing depends on the number of users and the level of functionality needed but typically starts with a free trial so teams can explore its features before committing.
Who should use Virto Kanban Board?
Virto is perfect for larger organizations or teams managing complex projects that require detailed analytics, customization, and seamless integration with SharePoint or Teams. If your needs go beyond what Planner Premium offers—like detailed progress tracking or workflow automation—Virto Kanban Board could be the better choice.
In summary, while Microsoft Planner Premium is great for straightforward project management within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, Virto Kanban Board offers a more powerful and flexible alternative for teams looking to tackle more intricate workflows and projects.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right version of Microsoft Planner depends on your specific needs. If you’re part of a large organization or team that requires advanced task management and analytics, Microsoft Planner Premium is the way to go. It offers features like better reporting, improved security, and deeper integration with other Microsoft tools, making it ideal for complex project management.
However, if you’re looking for an alternative that provides even more flexibility and customization, consider the Virto Kanban Board App. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Teams and offers powerful features for task and project management, making it a great option for teams seeking more tailored solutions.
Ultimately, whether you choose Microsoft Planner Premium or an alternative like Virto Kanban Board, the goal is to find a tool that boosts your team’s productivity and efficiency. By understanding your needs and exploring the available options, you can make an informed decision that helps you achieve your project management goals.
👉🏼Here is your next read to discover more:
