Microsoft 365 without Teams: what applies and when to choose it
Published:
Short answer: since 2025 Microsoft also sells the Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise plans in a version without Teams, at a lower list price. Teams is available separately as an add-on. Anyone who already has a plan with Teams keeps it; the "without Teams" option mainly concerns new purchases.
Last checked: 30 October 2026.
Why is there a version without Teams?
Microsoft separated Teams from the rest of the suites after competition concerns in the European Union. So a business that does not want Teams does not pay for it inside the licence. The versions without Teams carry a lower list price than their counterparts with Teams.
When should you choose Microsoft 365 without Teams?
Choose without Teams if your team already communicates with another tool — Zoom, Google Meet, Slack or Webex — and you do not plan to switch. You pay only for email, Office and storage, without an app nobody will use.
But if you use or are considering Teams for calls, meetings and file collaboration, the version with Teams makes more sense, because buying Teams separately as an add-on raises the total cost.
Can I add Teams later?
Yes. Teams is available as a separate licence you add whenever you need it, on top of the plan without Teams. You do not need to change plan; you just add the Teams licence to the users who want it. At ITHACA we set it up and advise which version suits each user.
Frequently asked questions
If I buy without Teams, can I add it later?
Yes. You add Teams as a separate licence to the users who need it, without changing the base plan.
Do existing customers lose Teams?
No. Anyone who already has a plan with Teams continues as normal. The "without Teams" option mainly concerns new purchases and renewals where you deliberately choose not to have Teams.