There’s been a lot of changes to Microsoft 365 plans for individuals, families and small businesses. Pricing, subscriptions, and included features all changed last year. This 2026 overview breaks down what’s new, what’s staying the same, and how Copilot AI fits into these plans (or not).
2025 was a big year for Microsoft 365 plans with price rise, new plans and extras that appeared then later disappeared. Because of all those changes, confusion and wrong-headed social media ‘experts’, we thought we’d summarize the current state of Microsoft 365 plans and Microsoft Office. What’s available, what you get for the money and how to save on the official Microsoft prices.
Microsoft 365 plans
For individuals and families there are five different Microsoft 365 plans available. Three are sold to the public with the other two only offered to some existing customers.
Main benefits
All Microsoft 365 consumer plans include, for each user the main benefits are:
- Desktop apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- for Windows or Mac
- on up to 5 devices at any times.
- Access database app (Windows only)
- Publisher desktop publishing (Windows only). Publisher ends in October 2026
- OneNote is a free app with some extras for Microsoft 365 customers.
- Some additional features on matching mobile apps for Apple or Android devices
- OneDrive – 1TB (1 Terabyte or 1,000 (decimal) GB) cloud storage
- Some additional features in Microsoft Designer and Clipchamp.
Copilot AI benefits
The owners of Microsoft 365 consumer plans (Personal or Family) get some limited Copilot AI access using a monthly “AI Credit” allowance.
In the past there was no difference in features between a Family plan owner and anyone sharing the plan. Now Copilot access is limited to Family plan owners.
Copilot Pro was a 2025 consumer plan add-on to give unlimited AI access. It lasted less than a year before being dropped in favor of Microsoft 365 Premium plan.
Microsoft 365 Personal
For one person only who gets all the core Microsoft 365 benefits mentioned above.
Copilot AI: 60 AI Credits each month
Annual Prices:
United States (USD) $99.99
Canada (CAD) $115.00
United Kingdom (GBP) £84.99
Europe (Euro) €99.00
Australia (AUD) $159.00
Includes VAT/GST where applicable. Excludes US state/local taxes.
Microsoft 365 Family
For up to six people who all get the core Microsoft 365 benefits mentioned above.
- Owner: 60 AI Credits per month
- Sharing users: no additional Copilot access.
Annual Prices:
United States (USD) $129.99
Canada (CAD) $145.00
United Kingdom (GBP) £104.99
Europe (Euro) €129.00
Australia (AUD) $179.00
Includes VAT/GST where applicable. Excludes US state/local taxes.
Microsoft 365 Premium
A new plan, added in October 2025, to replace the short-lived Copilot Pro add-on. The Premium plan is now the only way for an individual to get greater Copilot access within the Microsoft 365 apps.
Microsoft 365 Premium: Copilot AI, new Features & Pricing Explained
For up to six people:
- Owner: much increased Copilot access.
- Sharing users: no additional Copilot access.
Annual Prices:
In some countries there’s a first-year promotional offer at 50% off these prices.
United States (USD) $199.99
Canada (CAD) $270.00
United Kingdom (GBP) £189.99
Europe (Euro) €219.00
Australia (AUD) $329.00
Includes VAT/GST where applicable. Excludes US state/local taxes.
“Classic” Microsoft 365 plans
In addition, there are two hidden Microsoft 365 ‘Classic’ plans.
‘Classic’ plans might be offered to people who try to cancel their regular Microsoft 365 Personal or Family plans.
- Cost less (the pre-2025 prices)
- NO Copilot extras in the Office apps.
- Other features might be excluded in the future (Microsoft hints at this possibility).
See Microsoft 365 Classic Explained: A Lower-Cost, No-AI Subscription Option for more info.
Microsoft 365 Classic Personal
For one person, same as Personal plan (above) without Copilot AI integration.
United States (USD) $69.99 per year
Microsoft 365 Classic Family
For up to six people, same as Family plan (above) without Copilot AI integration for plan owner.
United States (USD) $99.99 per year.
Other Microsoft 365 plans
There are many, many other Microsoft 365 plans, volume licence offers for businesses, organizations, education and non-profits.
Among those are a few “Business” plans that are intended for small and medium businesses (up to 300 users) but are also bought by some individuals.
It also includes a 50GB mailbox which the main reason for choosing a Business plan instead of a consumer plan. Business plans also need a separate domain name for custom email addresses.
All three Business plans include 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic
Only web and mobile Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
Includes desktop apps, Windows and Mac (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Everything in Business Standard plus “Advanced threat protection & device security, Microsoft Defender for Business, Azure AD Premium Plan 1 (identity & access management)”.
Most individuals choose Business Basic or Standard as an alternative to a Personal plan, to get the full-featured mailbox.
Business plans can get Copilot access with the additional Microsoft 365 Business Copilot plan.
Microsoft 365 Premium: Copilot AI, new Features & Pricing Explained
AI Credits in Microsoft 365: What They Are and How They Impact Your Copilot Usage
