| Feature / Capability | Business Basic (Web/Mobile only) | Business Standard (Desktop + Web + Mobile) |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop Applications | ❌ Only web & mobile versions of Excel, Outlook, Word | ✅ Full desktop apps for Windows & Mac |
| Offline Mode | ❌ (very limited on mobile) | ✅ Full offline use with sync |
| Excel – VBA Macros | ❌ | ✅ |
| Excel – Power Query / Power Pivot | ❌ | ✅ |
| Excel – Solver / Analysis ToolPak | ❌ or limited | ✅ |
| Excel – Python in Excel | ❌ | ✅ (Windows desktop only) |
| Excel – Full Function Library | Limited in web | ✅ Full support |
| Excel – Large File Performance | Limited | ✅ Optimized |
| Outlook – Desktop App | ❌ | ✅ |
| Outlook – Cached Exchange Mode | ❌ | ✅ |
| Outlook – PST/OST File Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| Outlook – Advanced Rules & Quick Steps | Limited | ✅ |
| Outlook – VBA Macros & COM Add-ins | ❌ | ✅ |
| Outlook – Mail Merge Integration | ❌ | ✅ |
| Outlook – Offline Search & Filters | Limited | ✅ |
| Word – VBA Macros | ❌ | ✅ |
| Word – Mail Merge with Outlook | ❌ | ✅ |
| Word – Advanced Page Layout Tools | Limited | ✅ |
| Word – Full Headers/Footers Control | Limited | ✅ |
| Word – Advanced Track Changes & Compare | Limited | ✅ |
| Word – Researcher, Editor, Translation Tools | Limited | ✅ |
| Word – Add-ins / COM Integrations | ❌ | ✅ |
| Word – Large Document Performance | Limited | ✅ |
Quick takeaway:
Business Basic is best for light users who are fine with web-based Office apps and don’t need offline or advanced tools.
Business Standard is essential for power users who need desktop features, automation, offline mode, and full integration between apps.