Knowledge Article

Microsoft Intune Pricing Plans and Licensing Options [2026 Guide]

How Is Microsoft Intune Priced? 

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service for mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM). It allows organizations to control how devices like phones, tablets, and laptops are used, regardless of location. Intune integrates with other Microsoft products, providing a solution for endpoint management within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

Microsoft Intune has several pricing plans: Intune Plan 1 costs $8.00 per user/month, Plan 2 (an add-on to Plan 1) is $4.00 per user/month, and the Intune Suite (also an add-on to Plan 1) is $10.00 per user/month. Intune Plan 1 is often bundled with Microsoft 365 and Enterprise Mobility + Security plans. We explore these pricing options in more detail below.

Secure the Data, Not the Device

Protect company data on unmanaged laptops without locking down the entire device.

Key Factors That Influence Microsoft Intune Pricing 

Pricing for Microsoft Intune depends on several variables related to licensing, deployment scale, and the services needed. Understanding these factors helps organizations estimate costs accurately and choose the most suitable licensing option:

  • Licensing plans: Intune can be purchased as a standalone subscription or as part of Microsoft 365 plans (such as Business Premium or Enterprise E3/E5). Each plan includes different capabilities, which directly affect the price.
  • Number of users or devices: Pricing is typically per user per month, with each user allowed to enroll multiple devices. For large-scale deployments, the number of users significantly impacts overall cost.
  • Feature requirements: Features such as Microsoft Defender for Endpoint integration, endpoint analytics, and co-management with Configuration Manager may require higher-tier plans or additional licenses.
  • Integration with other services: Using Intune alongside other Microsoft services like Azure Active Directory Premium or Microsoft Entra ID Governance can affect total cost, depending on bundle pricing or licensing agreements.
  • Cloud-only vs. co-management: Organizations that use co-management with Configuration Manager may need hybrid licensing models, influencing overall pricing.
  • Government and education discounts: Microsoft offers different pricing structures for government and educational institutions, which can lower costs compared to commercial pricing.

Understanding Microsoft Intune Pricing Plans

Microsoft Intune Plan 1

Intune Plan 1 is the baseline standalone plan, priced at $8.00 per user per month (annual commitment). It provides core features such as cross-platform endpoint management, mobile application management, built-in endpoint security, endpoint analytics, and integration with Microsoft Configuration Manager. This plan is included with Microsoft 365 E3, E5, F1, F3, and Business Premium (excluding plans that do not include Teams).

While it covers essential device and app management capabilities, certain features like Intune Remote Help, Endpoint Privilege Management, Advanced Analytics, and Cloud PKI are only available as paid add-ons. Customers can add these features individually, with prices ranging from $2.00 to $5.00 per user per month.

Microsoft Intune Plan 2

Intune Plan 2 is an add-on to Plan 1, priced at $4.00 per user per month. It expands on Plan 1 by introducing advanced endpoint management features. This includes capabilities like firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) updates and management of specialty devices (e.g., AR/VR headsets, smart screens, and conferencing equipment).

Plan 2 also includes Microsoft Intune Tunnel for Mobile Application Management, enabling secure access for mobile apps without full device enrollment. These additions make it suitable for organizations that need to manage complex or non-traditional device types while maintaining control over firmware updates and VPN usage.

Microsoft Intune Suite

The Intune Suite combines Plan 1 and Plan 2 features and includes all premium add-ons in a single package for $10.00 per user per month. This offering includes advanced tools such as:

  • Remote help: Secure helpdesk-to-user support sessions
  • Endpoint privilege management: Controls for just-in-time elevation of privileges
  • Advanced analytics: Insights for improving user experience and endpoint performance
  • Enterprise application management: Secure app deployment via a hosted app catalog
  • Cloud PKI: Certificate lifecycle management for Intune-managed devices

The suite is for mission-critical use cases that demand unified endpoint security, app lifecycle management, and deeper analytics, offering a simplified way to access all of Intune’s advanced capabilities through a single license.

Microsoft Intune Licensing Options

Microsoft Intune offers flexible licensing options to meet the needs of various organizations from schools and small businesses to large enterprises. The licensing model supports both user-based and device-based subscriptions and includes options for standalone purchases, bundled plans, and add-ons.

Included in Microsoft 365 and EMS Plans

Microsoft Intune Plan 1 is bundled with several Microsoft 365 and Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) subscriptions. These include:

  • Microsoft 365 E5 / E3
  • Microsoft 365 Business Premium
  • Microsoft 365 F1 / F3
  • Enterprise Mobility + Security E5 / E3
  • Microsoft 365 Government G5 / G3
  • Microsoft Intune for Education

Customers using these plans automatically gain access to Intune Plan 1 as part of their subscription. In most cases, these licenses also grant rights to use Microsoft Configuration Manager, provided the subscription is active.

Add-On Licensing: Intune Plan 2 and Intune Suite

Intune Plan 2 is available as an add-on to Plan 1 and includes advanced endpoint management features. For organizations needing broader capabilities such as remote help, advanced analytics, and privilege management, the Microsoft Intune Suite includes everything in Plan 1 and Plan 2, along with additional premium features, offered as a bundled add-on.

Intune for Education

Educational institutions using Microsoft 365 Education A5 or A3 receive Intune Plan 1 through their existing licenses. This provides simplified device and application management tailored to school environments.

Licensing for Co-Managed Devices

Organizations using Microsoft Configuration Manager can enroll devices into Intune through co-management without assigning individual Intune licenses, as long as Microsoft Entra ID P1 or P2 is also licensed. Auto-enrollment for co-management relies on this Microsoft Entra integration, and while Intune licenses are not required per device for this specific use case, they are still necessary for other enrollment scenarios.

Device-Only Licenses

Intune also offers device-only licenses for managing shared or kiosk-style hardware not tied to individual users. These licenses are suitable for use cases such as:

  • Windows Autopilot in self-deploying mode
  • Apple Device Enrollment Program without user affinity
  • Android Enterprise dedicated devices
  • Enrollments using Apple Configurator or School Manager without user affinity
  • Scenarios using device enrollment manager accounts

These licenses are purchased based on anticipated device usage, making them a cost-effective option for managing non-personal devices at scale.

Microsoft Intune Limitations 

While Microsoft Intune offers extensive endpoint management capabilities, it comes with certain limitations that organizations should be aware of. These drawbacks were reported by users on the G2 platform:

  • Steep learning curve: Intune has a complex setup and configuration process, especially for first-time users or administrators managing hybrid environments. Without proper training or documentation, it can take considerable time to get familiar with all settings.
  • User interface complexity: The admin portal can feel slow and is split between legacy and new experiences. This inconsistent layout can be confusing for new users trying to navigate and manage policies.
  • Slow policy and app synchronization: There can be noticeable delays in syncing policy changes or deploying applications, particularly those not from the Microsoft Store. This lag can affect how quickly devices become compliant or apps are available.
  • Limited customization in app deployment: Some app deployment scenarios have restrictions or require workarounds, particularly for non-Microsoft applications. This can be problematic for organizations with diverse software requirements.
  • Cost concerns for small businesses: The cost of higher-tier licenses needed for advanced features like remote help or analytics can add up quickly. This may make Intune less attractive to smaller organizations with limited budgets.
  • Reporting limitations: Built-in reporting features are basic, and more advanced reports often require external tools like Power BI or the use of Microsoft Graph API.
  • Device transfer challenges: Migrating data and settings between mobile devices is not seamless. This can cause friction for users switching to new hardware, as it may require manual reconfiguration.
  • No concurrent admin sessions: The Intune console does not currently support multiple administrators working simultaneously in the same session, which can slow down operations in larger IT teams.
  • Limited support for non-Microsoft ecosystems: Organizations managing a wide range of platforms may find Intune less efficient when working outside the Microsoft ecosystem, due to slower deployments and fewer integration options.

Venn: A Microsoft Intune Alternative

Venn’s Blue Border takes a different path than Intune. Instead of enrolling the entire device, Venn creates a company-controlled secure enclave on the user’s laptop, where all data is encrypted and access is managed. Work apps and data run locally inside this protected environment, isolated from any other activity on the device. IT gets the controls required for security and compliance, but only over the enclave — not the user’s personal files, settings, or activity.

This approach removes the source of BYOD friction. With Venn, there is no full-device takeover and no privacy trade-offs. Users keep their laptops the way they like them, while companies get a controlled workspace that safeguards sensitive data and meets regulatory requirements.

Key features include:

  • Granular, customizable restrictions: IT teams can define restrictions for copy/paste, download, upload, screenshots, watermarks, and DLP per user.
  • Secure Enclave technology: Encrypts and isolates work data on personal Mac or PC computers, both for browser-based and local applications.
  • Zero trust architecture: Uses a zero trust approach to secure company data, limiting access based on validation of devices and users.
  • Visual separation via Blue Border: Visual cue that distinguishes work vs. personal sessions for users.
  • Supports turnkey compliance: Using Venn helps companies maintain compliance on unmanaged Macs with a range of regulatory mandates, including HIPAA, PCI, SOC, SEC, FINRA and more.

To see a demo of Venn, click here.