Microsoft 365 Basic is Microsoft’s consumer subscription for one person who wants 100 GB of shared cloud storage, ad-free Outlook.com and Outlook mobile, file-protection tools, and Microsoft support. It costs $1.99 per month in the US Microsoft Store listing accessed in September 2026, although taxes, promotions, billing options, and regional prices can differ. It does not include the installed desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Outlook.
What Microsoft 365 Basic includes
The plan is designed for personal use across web, iOS, Android, and multiple devices. Its benefits center on storage, email, security, and support rather than a full desktop Office suite.
100 GB of shared Microsoft cloud storage
You receive 100 GB of cloud capacity for OneDrive files and photos, Outlook.com attachments, and data used by Microsoft 365 services. OneDrive lets you store, sync, and share files and photos.
Microsoft treats this as shared Microsoft cloud storage, while Outlook.com mailbox storage is measured separately. Microsoft Support says paid Microsoft 365 subscribers also receive 100 GB of Outlook.com email storage as a subscription benefit.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Ad-free Outlook
Microsoft 365 Basic removes advertising from Outlook.com and Outlook for mobile for supported consumer addresses, including @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, @live.com, and @msn.com.
File and photo protection
- Personal Vault protections for sensitive files.
- Sharing links that can expire or require a password.
- File restore for recovering earlier versions or undoing changes.
- Ransomware detection and recovery.
Microsoft says OneDrive files can be recovered for up to 30 days after malicious attacks, corruption, or accidental deletion or editing. The actual recovery window can depend on the event and service conditions.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Microsoft support
Subscribers can contact Microsoft support experts for help with Microsoft 365 and Windows 11. The plan also includes current web and mobile experiences for OneDrive and Outlook.
What Microsoft 365 Basic does not include
Basic is not the subscription to choose if you need locally installed Office programs. Microsoft’s consumer plan descriptions do not list desktop Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Outlook in Basic; those applications are associated with higher Microsoft 365 consumer plans.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
You can still use Microsoft’s web and mobile experiences, but anyone who requires full desktop features, offline editing, or the installed Outlook client should compare a higher tier before subscribing.
Price, billing, and who can use it
The US Microsoft Store listed Microsoft 365 Basic at $1.99 per month in September 2026, with monthly and yearly billing choices shown. That is a US listing, not a guaranteed worldwide price; taxes, promotions, currency conversion, and availability may change.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
The subscription covers one person. It is a consumer plan, not Microsoft 365 Business Basic, and it can be used across that person’s compatible devices.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Microsoft 365 Basic compared with other Microsoft plans
| Feature | Microsoft 365 Basic | Higher consumer plans | Microsoft 365 Business Basic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audience | One personal user | Consumer users; exact sharing depends on the plan | Organizations and commercial users |
| Cloud storage | 100 GB shared Microsoft cloud storage | Typically 1 TB per person on the tiers that include that allowance; verify the current plan listing | 1 TB per user |
| Installed Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook | Not included | Included with plans that advertise desktop apps | Not established by the consumer plan description; business licensing and apps vary by plan |
| Outlook advertising | Ad-free Outlook.com and supported Outlook mobile accounts | Ad-free experiences are included on applicable paid plans | Business email under a separate commercial service |
| Business administration and collaboration | Not included | Not the focus of consumer plans | Includes commercial features such as business email, customer-management tools, and Teams meetings for up to 300 people |
The comparison is about plan positioning, not a substitute for checking the current regional product page: Microsoft can change names, limits, and included applications.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
How the plan relates to OneDrive 100 GB
Microsoft replaced the OneDrive 100 GB Standalone plan with Microsoft 365 Basic on January 30, 2023. The standalone plan stopped accepting new purchases. Existing subscribers were transitioned automatically, with no action required and no change to their plan cost at that transition.
Is Microsoft 365 Basic worth about $2 a month?
It is a sensible fit when your priority is more OneDrive space, ad-free personal Outlook, and recovery and support features at a low recurring cost. The value is weaker if you mainly want desktop Office applications, because Basic does not provide them.
Choose Basic when you need
- More than the free storage allowance for personal files and photos.
- Ad-free Outlook.com or supported Outlook mobile email.
- Ransomware protection, Personal Vault, and recovery tools.
- Microsoft help with the subscription, Microsoft 365, or Windows 11.
Look at a higher plan when you need
- Installed desktop Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Outlook.
- More storage than 100 GB.
- Features for several household members or a commercial organization.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Microsoft 365 Basic is a one-person consumer plan that combines 100 GB of Microsoft cloud storage, ad-free Outlook, file-security tools, and Microsoft support for a US-listed $1.99 per month. It is not a desktop Office license and is not Microsoft 365 Business Basic.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →
