Power Apps Licensing Explained: Which Plan is Right for You?

Mark Jones
April 14, 2023

Power Apps is a low-code platform that allows users to create custom business applications quickly and easily without extensive coding knowledge. It is part of the Microsoft Power Platform, including Power BI and Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow).

When it comes to licensing for Power Apps, there are a few different options. In this post, we’ll explain these options in simple terms, so you can better understand which plan is right for you.

First, there is the free trial version of Power Apps. This version is ideal for those who want to explore the platform and build simple applications for personal use. With the free version, you can build canvas apps and model-driven apps, with some limitations on functionality and data storage. However, you cannot share your apps with others and are limited to using standard connectors only.

Next, there is the Power Apps per app plan. This plan is ideal for those who want to build and share applications with others but only need to do so on a limited basis. With the per-app plan, you pay a flat fee for each app you create and share, allowing you to build and share apps without committing to a full license. This plan also includes access to premium connectors, allowing you to integrate with a broader range of data sources.

The Power Apps per user plan is for those who need to create and share multiple apps. This plan is a full license that allows users to create and share unlimited apps, with access to premium connectors and additional functionality. This plan also includes access to the Common Data Service, a cloud-based data storage and management service that allows you to create and share data across multiple applications.

Finally, there is the Power Apps pay as you go plan. The Power Apps pay-as-you-go plan allows teams/departments to pay for their licenses using Azure subscriptions linked to their departmental budgets. It provides the option to use Azure Cost Management and Azure tags to visualize and divide up the costs efficiently.

This plan is priced at $10 per active user/month, charges are incurred against a Microsoft Azure subscription based on the number of unique apps or portals a user runs each month.2

Here are some real-world examples of how different Power Apps licensing plans might be used:

  1. Trial version: A small business owner might use the trial version of Power Apps to create a simple inventory tracking app to manage their products and stock levels. At the time of writing the trial version lasts for 30-Days.
  2. Per-app plan: An IT manager might use the per-app plan to create and share a ticketing system app with their team to track and resolve technical issues.
  3. Per-user plan: A sales manager might use the per-user plan to create and share a customer relationship management (CRM) app with their team, allowing them to track leads, opportunities, and sales.

It’s worth noting that these examples are just a tiny sample of what Power Apps can be used for, and the licensing plan you choose will depend on your specific needs and requirements. However, they illustrate how different plans can be used to create apps for other purposes and user groups.

Power Apps licensing is available in different plans to accommodate users’ varying needs. The free version is ideal for personal use and exploration, while the per-app plan is suitable for those who need to build and share applications on a limited basis. The per-user plan is a full license that provides access to unlimited apps, premium connectors, and additional functionality. The per-device plan is designed for users who need to provide access to Power Apps on a shared device or kiosk. Ultimately, the best plan for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements.

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