If you’ve been exploring ways to build custom apps for your business, Microsoft Power Apps is a great platform to get it done without any coding skills and hefty development costs. It has become one of the most popular low-code platforms out there, and for good reason. Power Apps lets anyone, even those without a tech background, create apps that streamline processes, boost productivity, and solve everyday business problems.
If you’re unsure where to start or how to get the most out of the platform, consider checking out our Microsoft PowerApps consulting services. These services can help you navigate setup, development, and integration with expert guidance tailored to your business needs.
When it comes to Power Apps pricing, things can get a little challenging. With terms like “per-user,” “per-app,” and “pay-as-you-go” floating around, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to figure out what you actually need and what it’s going to cost.
According to Microsoft’s recent data, organizations using Power Apps have seen a 74% reduction in app development costs and a 188% return on investment over a three-year period. Those are impressive numbers, but only if you choose the right plan. In this blog, we’re breaking down Power Apps pricing in a way that’s simple, clear, and easy to follow, so you can pick the plan that fits your needs (and your budget) without second-guessing yourself.
Table Of Contents
What is Power Apps?
Microsoft Power Apps is a low-code application platform that enables users to build custom business apps quickly and with minimal coding. It integrates smoothly with the Microsoft ecosystem, making it a natural fit for organizations already using tools like SharePoint, Teams, and Dynamics 365. Power Apps is built on three core components:
Canvas Apps: These give you complete control over your app’s layout. You can drag and drop elements, such as buttons, forms, and media, to create highly customized user interfaces that are ideal for mobile-first solutions.
Model-Driven Apps: Instead of focusing on design first, model-driven apps are data-centric. They’re built around your data models and business rules, and automatically generate responsive UIs. These are especially useful for enterprise scenarios involving complex workflows or CRM systems.
Power Pages: Formerly known as Power Apps Portals, Power Pages enable you to build secure websites for external users, such as partners or customers, who can interact with your business data through a web interface.
According to recent stats, over 500 million digital apps and services will be developed by the end of 2025, with more than 70% of these built using low-code/no-code tools. This shows a huge potential to go for Power Apps, where you don’t have to rely entirely on developers.
Power Apps Pricing Plans
Power Apps Pricing
Monthly Pricing
Best For
Key Features
Consideration
Power Apps Free Trial
$0 (Trial for 30 days)
Curious users, students, and early testers
Basic canvas/model-driven app building, standard connectors, limited environment
Not for production or sharing, Trial expires after 30 days
Developer Plan
$0 (Ongoing)
Prototypers, consultants, internal devs
Access to Dataverse, Power Automate, premium connectors, and real-time testing
Apps cannot be published or shared outside the development environment
Per App Plan
$5/user/app/month
Small teams with 1-2 core apps
1 app or portal per user, premium connectors, limited Dataverse
Cost scales with the number of users and apps. Not ideal for app-heavy platforms
Per User Plan
$20/user/month
Enterprises and departments using many apps
Unlimited apps per user, Power Pages, full Dataverse access, premium features
Higher upfront cost per user, but best value for organizations with multiple needs
Pay-As-You-Go
Usage-based billing via Azure
Seasonal work, pilots, event-driven use cases
Pay only when the app is used, full feature access, and Azure integration
Azure subscription required; usage must be closely tracked.
Power Apps isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s actually a good thing. Microsoft offers a range of pricing models designed to meet different user needs, usage patterns, and budget levels. From free trials and developer environments to user-based and consumption-based plans, there’s a licensing path for almost every organization.
Here’s an in-depth look at Power Apps cost:
1. Free Plan
The Free Plan is perfect for anyone curious about the platform and looking to dip their toes into low-code development.
Who it’s for: Beginners, students, or individual users exploring Power Apps.
What you get: Access to standard connectors, the ability to build and test apps, and a feel for the interface.
What’s missing: No sharing capabilities, no premium features like Dataverse, and no production environment.
It’s a great way to explore the basics, but it’s not suitable for any kind of business deployment or teamwork.
2. Developer Plan
The Developer Plan is a free environment that offers the full Power Apps experience, minus the ability to go live with production apps.
Who it’s for: Developers, consultants, and power users experimenting with advanced features.
What you get: Full access to premium connectors, Power Automate, Dataverse, and advanced app-building tools.
What’s missing: You can’t share apps or use them in production.
This plan is ideal for testing, prototyping, and learning advanced functionality before choosing a paid plan for deployment.
3. Per App Plan ($5/User/App/Month)
This Power Apps pricing plan is built for organizations looking to deploy a single app or portal to many users without committing to full platform access.
Who it’s for: Companies with specific, isolated app needs, like a field inspection app or an internal booking system.
What you get: Access to one custom app or Power Pages site per user, plus premium connectors and limited Dataverse storage.
What to watch for: You’ll pay separately for each app per user, so costs can add up if needs grow.
It’s a cost-effective starting point, but it’s best for tightly scoped projects.
4. Per User Plan ($20/User/Month)
This is the all-you-can-eat model for businesses with multiple apps and heavier usage requirements.
Who it’s for: Teams and departments that use many apps or plan to scale rapidly. What you get: Unlimited custom apps and Power Pages access, plus full premium features and generous Dataverse capacity.
What to watch for: Higher monthly cost per user, but better value if you’re using multiple apps regularly.
It’s ideal for businesses deeply invested in the Microsoft ecosystem or those with high development demands.
5. Pay-As-You-Go Plan
For organizations that want ultimate flexibility, the Pay-As-You-Go Plan charges only when apps are used, and there are no upfront licenses required.
Who it’s for: Businesses with unpredictable usage or temporary projects (like events or seasonal campaigns).
What you get: Full feature access billed through Azure. You only pay when a user actually runs the app.
What to watch for: Requires Azure subscription setup, and ongoing monitoring is essential to control costs.
It’s ideal for pilots, testing in production, or infrequent users without a monthly commitment.
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Power Apps offers robust low-code capabilities right out of the box, but many businesses find they need more than the base plan provides. From extra storage to advanced automation and AI, several optional add-ons can enhance functionality, but they also add to your overall cost. Below is a closer look at the most common add-ons and how they may affect your Power Apps budget:
1. Dataverse Capacity Add-On
Microsoft Dataverse is the centralized data platform used by Power Apps, enabling you to store and manage data used by business applications securely. As your applications grow and store more information, you may exceed your allocated storage, especially with file attachments, logs, or high-volume datasets. Here are the following Microsoft Dataverse pricing:
Included Storage (as of 2025 updates):
Per App Plan: Includes 250MB database + 400MB file storage per license.
Per User Plan: Includes 250MB database + 2GB file storage per user license.
Additional storage must be purchased if your apps exceed this baseline.
Add-On Pricing (2025):
Database Storage: $40/GB/month
File Storage: $2/GB/month
Log Storage: $10/GB/month
Tips:
Monitor usage in the Power Platform Admin Center.
Use external storage (e.g., SharePoint, Azure Blob) where possible to offset Dataverse storage costs.
Dataverse is powerful and secure, but storage growth can occur quickly, especially in enterprise use cases with document-heavy processes, such as HR, legal, or project management.
2. Power Automate Licensing
Power Automate is Microsoft’s automation engine that integrates with Power Apps to streamline business processes. It enables everything from simple approval workflows to complex robotic process automation (RPA). While Power Apps includes some automation features, advanced use cases often require separate Power Automate licenses.
Types of Automation
Standard Flows: Included in most plans. These enable you to automate tasks across basic services, such as Excel, SharePoint, and Teams.
Premium Flows: Use connectors like Salesforce, Oracle, or SQL Server. While some access is bundled in Per User/Per App plans, organizations with advanced workflows may need standalone Power Automate licensing.
Pricing
Per User Plan with Attended RPA: $40/user/month (For users who launch their own desktop-based flows).
Per Flow Plan: $100/month for five flows, which can be shared across multiple users.
Unattended RPA (bots): $150/month per bot (Best for automating repetitive desktop tasks without user interaction).
When to consider it
If you’re automating complex, multi-step workflows across multiple platforms.
If your Power Apps rely heavily on backend systems like SAP or Oracle.
If you’re integrating AI models or real-time business logic.
Here’s a cost-saving tip: Bundle your Power Automate licensing with Power Apps to avoid duplication and simplify your licensing management. Also, monitor flow runs to avoid excess usage fees.
3. AI Builder Credits
One of the standout features of Power Apps is its seamless integration with AI Builder, a powerful tool that enables users to embed artificial intelligence directly into their applications. Whether you’re automating document processing, enhancing customer support, or making data-driven predictions, AI Builder unlocks advanced capabilities that help you build smarter, more efficient apps.
While certain Power Apps plans include a limited number of AI Builder credits, most real-world use cases quickly outgrow the default allocation. For more extensive use, organizations can purchase AI Builder add-ons to scale their AI functionality.
Pricing: $500 per unit/month
Each unit provides: 1 million service credits
These service credits are consumed based on the complexity and frequency of the AI model being used. For instance:
Form Processing: Scan invoices, receipts, or PDFs and extract structured data for automated entry into databases or ERP systems.
Object Detection: Identify items in images (e.g., inventory items on a shelf, tools on a workbench) for field inspections or asset tracking.
Text Classification: Automatically route customer support tickets or feedback to the right department based on keywords and sentiment.
Prediction Models: Forecast sales, churn, or product demand using historical data and machine learning models.
Things to Keep in Mind
AI Builder credits do not roll over, they must be used within the monthly cycle.
The consumption rate varies depending on the model type and the complexity of the data.
Multiple departments or teams can share the same pool of credits, allowing for flexible enterprise-wide usage.
4. Premium and Custom Connectors
Premium Connectors are pre-built integrations that let your Power Apps interface with high-value enterprise systems such as:
Salesforce (for CRM)
SAP (for ERP and supply chain)
Oracle & SQL Server (for structured data)
Adobe Sign (for document management and e-signatures)
ServiceNow (for ITSM and operations)
Azure DevOps, Dynamics 365, and others
According to a Microsoft Power Platform study, enterprise Power Apps users rely on Premium Connectors to integrate with their core business systems.
However, access to these connectors isn’t included in the base Microsoft 365 plans. To use them, you’ll need either:
A Microsoft Power Apps Premium license (Per App or Per User plan), or
Add-on access for eligible Microsoft 365 integrated plans.
Premium Connectors are essential for automating workflows, unifying data, and eliminating silos between departments and platforms. It lets you define your own API-based connection between Power Apps and any web service you own or use. You can connect to:
Proprietary CRM tools
Legacy inventory systems
Third-party APIs not included in Microsoft’s library
5. Power Pages (Portals)
When your business applications need to serve people outside your organization, such as customers, vendors, contractors, or partners, Power Pages (formerly known as Power Apps Portals) provides a secure and scalable solution for external access.
Power Pages is a standalone offering within the Microsoft Power Platform, designed to help organizations build and host professional-grade websites that interact with Dataverse data, forms, and workflows without requiring complex code. It’s an ideal extension for businesses that want to engage external users through branded, interactive web experiences.
Licensing & Pricing
Microsoft offers flexible pricing options for Power Pages based on user type and volume:
$200/month for 100 authenticated users
These are users who sign in using Azure AD, Microsoft Accounts, or other identity providers. Each user is counted once per month, regardless of how often they return.
$75/month for 500 anonymous users
These are users who access the portal without logging in. Ideal for public forms, open-access knowledge bases, event registrations, or surveys.
These rates scale as your audience grows, allowing for predictable budgeting and expansion.
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1. Microsoft Copilot Studio (Formerly Power Virtual Agents)
Microsoft Copilot Studio is a powerful tool for building AI-powered copilots (bots) that integrate directly with Power Apps and the broader Microsoft ecosystem. It’s ideal for organizations looking to automate repetitive conversations, streamline employee self-service, or embed intelligent support directly into apps. Here are the following key capabilities:
Build conversational bots using low-code tools.
Integrate AI-generated responses with Dataverse, Power Automate, or external APIs.
Enable natural language understanding (NLU) with GPT-powered interactions.
Deploy across Microsoft Teams, Power Pages, or custom web apps.
At first glance, Microsoft Power Apps appears to offer competitive pricing, but the actual investment can increase depending on how your organization deploys and scales it. That’s why it is important to calculate the total cost of ownership. It helps you plan beyond license fees to capture the real financial footprint of the platform over time.
Moreover, connecting Power Apps to Dynamics 365 and other external systems might influence the cost. Consult a certified Dynamics 365 Partnerto manage costs and optimize processes.
Here’s a further look at the key components that influence the total cost of owning and scaling Power Apps:
Add-Ons and Extra Capacity
The base Power Apps license cost might be affordable, but real-world usage often demands more. This includes:
Dataverse Storage: You may need to purchase additional database, file, or log storage as your apps scale.
AI Builder Credits: Advanced AI features are billed separately and consumed rapidly in document-heavy or prediction-based use cases.
Power Automate: If you rely heavily on workflow automation or RPA, expect to invest in standalone automation licenses.
Power Pages: External-facing websites (like customer portals) add another layer of cost, especially when accessed by hundreds or thousands of users.
Governance and Security
Managing access, permissions, compliance, and data governance becomes increasingly important (and expensive) as your Power Apps environment grows. Organizations with complex data policies or strict regulatory requirements must:
Develop governance frameworks
Implement security roles and data loss prevention (DLP) policies
Use premium monitoring tools or third-party platforms
According to Microsoft’s Power Platform Adoption report, many large enterprises have had to dedicate internal or external resources to governance within the first year of deployment.
Support and Maintenance
Even with a low-code platform, applications need ongoing updates, performance monitoring, bug fixing, and optimization. Depending on your internal expertise, you may need:
Microsoft Premier or Unified Support services
Third-party consultants or managed service providers (MSPs)
Dedicated internal resources for app support
Support costs vary based on the complexity and criticality of your apps. For example, apps used for financial operations or supply chain processes typically require higher service levels.
Training and Enablement
Power Apps is designed to empower citizen developers. However, users still require training to use it effectively. Costs here can include:
Subscriptions to learning platforms (e.g., LinkedIn Learning, Pluralsight)
In-house training sessions or workshops
Time investment from IT or development leads
A 2025 study found that organizations investing in user training experienced productivity gains of 2.3 percent those that did not.
Integration Costs
As businesses expand their digital ecosystems, integration becomes one of the most overlooked yet essential factors in the total cost of ownership. Here are some common integration-related expenses to consider:
Custom API Development: If your target systems don’t offer pre-built connectors, developers may need to build and maintain custom APIs for smooth communication between platforms.
Premium Connector Licensing: Connecting to third-party enterprise tools, such as Salesforce, SAP, or Oracle, often requires premium connectors, which leads to additional recurring fees.
Data Transformation and Migration Tools: Moving legacy data into Dataverse or aligning formats between systemsa may require ETL services or third-party integrations (Azure Logic Apps, KingswaySoft, or MuleSoft).
Organizations already using ERP platforms like Dynamics 365 Business Central, need to collaborate with a certified Business Central Partner to integrate Power Apps and unlock powerful automation and reporting.
Looking to Maximize ROI with Microsoft Power Apps?
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Is Power Apps Worth It?
With a high digital transformation agenda in every company, organizations are constantly seeking ways to modernize operations without increasing costs. Microsoft Power Apps promises to bridge the gap between business needs and IT resources.
So, is it worth it? Here’s a quick comparison table to check out:
It Works Best If
It May Not Be Ideal If
You’re a Microsoft-centric business looking for speed and scalability.
Your team works mostly outside the Microsoft ecosystem.
You want to reduce reliance on custom dev teams or external agencies.
You need advanced offline functionality or native mobile UX.
You need to empower business units to solve their own challenges.
Budget limitations restrict access to premium plans or add-ons.
You’re aiming to automate processes and integrate with enterprise data.
Now, let’s take a closer look at why it is the best choice:
1. Real-World Impact Backed by Data
The numbers showcase a compelling picture. According to recent reports:
Companies report an average reduction of 45% in development time.
25 million users get benefit from the solutions built with Microsoft Power Apps
These figures demonstrate how Power Apps serves as a business enabler, delivering tangible returns.
2. Built for Agility
Traditional app development can take months and cost tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of dollars. Power Apps flips the script by enabling users to build fully functional business apps with drag-and-drop simplicity. You can design apps to:
Track employee attendance
Automate leave approvals
Manage field inspections
Connect forms to live databases
This accessibility leads to faster iteration, quicker time to value, and more innovation happening within teams, not just from central IT.
3. Deep Integration with the Microsoft Stack
One of Power Apps’ greatest advantages is its tight integration with the Microsoft ecosystem. If your company is already invested in Microsoft 365, Teams, Dynamics 365, or Azure, Power Apps allows you to:
Surface SharePoint lists in a mobile-friendly app
Launch forms or approval workflows within Teams
Connect securely to OneDrive, Excel, and Outlook
Extend CRM and ERP capabilities with little effort
4. Extensible, Scalable, and AI-Ready
Power Apps is not for small tasks. It scales to support enterprise-wide applications. You can build sophisticated, intelligent solutions that rival custom-built apps with the addition of:
Dataverse for secure, scalable data management
Power Automate for efficient workflows
AI builder for machine learning-based automation
Microsoft Copilot Studio for building AI-powered virtual agents
5. The Cost-Benefit Equation
While the licensing can seem affordable at first glance, the cost can rise when you:
Add multiple apps or users (where a $20/user/month Per User Plan is better)
Need extra Dataverse storage
Use premium connectors or third-party integrations
Automate processes using AI or RPA
How to Choose the Right Power Apps Plan
Feeling stuck trying to pick the right Power Apps plan? It’s easy to get overwhelmed by diverse information, but the good thing is, there’s a perfect plan for every team. If you’re building one app for a small team or planning to roll out dozens of apps company-wide, this section will help you figure out what makes the most sense for your workflow and budget:
1. Understand Your App Usage Needs
Start by asking, “How many apps will you build and how many users need access?” If you need just one or two apps (e.g., a leave request form or asset tracker), the Per App Plan at $5/user/app/month is a cost-effective entry point.
If users need access to multiple apps or portals, the Per User Plan at $20/user/month offers unlimited access, which is more economical at scale. For irregular or seasonal app usage, the Pay-As-You-Go model through Azure lets you pay only when users actually run the app.
2. Evaluate Required Features and Integrations
Not all apps are created equal. Some require premium connectors (e.g., Salesforce, Oracle, SAP), Dataverse for relational data, or Power Automate for advanced workflows.
Here’s what to consider:
Using standard Microsoft services only (Excel, SharePoint, Teams): Free or basic plan may suffice.
Need premium integrations or data modeling? You’ll need a paid plan (Per App or Per User) with access to Dataverse and premium connectors.
Need strong automation or AI? Factor in Power Automate licensing and AI Builder credits as part of your total cost.
3. Know Your User Types
Different user roles may require different levels of access:
End users only need to use the app, which keeps licensing costs lower.
Creators/builders need full access to app design features and data sources; ensure they have Developer Plans for testing or Per-User licenses for production.
External users (vendors, clients) accessing through Power Pages need separate pricing, starting at $200/month for 100 authenticated users.
The pro tip is to use Power Pages or guest access wisely for external use to avoid unnecessary user-based charges.
4. Consider Your Growth Plan
Your choice of plan should not only fit today’s requirements but also scale easily with your growth. Ask yourself questions:
Will you expand app usage across departments?
Are you planning to build multiple apps over time?
Do you foresee more data-heavy use cases?
If yes, choosing the Per User Plan or Pay-As-You-Go model can offer more flexibility in the long term. You can even start with Per App and upgrade later if usage increases.
5. Factor in Total Cost, Not Just Licensing
It’s tempting to choose the cheapest plan, but you need to look at the total cost of ownership (TCO), including:
Add-ons like Dataverse storage, AI Builder, or Power Automate
Training and support for your team
Future upgrades or integrations
A $5 plan may incur costs of $20-30 per user/month if you’re adding storage, AI, or external access. In some cases, consolidating into a higher-tier plan may be more cost-effective.
Collaborate with the Leading Mobile App Developers
Power Apps is a powerful business accelerator backed by Microsoft’s ecosystem. If you’re a startup looking to build a simple internal tool or an enterprise scaling complex workflows across departments, Power Apps gives the flexibility, security, and integration muscle to make it happen.
Looking for a reliable software development solution? Trango Tech specializes in helping businesses plan, build, and scale with Power Apps. Reach out to our expert team today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Power Apps included in Office 365?
It is included in Office 365, but with some limitations. If you’re using Microsoft 365, you already have access to the basic version of Power Apps. This version lets you build and use canvas apps that work with standard connectors like SharePoint, Excel, Outlook, and OneDrive.
It’s great for getting started, especially if you’re looking to digitize internal processes like leave requests, approvals, or team check-ins. You don’t need to pay extra to experiment with low-code app building within that ecosystem. If you want to connect to premium services like Salesforce, Dataverse, or SQL Server, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid Power Apps plan.
How much does a Power Apps deployment cost?
The cost of deploying Power Apps depends on a few key factors, including the license you choose, how complex your app is, and the outsourcing services. At the most basic level, Power Apps license costs start at $5 per user/app/month or $20 per user/month. Microsoft also offers a Pay-As-You-Go model, which only charges you when someone uses the app, billed through Azure. You’ll also need to factor in development costs, integration with external systems, data storage, and maintenance costs.
So, in short, a basic internal app could cost under $10,000 to deploy. Larger projects with custom workflows and third-party integrations might exceed $50,000.
Can I use Power Apps without a license?
You can get started with Power Apps without a paid license, but there are limitations. Microsoft offers a Power Apps Developer Plan, which is completely free and designed for learning, building, and testing apps. It is best for those who want to explore the platform’s capabilities. However, this plan doesn’t allow you to run apps in a production environment or share them with others.
If you’re using Microsoft 365, you might already have access to Power Apps with basic capabilities. For example, users on Microsoft 365 Business or E3/E5 plans can create and use apps connected to standard data sources, such as SharePoint, Excel, and Outlook.
How much is a premium license for Power Automate?
The Power Automate Premium license costs $15 per user per month and is ideal for those who are looking to automate business processes using advanced features. This plan includes access to premium connectors, cloud flows, attended RPA, process mining, and 5,000 AI Builder credits per month. It also comes with Dataverse storage entitlements, 250 MB for database and 2 GB for file capacity per user.
If your organization needs unattended RPA, which allows a bot to run tasks without human intervention, the Power Automate Process license is available for $150 per bot per month, and it can be shared across multiple users. These premium options scale automation across departments, enabling deeper integration, smarter workflows, and more efficient operations.
Is Microsoft Power Virtual Agents free?
Yes, Microsoft Power Virtual Agents does offer a free version, but with limitations. If your organization already uses Microsoft 365 or Office 365, you can access Power Virtual Agents for Teams at no extra cost. This version allows you to create and deploy chatbots for internal use within Microsoft Teams. It is ideal for handling tasks like HR FAQs, IT support, or employee onboarding. However, if you want to build bots that work outside of Teams, such as on websites, mobile apps, or customer-facing platforms, you’ll need a premium license.
The premium edition starts at $1,000 per tenant per month, which includes 2,000 sessions, and additional sessions can be purchased in blocks. So, while Power Virtual Agents can be free for basic internal use, full-scale, external deployment comes at a cost.
Meet Ahsan, the wordsmith behind some of the most electrifying pieces on app development and business technology. Armed with a keyboard, a cup of coffee, and an insatiable curiosity, Ahsan has spent years exploring the wild and wonderful world of app development and enterprise solutions. Currently working at Trango Tech, an app development company and trusted Dynamics 365 Partner, Ahsan brings his expertise to the forefront. So buckle up, grab a cup of coffee (or tea — we won't judge), and get ready to dive headfirst into the exciting and ever-changing world of technology with Ahsan as your guide.