Difference Between Microsoft Office and Office 365: What You Need to Know

When you’re staring at different versions of Microsoft Office, it can feel like you’re in a maze. Microsoft Office 2021 is a one-time purchase, while Microsoft 365 is a subscription. We often get asked which one is better, and the answer really depends on your needs.

With Office 2021, you pay once and it’s yours, no strings attached. It’s like buying a book from a store—simple and straightforward. On the flip side, Microsoft 365 is like a library card with endless renewals. You pay a monthly or yearly fee and always get the latest updates and features.

Let’s break this down clearly:

Choosing between the two can be tough, but by the end of this, you’ll know which is best for you. Let’s dive in!

Difference Between Microsoft Office And Office 365

When it comes to choosing between Microsoft Office and Office 365, we’re often asked: “What’s the main difference?”

Microsoft Office comes in editions like Office 2019 and Office 2021. You buy it once, and it’s yours for as long as your computer lasts. This is great if you don’t like monthly bills.

On the other hand, Office 365 (now called Microsoft 365) is a subscription service. This means we pay monthly or yearly. It includes the same apps, like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, but we also get some extras.

Key Differences:

With Office 2021 or Office 2019, we don’t get the latest features, but it’s a one-time deal. For those of us who like predictable, steady tools, it’s a safe bet.

Meanwhile, Office 365 includes all the apps from Microsoft Office but also offers cloud storage with OneDrive, which means we can access our work from anywhere. It’s like having an ever-expanding toolbox.

Microsoft 365 is great if we like getting new features without needing to buy a new version. Plus, it works on multiple devices, which is handy. 🖥️📱

So, it really comes down to our needs. Do we prefer a one-time purchase and sticking with it, or do we like the idea of regular updates and more flexibility?

Features Of Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office is a bunch of different tools we use a lot. Each has its own thing:

Word

Microsoft Word lets us write documents. It’s great for school projects, reports, and even letters. We can format text, add pictures, and more.

Excel

Excel is all about spreadsheets. We use it for budgets, tracking data, and creating charts. It helps us understand numbers better.

PowerPoint

PowerPoint makes slideshows. We use it for class presentations or business meetings. Adding images, graphs, and videos is easy.

Office Apps

The Office suite has other apps like OneNote for taking notes and Outlook for emails and calendars.

Office Online

We can use Office Online to work from anywhere. It’s like using the apps, but on the web. Handy for quick edits.

Whether for personal use, small business, or a family project, Microsoft Office has tools we rely on every day.

Distinct Features Of Office 365

Office 365 stands out, primarily because of its subscription model. We pay monthly or yearly and always get the latest features. No more buying a new version every few years.

There are different plans like Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family. Personal is perfect for individuals, while Family lets us share with up to six family members.

Our favorite feature might be the cloud storage. We get 1TB of OneDrive storage. This means our files are safe and accessible from anywhere. Plus, we love the ability to collaborate in real-time using SharePoint and Microsoft Teams.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the differences:

Office 365 also gives us access to Outlook, Teams, Exchange, and SharePoint. These apps help us stay organized and connected. We can schedule meetings, chat, and share documents effortlessly.

For businesses, Office 365 E3 and Microsoft 365 E5 offer advanced features like security and compliance tools. They also include Enterprise Mobility + Security to keep our data safe.

Smaller businesses have options like Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Microsoft 365 Apps for Business, and Microsoft 365 Business Premium. These plans offer flexibility and essential tools for day-to-day tasks.

By using Office 365, we stay up-to-date with the latest features and get technical support whenever we need it. Plus, the ability to use online and mobile apps means we can work from almost anywhere. 😎

Cost Comparison

Let’s break down the cost differences between Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365.

First, Microsoft Office comes as a one-time purchase. You pay a single cost up front. The basic Office 2019 or upcoming Office 2021 starts at $150. More advanced packages like Office Home and Business bundle, which includes Outlook, costs around $250.

Now, let’s talk about upgrades. Buying Microsoft Office means you don’t get free upgrades. To jump to the next major version, you’ll have to pay full price again.

On the other hand, Microsoft 365 operates on a subscription model. Prices can vary based on the plan you pick. Here’s a quick look:

One of the perks of subscribing to Microsoft 365 is that you’ll always have the latest updates and features. No more worrying about paying full price for every new edition.

When we talk about volume licensing, Microsoft offers flexible options for businesses. This can reduce per-user costs if you need many licenses. The flexibility and scalable options make Microsoft 365 appealing to both families and businesses.

In terms of what’s included, Microsoft 365 has some added features like 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage per user, and advanced security tools. For those trying to decide between a one-time purchase or a subscription, it often comes down to whether you prefer paying once upfront or spreading the cost over time.

So, it boils down to what works best for your needs and budget!