If you are new to the suite of apps or Microsoft Office, you'll find two products, including Microsoft Office 2021 and Microsoft 365, making the decision a little more complicated. Although these offers give you access to similar apps, the difference comes down to the list of benefits and prices.
Microsoft Office 2021
Microsoft Office 2021 is a standalone version of the apps that you can own forever after a one-time purchase. The standalone version of Office (also called the "permanent" or "on-premises" version) will allow you to install and update apps on a single computer. You can't upgrade to the next version.
Microsoft Office 2021 comes with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook (only on the Professional edition) but has a limited range of features and doesn't have the same benefits as a Microsoft 365 subscription plan. For example, you won't get cloud and AI-based features or services like the premium version of "outlook.com" and 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage.
Another benefit of Microsoft Office 2021 is you continue to use apps without an internet connection. Although you can use apps with a Microsoft 365 subscription plan without a connection, you need to be connected to the Internet every 31 days to reactivate. Otherwise, applications switch to reduced functionality mode, letting you view and print documents only.
Pros:
- One payment
- Core apps installed
- Classic experience
- Security update
- Windows 11, 10, macOS Support
Cons:
- One device license
- Limited range of facilities
- No update
- No customer support
- No support for older windows
Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 (previously Office 365) is the name of the subscription version of the service that, in addition to the benefits of the previous marketing name, offers the same number of applications available as Microsoft Office 2021. The only difference is you'll get many more benefits.
Since it's a subscription plan-based service, you'll pay every month (or every year) to use apps like Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access, and others on all of your devices (desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets). But that is as long as only 5 devices access the account simultaneously.
Plus, if you spend on a family subscription, you can share an account with up to 5 extra users for up to 6 people using the subscription plan.
The most important benefit is you never have to think about upgrading again. You'll always be on the latest version when you install Office apps from Microsoft 365. Once apps are installed, they will automatically get security and maintenance updates, improvements, and new features.
The service gives you access to cloud-based features to improve productivity at school, in the office, and across devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android). Everyone in the plan gets 1TB of OneDrive storage (up to 6TB with a family subscription) and Skype minutes. The subscription also includes phone and chat support to resolve any app issues.
When you have many photos and videos in addition to the existing 1TB of cloud storage, you can buy up to 1TB of extra OneDrive storage in 200GB increments for an extra $1.99 per month, doubling the total storage capacity to 2TB for $9.99 per month. The choices are available for Microsoft 365 Family and Personal members. But only the primary account holder gets the extra storage if you have a family subscription plan.
Pros:
- Account share of 6 people
- All apps access
- Free upgrade
- Customer support
- Windows 11, 10, macOS Support
Cons:
- Monthly/Annual payment
- Regular change
- Unnecessary price
- Active internet for all facilities
Which is Better: Microsoft 365 Vs. Microsoft Office 2021
The decision will come down to the apps and services you need from Microsoft. If you plan to use Office for many years, Microsoft 365 is the best option. The reason is that with a subscription, you'll have full access to apps and benefits at a low cost of ownership.
Get more and stay productive with the new features
Microsoft 365 gives you access to all Office apps and additional features, like 1TB of OneDrive, Outlook Premium, and cloud-based features. Also, you can install Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other apps on up to 6 devices, and you can share subscription plans with others (using the family plan), and they can use the service on up to 5 devices at the same time.
Pay once and use it forever
Microsoft Office 2021 has popular apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, with all the necessary features to complete the job.
Conclusion
For individuals who need access to Microsoft's suite of Office applications on a personal level, Microsoft Office 2021 offers a viable solution at a discounted cost. But the focus should be shifted elsewhere for businesses wanting to reduce technical prices. Leaving a cloud-based Microsoft 365 subscription plan, customers give up the ability to collaborate in real-time, get automatic software updates, benefit from AI-powered automation, and protect their networks.
