Office 2021 vs Microsoft 365: What's the Difference & What's New?

When it comes to crafting beautiful presentations, crunching numbers in spreadsheets, and typing up important documents, Microsoft Office has been the go-to software suite for years. With the recent release of Microsoft Office 2021, many are wondering what the difference is between this new version and Microsoft 365, the subscription-based office software package. In this blog post, we'll break down the main differences in price and features, discuss what's new in Office 2021, and help you decide which option is best for your needs.

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Price: One-time Fee vs Subscription

One of the main differences between Office 2021 and Microsoft 365 is the pricing structure. Office 2021 offers a one-time fee, giving you a perpetual or lifetime license. Once you've purchased Office 2021, you won't have to pay Microsoft again, even if you're still using it years down the line. On the other hand, Microsoft 365 operates on a subscription basis, requiring ongoing monthly or annual payments to continue using the software suite.

Office 2021 Pricing

Office 2021 has two main versions: Home & Student and Home & Business.

- Home & Student: For a $150 one-time payment, you get desktop apps for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Microsoft Teams.

- Home & Business: For $250, you receive everything in Home & Student, plus Microsoft Outlook and commercial use rights.

However, it's important to note that Office 2021 only allows for installation on one PC, so if you have multiple devices, you'll need to purchase additional licenses.

Microsoft 365 Subscription Pricing

Microsoft 365 offers various subscription plans based on individual or business needs. For individuals and families, prices range from $6.99/month for a single user to $9.99/month for up to six users. Business plans start at $5/user/month and go up to $20/user/month for premium features.

Microsoft 365 users receive access to desktop apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Teams, as well as additional features like 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage and advanced security options.

Features: Office 2021 vs Microsoft 365

Microsoft wants to encourage more users to opt for the Microsoft 365 subscription, so there are some key features not included in Office 2021.

Office 2021 Features & Limitations

With Office 2021, you get the core desktop apps and a lifetime license. However, the suite does not include some of the additional features available with Microsoft 365, such as:

- Regular updates that deliver new features, security improvements, and bug fixes.

- 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage.

- Mobile apps for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

- Premium Office templates and creative content.

- Advanced security features.

- Live customer support.

Microsoft 365 Extra Features & Perks

By choosing Microsoft 365, you'll have access to a regularly updated and feature-rich environment. Some of the extra features and perks include:

- 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage per person, making it easy to access and share your files from anywhere.

- The option to install Office apps on multiple devices, such as PCs, Macs, tablets or smartphones.

- Regular updates to ensure you always have the latest features, security improvements, and bug fixes.

- Access to premium templates, fonts, and creative content within the Office apps.

- Advanced security features, such as password-protected file sharing and email encryption options.

- Live customer support from Microsoft specialists.

What's New in Office 2021

While Office 2021 may not have all the bells and whistles of Microsoft 365, there are still some new features and enhancements to look forward to, including:

- Line Focus in Word, which helps you concentrate on one line at a time while reading documents.

- XLOOKUP in Excel, a powerful new formula for searching and retrieving data.

- Dynamic Arrays in Excel, which make it easier to work with multiple data sets.

- Slide show enhancements in PowerPoint, such as improved video playback and the ability to record and transcribe live presentations.

- New data types in Excel, enabling you to work seamlessly with stock quotes, geographic data, and more.

Making Your Choice: Office 2021 vs Microsoft 365

Ultimately, the choice between Office 2021 and Microsoft 365 will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Office 2021 may be the better choice for those who prefer a one-time payment and don't require all the additional features of Microsoft 365. However, if you need more advanced features, ongoing updates, and the ability to use Office apps on multiple devices, Microsoft 365 may be worth the subscription cost.

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