Office 365 vs Office 2021 – Which One Should You Choose?

Office 365 vs Office 2021 – Which One Should You Choose?
Deciding between Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) and Office 2021 can be confusing. While both provide access to core Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, they offer different pricing models, feature sets, and update policies. Your choice depends on your needs, budget, and whether you prefer a one-time purchase or a subscription service.

This guide will compare the key differences between the two to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Core Differences
Feature Microsoft 365 Office 2021 (One-Time Purchase)
Pricing Model Subscription-based (monthly or annually) One-time, perpetual purchase
Updates & Features Continuous updates with new features No feature updates; only security patches
Cloud Services Includes 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage per user, Skype minutes No cloud storage included
Device Support Can be installed on up to 5 PCs/Macs, 5 tablets, and 5 phones per user Can be installed on a single PC or Mac
Core Apps Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher (PC), Access (PC) Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook (some versions)
Additional Apps Teams, Exchange, SharePoint, and other business apps in some plans Does not include additional online services

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Key Pros and Cons
Microsoft 365 (Subscription)
Pros:

Always Up-to-Date: You always have the latest versions of the Office applications with new features and security updates.

Cloud Integration: Deep integration with OneDrive, allowing for easy file sharing, collaboration, and syncing across devices.

Flexibility: Can be installed on multiple devices, making it great for users who work on more than one computer.

Additional Services: Includes access to premium features, advanced security, and tools like Teams and Exchange Online.

Cons:

Recurring Cost: You have to pay a recurring subscription fee, which can be more expensive over time than a one-time purchase.

Internet Dependency: While you can use the apps offline, many of the premium features and cloud services require an internet connection.

Office 2021 (One-Time Purchase)
Pros:

One-Time Cost: You pay a single price and own the software license forever.

No Recurring Fees: Ideal for users who do not want a subscription model.

Offline Use: Works perfectly well without a continuous internet connection.

Cons:

No Feature Updates: You do not receive new features or app upgrades. To get new features, you must buy the next version of Office.

Limited Devices: The license is typically for a single PC or Mac, limiting flexibility.

No Cloud Services: It does not include OneDrive storage, Skype minutes, or other subscription-based cloud services.

Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Microsoft 365 if:

You want the latest features and updates as soon as they are released.

You use Office on multiple devices (PC, Mac, tablet, phone).

You need cloud storage (1 TB of OneDrive) and advanced online services.

You prefer a predictable, ongoing cost for your software.

Choose Office 2021 if:

You prefer a one-time, perpetual purchase with no recurring fees.

You only need the basic Office applications and don’t require the latest features.

You primarily use Office on a single computer.

You don’t need cloud storage or advanced collaboration tools.

Çözüm
Both Microsoft 365 and Office 2021 are excellent productivity suites, but they cater to different user needs. Microsoft 365 is the best choice for users who want the latest features, cloud integration, and cross-device flexibility, while Office 2021 is the ideal option for users who prefer a single-payment model and primarily work on one device.