Office Software Jul 01, 2025 1826 views

Microsoft Office 365 vs Office 2021: Complete Comparison

Detailed comparison between Office 365 subscription and Office 2021 one-time purchase options

Microsoft Office 365 vs Office 2021: Complete Comparison

Choosing between Office 365 and Office 2021 depends on your specific needs and preferences. Office 365 (Microsoft 365) Advantages: • Always up-to-date with latest features • 1TB OneDrive cloud storage included • Works on multiple devices (PC, Mac, mobile) • Real-time collaboration features • Advanced AI-powered features • Regular security updates • Access to web versions of apps Office 2021 Advantages: • One-time purchase, no subscription • Offline functionality • Stable feature set • Lower long-term cost for basic users • No internet required for activation after initial setup Feature Comparison: • Word: Both include advanced editing, but 365 has real-time co-authoring • Excel: 365 includes Power Query and advanced analytics • PowerPoint: 365 has Designer and Presenter Coach • Outlook: 365 includes advanced email management Cost Analysis: • Office 2021: $249.99 one-time payment • Office 365: $69.99/year or $6.99/month Recommendation: Choose Office 365 if you need cloud storage, regular updates, and collaboration features. Choose Office 2021 if you prefer one-time purchases and don't need cloud features.