Office 2021 vs Microsoft 365: Which is Better?

Office 2021 vs Microsoft 365: Which is Better?

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Comparison between Microsoft Office 2021 and Microsoft 365
3. Microsoft Office 2021 Pricing and Features 3.1. Home and Student Version 3.2. Home and Business Version 3.3. Limitations of Office 2021
4. Microsoft 365 Subscription Model 4.1. Pricing and Plans 4.2. Benefits of Microsoft 365
5. Difference in Updates and Features 5.1. Office 2021 Updates 5.2. Microsoft 365 Continuous Updates
6. What's New in Office 2021 6.1. Real-Time Co-Authoring 6.2. Visual Refresh 6.3. Access to Stock Images and Icons 6.4. Auto Save Function 6.5. Updated Draw Tab 6.6. Performance Updates in Excel 6.7. Recording Presentations in PowerPoint 6.8. Enhancements in Outlook and Word 6.9. Microsoft Teams Integration
7. Choosing Between Office 2021 and Microsoft 365
8. Conclusion

Comparison Between Microsoft Office 2021 and Microsoft 365

Microsoft Office is one of the most popular productivity suites used by millions of individuals, students, and businesses worldwide. The release of the brand-new Microsoft Office 2021 has sparked a debate among users about which version to choose: Office 2021 or Microsoft 365. In this article, we will Delve into the differences between the two options, comparing their pricing, features, update models, and new functionalities. Whether You are a casual user, a student, or a professional, understanding these distinctions will help you make an informed decision that suits your needs and requirements.

Microsoft Office 2021 Pricing and Features

Microsoft Office 2021 offers a one-time payment option, providing users with a perpetual or lifetime license to the software. The pricing and features vary between two versions: Home and Student, and Home and Business. The Home and Student version, priced at $150, includes desktop apps for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Additionally, it offers Microsoft Teams, making it an excellent choice for students and casual users.

For those who require advanced functionalities and the inclusion of Microsoft Outlook for their commercial purposes, the Home and Business version is available at a higher price of $250. While Office 2021 has its advantages, it also comes with certain limitations. Users can only install it on one PC, and no feature updates will be provided after the initial purchase. This makes it a suitable option for those who prefer a one-time fee and do not require frequent updates.

Microsoft 365 Subscription Model

On the other HAND, Microsoft 365 operates on a subscription-Based model, requiring users to pay a recurring fee to access its services. Although this is Microsoft's preferred option, it offers several benefits that may justify the ongoing cost. Microsoft 365 provides different plans, including an individual plan priced at $70 per year and a family plan suitable for up to six people at $100 per year.

Subscribing to Microsoft 365 grants users the same desktop apps as Office 2021, along with additional advantages such as up to six terabytes of storage space, ideal for backing up photos and videos. The family plan also includes 60 minutes of international Skype calling, access to apps like Access and Publisher, and many other features and services. One of the significant benefits of Microsoft 365 is its continuous updates, ensuring users receive the latest features and improvements.

Difference in Updates and Features

While Office 2021 provides a one-time set of features, Microsoft 365 receives regular updates and new functionalities as Microsoft continues to invest in the software. The subscription model allows users to benefit from these updates without any additional costs. Microsoft 365 is constantly evolving, with new features being introduced over time, making it a future-proof choice for those who strive to stay up-to-date with the latest capabilities.

In contrast, Office 2021 receives updates on a version-by-version basis, with new releases coming out approximately every two to three years. These updates bundle previously developed features, meaning that none of the functionalities in Office 2021 are unique to the version. However, users can expect a stable and reliable experience with the features included in Office 2021.

What's New in Office 2021

Office 2021 introduces various new features and enhancements across its applications. Real-time co-authoring is now available in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, allowing users to collaborate on the same document simultaneously. A visual refresh aligns the software's appearance with the Windows 11 design language, featuring rounded windows, a neutral color palette, and an overall softer look. Users also gain access to stock images and icons, providing a wide range of visual elements to enhance their documents.

Another notable addition is the auto-save function, relieving users of the constant need to manually save their work. In Excel, additional functions like XLOOKUP and dynamic arrays simplify data management and analysis. PowerPoint now enables users to Record presentations with video and audio, enhancing the overall presentation experience. Outlook includes Instant message search capabilities, while Word introduces Line Focus, which aids reading by focusing on one line at a time. Lastly, Microsoft Teams is now bundled together with Office, eliminating the need for a separate download.

Choosing Between Office 2021 and Microsoft 365

Deciding between Office 2021 and Microsoft 365 depends on various factors, including your budget, usage requirements, and preference for updates. If you prefer a one-time fee and do not rely heavily on the latest features, Office 2021 may be the suitable choice. On the other hand, if you desire continuous updates, access to additional services, and ample storage space, along with the latest functionality, Microsoft 365 offers a more comprehensive and future-proof option.

In conclusion, both options have their merits, and the decision ultimately rests on individual needs and preferences. By understanding the differences between Microsoft Office 2021 and Microsoft 365, users can make an informed choice that aligns with their personal or professional requirements.

Highlights

• Microsoft Office 2021 and Microsoft 365 are two versions of the popular productivity suite.
• Office 2021 offers a one-time payment option with limited features and no updates.
• Microsoft 365 operates on a subscription model, providing continuous updates and additional services.
• Microsoft 365 includes advantages like ample storage space, access to additional apps, and international Skype calling.
• Office 2021 focuses on stability and reliability, while Microsoft 365 ensures access to the latest features.
• The choice between the two depends on budget, usage requirements, and preference for updates.