Office 2021 Vs. Office 2019 Vs. Microsoft 365: A Complete Comparison Guide

Many Office users are wondering what Office 2021 is and how it differs from Office 365 and the previous Office 2019. The answer to this question lies in the comparison of these three products.

Office 365, for example, offers a monthly or yearly payment plan that unlocks all Office applications and services including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and more. On the other hand, Office 2019 is an upgrade from previous editions of Office 2016 at a lower price point with fewer features than both Microsoft 365 and Office 2021. 

Microsoft has not yet revealed every detail about their newest product: Office 2021. However, we do know that it will be available as a standalone version beginning on October 5th 2021 following the release of Windows 11. We've also seen most of its features, the license model, and possible cost.

Let's see how the three versions compare, shall we?

What is Office 2019?

Microsoft Office 2019 is one of the standalone, local versions of the Microsoft Office software suite — including applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. You make a one time purchase that allows you to keep on using your apps for life. It's been designed this way in order to make the suite more affordable for customers like students, small businesses, and home-users. You'll also have permanent access to your apps even after uninstalling.

Office 2019 comes in various different editions, some of which offer more advanced apps like Access and Project for PC.

A downside to this suite is the lack of updates. Every app included is the 2019 version, meaning that you won’t get access to newer updates and features released in later years. Office 2019 will continue to be updated with important fixes and security patches, but no new features.

To get the latest version of Office, you must purchase it again when a new update release becomes available like 2021 or switch to Microsoft 365.

What is Office 2021?

The Office 2021 is the new version of Microsoft's Office productivity suite. It runs on what they call a "perpetual license" that can be used indefinitely without monthly invoices, with feature updates and security patches supported for five years at current prices — no changes there!

The new suite was announced earlier in 2021 when we learned more about its features such as tighter integration between Skype for Business meetings (with enhanced video chat) plus improved accessibility tools like new text-to-speech voices on Mac, as well as a complete visual overhaul.

Pricing has not changed from the last suite, so don't miss this opportunity if you're looking forward to upgrading or saving some money on long term expenses.

What is Microsoft 365?

Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service previously known as Office 365. The suite includes all of Microsoft's popular office applications for work or school purposes. The catch to this deal is other services enabled over the internet, including extra cloud storage on OneDrive, real-time collaboration and free Skype minutes.

To some people, choosing this over the previously mentioned perpetual suites is a no-brainer. But you must keep in mind that the subscription fee has to be paid even if you end up not using your Office apps. However, all Microsoft 365 plans are available as both a monthly or annual subscription and include 5 device installs. It’s easy to find one for your budget.

Other than online features and cloud-storage, you also get updates to all of your Office apps at no additional costs. Each Microsoft 365 subscriber gets the latest, most up-to-date versions of every app with the added option to downgrade.

Office 2021 vs. Office 2019

The two latest versions of Microsoft Office are quite similar: they offer the same applications in their respective editions with one exception – pricing! The earlier release comes at a more affordable price point than its successor while still offering essential functions found within the Office apps.

Office 2021 offers many new features that may be essential for some people. For example, it has much better and faster performance as well as accessibility updates and exciting additions within each application.

It's always a tough decision when deciding between two similar products. In the case of Office 2019 vs Office 2021, it all comes down to what you need. If you're looking for just basic app access and don't plan on using any more advanced features, then the 2019 suite might be perfect for your needs! With prices dropping at retailers soon, it’s the most affordable option.

If you're looking to stay ahead of the game, Office 2021 is your best option. It includes all latest features and improvements as well extended support that will keep you secure for years down come.

Office 2021 vs. Office LTSC

What you might not know about the newest Office 2021 is that it comes in two different forms: the regular suite and Office LTSC which is specifically marketed for businesses.

Office LTSC is the version of Office 2021 designed for businesses. "LTSC" stands for Long Term Service Channel and was specifically created so that it can be used on static systems, such as those without access to an internet connection or one which doesn’t change over time.

Office LTSC is an all-inclusive pack that provides the Microsoft Office apps without any cloud connected features. Starting with 10 years of support, customers can choose how they want their updates or even skip them altogether in order to maintain what's on a computer.

Office 2021 vs. Microsoft 365

The newest release, Microsoft Office 2021, is designed for users who want to avoid the hassle and cost associated with subscribing exclusively to cloud-powered services. Similar in function, but not nearly as robust or versatile as Microsoft 365; however this program does come at an affordable price point.

Another major difference is that Office 2021 is yours to keep indefinitely with a one-time purchase. For Microsoft 365, you'll need a subscription and won't have your apps if your plan hasn’t been  paid.

To compensate for the subscription model, Microsoft 365 offers access to more than just the classic apps (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). You get to use all Office apps and Skype for Business, and get 1TB of OneDrive storage included with any plan you choose.

The last major difference is Microsoft 365’s regular updates. They're not just security patches and bug fixes — instead, you’ll get the latest version of every Office app without having to purchase the suite again! This makes opting for a Microsoft 365 subscription much more worthwhile than using the standalone Office 2021 suite if you work with Office long-term.

Office 2019 vs. Microsoft 365

For several years, Office 2019 and Microsoft 365 (known as Office 365 at the time) competed against each other on the market the same way Office 2021 does now.

The differences between the two options are the same — Office 2019 is a predefined one-time purchase with no regular updates (other than the mentioned security patches and bug fixes) while Microsoft 365 lets you use the latest versions of all apps in the suite. The only dealbreaker here is the price.

If you’ve already decided that you’ll stick to a perpetual license, but don’t want the latest version of every app in your arsenal, it might be more beneficial for you to choose Office 2019 as opposed to the new Office 2021. Because the former suite is quite dated now, the costs on most retailer websites will drop once Office 2021 hits the market.

This makes Office 2019 the cheapest suite you can get that’s still relatively up-to-date with features and support.

Office product comparison

The differences between the three currently available Microsoft Office suites are highlighted in the following table. To better understand which suite is best for you, take a look at these comparisons and see if any cater to your needs!

The comparisons above help visualize some key differences among three popular Office suites from Microsoft. All prices are shown from the SoftwareKeep store.

What’s new in Office 2021

Microsoft Office is a great tool to have, but if you don't want the monthly fee of $10-$100 per user for an app like Word or Excel, consider getting what's known as the latest "perpetual" version. The current 2021 release date is October 5th, but we already have tons of new features to look forward to when decision-making about which suite to purchase!

Here are some really exciting features already revealed to be coming with Office 2021 this year for Windows and macOS operating systems:

• Advanced color picker. If you are still converting your colors into RGB values, there's no need to worry anymore. This new input field in the Colors dialog will take care of everything for you!
  New in: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Visio, Access, Project
• Microsoft Search. When you need help with something specific, use the new Microsoft Search. Just type in any supported Office app and the new search box will find what you need, and offer additional help!
  New in: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote
• New stock media. Express yourself with the Office Premium Creative Content, a curated library of stock images and more that Microsoft constantly adds.
  New in: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio
• Visual refresh. A modernized Start experience and new tabs. Experience a clean, clear style with monoline iconography that communicates action and features using simple visuals.
  New in: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Performance improvements. The latest versions make your Office 2021 programs run faster, more stable and smoother than ever before!
  New in: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Revamped Draw tab. Simplify how you work with digital ink using new Draw tab additions: Point Eraser, Ruler and Lasso. Now all your inking tools are right at hand!
  New in: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Sketched style outline. Give your documents that personal, hand-drawn feel. Give shapes an outlined and graphic look which makes them more natural looking.
  New in: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Support for OpenDocument format. Microsoft has added support for the OpenDocument format (ODF) 1.3, which was recently released and makes it easier to use many new features in your documents!
  New in: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Advanced page color support. Immersive Reader allows users to easily select a page color. The 4x5 color picker will help you keep your eye strain at an arm's length by making it easier for scanning text!
  New in: Word (Mac only)
• New, natural text-to-speech voices. The “Read Aloud” button in Immersive Reader offers more human sounding options when traditional automation just won't do.
  New in: Word (Mac only)
• Dynamic Arrays, XLOOKUP, XMATCH and LET functions. Many new features and functions are coming to Excel to enhance your spreadsheeting experience. Look up data easier, use dynamic ranges, and more!
  New in: Excel
• Slideshow recorder. Perfect recording for your presentation with just a few clicks of the mouse. The PowerPoint now supports presenter video, ink writing and laser pointer while recording!
  New in: PowerPoint
• Ink replay. Replay your ink strokes as they were drawn to illustrate things step by step or show a thought process.
  New in: PowerPoint
• New stencils and shapes. Expanded library with new stencils and shapes to use for planning infrastructures, layouts, and more!
  New in: Visio
• Date/Time Extended data type. To help you more easily and accurately keep track of the dates and times, SQL DateTime2 data type has been implemented.
  New in: Access (PC only)

Which Office product is the best for you?

When it comes to choosing which version of Office will be best for your needs budget-wise, there are a few things that should factor in. For example, the cost per year of 1.5 and 10 years may differ depending on where you live. Because of this, we ran some calculations and our experts have found the following data.

Do you need Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on 1 device?

If you said “yes,” the Microsoft 365 plan has the best value for one year of use. 

However, if you’re planning on using your suite for the upcoming 5-10 years, it might be better to invest in Office 2021 for the extended support and updates for the upcoming years, as it is a fresh release.

If you don’t care about updates and simply want the best price, we recommend Office 2019 Home & Student.

Do you need Outlook, but only on 1 device?

In addition to the classic Office apps, Microsoft 365 also offers Outlook and is the best value for one year of use. It remains as the best bang for your buck deal if you’re not looking to use advanced apps but need access to this excellent email client.

Office 2019 Home & Business has the best value for a long 5-10 years of use, if you require Outlook but plan to only use your Office apps on one device.

Do you need other Office apps, such as Publisher and Access?

Microsoft 365 is the best option at almost all time intervals. If you need to use advanced apps from the Office suite, opting in for a subscription may save you money. However, five years later, the total of your Microsoft 365 subscription is going to accommodate.

If you plan on using your suite long-term, purchasing Office 2019 Professional is your best bet. You can also wait and see how much Office 2021’s take on the professional edition will cost.

Do you need collaborative features, cloud storage and OneDrive storage?

Go with Microsoft 365. The subscription-based service is the only suite Microsoft has released with real-time collaboration and many cloud features such as saving to the cloud, file synchronization across your devices, and much more.

Do you work in a largely on-premises business?

There’s no shame in not being ready for the cloud. If you’re a business owner with a very specific need for on-premises or hybrid software deployment, Office 2019 Professional is most likely the best option for you.

For large volume license buyers, Office 2019 is also the best option. It has an edge over other options, as it can run on a desktop and doesn't require any online access or additional installations. It also has some flexibility with the license, offering Open License and Open Academic options for eligible organizations.

Are you a student or home user?

To make the best suggestion for you, we need to break this category down further.

• A Microsoft 365 subscription is always going to be the best if you’re looking to collaborate during a single school year.
• Purchasing Office 2019 Home & Student is the most affordable solution to get access to the essential Office apps for school or home.

You may want to hold your horses and wait for the release of Office 2021, too. We predict that the new and improved applications will bring many benefits to your academic life and home life, which may make the new suite the best option for you, depending on the price.

Final thoughts

We hope this article has helped you better understand the three main versions of Microsoft Office and their features. If you still need help choosing the best suite for you, contact us for a 1-on-1 session with our experts! We have plenty more articles in our Blog that can give you a hand with all your questions, too.

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