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Office Suites vs Microsoft 365 - What are the differences?
Office Suites vs Microsoft 365 - What are the differences?
Updated over 8 months ago

Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft 365 are both developed by Microsoft, but there is a key difference between the two. Office Suite follows a one-time purchase model, allowing you to own the software indefinitely, while Microsoft 365 is subscription-based, requiring monthly or yearly payments for continued access.

Office Suite is an excellent option for those seeking reliable and robust word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation tools. It includes well-established programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, trusted and utilized by millions worldwide.

One of the major advantages of Office Suite is that it grants full control over the software. As a true owner, you can use it indefinitely without needing a subscription, eliminating concerns about losing document access due to an expired subscription. Office Suite is also ideal for users who don't require Microsoft 365's additional features, as many may not need collaboration or automation platforms.

At the same time, Office Suite provides advanced features for those who require them, such as Excel macro building, integration with other programs, and real-time collaboration capabilities.

If you're seeking dependable and powerful word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation tools with complete control over the software, Office Suite is the right choice. It equips you with everything needed to create professional documents and collaborate with others without burdening you with unnecessary features or costs.

We recommend Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus (PC) as a future-proof and stable package that includes all the Office programs you may need! Learn more here.

For our valued Mac users, we recommend Microsoft Office 2021 Home & Business (MAC). Learn more here.

Features of Microsoft 365 not available in Office Suite

Microsoft 365 offers a range of extra features that are not available in the Office suite. Here are some of the most important ones:

  • OneDrive: OneDrive is a cloud service that enables you to store and synchronize your files, allowing access from any device with an internet connection.

  • Exchange Online: This email service, included in Microsoft 365, lets you create professional email addresses and manage your email.

  • SharePoint Online: A collaboration and document management platform, SharePoint Online allows you to create and share websites, document libraries, lists, and other content with users.

  • Power BI: As a data analysis and visualization tool, Power BI enables you to create interactive reports and charts using your data.

  • Power Automate: This workflow automation tool helps you create automated flows to manage tasks and data collection.

  • PowerApps: PowerApps allows you to create and deploy mobile and web-based apps for various uses, including business processes, projects, and customer service.

However, if you don't require Microsoft 365's extra features and prefer owning the software indefinitely, the Office suite is a better choice. Office 2021, the latest Office suite, offers a range of enhancements and new features that simplify your tasks.

Thus, if you seek a cost-effective and flexible option to manage your business and personal documents, the Office suite is the ideal choice for you.


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