Can I buy Microsoft Office without having to take out a subscription?

If you are considering using or upgrading Microsoft Office, you will likely come Office 2021 and the Microsoft 365 Office apps. This can lead to some confusion and does not make choosing any easier. Although both options offer access to the same apps, the difference lies in the additional benefits that influence the cost.

Do you need a subscription for Microsoft Office 2021? Microsoft Office 2021 is a standalone version of the app suite that does not require a subscription. This means that with a one-time purchase, you are the permanent owner of the product. This standalone version allows for the installation and updates of the Office apps on one computer, but does not offer the option to upgrade to a newer version. In other words, you can use the apps for their lifespan, which is usually about 8-9 years. After that, you can use the app without further updates.

However, to upgrade from Office 2021 to a potential next version, you must purchase a new license.

Office 2021 includes essential apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, but offers access to only a limited number of features. Furthermore, Office 2021 fewer benefits than a Microsoft 365 subscription. For instance, it lacks cloud- and AI-based features and other services such as the premium version of “Outlook.com”, 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage, and free monthly Skype credits for landline calls.

Who should buy Office 2021 ?

The Office 2021package was primarily developed for business customers with volume licensing who are not yet ready to switch to the cloud version of Office, or who have specific on-premise application needs. However, this offer is open to everyone. As a home user, this option makes particular sense if you prefer a more traditional approach and can bear the initial costs. It is also a good choice if you plan to use the applications on only one device.

If you do not need extra features or are not yet ready to switch to a Microsoft 365 subscription, this is a suitable choice.

There are two versions available for Microsoft Office 2021: Office Home & Student 2021 and Office Professional 2021, with prices usually ranging between €150 and €250. Office Home & Student 2021 includes programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, while Office Home & Business 2021 also includes Outlook.

Office 2021 is supported by Windows 10 or Windows 11 and three recent versions of macOS, a change from previous releases. A Microsoft 365 subscription is required to use Office on Windows 7 or 8.1.