Can I buy Microsoft Office without a subscription ?

If you are considering using or upgrading Microsoft Office, you are likely to come across Office 2021 and the Microsoft 365 Office apps. This can lead to some confusion and doesn't make choosing easier. While both options provide access to the same apps, the difference lies in the additional benefits that affect 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 have permanent ownership of the product.This standalone version allows installation and updates of the Office apps on a single computer, but does not allow you to upgrade to a newer version. In other words, you can use the apps for their lifetime, which is usually about 8-9 years. After that, you can use the app without further updates.

However, to upgrade from Office 2021 to any subsequent version, you must purchase a new license.

Office 2021 includes essential apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, but only provides access to a limited number of features. Moreover, Office 2021 offers fewer benefits than a Microsoft 365 subscription. For example, 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 2021 package is designed primarily for business customers with volume licenses who are not yet ready to move to the cloud version of Office, or who have specific on-premises application needs. However, this offering is open to everyone. As a home user, this option makes most sense if you prefer a more traditional approach and can afford the initial cost. It is also a good choice if you plan to use the applications on only one device.

If you do not need additional 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 between $150 and $250. Office Home & Student 2021 includes programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, while Office Home & Business 2021 includes Outlook.

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