Office 2021 vs Office 2024 – Which version should you choose?
If you want to buy Microsoft Office één time without a subscription, you’ll quickly end up with two versions: Office Professional Plus 2021 and Office Professional Plus 2024. They are very similar, both cost a fraction of the retail price and run on your own Windows PC. Yet there are a number of differences that determine which version is the best choice for you.
In this guide we place both versions side by side honestly — apps, price, support and future‑proofing — so you can make the right decision in one go.
Note: this article compares two éénmalige Office versions. Are you still unsure between éénmalig buying and a Microsoft 365 subscription? Read first Office 365 vs Office 2024 ‗ what is the difference?
What do Office 2021 and Office 2024 have in common?
Before we discuss the differences, first the similarities, which are many:
- Éénmalige aankoop. You pay één time and use the software as long as your PC lasts. No annual invoices, no automatic renewals.
- Windows only. Both versions work on Windows 10 (Home or Pro) and Windows 11 (Home or Pro). For a Mac you need a different edition — see our Office for Mac guide.
- Locally geïnstalleerd, no mandatory cloud. You work on your own drive, without having to store anything in OneDrive.
- Original, legal license. In both cases you receive a genuine Microsoft product key.
Briefly: in terms of concept they are identical. The difference lies in the apps, the price, and how long Microsoft continues to support the version.
What is included in each package?
Both packages are the “Professional Plus” edition — the full suite. The core is the same:
- Office Professional Plus 2021 — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher — and Access.
- Office Professional Plus 2024 — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote én Access.
The main difference in content: Office 2024 no longer includes Publisher. Microsoft has phased out Publisher, so the newest éénmalige version does not include that app any longer. If you still actively use Publisher for newsletters, flyers or simple layout, then Office 2021 is the last éénmalige version that still contains Publisher.
Office 2024 stands opposite as the most modern version: a refreshed interface in line with the rest of Office, performance improvements and the latest features in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. For daily office work, documents, spreadsheets, presentations and email both versions do exactly what you expect.
The biggest difference: support and future
This is the decisive factor for most people.
Office 2021 is approaching the end of its support period. Microsoft provides security updates for Office 2021 until October 2026. After that, support ends: you can continue using the software, but you will no longer receive security updates.
Office 2024 has a fresh support period of about five years (until around 2029). If you buy now, you'll be good for years with security updates.
In other words: Office 2021 is mainly interesting if you deliberately choose the lowest price or need Publisher, whereas Office 2024 is the most future‑proof choice.
What does it cost at LicentiePromo?
| Office 2021 Professional Plus | Office 2024 Professional Plus | |
| Price (1 PC) | €29,99 | €34,90 |
| Pricing model | One-time | One-time |
| Works on | Windows 10 / 11 | Windows 10 / 11 |
| Apps | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access |
| Publisher included | Yes | No |
| Security updates until | ± October 2026 | ± 2029 |
| Best for | Lowest price or those who need Publisher | Who wants the newest and longest supported |
Prices valid at the time of writing (May 2026). Both versions are also available in editions for multiple pc’s.
Which version suits you?
Choose Office 2021 (€29,99) if:
- you are looking for the lowest price for a full, legal Office suite;
- you still use Publisher;
- you mainly do classic work (Word, Excel, mail) and the newest features don't interest you;
- you have no issue with the support ending in 2026.
Choose Office 2024 (€34,90) if:
- you want the newest package with the longest support;
- you want to use your PC for years without worrying about updates;
- you want the most modern interface and the latest features;
- the price difference of a few euros is not a deciding factor for you.
For most people buying new today, Office 2024 is the most logical choice — just because the support for 2021 is ending soon. Those who really watch the small details or need Publisher are perfectly fine with 2021.
Ready to choose?
→ View Office 2021 Professional Plus — one‑time €29,99
→ View Office 2024 Professional Plus — one‑time €34,90
Not sure which version fits your PC and usage? Mail [email protected] — our customer service usually replies within a few hours.