Microsoft 365 has been the go-to choice for personal and professional productivity tools for many years. It offers many great tools, like Word and Excel, that receive continuous updates, and cloud storage and automatic backups allow you to work across many different devices.
However, the subscription plan can get expensive over time, and with the recent launch of Office 2024, a new one-time-purchase alternative, consumers may have another option to consider. Let’s dive in and see if it’s worth making the switch.
What are the key differences between Microsoft 365 and Office 2024?
Microsoft 365 is a subscription service with multiple pricing plans based on team size. These plans give users access to premium apps that receive frequent updates along with additional services like Teams and OneDrive storage. It’s ideal for users who need to access Office apps on multiple devices and require a cloud-based workflow, especially with tools like Copilot AI, which enhances productivity with smart suggestions.
Office 2024 is a standalone productivity suite that comes with a one-time purchase. It includes the most popular tools in the Microsoft 365 suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Upgrading from the Home Edition to the Home and Business Edition adds Outlook, which is used to manage emails, calendars, and contacts. This edition also grants commercial use rights, making it suitable for small businesses. You can install it on a single machine, but it does not provide access to cloud storage or multi-device use. Nor will it receive updates.
Should you consider Office 2024 instead?
If you prefer a one-time purchase to a subscription, Office 224 can be a good choice, especially if you only need to use it for Word or Excel. It includes all of the essential productivity tools, and you can use them offline.
However, many limitations may push someone who uses these tools at work toward the subscription model. For example, if you’re accustomed to storing files in the cloud, collaborating in real-time, or using the latest AI tools for efficiency, Office 2024 may feel outdated after a few months, and workarounds for the lost features might cost you time and productivity.
Choosing between Microsoft 365 and Office 2024 largely depends on your needs. If you only ever use the apps included with Office 2024 and don’t need email or cloud storage, then Office 2024 can be a great deal, especially if you find it on sale. However, if you use it for work and business, there is a good chance you’ll miss out on some important tools by not choosing Microsoft 365.
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