In this article we’ll cover the differences between the MS Office versions that are currently available and even a few free versions of Office. Hopefully we will uncover which version of Microsoft Office is right for you.
Disclaimer: This article is aimed at personal and home users of Office products only. The business and enterprise solutions will be discussed in a separate article.
The first thing to take note of when choosing which Version of Microsoft Office is right for you is that all current versions of MS Office are no longer available to purchase on a physical CD / DVD. You’ll have to download the software and install it. You will still need to buy the license. You can purchase this at your local computer store or online or directly from Microsoft. License keys that you buy in a physical store will come in small box that contains a business card-sized card with your license key printed on it.
For license keys bought online, the key is mailed to you once you’ve made your purchase. Microsoft purchases will store the license key in your Microsoft account. A Microsoft is a requirement when purchasing any software products from Microsoft. Always remember to keep you license keys in a safe place in case you ever need to reload you computer.
Take note that when installing MS Office, you’ll need to login to or create a Microsoft account. This is the way that Microsoft now keeps track of your purchases.
Microsoft Office 2021
This is the “traditional” way that Office was sold in the past. Once you’ve purchased the product, its yours. There are no additional charges or monthly subscriptions fees. It’s a “pay once and it’s yours forever” package deal.
The down side to this is that you also wont receive any updates or products improvements. And if (or should we say, when) the product becomes obsolete, you’ll have to upgrade by repurchasing the new MS Office product.
Office 2021 comes in three options: Professional, Home & Student and Home & Business.
Office 2021 Home & Student
When choosing which version of Microsoft Office is right for, consider Home and Student. This version only includes Word, Excel and PowerPoint (No Outlook, I’m afraid). This is the bare basics of the MS Office options available. There are a number of ways to receive this package free of charge if you are a student or teacher. A quick Google could help you find this solution.
Home & Student
Pros
- Free to students and educators
- No monthly fees
- No internet connection needed once downloaded
- Includes Word, Excel & PowerPoint
Cons
- Only works on Windows 10 & 11/ Mac iOS latest 3 versions
- Does not include Outlook
- Minor updates and product improvements
- 1 purchase = 1 license for 1 PC or Mac