Yearly Subscription Vs Office Home: Which Is Better?

Microsoft Office is available as a yearly subscription or a one-time purchase. The subscription service, Microsoft 365, offers monthly or yearly payments for access to Microsoft Office apps, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It provides continuous updates, extra cloud storage, and additional features such as Skype minutes and technical support. On the other hand, a one-time purchase, such as Office Home & Student 2021, allows users to own the apps forever after a single upfront payment. However, it has limited features and does not include upgrades to future versions. The decision depends on individual needs, with the subscription being ideal for those seeking continuous updates and extra features, while the one-time purchase suits those who want basic functionality without ongoing payments.

Cost: Subscription fees vs one-time purchase

When it comes to the cost of Microsoft Office, you have two options: a subscription service or a one-time purchase.

Subscription Service (Microsoft 365)

Microsoft 365 is a subscription service that ensures you always have the most up-to-date tools from Microsoft. It offers plans for both home and personal use, as well as for businesses, schools, and non-profits. With Microsoft 365, you get access to popular desktop apps such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, as well as extra cloud storage and cloud-connected features.

The subscription includes automatic updates, fixes, and security updates, as well as perennial tech support at no extra cost. You can choose to pay for your subscription monthly or yearly, with the yearly option offering a small discount. For example, the Microsoft 365 Personal plan costs $6.99/£5.99 per month or $69.99/£59.99 per year for one person, with 1TB of cloud storage.

The Microsoft 365 Family plan, which allows sharing with up to five additional people, costs $9.99/£7.99 per month or $99.99/£79.99 per year, with each person getting 1TB of cloud storage. This plan also includes extra Family Safety features.

One-Time Purchase (Office 2021)

Office 2021 is a standalone version of the apps that you can own forever after a one-time purchase. This option allows you to install and update the apps on a single computer, but there are no upgrade options. If you plan to upgrade to the next major release, you will have to purchase it at full price.

Office 2021 comes with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook (only on the business version), but it has a limited scope of features compared to Microsoft 365. It does not include cloud- and AI-based features, nor does it include services like the premium version of Outlook.com and 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage.

One advantage of Office 2021 is that you can use the apps without an internet connection, although you must connect periodically for reactivation to avoid reduced functionality mode.

The one-time purchase option offers different versions, such as Office Home & Student 2021, Office Home & Business 2021, and Office Professional 2021, which are usually priced at $150, $250, and $440, respectively.

The decision between a subscription and a one-time purchase depends on your specific needs. If you require access to all the latest features, updates, and cloud storage, then Microsoft 365 with its subscription model might be more suitable. On the other hand, if you only need basic functionality and want to avoid recurring payments, the one-time purchase option of Office 2021 could be a better choice.

Updates: Regular updates vs limited/no updates

The decision to opt for a yearly subscription or a one-time purchase of Microsoft Office depends on several factors, including the frequency of updates, the number of devices, and cost implications.

Microsoft 365 is a subscription service that provides users with regular updates to its suite of Office apps, ensuring they always have the latest features, fixes, and security updates. With Microsoft 365, users benefit from perpetual tech support and can install the apps on multiple devices, including PCs, Macs, tablets, and phones. The subscription model offers flexibility in payment options, allowing users to choose between monthly or yearly payments. Additionally, Microsoft 365 provides access to cloud features, such as OneDrive storage, and collaboration tools that enhance productivity.

On the other hand, a one-time purchase of Office 2021 grants users access to classic Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, but with limited features and no option for upgrades. While it may be more cost-effective upfront, users will have to pay the full price for future upgrades to access new features. This option is suitable for those who plan to use the apps on a single device and do not require the additional benefits of the subscription service.

It is worth noting that both options have different versions tailored for students, families, and businesses, with varying features and pricing plans.

In summary, if regular updates, multiple device installations, and access to cloud features are important, then a Microsoft 365 subscription is the preferred choice. However, if cost is a primary concern and having the latest features is not a priority, then a one-time purchase of Office 2021 might be more suitable.

Devices: Multiple devices vs single device

When it comes to devices, there are a few things to consider when deciding between a yearly subscription and a one-time purchase of Microsoft Office.

With a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can install Office on multiple devices, including PCs, Macs, tablets, and phones. Specifically, you can install and sign in to Office on up to five devices simultaneously. This can be a combination of different devices, such as a PC, a Mac, a tablet, and a phone. This flexibility is ideal for those who work on multiple devices or have a family with multiple users. Additionally, if you have more than five devices, Office will automatically sign you out of devices to stay within the sign-in limit, and you can simply sign back in when needed. This feature ensures that you can use Office on various devices without having to purchase additional licenses.

On the other hand, with a one-time purchase of Office 2021, you can only install the apps on one device, either a PC or a Mac. This option may be suitable for those who only need Office on a single device and do not require the flexibility of using it on multiple devices. It is important to note that if you plan to use Office on more than one device, you would need to purchase additional licenses for each device, which can increase the overall cost.

Another consideration is the number of users who will be using Office. With Microsoft 365, you can share your subscription with others, depending on the plan you choose. The Microsoft 365 Family plan allows you to share the benefits with up to five additional people, and each person can install Office on all their devices and sign in to five devices simultaneously. This makes it a cost-effective option for families or small teams. With the one-time purchase option, each user would need to purchase their own license, which can be more expensive, especially for multiple users.

In summary, if you require Office on multiple devices or have multiple users who need access, a yearly subscription to Microsoft 365 is the more suitable option. It provides flexibility, allowing you to install and use Office on various devices without the need for additional licenses. On the other hand, if you only need Office on a single device and do not require multiple user access, the one-time purchase of Office 2021 could be a viable choice.

Cloud storage: 1TB included vs none

Cloud storage is an important consideration when deciding between a yearly subscription and a one-time purchase of Office Home. Here are some key points to consider regarding cloud storage:

1TB Included vs None:

• 1TB Included: Having 1TB of cloud storage included with your Office Home subscription can be a significant advantage, especially if you need to store large amounts of data, such as documents, photos, or videos. This amount of storage is typically more than enough for most users' daily storage needs.
• None: Not having cloud storage included means you will need to purchase it separately or rely on other free cloud storage options. This can be a disadvantage if you require a substantial amount of storage space.

Benefits of 1TB Cloud Storage:

• Convenience and Accessibility: With 1TB of cloud storage, you can easily access your files from anywhere, on any device. This can be especially useful if you work on multiple devices or collaborate with others.
• Data Security: Cloud storage provides an extra layer of data security by allowing you to back up your important files. This ensures that even if your local storage fails, you still have a copy of your data safely stored in the cloud.
• Collaboration and Sharing: Cloud storage makes it easier to share and collaborate on files with others. This can be particularly beneficial if you work with a team or need to share files with clients.

Considerations:

• Cost: While having 1TB of cloud storage included can be convenient, it may also increase the overall cost of your Office Home subscription. Consider whether you need that much storage and whether there are more cost-effective alternatives available.
• Privacy: When using cloud storage, it's essential to consider the privacy and security of your data. Review the privacy policies and encryption methods used by the cloud storage provider to ensure your data is protected.
• Internet Dependency: Cloud storage requires a stable internet connection to access and use effectively. If you have slow or unreliable internet, it may impact your experience.

In conclusion, having 1TB of cloud storage included with your Office Home subscription can be a significant advantage, especially if you require a substantial amount of storage space and want the convenience of accessibility and data backup. However, consider the cost, privacy, and internet dependency aspects to make an informed decision.

Extras: Skype minutes, technical support, etc

When it comes to extras, Microsoft 365 offers a lot more than a one-time purchase of Office Home. With Microsoft 365, you get Skype minutes included, which is not mentioned with the one-time purchase option.

In addition to Skype minutes, Microsoft 365 also provides ongoing technical support at no extra cost. This means that you can always get help with any issues or problems you encounter. On the other hand, the one-time purchase option only includes initial technical support for installing the software. If you encounter any problems after the initial installation, you may have to pay extra for technical support.

Microsoft 365 also offers phone and chat support to resolve any problems with the apps. This can be especially useful if you need immediate assistance or have a complex issue that requires step-by-step guidance.

Another extra with Microsoft 365 is the Microsoft Family Safety experience, which is not included in the one-time purchase option. This feature allows you to manage screen time, app usage, and game usage, as well as share your location and monitor driving behaviour for young drivers.

Microsoft 365 also provides access to the premium version of Outlook online, which includes 50GB of storage, no advertisements, message encryption, and enhanced security. In contrast, the one-time purchase option only includes the basic version of Outlook.

Overall, Microsoft 365 provides a wider range of extras and benefits compared to a one-time purchase of Office Home. These extras can enhance your productivity, improve your security, and provide you with more comprehensive technical support.

Frequently asked questions