Office 2021 Pro Plus vs Office 365: Which Is Right for You?

Office 2021 Pro Plus vs Office 365: Choosing between Office 2021 Pro Plus and Office 365 can be challenging for businesses and individuals looking to maximize productivity and efficiency. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the differences, benefits, and costs associated with each option, enabling you to make an informed decision.

Overview of Office 2021 Pro Plus

One-Time Purchase

Office 2021 Pro Plus is a one-time purchase, which means you pay a single upfront cost to own the software forever. This is ideal for users who prefer a long-term investment without ongoing subscription fees.

Included Applications

Office 2021 Pro Plus includes a suite of essential applications:

• Word 2021
• Excel 2021
• PowerPoint 2021
• Outlook 2021
• Publisher 2021
• Access 2021

These applications are installed directly on your device, allowing you to use them offline.

Features and Benefits

• No Subscription Fees: Pay once and use the software indefinitely.
• Full Ownership: Retain access to all features without needing an internet connection.
• Enhanced Productivity: Benefit from updated features and tools in the 2021 versions.

Cost of Office 2021 Pro Plus

As of the latest pricing, Office 2021 Pro Plus is available for £17.99 from Ecokeys. This one-time cost provides lifetime access to the suite of applications, making it a cost-effective choice for many users. Office 2021 Pro plus can be purchased here - Microsoft Office 2021 Pro Plus

Overview of Office 365

Subscription Model

Office 365 operates on a subscription model, requiring monthly or annual payments. This model ensures users always have access to the latest features and updates.

Included Applications and Services

Office 365 includes the core applications found in Office 2021 Pro Plus, along with additional services:

• Word
• Excel
• PowerPoint
• Outlook
• Publisher
• Access
• OneNote
• Teams
• OneDrive for Business
• Exchange Online

Features and Benefits

• Always Up-to-Date: Access the latest versions of applications and features.
• Cloud Integration: Seamless collaboration and file sharing with OneDrive and Teams.
• Flexible Plans: Various plans to suit different needs and budgets.

Cost of Office 365

Office 365 is available in multiple plans, with costs varying based on features and user requirements. Below are some common plans and their pricing:

Microsoft 365 Personal

• Cost: £5.99 per month or £59.99 per year
• Users: 1
• Features: Includes all core Office applications, 1 TB of OneDrive storage, and advanced security features.

Microsoft 365 Family

• Cost: £7.99 per month or £79.99 per year
• Users: Up to 6
• Features: All core applications, 1 TB of OneDrive storage per user, and advanced security features.

Microsoft 365 Business Basic

• Cost: £3.80 per user/month (annual commitment)
• Features: Web and mobile versions of Office apps, 1 TB of OneDrive storage, and business email through Exchange.

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

• Cost: £9.40 per user/month (annual commitment)
• Features: Desktop versions of Office apps, 1 TB of OneDrive storage, business email, and Teams.

Always purchase Office 365 directly from Microsoft. The cheap Office 365 products available on google shopping etc are student accounts which will be blocked by Microsoft after a period of time normally after your refund period with no chance of getting your money back. If you do purchase do not use the OneDrive storage once the account is blocked so is Onedrive and all your saved data!

Comparing Office 2021 Pro Plus and Office 365

Cost Comparison

• Office 2021 Pro Plus: One-time cost of £17.99.
• Office 365: Ongoing subscription costs, varying by plan (e.g., £5.99/month for Personal, £7.99/month for Family).

Feature Comparison

• Office 2021 Pro Plus: Includes all core applications with no additional services or updates beyond initial purchase.
• Office 365: Includes all core applications, additional cloud services, regular updates, and enhanced collaboration tools.

Use Case Scenarios

Best for Office 2021 Pro Plus

• Single Users: Ideal for individuals or small businesses needing core applications without recurring costs.
• Offline Use: Perfect for environments with limited internet access.
• Long-Term Investment: Beneficial for those who prefer to own their software outright.

Best for Office 365

• Frequent Collaborators: Great for teams needing real-time collaboration and cloud storage.
• Flexible Needs: Suitable for users who want the latest features and can benefit from additional services.
• Scalable Solutions: Advantageous for businesses that may scale up or down and need adaptable solutions.

How to Choose Between Office 2021 Pro Plus and Office 365

Assess Your Needs

Consider your specific requirements and usage patterns. If you need a one-time purchase with essential applications and no ongoing costs, Office 2021 Pro Plus is a strong choice. For those who prioritize staying up-to-date with the latest features and need advanced collaboration tools, Office 365 offers greater value.

Budget Considerations

Evaluate your budget for software expenses. Office 2021 Pro Plus provides a cost-effective solution with a single payment. Conversely, Office 365’s subscription model may be more suitable if you require regular updates and additional services.

Future-Proofing

Think about future needs. Office 365 ensures you always have access to the latest tools and features, which can be crucial for dynamic and growing businesses. Office 2021 Pro Plus, while stable, does not receive feature updates beyond the initial release.

Office 2021 Pro Plus vs Office 365: Conclusion

Office 2021 Pro Plus vs Office 365: Both Office 2021 Pro Plus and Office 365 have distinct advantages depending on your needs and preferences. Office 2021 Pro Plus offers a one-time purchase solution with essential applications, ideal for users seeking long-term stability and offline usage. Office 365, with its subscription model, provides continuous updates, cloud integration, and enhanced collaboration tools, making it suitable for dynamic, connected environments.

By understanding the features, costs, and benefits of each option, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your business or personal requirements. Whether you choose the perpetual license of Office 2021 Pro Plus or the subscription-based flexibility of Office 365, both options offer robust tools to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Office 2021 Pro Plus vs Office 365: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Office 2021 Pro Plus and Office 365 on the same device?

Yes, it is possible to install both Office 2021 Pro Plus and Office 365 on the same device, but it may lead to some compatibility issues and is generally not recommended.

What happens if I stop paying for Office 365?

If you stop your Office 365 subscription, you will lose access to the applications and services provided by the subscription. You will still be able to view and print your documents, but editing and creating new documents will be disabled.

Is Office 2021 Pro Plus a better investment than Office 365?

It depends on your needs. If you prefer a one-time purchase and do not need regular updates or cloud services, Office 2021 Pro Plus is a better investment. If you need the latest features, cloud integration, and regular updates, Office 365 is the better choice.

Does Office 365 include support?

Yes, Office 365 includes technical support for subscription-related issues, which can be very helpful for businesses and individuals needing assistance.