Microsoft 365 is a subscription service that makes sure you always have the most up-to-date modern productivity tools from Microsoft. There are Microsoft 365 plans for home and personal use, as well as for small and midsized businesses, large enterprises, schools, and non-profits.
Microsoft 365 plans for home or business include the robust Microsoft 365 desktop apps that you’re familiar with, like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. You also get extra cloud storage and cloud-connected features that let you collaborate on files in real time. With a subscription, you’ll always have the latest features, fixes, and security updates along with perennial tech support at no extra cost. You can choose to pay for your subscription on a monthly or yearly basis. The Microsoft 365 Family plan also lets you share these subscription benefits with up to five additional people.
Note: Microsoft 365 Basic is a new subscription that includes 100GB of cloud storage, secure ad-free email, and Microsoft support. See the Microsoft 365 Basic FAQ for more information.
Most of the Microsoft 365 plans for business, schools, and non-profits include the fully installed desktop apps, but Microsoft also offers basic plans with the online versions of Microsoft 365, file storage, and email. You decide what works best for you: Small business, Enterprise, School, or Non-profit.
Office 2021 is sold as a one-time purchase, which means you pay a single, up-front cost to get Microsoft 365 apps for one computer. One-time purchases are available for both PCs and Macs. However, there are no upgrade options, which means if you plan to upgrade to the next major release, you’ll have to buy it at full price.
Microsoft 365 for the web is a free version of Microsoft 365 that you can use in a web browser. All you need is to sign up for a Microsoft account with a new or existing email address. Use Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more for free on the web.
Not sure what you have now? See What version of Office am I using?
Ready to install Microsoft 365 apps? See Install Office on your PC or Mac.
Looking for product details and prices?
Compare Microsoft 365 subscription with Office 2021 (one-time purchase)
One-time purchase (Example: Office Home & Business 2021) | Microsoft 365 subscription (Example: Microsoft 365 Family or Microsoft 365 Personal) |
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Cost | Pay a single, one-time cost. | Pay a small monthly fee, or save by paying for a full year. | ||
Microsoft 365 applications | Get Microsoft 365 apps like Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. | Get the fully installed and latest versions of Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook, and OneNote for Windows or Mac. You’ll always get the latest features, new tools, security updates, and bug fixes. (PC users also get Access and Publisher.) | ||
Feature updates | Security updates are included, but you won’t get any new features. Upgrades to major releases aren’t included. | Your apps will always be improving. You’ll get all the latest features and updates, as well as security updates and bug fixes. | ||
Install Microsoft 365 on more than one computer (Mac or PC) | One-time purchases can be installed once on either a PC or Mac. | You can install Microsoft 365 Family or Personal, on all your devices and sign in to five at the same time―that means you can use the Microsoft 365 apps no matter where you are or what device you’re on. This includes PCs, Macs, tablets, and phones. With Microsoft 365 Family you can also share your subscription with up to five other people. | ||
Advanced features on tablets and phones | Install the mobile apps for free and get basic editing features on tablets or phones under 10.1 inches. | Install the mobile apps for free and get extra features when you sign in to Microsoft 365 apps on your device. | ||
Extra online storage | Not included. | Securely store your files in the cloud and access them from anywhere. Get 1 TB of cloud storage. With Microsoft 365 Family you get 1 TB per user, and anyone you’re sharing with will also get their own 1 TB of cloud storage. | ||
Technical support is included | Initial technical support is included for installing only. | Contact us throughout your subscription at no extra cost for help with technical issues, or for subscription and billing support. |
Courtesy of Microsoft 365 support