Differences between Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus and Microsoft Office 365: Which one to choose?

When it comes to choosing a productivity software package, Microsoft Office remains one of the most popular options in the world. However, many people find themselves having to choose between two main versions: Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus and Microsoft Office 365. In this article, we will look at the main differences between these two versions to help you choose the one best suited to your needs.

1. What They Are Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus e Microsoft Office 365?
   Before comparing the two products, it is important to understand what each one offers:

Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus: This is a “perpetual licence” version, which means you pay once and can use it forever. It includes programmes such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access and Publisher, ideal for professional or business use.
Microsoft Office 365 (now Microsoft 365): This is a subscription service that always offers the latest version of Office apps, along with cloud benefits such as OneDrive and Teams. Users pay monthly or annually for access to Office 365.

2. Licence and Price
   Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus: You buy once and use it forever. There are no renewal or subscription costs. The price varies, but is usually around €500-600. It is perfect for those who do not wish to pay for ongoing subscriptions. Get it for less than €5 from here Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus
   Microsoft Office 365: Works through a subscription. Users can choose a monthly or annual plan. Individual plans start at around €70 per year, while corporate or family plans can cost more. The subscription always guarantees you the latest software versions and 1 TB of space on OneDrive. Get it for less than €15 from here Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus
   Key advantage: Office 2021 is ideal for those who prefer a one-off payment, whereas Office 365 offers continuous updates but requires a subscription.
3. Updates and Support
   Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus: Once purchased, you will not receive significant updates to the new features. However, you will receive security updates to ensure that the software remains protected. If you want new features, you will have to purchase the next version.
   Microsoft Office 365: Always offers access to the latest versions of all Office apps. Whenever Microsoft releases new features or updates, they are automatically included at no extra cost.
   Key advantage: Office 365 is always up-to-date, whereas Office 2021 does not receive functionality updates.
4. Cloud and Collaboration Functionality
   Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus: Does not offer native integration with the cloud, except through OneDrive, which must be configured separately. Real-time collaboration capabilities are limited, and it does not integrate directly with Microsoft Teams.
   Microsoft Office 365: It is designed for the cloud. It includes 1 TB of space on OneDrive, which means you can access your documents from any device. Real-time collaboration is one of the main features, making it easier to work on documents together with others. It is also integrated with Microsoft Teams for advanced business collaboration.
   Key benefit: Office 365 is ideal for those who work in teams and need collaboration and file access on the cloud.
5. Included Applications
   Both packages include the main Office apps, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. However, there are some differences:

Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus: Also includes Access and Publisher, useful for creating databases and marketing materials.
Microsoft Office 365: Offers a basic version of Access and Publisher for PCs only, and also includes apps such as Microsoft Teams and the cloud functionality of OneDrive.
Key advantage: Office 365 includes apps for collaboration and file access on the cloud, while Office 2021 is more focused on traditional use.

6. Performance and Multi-Device Access
   Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus: Only works on the device on which it is installed. It cannot be shared between different devices, and if you want to use it on multiple PCs, you have to buy additional licences.
   Microsoft Office 365: Allows access to all apps and files on multiple devices with one subscription. It is perfect for those who need flexibility and mobility, as it can be used on PCs, Macs, tablets and smartphones.
   Key advantage: Office 365 offers more flexibility, whereas Office 2021 is tied to a single device.
7. Who Should Choose Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus?
   Professionals who prefer a single payment without subscriptions.
   Companies that do not need advanced cloud tools or frequent updates.
   Those who mainly use traditional desktop software such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
8. Who Should Choose Microsoft Office 365?
   Those who prefer to always have access to the latest Office versions and new updates.
   Users who need cloud functionality and frequently collaborate with others.
   Professionals who use multiple devices and want to access their documents wherever they are.
   Which is the Best for You?
   The choice between Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus and Microsoft Office 365 depends on your specific needs. If you prefer a traditional package with a single payment, Office 2021 is the best choice. If, on the other hand, you need advanced features, continuous updates and integration with the cloud, then Office 365 is the right option for you.