Microsoft packages and sells its Office productivity solutions in different ways. As such, every subsequent release of it triggers a lot of confusion in the user’s community. Although many customers use Microsoft Office regularly, they aren’t really aware of the basic difference between Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 (Formerly Office 365). We have tried to clear this difference.
Microsoft Office vs Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service. When you opt for it, you can choose to pay for your subscription every month or buy a yearly plan, altogether. In addition, you get extra online storage and cloud-connected features that let you collaborate on files in real time.
Microsoft Office is advertised as a standalone software product. You make a one-time payment and get to use the product as long as you want. For customers who aren’t willing to use the cloud service, it appears like a safe bet. You buy it once, and you’re done until you buy another version deal. You receive security updates, but no big feature updates are made available to you. Microsoft 365, on the other hand, gets updated regularly and offers you all the latest features. Microsoft Office 2019 is the latest version of Microsoft’s standalone Office productivity suite.
Other important points that can certainly help you discern the difference between the two models of Office.
Microsoft 365 subscription |
Microsoft Office 2019 |
| Pay a small monthly fee, or save by paying for a full year. | Bear a single, one-time cost. |
| The latest version of Office apps like Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Latest features, new tools, security updates, and bug fixes. PC users also get Access and Publisher. You will keep getting the latest apps & updates. You can also install the mobile apps for free. | Depending on the Office edition, tools are included. Eg. in Microsoft Office Home & Student only apps like Excel, Word, and PowerPoint are available. Security updates are included, but you won’t get any new features. Upgrades to major releases aren’t included. |
| Microsoft 365 subscription can be shared on up to 5 devices (including Smartphones and tablets). | Since it is a one-time purchase, it can to be installed once on either a PC or Mac. |
| Stores your files securely not only on your device but also on the cloud. Plus, you also get 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage per user, for up to 6 users including yourself. (Microsoft 365 Home). | No cloud support. |
| Help with technical issues, subscription and billing support is available throughout the subscription. | Technical support is available only during installation. |
Incidentally, Office Online is a free version of Office 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.
Is Office and Office 365 the same?
No, Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) are not the same. Although they may offer the same package of tools, you won’t find the same facilities in Microsoft Office as you can find in the Microsoft 365 package. Apart from the pricing, you can see many differences in the features as well.
Does Microsoft 365 include Microsoft Office?
Microsoft Office is a package of some Microsoft apps, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. On the other hand, Microsoft 365 package offers all those apps alongside some others. Therefore, you could say that Microsoft 365 includes Microsoft Office.
Is Office 365 as good as Office?
Office 365 or Microsoft 365 is much better than Microsoft Office in some cases. Let’s assume that you want to get Word, Excel, etc., without worrying about any updates or paying money every month/year. In such situations, Microsoft Office is better than Microsoft 365. However, if you need all the updates, the newer version of Office apps, OneDrive storage, etc., there is no other substitution to Microsoft 365.
Which Office version are you using?
