- Detailed comparison of the modalities of Microsoft 365 and one-time purchase of Office
- Advantages and disadvantages of each option according to user type and needs
- Prices, included applications and practical recommendations for choosing
La Choosing between Microsoft 365 and a one-time purchase of Office This is one of the most common questions for users and businesses looking for the best office suite tailored to their needs. We know that each option may be a better fit depending on the type of use, upgrade expectations, connectivity, and budget, so it's essential to fully understand what each one offers.
In this article we explain, in a clear and exhaustive way, Everything you need to know about the advantages, disadvantages, prices, compatibility and capabilities Microsoft 365 vs. a one-time purchase of Office. If you're looking for a detailed, natural, and relatable guide to making the right decision, read on because here you'll find a complete, up-to-date comparison with all the relevant information from a multitude of verified sources. We've also added explanatory images to make everything even clearer.
What is Microsoft 365? An updated overview
Microsoft 365 is Microsoft's office suite offered under a monthly or annual subscription model. Formerly known as Office 365, it now encompasses much more than the classic applications Become, Excel or PowerPoint; it brings together an entire ecosystem of cloud productivity and integration with Artificial Intelligence.
The heart of Microsoft 365 is always-up-to-date apps, real-time collaboration, storage online on OneDrive and a strong commitment to security. Thanks to recurring payments, users regularly receive new features, security patches, and performance improvements without having to purchase a new version every few years.
Today, individuals, students, families, SMEs, and large businesses alike have several versions available to suit their needs: from personal and family plans to business editions with additional features, cross-platform compatibility, and advanced management.
What is the one-time purchase of Office?
A one-time purchase of Office, also known as a perpetual license, is the traditional way to acquire Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and, depending on the edition, other applications. It consists of a one-time upfront payment, after which you can use that package on a single device, indefinitely and without recurring fees.
Users can choose different editions depending on their target audience. For example, Office Home and Student includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; the Home and Business edition adds Outlook and commercial use rights; and the Professional version completes the package with Access, Publisher, and advanced tools for business environments.
One of the most important features of one-time purchases is that they only include security and stability updates, but do not add any new features or important functionality after the purchase. If a higher version is released, a new license must be purchased to obtain these improvements.
General comparison: Microsoft 365 vs. Office one-time purchase
Let's look at the main differences summarized between both modalities according to the data and analysis of various experts:
- Payment model: Microsoft 365 is based on a recurring subscription (monthly or annual), while a one-time purchase involves a single upfront payment. The subscription is canceled if you stop paying; a one-time purchase does not expire.
- Updates: Microsoft 365 always ensures you have the latest versions, automatic patches, new features, and security updates. A one-time Office subscription only receives security patches, but no new tools are included once purchased.
- Applications included: Microsoft 365 always includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and, depending on the plan, Access, Publisher, and other apps like Teams, as well as cloud integration. The one-time purchase is usually limited to the selected apps in the chosen edition, almost always without cloud integration, and typically doesn't include Teams, OneDrive, or IA advanced
- Use on devices: With Microsoft 365 you can install and use the package on multiple devices (PC, Mac, tablets, mobile phones) simultaneously, and share it with up to five people in the Family Edition. The one-time purchase restricts use to a single device (PC or Mac) per license.
- Online storage: Microsoft 365 offers a minimum of 1 TB of OneDrive per user. Perpetual licenses do not include cloud storage unless offered through separate promotions or purchases.
- Technical support: Microsoft 365 offers ongoing technical support for the life of your subscription, while one-time purchases only receive support for the first 60 days or initial activation period.
- Collaboration and cloud features: Subscriptions allow real-time collaborative editing, integration with Microsoft Teams and instant access from any connected device. This is severely limited or absent in the one-time payment edition.
Microsoft 365 and Office One-Time Purchase Pricing
One of the most frequently asked questions is the cost of each option. Currently, Microsoft 365 and Office one-time purchases have these approximate rates (may vary by country, promotions, and user type):
Microsoft 365 Pricing (Subscription)
- Microsoft 365 Personal: around €69,99/year or €6,99/month. Includes all the apps essentials, 1 TB of OneDrive and use across all your devices, valid for one user only.
- Microsoft 365 Family: About €99,99/year or €9,99/month. The subscription can be shared with up to six people, each with their own apps and storage.
- Microsoft 365 Business (plans for businesses and SMBs): They vary between €5,10 and €22/month per user (depending on the features and apps included: management, advanced security, administration, etc.).
- Microsoft 365 Education and special plans: There are reduced rates for students, teachers, NGOs and public administration.
Office One-Time Purchase Pricing
- Office Home and Student 2021: From €149,99. Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote; licensed for one device (PC or Mac).
- Office Home and Business 2021: from €249,99. Add Outlook and commercial use rights.
- Office Professional 2021: about €439,99. Adds Access and Publisher, plus all the previous components.
- Office LTSC 2021: Volume license for companies, price by agreement.
Both options involve an initial expense, but with a one-time purchase, you only pay once; with Microsoft 365, you pay on an ongoing monthly or annual basis.
Benefits of Microsoft 365: What only a subscription can offer you
Opting for Microsoft 365 provides a number of benefits that are either not found or are severely limited with the one-time purchase of Office.
- Access to the latest news: You'll always enjoy updated versions, with new features and security patches automatically implemented.
- True cross-platform use: Install all the apps on any PC, Mac, tablet, or mobile phone you use—you just need to log in with your account.
- Real-time collaboration and cloud storage: Share and edit files with others simultaneously, access your documents from any device thanks to 1 TB of OneDrive storage per user.
- Exclusive AI Features: with the arrival of Copilot and other technologies, Microsoft 365 incorporates intelligent assistants that help automate tasks, compose emails, summarize documents, and work more efficiently.
- Ongoing technical support: All users with an active subscription have immediate technical assistance and online or telephone support to resolve problems or questions.
- Flexibility and scalability for business: Businesses can expand or reduce contracted users, add advanced security features, manage devices, and centralize IT administration from a single console.
Disadvantages and limitations of Microsoft 365
The Microsoft 365 subscription model also has aspects that may not be ideal for all users:
- Recurring Payments: You have to pay monthly or annually, and if you stop paying, you lose access to premium apps and services (although not to files stored locally).
- Connectivity dependency: Although desktop applications work without internet, collaborating in the cloud, syncing files, or using some tools requires an active internet connection.
- Complexity for certain users: Businesses and individuals unfamiliar with the cloud or who only want the basic features may find the options and integration with other services unnecessary or complicated.
- Possible extra cost for those looking only for the essentials: Users who only need Word and Excel, and don't require constant collaboration or updates, may find a one-time purchase more cost-effective in the long run.
Advantages of a one-time purchase of Office
The Office perpetual license remains a highly valued option for users looking for simplicity, predictable costs, and complete control over updates. Its main advantages include:
- One-time payment, unlimited use: You only need to pay once, and you can use that license on the chosen device for the entire duration of your purchase. There whatever you want, without worrying about future fees.
- Supports offline work: Local installation allows you to use all basic functions without the need for internet, ideal for locations with poor connectivity.
- Stability and fewer changes in functions: Those who prefer a work environment that doesn't change its look or tools over time appreciate that the interface and features remain unchanged for years.
- Less administration and complications: Since it doesn't require renewals or user management, it's easier for individuals, small businesses, or seniors.
- Long-term profitability for certain profilesIf you don't need new features every year, you can save money over time compared to a subscription model.
Disadvantages and risks of purchasing Office one-time
Purchasing Office perpetually also comes with a few limitations that you should keep in mind:
- No feature updatesYou'll only receive security patches, not new features or major improvements. To access new versions, you'll need to purchase an updated version again.
- Limited technical support: This service is only offered for a short period after purchase. After this time, any issues will depend on forums or external support.
- Restricted installation: Each license is valid for one device only, so if you change PCs or buy a new one, you will need to transfer (with limitations) or purchase another license.
- No cloud storage: Does not include OneDrive or access to Teams or other collaborative tools.
- Lack of online collaboration: Sharing and editing documents in real time is not possible without external solutions.
- High initial cost: Although it becomes cheaper over many years, the initial investment is considerable compared to a reduced monthly payment.
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