Not sure which version of Microsoft Office to buy? The choice comes down to two things: which year (2016, 2019, 2021 or 2024) and whether you want a perpetual licence or a Microsoft 365 subscription. This guide explains the differences in plain English so you can pick the right one — and pay the best price.
Quick Answer
- Want to pay once and own it? Choose a perpetual version — Office 2021 Pro Plus is supported until October 2026, and Office 2024 Pro Plus until October 2029. You pay once for one PC, with no recurring fee.
- Want the latest features, cloud storage and multiple devices? Choose Microsoft 365 (a subscription).
Office 2016 vs 2019 vs 2021 vs 2024 vs Microsoft 365
| Office 2016 / 2019 / 2021 / 2024 | Microsoft 365 | |
|---|---|---|
| Payment | Pay once, for one PC | Subscription (monthly/yearly) |
| Core apps | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access — plus Publisher in 2016, 2019 and 2021 | Same — always the latest versions |
| New features | Security updates only | Continuous new features |
| Cloud storage | — | 1 TB OneDrive |
| Devices | One PC per key | Multiple devices (per plan) |
| Best for | Long-term use on one PC, no recurring fee | Latest features, cloud, many devices |
Which Office Year Should You Pick?
If you’re buying a perpetual license, newer is better: Office 2021 Pro Plus is supported until October 2026, and Office 2024 Pro Plus until October 2029. Office 2019 and Office 2016 are great budget options if you just need the core apps and do not need the newest features — they cost less and work the same for everyday documents and spreadsheets.
One more thing worth checking before you choose: Office 2016 and Office 2019 stopped receiving Microsoft security updates in October 2025. They still install and activate, and they are fine for an offline or non-critical machine. For a PC you use online every day, pick Office 2021 Pro Plus (updates to October 2026) or Office 2024 Pro Plus (updates to October 2029).
Perpetual License vs Microsoft 365
A perpetual license (2016/2019/2021) is a single payment for one PC — no monthly fees, but it won’t upgrade to future Office versions. Microsoft 365 is a subscription: you always get the newest apps plus 1 TB of cloud storage, but you keep paying to use it. For a single home or office PC where you mainly write documents and crunch numbers, a perpetual Office 2024 Pro Plus key is usually the better value.
Using a Mac?
If you’re on macOS, choose an Office Home & Business for Mac edition — each one is a perpetual licence for a single Mac: Office 2021 for Mac, Office 2019 for Mac or Office 2016 for Mac.
Where to Buy a Genuine Office Key
- Office 2024 Pro Plus — supported until October 2029
- Office 2021 Pro Plus — supported until October 2026
- Office 2019 Pro Plus
- Office 2016 Pro Plus
- Microsoft 365
All genuine and delivered instantly on your order confirmation page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Office 2021 better than 2019 or 2016?
Office 2024 has the longest support window — security updates until October 2029 — but all of them handle everyday documents the same way. Pick the newest you’re comfortable paying for.
Do I have to pay every year?
Only with Microsoft 365. Office 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2024 are a single payment for one PC.
Which apps are included?
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access in the Pro Plus editions. Publisher is included in 2016, 2019 and 2021, but not in Office 2024.
Can I install one key on more than one PC?
Each key activates one PC. To cover more computers, you’ll need a key for each.