Not sure which version of Microsoft Office to buy? The choice comes down to two things: which year (2016, 2019 or 2021) and whether you want a one-time license 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 the latest. 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 Microsoft 365
| Office 2016 / 2019 / 2021 | Microsoft 365 | |
|---|---|---|
| Payment | Pay once, for one PC | Subscription (monthly/yearly) |
| Core apps | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Publisher | 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 has the most up-to-date apps and interface. Office 2019 and Office 2016 are great budget options if you just need the core apps and don’t care about the newest features — they cost less and work the same for everyday documents and spreadsheets.
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 2021 Pro Plus key is usually the better value.
Using a Mac?
If you’re on macOS, choose an Office Home & Business for Mac edition — see our Office collection for Mac versions.
Where to Buy a Genuine Office Key
- Office 2021 Pro Plus — the latest perpetual version
- 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?
It has the newest apps and interface, but all three handle everyday documents the same. Pick the newest you’re comfortable paying for.
Do I have to pay every year?
Only with Microsoft 365. Office 2016, 2019 and 2021 are a single payment for one PC.
Which apps are included?
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access and Publisher in the Pro Plus editions.
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.