Office 2024 or Microsoft 365: which to choose in 2026?
Quick answer
Choose Office 2024 if you want Word, Excel and PowerPoint on a single computer, paid once, with no subscription. Choose Microsoft 365 if you work on several devices, or want 1 TB of online storage or Copilot features. For a business, Office 2024 Home & Business or Professional Plus.
The comparison table
| Criterion | Office 2024 | Microsoft 365 Personal or Family |
|---|---|---|
| Payment | Once | Monthly or yearly subscription |
| Period of use | No time limit | As long as the subscription is paid |
| Devices | 1 PC or 1 Mac | Several devices per person |
| Users | 1 | 1 (Personal) or up to 6 (Family) |
| Apps | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote; Outlook and Access depending on the edition | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote and more |
| Business use | Yes, Home & Business or Pro Plus editions | No, non-commercial use |
| Online storage | Not included | 1 TB of OneDrive per person |
| New features and Copilot | Fixed version | Ongoing |
| Security updates | Until 9 October 2029 | As long as the subscription is active |
| Offline use | Yes | Yes, with a regular connection to check the subscription |
How much does it cost over several years?
Office 2024 is paid once. Microsoft 365 is paid every year. Enter the current yearly price from Microsoft’s website to compare over the period that applies to you.
Which one is right for you?
The cheapest option
Office 2024 if…
- You use a single computer.
- You want to pay once, with no recurring charge.
- You are a business and want a long-lasting licence.
- Your files are already backed up elsewhere.
Microsoft 365 if…
- You work on a PC, Mac, tablet and phone.
- You want 1 TB of OneDrive storage.
- You share the subscription with your family.
- You want Copilot and the latest features.
Licenciel does not sell Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
Which edition of Office 2024?
| App | Home | Home & Business | Professional Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote | Included | Included | Included |
| Outlook | No | Included | Included |
| Access | No | No | Included |
| Commercial use | No | Yes | Yes |
| Platform | PC or Mac | PC or Mac | Windows PC |
What about Office 2021?
Microsoft ended security updates for Office 2021 on 13 October 2026. It can still be used and costs less, but for business use or a computer that is online every day, Office 2024 is the safer choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is Office 2024 really subscription-free?
Yes. Office 2024 is paid once and can be used with no time limit on the device where it is installed. Microsoft provides security updates until 9 October 2029.
Can I use Microsoft 365 Personal for my business?
No. Microsoft 365 Personal and Family are for non-commercial use only. A business must choose a Microsoft 365 Business plan, or Office 2024 Home & Business or Professional Plus as a one-time purchase.
Can I switch from Microsoft 365 to Office 2024?
Yes. Uninstall Microsoft 365, then install Office 2024 with your key. Your Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents keep the same format and open normally.
Does Office 2024 work on Mac?
Office Home 2024 and Office Home & Business 2024 are available for Mac. The Professional Plus edition is Windows only.