The release of Office 2019 sparked confusion in the minds of Microsoft consumers, especially after extensive marketing efforts to promote Office 365. Rarely has Microsoft offered two separate, up-to-date Office packages at the same time, marking a significant change in the way Microsoft sells its products.
But that doesn’t mean to say there aren’t distinct differences between the two, incentives to choose one over the other. They are two separate offerings, with some similarities yet more variations, but what exactly are the differences and which of the two suites should you choose?
Let’s now evaluate the Office 365 vs Office 2019 discussion, assessing the main differences between the two. This will help you make a well-informed decision on which best suits your individual circumstances.
Office 365
Office 365 is your best bet if you’re seeking full access to a wide range of features, especially if you intend to use the software on multiple devices. What’s great about 365 is you can share the product with multiple people, meaning you can assign various users to the same account. This is ideal for collaborative environments, heightened by the fact you can continually update and upgrade the software with very little effort.
But one thing to note about Office 365 is there are monthly or annual fees, which means there’s a chance you’ll end up paying for unused features.
Pros
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- Multiple Users
- Access to all apps
- Free Upgrades
- Customer Support
- Support for Various Operating Systems
Cons
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- Must Commit to Subscription
- Overwhelming New Changes
- Paying for Unused Features
- Limited Functionality
Features
Office 365 is a subscription-based service with unlimited features, apps, tools and more. You’ll receive access to all available apps and up to six devices/people per account. Subscribers won’t have to worry about updating apps, because regular improvements, security updates and other benefits are included with your package. The cloud features are particularly appealing, enabling real-time collaboration and AI to boost productivity in many areas. The 1TB of OneDrive storage is another great bonus, alongside full mobile compatibility.
Why Buy Office 365?
Those who require access to a full suite of apps (particularly companies) who will thrive from a continuity of updates and upgrades. There are different plans to choose from, the first of which is the ‘Office 365 Personal’ plan for $70 a year. For this, you’ll receive 1TB of OneDrive storage, the full software suite and Skype minutes. But if you’re planning to share the software with up to six others, the ‘Office 365 Home’ plan is more suitable, totalling $100 a year. Purchasing a yearly subscription is recommended because it’s more financially viable.
Office 2019
Office 2019 is the ideal option for single PC use, especially when you’re content with the basic features and nothing more. You’ll have access to must-have apps like Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint, though it can be pricey when you have to pay upfront. You’ll also have to fork out on upgrades, without the additional perks associated with 365.
Pros
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- No Monthly Payments
- Security Updates
- Traditional Experience
- Access to Popular Apps
Cons
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- Limited Features
- No Upgrades
- No Customer Support
- One Device Only
Features
The standalone version doesn’t require a monthly subscription, meaning you’ll own a copy forever. You won’t be able to upgrade to follow-up versions mind you, yet by installing the apps on a single computer you can use this version indefinitely, albeit with un-upgradable features and tools. Though access to the usual apps is as standard (Word, Excel etc), unfortunately you’ll only receive a subset of features with many of the Office 365 perks removed. For example there’s no access to the cloud, AI elements, or the 1TB OneDrive storage which can be leveraged for Skype calls and more.
Why Buy Office 2019?
This edition has been designed for commercial customers who are perhaps hesitant to transition to the new cloud-based Office solution and are content to use the apps on-premises. Though it is a good option for regular consumers, those who are happy with the traditional experience, it is less suitable for progressive companies. It’s also important to note that you can only run Office 2019 on Windows 10 or one of the three most recent versions of macOS.
Office 365 vs Office 2019: Which Version Should You Choose?
Given the evidence collated, it’s clear there’s much more to be gained from buying an Office 365 subscription. This is a recommended decision for low cost of ownership, multiple accounts, enhanced security and unlimited access to all of the necessary apps. See how Leap IT can open up a world of opportunities with Office 365