Updated: August 2026. Anyone who needs Word, Excel and PowerPoint often faces the same decision: Microsoft 365 as an ongoing subscription or Office 2024 as a perpetual licence purchased once? Both solutions cover standard office tasks, but they differ significantly in terms of cost, devices, feature updates and cloud services.
The key difference in one sentence
Office 2024 is purchased once and used on the designated PC or Mac. Microsoft 365 is a subscription with ongoing feature updates, cloud storage and – depending on the plan – use on multiple devices.
| Criterion | Office 2024 | Microsoft 365 |
|---|---|---|
| Payment model | One-time purchase | Monthly or annual subscription |
| Usage period | Permanent use of the purchased version | Use while the subscription remains active |
| Feature updates | Security and quality updates, but the next major version is not included | Continuous new features and improvements |
| Devices | Usually one PC or Mac, depending on the specific licence | Multiple devices, depending on the plan |
| Cloud | No extensive subscription services included | OneDrive and additional online services, depending on the plan |
| Best suited for | Predictable one-time costs and traditional local use | Multiple devices, cloud collaboration and up-to-date features |
When is Office 2024 worthwhile?
Office 2024 is particularly suitable if you mainly use Word, Excel and PowerPoint on one fixed device and do not want ongoing subscription costs. The purchased version remains usable; however, a future upgrade to a new major version is not automatically included.
For private users, Office Home 2024 for Mac or Windows is often suitable. If you need Outlook and commercial use, consider Office Home & Business 2024. Windows users with more advanced requirements can also choose Office 2024 Professional for Windows.
When is Microsoft 365 the better choice?
Microsoft 365 is better suited to individuals, families and businesses that work across multiple devices, synchronise files through OneDrive or want to receive new features regularly. Additional services and security features are included depending on the plan.
- Microsoft 365 Personal for one person
- Microsoft 365 Family for shared household use
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard for business collaboration
How to compare costs correctly
Do not compare only the price of the first year. For Microsoft 365, calculate the costs over your planned usage period. With Office 2024, bear in mind that a later major version must be purchased separately. If you intend to use the same version for four or five years, the one-time purchase may be more economical. If you regularly need new features, multiple devices and cloud storage, Microsoft 365 provides the broader range of services.
Current note for Windows users
Windows 10 reached the end of regular support on 14 October 2025. Windows 11 is therefore recommended for a secure, long-term workplace. Microsoft also states that Microsoft 365 apps are not regularly supported on Windows versions that are no longer supported.
Conclusion
Office 2024 is the clear choice for a traditional perpetual licence, one fixed device and predictable one-time costs. Microsoft 365 is stronger when multiple devices, cloud storage, collaboration and continuous feature updates are essential.
Before purchasing, always check the included applications, operating system and permitted number of devices for the specific licence. You can find an overview in our software selection.
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