Microsoft Office Versions Comparison. MS Office editions for PC and Mac

Compare Microsoft Office versions and find the one that fits your needs. From Office 2019 to Office 2021, choose the best productivity suite for you

Since its inception, Microsoft Office has reigned supreme as the leading office suite for personal, academic, and commercial use. With a staggering 1.5 billion users worldwide, Microsoft has established itself as a titan of efficient business software solutions. Microsoft Office offers a set of core products that are carefully designed to simplify your tasks and enhance your professionalism. These cornerstone applications include Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, OneNote, and Outlook, which together enhance the productivity of business professionals, students, and home users alike, enabling them to accomplish more in the most effective way possible. Microsoft Office is designed for both PC and Mac users.

The suite comes in a variety of editions tailored to specific needs, each offering a different set of applications and features. In this analysis, we will delve into the intricacies of Microsoft Office and its different editions, comparing software versions to help you determine the best option for your needs. At DigitalKeysBox, we are committed to providing you with all the information you need to make an informed purchase decision. That is why we present our comparative review of Microsoft Office for PC and Office for Mac products.

Difference Between MS Office Version and Edition

As you delve into the world of Microsoft Office, you may come across the terms "version" and "edition. Although they are often mistakenly used interchangeably, these two terms represent very different aspects of the software. "Version" refers to the version number of the product, such as Windows 10, or the specific build number for the version you're using. Meanwhile, "edition" refers to the set of features and products tailored to specific user groups, such as "Home and Business" or "Professional.

For example, the Home and Student edition is designed for casual users and students, and is generally sufficient for educators. The Home and Business edition is a slight variation of this, targeting both occasional users and students, while also including Outlook to accommodate small business owners or home-based workers. For larger businesses and corporations, Microsoft offers Office Professional and Professional Plus editions. Office Professional Plus is a comprehensive suite of Microsoft applications designed for business or enterprise use. This edition includes all the programs in Office Standard (Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word) and adds Publisher, Access, and Skype for Business.

Access is a relational database management system that helps businesses track and report on information, while Skype for Business is a unified communications client that works with Skype for Business Server. This allows users to communicate via instant messaging, voice, or video, or switch between modes as needed. These applications are not designed for everyday users, so Microsoft offers different editions to meet different needs.

The Standard Edition of Microsoft Office includes

• Excel: A spreadsheet application with data analysis and visualization tools
• OneNote: A note-taking application that allows team members to share different types of content
• Outlook: A comprehensive information manager that integrates e-mail, calendar, contacts, and tasks
• PowerPoint: A presentation graphics program with features for text effects, sound, and animation
• Publisher: A desktop publishing program for creating a wide range of publications, accessible to those with basic design skills
• Word: A robust word processor

The versatility of the Standard (Desktop) Edition makes it suitable for a wide range of users. It includes all the essential applications, plus Outlook for e-mail and communication management, and Publisher for simplified, professional desktop design and layout capabilities. This edition provides excellent value for a wide range of users.

Does it really matter which edition you choose? The answer is yes and no. If you own the Professional Plus edition and only need it for occasional use, the core applications will still serve your needs. However, if you are an occasional user looking to purchase Microsoft Office, it is unlikely that you would want to invest in the Professional Plus edition because many of the included applications would not be applicable to your needs.

Microsoft Office 97:

• Introduced the “ribbon” user interface
• Included Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook
• Added support for Visual Basic for Applications
• Added support for HTML documents and web pages

Microsoft Office 2000:

• Introduced the “Office Assistant” virtual assistant
• Added support for more sophisticated graphics
• Added support for XML documents
• Added support for digital signatures

Microsoft Office XP:

• Added support for Tablet PCs
• Introduced “Smart Tags”
• Added support for InfoPath forms
• Added support for voice commands

Microsoft Office 2003:

• Added support for digital ink
• Added support for sharing documents over the web
• Introduced “Task Panes”
• Introduced “OneNote” notebook software

Microsoft Office 2007:

• Introduced the “ribbon” user interface across all applications
• Added support for new document formats
• Added support for the “Live” online collaboration service
• Added support for the “Groove” online collaboration service

Compare Microsoft office versions

Microsoft Office has been around for decades and continues to evolve. Since its debut in 1990, various versions have been released, the latest of which is Microsoft Office 2019.

The main differences between the various versions of Microsoft Office are the features and applications that are included. The earlier versions of Office, such as Office 95 and Office 97, included only basic programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Later versions, such as Office 2003, 2007, and 2010, added more features and applications, such as Outlook, Access, and Publisher. The most recent version, Office 2019, added features such as OneNote, Sway, and Delve.

Other differences between versions of Office include their compatibility with different operating systems (OS). For example, Office 2003 was only compatible with Windows XP, and Office 2007 was only compatible with Windows Vista. Office 2010 was the first version to be compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and later. Office 2019 is the first version to be compatible with both Windows and Mac OS.

Finally, the pricing of the various versions of Microsoft Office also differs. The cost of Office 2019 is significantly higher than the cost of Office 2003 or 2007, due to its advanced features and applications.

Microsoft office edition comparison

Microsoft Office Home and Student:

Microsoft Office Home and Student is a version of Microsoft Office designed for use at home or for students. It includes the basic Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. It does not include Outlook, Publisher, or Access, and does not provide any cloud storage. It is available for both Windows and Mac.

Microsoft Office Home and Business:

Microsoft Office Home and Business is a version of Microsoft Office designed for small business owners and professionals. It includes the basic Office applications, plus Outlook, Publisher, and Access. It also includes 1TB of cloud storage with OneDrive. It is available for both Windows and Mac.

Microsoft Office Professional:

Microsoft Office Professional is a version of Microsoft Office designed for business users who need advanced features and capabilities. It includes the basic Office applications, plus Outlook, Publisher, Access, and Skype for Business. It also includes 1TB of cloud storage with OneDrive. It is available for both Windows and Mac.

Compare office 2019 versions

Office 2019 includes the latest versions of the traditional desktop applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Publisher, as well as a new server version of Exchange, SharePoint, and Skype for Business.

Office 2019 also includes additional features such as a new look and feel, improved inking and translation capabilities, enhanced data analysis and visualization tools, and more. Additionally, Office 2019 will be the last one-time purchase version of Office, with all future versions being subscription-based.

Office 2019 Home & Business: This version of Office 2019 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote.

Office 2019 Professional: This version of Office 2019 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access.

Office 2019 Professional Plus: This version of Office 2019 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access, Skype for Business, and Exchange.

Office 2016 versions comparison

Microsoft Office 2016 comes in three different versions: Home & Student, Home & Business, and Professional.

Home & Student:

This version includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. It is designed for students, and it does not include Outlook.

Home & Business:

This version includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook. It is designed for home and business users.

Professional:

This version includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, and Access. It is designed for professionals who need access to the full suite of Office applications.

Office 2021 versions comparison

Microsoft Office 2021 includes versions for Windows, Mac, and mobile devices.

Microsoft Office 2021 for Windows

Microsoft Office 2021 for Windows provides the core Office apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. It also includes Publisher and Access in the Office Suite. It supports cloud storage with OneDrive and SharePoint services.

Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac

Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac includes the core Office apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. It also includes OneNote and Access, as well as cloud storage with OneDrive and SharePoint services.

Microsoft Office 2021 for Mobile

Microsoft Office 2021 for Mobile includes the core Office apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. It also includes cloud storage with OneDrive and SharePoint services. It supports editing on iOS, Android, and Windows 10 mobile devices.

Office 365 versions comparison

Microsoft 365 Business Basic

• Office online
• Exchange email
• SharePoint online
• OneDrive for business
• Teams
• Yammer
• Security and compliance
• Basic admin center

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

• All features from Microsoft 365 Business Basic
• Desktop versions of Office applications
• Outlook
• OneDrive
• Microsoft Bookings
• Microsoft Invoicing
• MileIQ
• Advanced admin center

Microsoft 365 Business Premium

• All features from Microsoft 365 Business Standard
• Windows 10
• Microsoft Office apps for mobile
• Enterprise Mobility + Security
• Advanced Threat Protection
• Customer Lockbox
• Advanced Data Governance
• Power Automate
• Power BI
• Microsoft Forms
• Stream
• MyAnalytics
• Microsoft Teams Rooms

Microsoft Office Versions Comparison Chart

Microsoft Office has come a long way since its first release in 1989. With each new iteration, it offers better features and improved compatibility, leaving users eager for the next version. For those considering an upgrade or even a first-time purchase, a Microsoft Office version comparison chart is an invaluable tool for making an informed decision. Let's dive into the world of MS Office versions and see how the comparison can help you choose the best option for your needs.

A Microsoft Office version comparison chart is the perfect tool for evaluating the capabilities of different versions at a glance. By comparing features, compatibility, and pricing, users can find the ideal suite for their needs. For example, you may want to upgrade from Office 2010 to Office 2021, but are unsure of the differences between the two. An MS Office version comparison chart would give you a side-by-side feature comparison, highlighting enhancements and additions that could prove beneficial to your productivity.

The MS Office version comparison chart also helps users weigh the pros and cons of subscription-based Office 365 versus one-time purchase options like Office 2021. While Office 365 offers the benefit of regular updates and access to the latest features, a one-time purchase offers long-term cost savings without the need for recurring fees. An MS Office version comparison chart makes it easy to determine which option best fits your budget and needs.

The Office Version Chart is an essential tool for anyone considering an investment in an office suite. By comparing the features, compatibility, and prices of different versions, users can make an informed decision about which product best suits their needs. So whether you're a student, a business professional, or just someone looking to improve your productivity, use an Office version comparison chart to choose the perfect suite for you.

Microsoft office versions, advantages and disadvantages, interesting facts

Microsoft Office is a suite of productivity software that includes Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Publisher, and OneNote. This suite of applications is available in a variety of versions, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Microsoft Office 2019

Microsoft Office 2019 is the latest version of the Microsoft Office suite. It includes all the features of the previous version, Microsoft Office 2016, as well as some new features. Advantages of this version include compatibility with Windows 10, enhanced security, and improved performance. Disadvantages include a lack of backward compatibility and the fact that it does not include a cloud-based version, so users are stuck with the desktop version only. Interesting Fact: Office 2019 is the first version of Office to include new features such as 3D models and morph transitions.

Microsoft Office 365

Microsoft Office 365 is a cloud-based version of the Microsoft Office suite. It includes all the features of the desktop version, plus the ability to access different Office applications from any device with an Internet connection. Advantages of Office 365 include its accessibility, scalability, and the fact that it is always up to date with the latest version. Disadvantages include the lack of offline editing capabilities and the fact that it is only available on a subscription basis. Interesting Fact: Office 365 includes 1 TB of online storage per user, as well as cloud-based collaboration tools.

Microsoft Office 2016

Microsoft Office 2016 is the predecessor to Office 2019 and is still used by many organizations. It includes all the features of the previous version, Office 2013, as well as enhanced collaboration tools, improved security, and improved performance. Advantages of this version include compatibility with both Windows 10 and Mac OSX, and the ability to work with both desktop and cloud versions of the Office suite. Disadvantages include a lack of backward compatibility with previous versions of Office and the fact that updates to the software require separate downloads. Interesting Fact: Office 2016 is the first version of Office to include a dark mode in all of its applications.

How to Compare Microsoft Office Versions: Steps

Step 1: Check the System Requirements

The first step in comparing Microsoft Office versions is to check the system requirements. Each version of Microsoft Office has different system requirements, such as the minimum processor, RAM, and hard drive space needed to run the programs.

Step 2: Compare the Products Included

The next step is to compare the products included in the different versions of Microsoft Office. The Home and Student version includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, while the Business and Professional Plus versions include Access, OneNote, and Outlook as well.

Step 3: Consider the Price

Price is always an important factor when making a purchase, and Microsoft Office is no exception. The Home and Student version of Microsoft Office is typically the least expensive, but the Business and Professional Plus versions offer more features for a higher price.

Step 4: Understand the Licensing Terms

The last step in comparing Microsoft Office versions is to understand the licensing terms. Different versions of Microsoft Office come with different licensing terms. For example, the Home and Student version is typically a one-time purchase, while the Business and Professional Plus versions are usually licensed on a yearly basis.

What is the latest Office version?

As of April 2023, the latest Office version is Microsoft Office 2021, a powerful productivity suite designed to meet the dynamic needs of modern professionals. Office 2021 offers enhanced collaboration tools, robust security measures, and AI-driven capabilities, ensuring an efficient and seamless user experience.

For cloud-based solutions, Microsoft 365 remains the top choice. This subscription-based service provides regular updates and access to the most advanced features for businesses and individual users alike.

A standout feature of Office 2021 is its seamless integration with Microsoft Teams, enabling real-time communication and collaboration within applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This functionality empowers teams to co-author and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations more effectively.

Security is a priority in Office 2021, with advanced threat protection and data loss prevention features designed to safeguard sensitive information and protect organizations from cyber threats. Additionally, the suite offers compliance tools to help businesses meet regulatory requirements effortlessly.

In conclusion, Microsoft Office 2021 is the most recent version as of April 2023, providing cutting-edge collaboration, security, and AI-powered features. Users seeking cloud-based options should consider Microsoft 365 for its continuous updates and access to the latest functionalities.

What version of office do I have?

To check which version of Microsoft Office you have, you can follow these steps:

1. Open any Office program such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
2. Click on the "File" tab in the upper left corner of the program.
3. Click on "Account" or "Help" in the left sidebar.
4. Under "Product Information" or "About", you should see the name and version number of your Office product.

For example, if you have Office 365, it will appear as "Microsoft 365 Apps" or "Microsoft 365 Personal" or "Microsoft 365 Business," depending on your subscription. If you have a standalone version, it will appear as "Microsoft Office [year]," such as "Microsoft Office 2019."

Microsoft Office is an indispensable tool for businesses and individuals alike. When choosing the right version of Microsoft Office for your needs, it is important to compare the different versions in terms of system requirements, included products, pricing, and licensing terms. By following these steps, you can ensure that you get the version that is best for you.