Microsoft 365 vs Office 2024: which should you buy?
Updated 2026-10-15
Microsoft sells its Office apps in two ways: a yearly Microsoft 365 subscription, or a one-time Office 2024 licence. Both include Word, Excel and PowerPoint, but they suit different people.
Microsoft 365 (subscription)
- Always the latest version, with new features as they ship
- Install on PC, Mac, tablet and phone
- 1 TB OneDrive cloud storage per person
- Family plan covers up to 6 people
- Needs renewing every year
Office 2024 (one-time purchase)
- Pay once, use for as long as it's supported
- Installs on one PC or Mac
- No cloud storage bundle and no new feature updates
- Home & Business adds Outlook and allows commercial use
Our rule of thumb
If you share with family or work across several devices, Microsoft 365 is better value. If you want the classic apps on one computer and dislike subscriptions, choose Office 2024. Pick Home & Business if you use it for work.
