Microsoft 365 vs Office 2024 — which to buy?

It depends on whether you want a subscription or a one-time purchase, and whether you need the cloud services.

Microsoft 365 is a per-user subscription that gives you the latest Office desktop apps plus Exchange Online mail, OneDrive, Teams, and (on Business Standard and higher) SharePoint Online. New features arrive monthly. Cancel and the desktop apps go read-only after 30 days.

Office Home & Business 2024 (Retail) and Office LTSC 2024 (Volume) are one-time purchases — pay once, keep the apps forever, no cloud services included. Locked feature set: no new functionality, only security patches for 5 years. The fit is regulated, air-gapped, or kiosk environments — or anyone philosophically opposed to subscriptions.

Still unsure?

Talk to a licensing specialist for a written, signed quote tailored to your environment.