Initially launched in 1990, Microsoft’s Office suite has undergone many changes and developments. As a result, it can be complicated to decide which type of Office subscription to go for.
Key Takeaways
- Office 365 is a subscription-based service that provides access to Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more, as well as additional cloud storage and features.
- Office 2016 is a one-time purchase version of Microsoft Office, including essential applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, but without the ongoing updates and cloud-based features of Office 365.
- Both Office 365 and Office 2016 provides access to Microsoft Office applications. Still, Office 365 offers regular updates and additional features through a subscription model, while Office 2016 is a standalone purchase with no future updates.
Office 365 vs Office 2016
Office 365 is a cloud-based subscription service offered by Microsoft that provides access to a suite of productivity and collaboration tools. Office 2016 is a productivity suite of software applications developed by Microsoft Corporation, designed for use on Windows and Macintosh operating systems.
Office 2016 is a software product from Microsoft that works as a one-time purchase, i.e. one can buy the software once and install it on one computer respectively.
Office 365, on the other hand, gives cloud services by giving access to several tools, apps, and services depending on the subscription plan one has picked up.
In addition, Office 365 is used online, while Office 2016 is available offline, even without an internet connection.
Comparison Table
| Parameter of Comparison | Office 365 | Office 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Applications | Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Onedrive, OneNote, Publisher and Access (both on PC only), skype | Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher and Access (both on PC only) |
| Pricing | Pay per month/ year. I prefer yearly as they are cheaper than monthly subscriptions. | one-time cost per user |
| Updates | Comes up with new updates and features/ versions that can be installed | It comes up with security updates, but no features/versions are available |
| Storage | Provides 1TB of cloud storage through OneDrive | No storage |
| Browser compatibility | Can be accessed from a browser (chrome, firefox etc.) that can run on multiple devices such as PCs, Macs, Android and Apple devices | It can be accessed through a desktop version. Does not support browsers. |
What is Office 365?
A top-rated Microsoft product, Office 365 is a software that provides cloud-based services with the help of a subscription plan.
It can be paid monthly or yearly, depending on your needs, though yearly subscriptions are cheaper than monthly subscriptions in the long run.
It can also be shared with other users as well. It is essential to remember that once you stop paying, you will lose access to applications and files stored on OneDrive.
Office 365 gives access to various cloud services and Microsoft office applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Onedrive, OneNote, Publisher and Access (both on PC only), and skype.
To access these services, one needs to have a Microsoft Account. Also, it gives 1TB of cloud storage through OneDrive. This, in turn, makes sharing and retrieving files, backing up important documents quickly and easily, and so much more.
Because a subscription model is used by Office 365(monthly or yearly), one can easily install the latest updates and features and never becomes outdated.
Another important feature of Office 365 is that its applications can be accessed over a browser (Chrome, Firefox etc.) which can be accessed on various devices, such as PCs, Android and Apple devices.
What is Office 2016?
Another excellent product of Microsoft is Office 2016 is a stand-alone version that is paid once, i.e. one-time cost per user. Only one user can access this product, either a PC or Mac computer.
The expense is paid once rather than every month, so it is expensive.
Office 2016 gives Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Access applications. These apps can be installed separately if the entire office suite is not required.
Another great feature is that you can get applications depending on your preference. For instance, Office 2016 Home and Student is a lighter version for use at home, whereas Office 2016 Professional works best for office and workplace areas.
Moreover, one can purchase licenses for additional users instead of purchasing software per seat.
Another essential feature is integrating Office 2016 and Office 365 by creating a Microsoft account. One can use it without an Office 365 account if not needed.
It is important to note that Office 365 provides its users with security updates. No new features or updates can be accessed. It also does not give cloud storage space like OneDrive in office 365.
Moreover, it is crucial to keep in mind that users of office 2016 can contact their support representation during the installation process only.
In addition, Office 2016 can only be accessed offline, i.e. through a desktop version rather than through browser support like office 365.
Main Differences Between Office 365 and Office 2016
- In terms of applications provided, each offer Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher and Access (both on PC only), but office 365 provides Onedrive and Skype too.
- Office 365 rating is either monthly or yearly, whereas office 2016 is a one-time value payment.
- Office 365 gives updates and new versions, but office 2016 has only security updates and no features.
- In terms of storage, office 365 provides 1TB of cloud storage through OneDrive, whereas office 2016 gives no storage options.
- Office 365 can be accessed from a browser that can run on multiple devices, whereas office 2016 can be accessed through a desktop version.
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=XkjuCQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Office+365+and+Office+2016&ots=c2kKMGnb5P&sig=uGUEXTv7ayud9ndmkMLlbEbFo94
- https://daoudisamir.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Moving-to-Office-365-Intro-and-Ch-2.pdf
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
I don’t see the value in Office 365 with the ongoing costs, I’d rather make a one-time purchase.
I agree, the one-time cost of Office 2016 seems more reasonable in the long run.
This is a great breakdown of the pros and cons of both Office 365 and Office 2016.
Definitely, it’s essential to weigh the options with all the information provided.
Absolutely, this article is a helpful guide for anyone making this decision.
I don’t see the appeal of Office 365 over the simplicity of Office 2016.
I understand your point, each has its advantages and disadvantages.
The ability to use Office 365 from a browser makes it a convenient choice for me.
Yes, the flexibility of accessing Office 365 across devices is a game-changer.
I couldn’t agree more, that feature is one of the main selling points for me.
The breakdown of the features and different needs met by each product is very insightful and helpful.
Yes, the in-depth comparison makes it easier to understand the best choice for each user’s needs.
This article is a great resource for anyone trying to decide between these two options.
The breakdown of features and pricing makes it clear which option would be best for my situation.
Absolutely, this detailed comparison makes decision-making much easier.
The breakdown of the two products is very informative and has helped me make my decision.
It’s great to see all the details in one place, it really simplifies the decision-making process.
The article provides excellent insights into the subscription model of Office 365 and the one-time purchase of Office 2016.
I found the comparison to be very thorough and it helped me make my decision.
Indeed, the article does a great job explaining the differences between the two.
I’m not willing to pay for ongoing updates on Office 365, so Office 2016 still makes more sense for me.
You make a valid point, everyone’s needs are different when it comes to these products.
The comparison between Office 365 and Office 2016 is extremely helpful. It’s great to have all the information on one page.
I really appreciate the details laid out about the Office products.
Thanks for being so informative!