Which Version of Microsoft Office Should You Buy? (2026 Guide)
Short version: buy Microsoft 365 if you want a subscription that stays current on all your devices, or Office 2024 if you want to pay once and own it.
Office 2021 stops getting security updates on October 13, 2026, and Office 2019 and 2016 already have. Here's every option, the support you actually get, and which Microsoft Office version fits you.
| Option | Type | Security updates | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 | Subscription | Always current | Several devices, cloud storage, Copilot |
| Office 2024 | One-time purchase | Until October 9, 2029 | Pay once, keep it for years |
| Office 2021 | One-time purchase | End October 13, 2026 | Not recommended for new purchases |
| Office 2019 and 2016 | One-time purchase | Ended October 14, 2025 | Legacy compatibility only |
First Decision: Subscription or One-Time Purchase?
A subscription (Microsoft 365) is billed yearly and keeps updating itself. A one-time purchase (Office 2024) is bought once and kept, with security updates but no new features later. Our Microsoft 365 vs Office 2024 guide compares the cost over three years.
Microsoft 365: The Always-Current Option
Pick Microsoft 365 if you use Office on a few devices, want new features and Copilot as they arrive, or would use the 1 TB of OneDrive storage. Plans run from Personal (one person) and Family (up to six people) to Business plans for companies.
Office 2024: The One-Time Version to Buy Today
If you'd rather pay once, Office 2024 is the version to get. Microsoft supports it until October 9, 2029, and it runs on Windows and Mac. Office Home 2024 has Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. Office Home & Business 2024 adds Outlook and is licensed for work use.
What About Office 2021, 2019 and 2016?
- Office 2021 reaches end of life on October 13, 2026, with no extended updates. It keeps working but stops getting security fixes. See Office 2021 end of life.
- Office 2019 and 2016 stopped getting security updates on October 14, 2025. They're only worth it for a specific compatibility need, not everyday use.
Our honest take: if you're buying today, get Office 2024 or Microsoft 365 so you stay protected.
Quick Guide: Which One Is You?
- Want the latest on every device: Microsoft 365.
- Want to buy once and own it: Office 2024. Home & Business if you need Outlook.
- Only need one program: a single Office app like Word or Excel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which version of Microsoft Office should I buy?
For most people, Microsoft 365 if you want a subscription that stays current on all your devices, or Office 2024 if you want a one-time purchase supported until October 2029.
Is Office 2021 still supported?
Microsoft ends Office 2021 support on October 13, 2026, with no extended security updates. It keeps working but gets no more security fixes after that.
Is Office 2019 or 2016 still safe to use?
They still run, but they stopped getting security updates on October 14, 2025. For everyday use, choose Office 2024 or Microsoft 365.
Does Office Home 2024 include Outlook?
No. Outlook comes with Office Home & Business 2024 and Microsoft 365, not Office Home 2024.
Do all Office versions open the same files?
Yes. Word, Excel and PowerPoint files work across versions. Newer versions add features and security updates.
How fast is delivery?
You get your product key and download link by email within minutes of purchase, with 24/7 US-based support if you need help installing. See our install and activation guide.
Sources
- Microsoft: End of support for Office 2021
- Microsoft Lifecycle: Office 2024
- Microsoft Lifecycle: Office 2019
Last reviewed October 10, 2026.