Which Version of Microsoft Office Should You Buy? (2026 Guide)
Microsoft sells Office in more ways than most people realize — a subscription, a current one-time version, and a handful of older one-time versions still on the shelf. They all open the same Word and Excel files, so how do you pick? This guide breaks down every option, what support you actually get, and which one fits your situation.
First decision: subscription or one-time?
Everything starts here. A subscription (Microsoft 365) is billed yearly and keeps updating itself forever. A one-time purchase (Office 2024 and older) is bought once and kept, but it doesn't get new features later. We compared these two head-to-head in our Microsoft 365 vs Office 2024 guide — the rest of this article assumes you've picked a lane and want to know which exact version.
Microsoft 365 — the always-current option
Microsoft 365 is the right pick if you use Office across a few devices, want the newest features and Copilot AI as they roll out, or would use the 1 TB of cloud storage. Because it updates automatically, you never have to think about "which version" again — you're always on the latest. Plans range from Personal (one user) to Family (up to six people) and Business.
Office 2024 — the one-time version to buy today
If you'd rather pay once and own it, Office 2024 is the version to get. It's the current release, it's supported with security updates through 2029, and it runs on both Windows and Mac. It comes in Home, Home & Business (adds Outlook), and Professional (adds Access and Publisher on Windows). For the vast majority of one-time buyers, this is the answer.
The older versions — cheaper, but read this first
You'll still find older one-time versions for less, and they open and edit the same files. Just know what you're getting:
- Office 2021: still a solid, lower-cost option — but its support window ends in October 2026, so it's best for short-term use or a tight budget rather than a long-term setup.
- Office 2019 and Office 2016: these are out of support and no longer receive security updates. They're worth considering only for a specific compatibility need or a legacy machine — not as your main, everyday productivity setup.
Our honest take: if you're buying today, spend a little more on Office 2024 or a Microsoft 365 plan so you stay protected with security updates.
Quick guide: which one is you?
Want the latest, everywhere
Go Microsoft 365 — always updated, cloud storage, works on all your devices.
Buy once and own it
Go Office 2024 — current, supported to 2029, PC or Mac.
Only need one program
Buy a single Office app like Word or Excel on its own.
Common questions
Still not sure? Ask our team — tell us your budget and what you use Office for, and we'll point you to the right version.