When it comes to productivity software, Microsoft continues to dominate the global market. Whether you're a student, professional, or business owner, chances are you've used Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Outlook at some point. But in 2025, one big question remains: Should you buy MS Office 2021 Pro or subscribe to Microsoft 365?
Both are powerful tools, but they cater to different users with different needs. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences, pros, cons, and which one makes the most sense for your workflow and budget. And yes, we’ll also share why many users are still choosing MS Office 2021 Pro in 2025.
???? Understanding the Two Products
✅ MS Office 2021 Pro (One-Time Purchase)
A perpetual license: buy once, use forever.
Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Publisher, and OneNote.
No monthly or yearly payments.
Works offline without relying on cloud services.
Best for Windows PCs, fully compatible with Windows 11.
???? Microsoft 365 (Subscription-Based)
Monthly or yearly subscription.
Offers Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other apps.
Includes 1TB OneDrive storage and Teams.
Regular updates and cloud-based features.
Available on multiple devices: PC, Mac, tablets, and mobile.
Now let’s compare them across categories that matter most in 2025.
???? Cost Comparison: Subscription vs. One-Time Payment
MS Office 2021 Pro:
You pay once — typically around $100–$200 — and you own the license for life.
No recurring charges.
Use the software as long as you want.
Ideal for users who don't need cloud storage or frequent updates.
Microsoft 365:
Personal Plan: ~$69.99/year or ~$6.99/month.
Family Plan: ~$99.99/year (up to 6 users).
Business Plans start at ~$6/month per user.
Over 5 years, Microsoft 365 can cost you $350+, while MS Office 2021 Pro stays a flat one-time cost.
???? If you're budget-conscious or dislike subscriptions, Office 2021 Pro wins hands down.
???? Features and Functionality
MS Office 2021 Pro:
Comes with the classic desktop apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, and Publisher.
Includes new tools like XLOOKUP in Excel, dark mode in Word, and modern UI.
All features are fully functional offline.
No cloud tie-in or OneDrive integration unless manually set up.
Microsoft 365:
Same core apps, plus:
1TB OneDrive cloud storage
Microsoft Teams integration
AI-powered tools like Editor and Resume Assistant
Constant feature updates and cloud sync.
If you need online collaboration, storage, and updates, 365 offers more. But if you value privacy and simplicity, Office 2021 Pro gets the job done reliably.
???? Offline vs. Online Access
MS Office 2021 Pro:
Full offline capabilities.
No internet required to create, open, or edit files.
Ideal for remote work, high-security environments, or limited connectivity.
Microsoft 365:
Internet needed for most features.
Offline access is possible, but syncing and cloud features require connectivity.
If you’re working in a location with poor internet or simply prefer not to rely on the cloud, MS Office 2021 Pro is the better choice.
???? Updates and New Features
Microsoft 365:
Receives new features every month.
Constantly evolving with AI tools, design updates, and productivity enhancements.
Great for users who always want the latest and greatest.
MS Office 2021 Pro:
No feature updates post-purchase.
Receives security patches and bug fixes only until end of support (October 2026).
Stable and consistent — what you see is what you get.
If you prefer a stable version without surprises, Office 2021 Pro is the right fit.
???? Privacy and Data Control
One major reason many professionals choose MS Office 2021 Pro is data control. Since it doesn’t tie your documents to cloud storage or require a copyright, your files remain:
Private
Locally stored
Under your control
Meanwhile, Microsoft 365 syncs to OneDrive and sends telemetry to Microsoft — useful for collaboration, but less private.
In 2025, data privacy is more important than ever. If that's a priority for you, stick with MS Office 2021 Pro.
???? Number of Users and Devices
Microsoft 365:
Personal plan: 1 user, up to 5 devices.
Family plan: 6 users, each with 1TB cloud storage.
Business plans include email hosting and collaboration tools.
MS Office 2021 Pro:
Typically licensed for 1 PC, but some offers provide 3-device licenses (check seller terms).
No multi-user support, no cloud sharing.
If you need access across devices and multiple users, 365 is better. But for individual, focused work on one or two PCs, Office 2021 Pro is cost-effective.
???? Ease of Use
Both suites use the familiar Microsoft interface, but:
MS Office 2021 Pro has a simplified layout, no cloud pop-ups, and fewer distractions.
Microsoft 365 may feel bloated for users who don’t need all its tools.
If you're just looking to write documents, crunch numbers, or create slides — without extra fluff — you'll feel more at home with MS Office 2021 Pro.
???? Licensing and Ownership
MS Office 2021 Pro:
Perpetual license. You own the software.
Install once, use forever.
No deactivation due to expired payments.
Microsoft 365:
Stop paying = lose access.
Files are still accessible, but the apps revert to view-only mode.
For users who want true ownership, Office 2021 Pro is a clear winner.
???? End of Support
Microsoft will provide support for Office 2021 until October 13, 2026, including:
Security updates
Bug fixes
Compatibility patches
Post-2026, you can still use the software — just without official updates. Many users are still running Office 2010 or 2013 even now. So you’re covered for years to come.
| Feature | MS Office 2021 Pro | Microsoft 365 |
|---|---|---|
| Payment | One-time | Subscription |
| Updates | Security only | Monthly features |
| Cloud Storage | No | Yes (1TB) |
| Ownership | Lifetime | Rent-based |
| Devices | 1–3 (check license) | Up to 5 per user |
| Ideal For | Individuals, budget buyers | Families, cloud users |
✅ Choose MS Office 2021 Pro if:
You prefer a one-time purchase
You work mostly offline
You value privacy and file ownership
You want full desktop features without ongoing costs
✅ Choose Microsoft 365 if:
You need cross-device sync and sharing
You want the latest features constantly
You collaborate frequently via Teams or OneDrive
In 2025, both options are powerful — but if you're a professional looking for value, control, and long-term use, go with MS Office 2021 Pro.
???? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is MS Office 2021 Pro really a one-time payment?
Yes. You pay once and own it for life. No recurring costs or renewals required.
Q2: Do I need the internet to use MS Office 2021 Pro?
No. Once installed, it works completely offline. Perfect for secure or remote environments.
Q3: Can I install MS Office 2021 Pro on multiple devices?
Some versions sold by authorized retailers allow installation on up to 3 devices. Always check license terms before purchase.
Q4: Does Office 2021 Pro include OneDrive or cloud storage?
No, it’s a standalone product. You can manually use OneDrive if you have a copyright, but it's not integrated.
Q5: What happens if I stop paying for Microsoft 365?
The software switches to read-only mode. You can access your files, but editing features will be disabled.
Q6: Will MS Office 2021 Pro still be relevant after 2026?
Yes. You can continue using it, although updates will end. Many users still use older Office versions even today.
Ready to make the smarter choice?
???? Get MS Office 2021 Pro today and enjoy a lifetime of productivity, without the monthly bills!