However, you will get limited functionalities that can be unlocked only with a paid subscription. Some services bundled with Microsoft 365 are available without a subscription. You will also get special offers from many Microsoft partners as a subscriber. The subscription also comes with access to the premium version of Outlook online, which includes everything on the free version, plus 50GB of storage, no ads, message encryption, and enhanced security. You will also receive creative content like icons, fonts, stock photos, and premium templates that you can use in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 'Resume Assistant' is a great tool for writing the best resumes in Word with insights powered by Microsoft LinkedIn. For example, 'PowerPoint Presenter Coach' helps you practice presentations, and 'Designer' enables you to create effective slide presentations.

Other premium features include Microsoft Editor for grammar checking and AI creative tools. Whatever the plan you choose, you will access additional services, including the Microsoft Family Safety experience to manage screen time, app, and game usage, share location, monitor driving behavior for young drivers, and more. Also, they can access the services on up to five devices at the same time. It costs $100 per year ($10 per month), you can share (using the 'Services & subscriptions' tab in your Microsoft account online) the benefits with up to six family members and friends, and everyone gets their own 1TB of OneDrive storage. On the other hand, if you want to share the subscription with family or friends, the 'Microsoft 365 Family' plan is for you. It costs $70 a year (or $7 per month) and gives you access to all the apps alongside 1TB of OneDrive storage. If you would be the only one using the apps and services, the 'Microsoft 365 Personal' plan is for you.

The cloud service option comes in two offerings. If you need access to the suite of apps, Microsoft 365 is perhaps your best choice. In contrast, Office 2021 only allows you to install the apps on one computer running Windows 11 or 10, and you have to pay again for future upgrades. It is also the only option that provides continuous updates at a low cost of ownership.

Microsoft 365 is the best option since you can install the apps on every supported device (Windows 11, 10, 8.1, and macOS).

Office 2021 vs 365