Apple’s transition to M1 and M2 chips created a major shift in how software performs on Mac devices. These Apple Silicon processors are faster, more power-efficient, and built on a different architecture from Intel chips. For users planning to purchase Microsoft Office for Mac, selecting the right version is crucial to avoid performance issues, freezing, or compatibility problems. The wrong edition might still work, but it won’t take full advantage of what your chip offers.
One important thing to keep in mind before making a Microsoft Office purchase is how well each version aligns with Apple’s chip design. Not all versions run natively, and Rosetta 2 (Apple’s translation layer for Intel apps) doesn’t always offer the best experience.
Office 2021 vs. Office 2024 on Apple Silicon
When comparing Microsoft Office 2021 with newer versions like Office 2024, users should understand the technology updates baked into each release. Microsoft Office 2021 runs via Rosetta on M1 and M2 chips. It functions, but the experience is not fully optimized. Load times can be longer, and resource-heavy tasks like running Excel macros or rendering PowerPoint presentations may slow down the system.
In contrast, Microsoft Office 2024 for Mac offers native support for Apple Silicon. That means it runs directly on the chip architecture without translation, resulting in faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better battery efficiency. Anyone serious about productivity—especially with apps like Word, Excel, and Outlook—should prioritize Office 2024 for performance and longevity.
Microsoft Excel 2021 and Real-World Performance
Although Microsoft Excel 2021 remains a top spreadsheet solution, it’s not immune to limitations on Apple Silicon. The application runs acceptably well, but if you’re handling large data sets, pivot tables, or embedded functions, the response time may be slower. Users who frequently use advanced formulas or integrate Excel with third-party tools may find performance bottlenecks.
Users should also note that while purchasing Microsoft Excel as a standalone is possible, integrated performance across the suite (Excel + Word + PowerPoint) tends to be more efficient in newer versions like Office 2024.
Office Home & Student vs. Home & Business Editions
Two of the most popular suites for Mac are Microsoft Office Home & Student for Mac and Office Home & Business 2024. The Home & Student edition is best for everyday users—students, freelancers, or individuals using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It works well on both M1 and M2 Macs, especially when running Office 2024.
For professionals who need access to Outlook or want added business features, Office Home & Business 2024 is the better fit. Native support ensures stability even when managing large volumes of email or calendar events. Either way, choosing the 2024 edition over 2021 guarantees a smoother ride on Apple Silicon.
Stability and Speed in Real Workflows
M1 and M2 chips are designed to offer a seamless workflow experience. This only works if the software is optimized for those processors. For example, Microsoft Office 2024 Home is fully compatible and allows users to run multiple apps like Word and PowerPoint side by side without noticeable lag. Older versions may still function, but lag times between clicks and rendering errors in graphics-heavy presentations are not uncommon.
If you’re managing high-performance tasks—whether it’s Excel spreadsheets, design projects in PowerPoint, or multitasking between Outlook and Teams—the smoother, native support in Office 2024 becomes a noticeable advantage. This performance boost is especially relevant for professionals working on tight deadlines or handling large data.
Compatibility with macOS Versions
It’s not just the chip that matters—macOS versions play a big role too. Office 2021 Mac download requires macOS Catalina or later, but Apple’s latest operating systems are designed with M1 and M2 in mind. Office 2024 for Mac, on the other hand, is compatible with the latest macOS releases and includes full feature support. For instance, Office 2024 offers better integration with macOS features like split view, system-wide search, and improved dictation.
As Apple continues to phase out older Intel Macs and software compatibility with them, users are better off securing newer Office versions that are built for long-term macOS updates.
App Launch Times and Battery Life
Many users overlook the benefit of faster app launch times. On Apple Silicon, every second counts when switching between apps or opening files on short notice. Tests have shown that Microsoft Office Home 2024 for Mac apps launch about 40–60% faster on M1/M2 than their 2021 counterparts. This makes daily productivity more efficient, especially for remote workers or students juggling multiple assignments.
Another plus? Battery usage. The native Office 2024 apps are far more energy-efficient. M1 and M2 laptops already provide extended battery life, and pairing that with optimized apps means fewer interruptions and more time unplugged.
Standalone Apps vs. Office Suites
For those who only need specific applications, standalone purchases are still common. If you only use spreadsheets, buy Excel for Windows or Mac separately. However, it’s more cost-effective—and performance-effective—to go with a full suite like MS Office Home 2024 or Microsoft Office Home & Business 2024. These bundles are optimized to work together and reduce overall system strain on Apple chips.
Purchasing individual apps may limit your ability to switch between them without performance hiccups. In addition, licensing often ends up being more expensive in the long run.
Outlook, OneNote, and Additional Utilities
Office 2024 also enhances tools like Outlook and OneNote. Outlook has been optimized for M1/M2 to improve search speed, sync reliability, and CPU usage. OneNote, often used for academic or collaborative work, benefits from a smoother interface and better sync support with iCloud and OneDrive.
Users who prioritize communication and productivity tools should lean toward the 2024 suite for the best results. M1 and M2 Macs manage memory differently, and Office 2024 aligns more closely with Apple’s system design.
What to Do Next if You’re Ready to Upgrade
Choosing the right Microsoft Office version for your Apple Silicon Mac can affect every part of your daily workflow. Whether you’re using a MacBook Air with an M1 chip or a Mac Studio with M2, the clear winner for compatibility and performance is Microsoft Office 2024 for Mac. With native support, smoother transitions between apps, and better energy efficiency, it’s a smart investment that saves you time and frustration.
If you’re ready to make the most of your Microsoft Office experience or want to purchase Microsoft Office 2024 for optimal performance on your Mac, consider checking the latest options at Gosoftware. Whether it’s for personal use or professional work, they make it simple to buy software online—fast, verified, and optimized for your machine.
Contact us today.