Office 2019 vs. Office 2021 for Windows: What is The Best Choice for You?

Office 2019 and Office 2021 are two popular choices in Microsoft Office suites. But which one is the best for Windows users? Gosoftware will answer this question by comparing Office 2019 vs. Office 2021 for Windows and help you decide. 

To help you easily consider Office 2019 vs 2021 for Windows, Gosoftware will begin this journey with an introduction to these two versions, with outstanding features and editions. Let’s dive in!

What is Office 2019? 

Office 2019 is a standalone version of the popular office suite developed by Microsoft. It’s the successor to Office 365 and is available for Windows and macOS operating systems. 

If you’re wondering what makes it different from Office 365, here’s the key distinction: Office 2019 is a one-time purchase, while Office 365 is a subscription-based service that offers ongoing updates and cloud-based features.

Regarding apps, Office 2019 includes:

• Word
• Excel
• PowerPoint
• Outlook
• OneNote
• Publisher
• Access

Now, what makes Office 2019 special? Let’s analyze the outstanding features of this Office version with Gosoftware!

Notable Features

Office 2019 introduces a range of innovative new features and capabilities that set it apart from its predecessors. Here are the most notable ones:

Improved Visuals

One of the most significant and visually striking changes in this version is the improved visuals. Microsoft has empowered you to insert icons and impressive graphics into your documents, presentations, and even emails. 

In other words, you can create visually stunning content without leaving your familiar Office environment. It’s all about making your work more engaging and impactful!

Morph Feature

The Morph feature in PowerPoint allows you to create smooth and dynamic transitions between slides. This feature is perfect for crafting presentations that will keep your audience engaged and impressed. You can now effortlessly transform your ideas into captivating visual stories.

Converting Ink Into Shapes

For those who love taking notes or sketching, Office 2019 has introduced the ability to convert ink to shapes. With this feature, you can jot down your thoughts, ideas, or drawings using a stylus or touch-enabled device. Then, you can convert them into neat and professional shapes. 

What’s a great tool for brainstorming and visualizing creative concepts!

Microsoft Translator

Another handy tool that Office 2019 brings to the table is the Microsoft Translator. This tool can be used while working on your documents or integrated into Outlook, supporting up to 133 languages.

You can easily find this feature in the Review tab (in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) or the Message tab (in Outlook). It delivers swift and accurate translations, enhancing global collaboration and communication. 

However, the translation is limited to 50,000 characters/request. You have to request multiple times with longer text.

Zoom Feature

If you are a PowerPoint fan, you will love the Zoom feature. In older versions, you only find this feature in Word. But in Office 2019, Microsoft has added this to PowerPoint, too.

With Zoom, you can smoothly navigate between different slides during your presentation. It’s perfect for revisiting key points, discussing specific details, or providing a more tailored experience for your audience.

New Data Analysis Tools in Excel

For data enthusiasts, Excel introduces new functions and formulas that enable advanced data analysis, including 2D maps and Power Pivot. As a result, you will find it easier to visualize and manipulate data.

Office 2019 Editions

Office 2019 has six editions. Of these, Home & Student is the most basic edition, and Professional Plus is the most advanced.

• Microsoft Office 2019 Home & Student for Windows
• Home & Student for MAC
• Office 2019 Home & Business for PC
• Office 2019 Home & Business for MAC
• Office 2019 Professional
• Office 2019 Professional Plus for Windows

Here are the main differences between Office 2019 Home & Student and Professional Plus editions:

To learn more about Microsoft Office, as well as other advanced software solutions, sign up with Gosoftware now! With Gosoftware, you will have the most affordable quotations on software and IT services.

What is Office 2021?

Office 2021 is the latest version of Microsoft Office, accompanying the release of Windows 11. It succeeded Office 2019, continuing the tradition of being a powerful suite of apps designed for both Microsoft Windows and macOS. 

Regarding apps, Office 2021 includes:

• Word
• PowerPoint
• Excel
• OneNote
• Outlook
• Access 
• Publisher
• Teams

Notable Features

Now, let’s talk about the cool features of Office 2021. First of all, it has some similar features as the 2019 version, including:

• Ink tools
• Data analysis tools in Excel
• Microsoft Translator

Besides these, Office 2021 has a bunch of features designed to boost your productivity and make your tasks more efficient. Considering these features will help you compare Office 2019 vs. Office 2021 for Windows.

Real-Time Co-Authoring

Picture this: you’re working on a crucial document and need input from your team. With Office 2021’s real-time co-authoring feature, you and your colleagues can work on the same document at the same time. Even better, you can see each other’s changes in real time. 

Motion Graphics in PowerPoint

PowerPoint presentations are about to get a lot more exciting with motion graphics. These tools allow you to create eye-catching animations that breathe life into your slides. 

Are you delivering a business presentation? No problem! Are you preparing an educational lecture? Motion graphics will handle it!

Microsoft Teams Integration

Microsoft Teams is a versatile collaboration tool that lets you chat, meet, and share files effortlessly. And the good news is, Office 2021 has this tool (while Office 2019 doesn’t). With it, you can connect with your colleagues, whether you’re working from the office or remotely!

Visual Refresh

Office 2021 gets a fresh and modern look. You’ll notice cleaner icons, a neutral palette, and softer window corners. This new design creates a more visually appealing and comfortable work environment. 

Performance Improvements

Nobody likes waiting for software to respond, right? Fortunately, Office 2021 gets that! It comes with performance improvements that make the apps faster and more responsive than previous versions. 

In other words, you can work with large documents and complex spreadsheets without the frustration of slow response times.

Support for OpenDocument Format

Office 2021 is all about compatibility. It can now open, edit, and save documents in the OpenDocument format (a format widely used in open-source office suites). So, you can work with various document types, no matter their format.

Office 2021 Editions

Similar to Office 2019, Office 2021 also has six editions as follows:

• Microsoft Office 2021 Home & Student for Windows
• Office 2021 Home & Student for MAC
• Office 2021 Home & Business for Windows
• Office 2021 Home & Business for MAC
• Office 2021 Professional
• Office 2021 Professional Plus for Windows

Here are the main differences between Office 2021 Home & Student, Home & Business, and Professional Plus editions:

At this point, you already know the highlights of Office 2019 and Office 2021 for Windows. Let’s compare these two versions to know which one is for you!

Office 2019 vs. Office 2021 for Windows: What is The Difference?

Now, what is the difference between Office 2019 and Office 2021? Although the two suites are helpful, Office 2021 has more advanced features for complex tasks. However, the 2019 version is more affordable while still handling basic tasks well. It’s a bit challenging to choose, right? 

To help you with this, Gosoftware will compare Office 2019 vs. Office 2021 for Windows in detail so you know which one suits your needs better.

Note: Although this topic is for Windows users, if you are considering Office 2019 vs Office 2021 for Mac, you can also refer to this comparison.

Real-Time Collaboration: Office 2021 Takes the Lead

First, considering real-time collaboration, Office 2021 has a slight edge here. It offers robust collaboration features through the integration of Microsoft Teams. So, Office 2021 is the way to go if you find real-time co-authoring is essential.

Ink Tools: Enhanced in Office 2021

Although Office 2019 also has ink tools, Office 2021 builds on this feature, providing a more intuitive and responsive experience. So, if you’re a fan of digital inking, Office 2021 is the clear winner in this category.

Excel Functions: Office 2021 Offers Advanced Features

Regarding working with data in Excel, both Microsoft Office 2021 vs Office 2019 have a lot to offer. Office 2019 introduced some powerful functions, but Office 2021 takes it a step further with XMATCH and LET functions, dynamic arrays, etc. 

With new data types and functions, Office 2021 simplifies data-related tasks, making it easier to analyze and work with data. 

PowerPoint Features: Office 2021 Is More Modern with Motion Graphics

If you’re looking to create dynamic and engaging presentations, you’ll want to consider Office 2021. This version brings the magic of motion graphics to PowerPoint. It allows you to craft captivating animations that breathe life into your slides. 

Office 2019 doesn’t offer this feature, so if you want to level up your presentations, Office 2021 is the clear winner.

Performance Improvements: Office 2021 is Better

When comparing Office 2019 vs. 2021 for Windows regarding performance, Office 2021 has the upper hand. It’s faster and more responsive than Office 2019. 

So, it ensures a smoother user experience, whether you’re working with large documents, complex spreadsheets, or resource-intensive presentations.

Support and Updates: Office 2021 for the Long Run

Considering Office 2019 vs. 2021 for Windows, it’s important to note that Office 2019’s support ends on October 10, 2023, and there is no extended support period.

Meanwhile, Office 2021 has support until October 13, 2026. So, Office 2021 offers a more extended period for receiving updates and security patches.

Cost: Office 2019 Is Cheaper

Regarding cost, it’s important to note that both versions are available for a one-time purchase. However, comparing the cost of Office 2019 vs 2021 for Windows, Office 2021 is a bit more expensive. This is understandable because it has many more advanced features.

Now, let’s summarize what was discussed above! Below is a comparison table of Office 2019 vs. Office 2021 for Windows to help you have a clearer view of these two versions.

Office 2019 vs 2021 for Windows: Which Version Is Right for You?

After comparing Office 2019 vs. Office 2021 for Windows, Gosoftware believes you have your answer. In fact, choosing between them comes down to your unique needs and circumstances. 

If you’re on a tight budget and don’t require the latest and most advanced features, Office 2019 might be the right choice. It offers essential productivity tools and can serve you well for personal use or in a small office. 

On the other hand, if you need the latest tools and features, especially for collaboration, data handling, and dynamic presentations, Office 2021 is worth considering. You will surely benefit from its advanced features! 

Conclusion

In the battle of Office 2019 vs. Office 2021 for Windows, it all comes down to what you need. If you want a more budget-friendly option with the basics, Office 2019 is your pick. But if you’re after the latest and greatest features, Office 2021 is the winner. 

The power to decide what suits your work, studies, or business lies in your hands. Gosoftware is here to guide you toward the choice that aligns with your needs and preferences!