Microsoft Office 2021 is the latest perpetual version of Microsoft Office, released on October 5, 2021. It offers a one-time purchase for essential productivity applications. Office 2019, released on September 24, 2018, also provides a perpetual license. Both versions are distinct from the subscription-based Microsoft 365, meaning they do not receive continuous feature updates, only security and stability patches.
Key Takeaways
- Office 2021 offers a longer support lifecycle than Office 2019, with mainstream support ending October 13, 2026, and extended support ending October 13, 2026. Office 2019's mainstream support ended October 10, 2023, and extended support ends October 14, 2025.
- Office 2021 includes various new features and performance improvements not present in Office 2019, such as Dynamic Arrays and XLOOKUP in Excel, improved inking features, and a refreshed visual experience.
- Office 2021 requires Windows 10 or Windows 11 for PC and macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later for Mac, while Office 2019 supports Windows 10, Windows Server 2019, and macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later.
- Both versions are one-time purchases, providing a license for a single computer, and do not include cloud services or ongoing feature updates found in Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
Office 2019 vs. Office 2021: A Detailed Comparison
When choosing between Office 2019 and Office 2021, understanding their core differences is essential, especially since both are perpetual licenses. This means you buy them once and own them forever for a single device, without recurring subscription fees or continuous feature updates. The primary distinctions lie in their feature sets, system requirements, and crucially, their support lifecycles.
Feature Enhancements: What's New in Office 2021?
Microsoft Office 2021 builds upon its predecessor with several notable improvements and new functionalities. According to Microsoft's official documentation, Office 2021 introduces features that enhance productivity, data analysis, and visual presentation.
- Excel: Office 2021 brings powerful new functions like XLOOKUP for advanced searches and Dynamic Arrays (FILTER, UNIQUE, SORT, SORTBY, SEQUENCE, RANDARRAY) for easier data manipulation. These significantly streamline complex spreadsheet tasks compared to Office 2019.
- PowerPoint: New features include Record Slide Show with narration and laser pointer, improved ink replay, and the ability to arrange elements for screen readers.
- Word: Improved accessibility checks, Line Focus, and an updated Draw tab for better inking are included.
- Outlook: Office 2021 offers an Instant Search feature, Translator, and the ability to annotate email images with ink.
- Visual Refresh: The entire suite in Office 2021 received a visual refresh, aligning with the Windows 11 aesthetic, featuring a more modern, clean interface with rounded corners and a neutral color palette.
- Performance: Microsoft states that Office 2021 includes performance improvements across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, offering faster operation and better stability.
System Requirements and Compatibility
Operating system compatibility is a significant factor when deciding between these two Office versions. According to Microsoft's system requirements, Office 2021 has stricter OS demands than Office 2019.
- Office 2021: Requires Windows 10 or Windows 11 for PC installations. For Mac users, it requires one of the three most recent versions of macOS, which typically means macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later.
- Office 2019: Supports Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 (though mainstream support for these older Windows versions has ended), and Windows Server 2019 for PC. For Mac, it supports macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later.
If you are running an older operating system, Office 2019 might be your only option for a perpetual license, though upgrading your OS is generally recommended for security and compatibility.
Support Lifecycle: How Long Will Each Version Receive Updates?
The support lifecycle determines how long Microsoft provides security updates, non-security updates, and paid assisted support. This is a critical consideration for long-term use and security. Microsoft's Fixed Lifecycle Policy applies to both Office 2019 and Office 2021.
"Microsoft Office 2019 will reach its end of support on October 14, 2025. Microsoft Office 2021 will reach its end of support on October 13, 2026." - Microsoft Lifecycle Policy
This means Office 2021 offers an additional year of security updates and support compared to Office 2019, making it a more future-proof choice for those seeking the longest possible support window from a one-time purchase.
Licensing Model: Both are One-Time Purchases
Both Office 2019 and Office 2021 are sold under a perpetual license model. This means you make a single payment and receive a license key for installation on one Windows PC or Mac. There are no monthly or annual subscription fees. This model is ideal for users who prefer to avoid recurring costs and do not require cloud storage, advanced online collaboration features, or continuous feature updates that come with Microsoft 365.
For those interested in a one-time purchase, Gosoftware offers genuine licenses for various editions:
- Office 2019 Home & Student (Windows)
- Office 2019 Home & Business (Windows)
- Office 2021 Home & Student (Windows)
- Office 2021 Home & Business (Windows)
- Office 2021 Professional Plus (Windows)
- Office 2021 Home & Student (Mac)
- Office 2021 Home & Business (Mac)
Comparison Table: Office 2019 vs. Office 2021 at a Glance
| Feature/Aspect | Microsoft Office 2019 | Microsoft Office 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | September 24, 2018 | October 5, 2021 |
| Licensing Model | One-time purchase (perpetual) | One-time purchase (perpetual) |
| Key New Features | Improved inking, Morph & Zoom in PowerPoint, new Excel functions (TEXTJOIN, CONCAT, IFS) | XLOOKUP & Dynamic Arrays in Excel, improved inking, refreshed UI, performance enhancements, new stock media |
| Windows OS Support | Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2019 (Windows 7/8.1 mainstream support ended) | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
| macOS Support | macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later | One of the three most recent versions of macOS (typically macOS 11 Big Sur or later) |
| Mainstream Support End | October 10, 2023 | October 13, 2026 |
| Extended Support End | October 14, 2025 | October 13, 2026 |
| Cloud Services Included | No | No |
| Continuous Feature Updates | No (security updates only) | No (security updates only) |
Who is Each Office Version Best For?
The ideal choice between Office 2019 and Office 2021 depends largely on your current system, budget, and how long you intend to use the software without further upgrades.
Choose Office 2019 If:
- You are running an older version of Windows, such as Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 (though be mindful of the end of mainstream support for these OS).
- You have a Mac running an older macOS version not supported by Office 2021.
- Your budget is extremely constrained, and you find a significantly lower price for Office 2019.
- You do not need the latest features and performance enhancements found in Office 2021.
- You are comfortable with an earlier end-of-support date.
Choose Office 2021 If:
- You are running Windows 10 or Windows 11, or a recent version of macOS.
- You want the latest perpetual features, such as XLOOKUP and Dynamic Arrays in Excel, and the refreshed user interface.
- You prioritize a longer support lifecycle, ensuring security updates for an additional year compared to Office 2019.
- You want the best performance and stability improvements available in a one-time purchase Office suite.
- You plan to keep the software for as long as possible without upgrading to a subscription or a newer perpetual version.
Recommendation Framework
For most users seeking a one-time purchase of Microsoft Office, Office 2021 is generally the recommended choice due to its extended support lifecycle, newer features, and performance improvements. It offers a more modern and secure experience for a longer duration, aligning better with current operating systems like Windows 10 and 11.
However, if you have specific compatibility constraints with older operating systems or if the cost difference is substantial and the new features are not critical for your workflow, Office 2019 remains a viable, albeit less future-proof, option. Always ensure your operating system meets the minimum requirements for your chosen Office version to guarantee proper functionality and security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Office 2021 a subscription?
No, Microsoft Office 2021 is not a subscription. It is a one-time purchase (perpetual license) that grants you ownership of the software for a single computer, without recurring monthly or annual fees.
Can I upgrade from Office 2019 to Office 2021 for free?
No, you cannot upgrade from Office 2019 to Office 2021 for free. Since both are perpetual licenses, Office 2021 is considered a new product and requires a separate purchase.
Will Office 2021 receive new features after purchase?
No, Office 2021 will not receive new features after purchase. As a perpetual license, it only receives security updates and bug fixes for its lifespan, unlike Microsoft 365 which gets continuous feature updates.
Which Windows versions support Office 2021?
Microsoft Office 2021 for PC officially supports Windows 10 and Windows 11. It is not compatible with older versions of Windows such as Windows 8.1 or Windows 7.