When you are purchasing a new computer and are wanting the use of Microsoft Office, it is important to understand the difference between Microsoft 365 Personal or Family and Office Home & Student.
Microsoft 365 is a subscription based option that give you access to premium versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, OneDrive and Skype. With Microsoft 365 Personal you will also receive 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage for file back up, advanced security for your emails and files and ongoing technical support. With the family subscription, you will have the capacity for 6 users and 6TB of OneDrive storage within the one subscription.
Your Microsoft 365 subscription allows you to log on to a range of devices with the one username and works across all platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. To get the full benefit of Microsoft 365 you will need to have internet access, but downloaded apps can still be used offline.
In comparison, Office Home & Student is a one time purchase product that provides you with the classic versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This version of Office can be install on one device (PC or Mac) and can run with full capabilities when offline.
Unlike Microsoft 365, Office Home & Student does not provide upgrades or updates – you will need to purchase the next release to upgrade/update.
Check out the comparison chart below or call us for advice on what option suits you best.
| Microsoft 365 Family Subscription |
Microsoft Office 365 Personal Subscription |
Office Home & Student 2019 | |
| Usage | 2-6 Users | 1 User | 1 Device |
| Programs | Premium Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, OneDrive and Skype | Premium Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, OneDrive and Skype | Classic Word, Excel, and PowerPoint |
| OneDrive Storage | 6TB (1TB per user) | 1TB | N/A |
| Device OS | Windows, macOS, iOS and Android | Windows, macOS, iOS and Android | Windows and macOS |
| Advance Security | Yes | Yes | No |
| Ongoing Technical Support | Yes | Yes | No |