Microsoft 365 and Office 2024 both give you familiar productivity apps, but they are designed for different buying preferences. Microsoft 365 is an ongoing subscription with cloud storage, updates and multi-device use. Office 2024 is a one-time purchase for one computer.
The best choice is not simply the cheapest price today. It depends on who will use the software, how many devices they have, whether they need Outlook or OneDrive, and whether they value continuous feature updates.
Microsoft 365 or Office 2024: the quick answer
Choose Microsoft 365 if you want to use the desktop apps across several devices, need substantial OneDrive storage, want ongoing feature updates or plan to share a Family subscription.
Choose Office Home 2024 if you want Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote on one PC or Mac, prefer a single upfront payment and do not need the subscription services.
For business use, check the licence carefully. Office Home 2024 is intended for non-commercial use. A business may need Office Home & Business 2024 or a suitable Microsoft 365 business plan.
Microsoft 365 vs Office 2024 at a glance
| Question | Microsoft 365 | Office 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| How do you pay? | Monthly or annual subscription | One-time purchase |
| How many devices? | Personal plans can be installed on multiple devices, with sign-in on up to five devices at once | One PC or Mac |
| Cloud storage | Typically 1 TB per person on Personal and Family plans | Not included |
| Feature updates | New features, security updates and fixes while subscribed | Security updates and fixes, but no new feature upgrades to the next major release |
| Sharing | Family plans can cover up to six people | Licensed for one person on one computer |
| Best for | Multiple devices, cloud files, families and people who want current features | One computer and a preference for an upfront purchase |
What do you get with Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 is a subscription. Current personal plans include desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote, plus OneDrive cloud storage and ongoing support. The precise features, AI allowances and prices can change, so always check the current plan before buying.
The practical advantage is flexibility. One person can work across a desktop, laptop, tablet and phone without buying a separate licence for each device. Files stored in OneDrive can stay available across those devices, provided syncing is configured correctly.
A Family plan can be good value where several people need the applications and their own cloud storage. Each person should use a separate Microsoft account rather than sharing one login.
What do you get with Office 2024?
Office 2024 is a one-time purchase. Office Home 2024 includes the classic desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote for one PC or Mac. It does not include the subscription’s OneDrive allowance or continuous new-feature updates.
This can suit someone who uses one computer, stores files locally or already has suitable cloud storage, and expects to keep the same software version for several years. You still receive security updates during the supported life of the product, but moving to a future major Office release normally means buying it separately.
Which option costs less?
At the time of checking, Microsoft listed Microsoft 365 Personal at £84.99 per year and Office Home 2024 at £119.99 as a one-time purchase. On price alone, the one-time version can become cheaper after roughly a year and a half.
That comparison is incomplete, however. Microsoft 365 includes 1 TB of OneDrive storage, use across multiple devices, Outlook and continuing feature updates. If you would otherwise pay separately for cloud storage or need the software on more than one computer, the subscription may provide better overall value.
Prices and plan features change, so confirm the current Microsoft listing before purchasing.
Is Office 2024 better if I dislike subscriptions?
Possibly. If you only need the core apps on one computer and you are comfortable staying on the 2024 feature set, the one-time purchase is simple and predictable. It avoids a recurring payment.
Do not assume it includes every service associated with Microsoft 365. OneDrive storage, multi-device rights and some cloud-connected features are separate considerations.
Is Microsoft 365 better for families?
Usually, yes. Microsoft 365 Family can cover up to six people, each with their own account, applications and cloud storage. That can be much more practical than buying several separate one-computer licences.
Which is better for a small business?
Businesses should look beyond the home plans. A Microsoft 365 business subscription can combine the desktop apps with business email, identity controls, Teams, SharePoint and centrally managed user accounts. The right plan depends on whether you need hosted email, device management, stronger security controls and support for employees joining or leaving.
A one-time Office Home & Business 2024 licence may suit a very small operation that needs the desktop apps on one machine and does not need Microsoft’s cloud business services. It becomes less convenient as the number of users and devices grows.
Questions to ask before buying
- Is the software for personal, family or business use?
- How many people and devices need the desktop apps?
- Do you need Outlook?
- Do you need OneDrive storage and syncing?
- Will you collaborate through Teams or SharePoint?
- Do you want new features as they are released?
- Would a recurring payment or a larger upfront payment suit your budget better?
- Are you buying the correct commercial or non-commercial licence?
Our independent view
Microsoft 365 is the stronger all-round choice for most people who use more than one device, value cloud storage or want the latest features. Office 2024 remains a sensible option for one computer when the core desktop apps are enough and avoiding a subscription matters more than added services.
For a business, the decision should begin with email, user management, security and collaboration requirements - not just the price of Word and Excel.
Need help choosing?
MyTechAdvisor can compare Microsoft 365, Office 2024 and suitable alternatives against your actual devices, requirements and budget. Our recommendations are independent: we have no affiliate relationships and receive no commission from manufacturers, retailers or suppliers.
Use Quick Pick for a clear, tailored recommendation.
Buy tech with confidence.
Information and UK pricing checked on 22 September 2026. Product names, prices and features can change. Confirm current licensing and system requirements before purchase.