Excel 365 vs. Excel 2021 (2024)

Updated: Feb 26

Excel 365 vs. Excel 2021 (2)

Microsoft Excel 365 and Microsoft Excel 2021 are two versions of the popular spreadsheet software developed by Microsoft. While they share many similarities, there are also several differences between the two versions, including their features, pricing, and availability.

Excel 365 and Excel 2021 both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Excel 365 vs. Excel 2021 (3)

Microsoft Excel 365

Advantages

  • Access to the latest features and updatesWith a subscription to Microsoft Excel 365, users receive regular updates that include new features and capabilities. This ensures that users always have access to the latest tools and functions.

  • Access to cloud-based featuresMicrosoft Excel 365 includes features such as OneDrive and SharePoint that allow users to store and share files online. This makes it easy to collaborate with others and access files from anywhere with an internet connection.

  • FlexibilityMicrosoft Excel 365 is a subscription-based service that can be paid for on a monthly or yearly basis. This makes it more flexible and cost-effective for users who do not need the software all year round.

Disadvantages

  • Ongoing costMicrosoft Excel 365 requires users to pay a subscription fee to continue using the software. This can add up over time, and may not be cost-effective for users who only need the software for short periods of time.

  • Reliance on internet connectionMany of the cloud-based features of Microsoft Excel 365 require an internet connection. This may be a disadvantage for users who frequently work in areas with poor connectivity.

Microsoft Excel 2021

Advantages

  • One-time purchaseMicrosoft Excel 2021 is a one-time purchase that provides users with access to the software without the need for ongoing subscription fees. This can be a cost-effective option for users who only need the software for a limited period of time.

  • Reliable performanceBecause Microsoft Excel 2021 is installed on a user's computer, it does not rely on an internet connection for all features. This can result in faster and more reliable performance.

  • Privacy and securityBecause Microsoft Excel 2021 is installed on a user's computer, data and files are stored locally, which may provide users with greater privacy and security.

Disadvantages

  • Limited updates and featuresMicrosoft Excel 2021 does not receive regular updates and feature additions like Microsoft Excel 365. This means that users may miss out on new and improved tools and functions.

  • Limited collaborationWhile Microsoft Excel 2021 does include some collaboration features, they are not as robust as those found in Microsoft Excel 365. This can make it difficult for users to collaborate on projects with others.

FEATURE

​EXCEL 365

EXCEL 2021

Pricing

Subscription based

One-time purchase

Latest Features

Yes, with regular updates

No, limited updates

Cloud-Based Features

Yes

No, local storage only

Collaboration

Yes, robust features

Limited features

Internet Connection

Required for some features

Not required

Privacy & security

Cloud-based, might be a concern

Local storage, more security

Ultimately, the choice between the two versions will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the user.

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Excel 365 vs. Excel 2021 (2024)

FAQs

Is Excel 2021 the same as Excel 365? ›

Microsoft Excel 365 and Microsoft Excel 2021 are two versions of the popular spreadsheet software developed by Microsoft. While they share many similarities, there are also several differences between the two versions, including their features, pricing, and availability.

What is difference between Office 365 and Office 2021? ›

The most prominent distinction between Microsoft 365 and Office 2021 comes from the different licensing of the products. Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service that provides access to the latest versions of Microsoft apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and many more.

Is Microsoft 365 the full version of Excel? ›

Microsoft 365 applications

Get the fully installed and latest versions of Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook, and OneNote for Windows or Mac. You'll always get the latest features, new tools, security updates, and bug fixes.

Can I have both Office 2021 and Office 365? ›

If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription or non-subscription version such as Office Home and Business 2021, 2019, 2016 or 2013, in most cases you can't run these versions together on the same computer.

Is Excel 365 worth it? ›

It's a decent plan meant to go head-to-head with Google One's basic plan, but lacks many of the Personal and Family plan perks. We primarily recommend it for people who need the Microsoft ecosystem but don't want desktop Office.

How long will Office 2021 be supported? ›

Support for retail versions of Office 2021 will end on October 13, 2026; unlike older versions of Office, there is no extended support period.

What is the disadvantage of Office 365? ›

Disadvantages of Microsoft 365
  • Subscriptions aren't for everyone. You don't have to pay out one-time costs, but you do have to pay every month. ...
  • Compatibility issues with bespoke systems. ...
  • Constant updates mean constant changes. ...
  • Most people only use 20% of the functionality. ...
  • You don't actually own the software.

What are the disadvantages of Office 2021? ›

Some of the disadvantages of Microsoft Office 2021 are:
  • You do not get the latest versions of Office apps, with new features and improvements, unless you buy the next major release at full price.
  • You can only use Office apps on one computer, and you cannot transfer the license to another device.
Jan 11, 2024

Is Office 365 being phased out? ›

Most products that were called Office 365 were renamed as Microsoft 365 on the same day. In October 2022, Microsoft announced that it would discontinue the "Microsoft Office" brand by January 2023, with most of its products and online productivity services being marketed primarily under the "Microsoft 365" brand.

How is Excel 365 different from Excel? ›

Cloud-based: Excel 365 is a cloud-based version of Excel that allows users to access their spreadsheets from anywhere and collaborate with others in real-time. Automatic updates: Excel 365 is updated automatically, ensuring that users always have the latest features and security updates.

What is the difference between Excel for desktop and Excel 365? ›

Excel Online version looks just the same as the desktop version of Excel. With Excel online being cloud-based, you get an easier collaboration. Access any file from any device, at any time. You don't need to worry about not being able to use the Excel files created in Excel online in your Excel desktop app.

What is the difference between Microsoft 365 and Excel? ›

Microsoft 365, formerly Office 365, provides web, desktop, and mobile apps for Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote,... Excel is a spreadsheet management software program with data analysis tools to help users track and visualize data for greater...

How much does Office 2021 cost? ›

But if you don't need the absolute latest version of the software, you can get your hands on Microsoft Office without for much less. StackSocial has knocked the price of Microsoft Office Professional 2021 down to just $45 from over $200.

Can I have two versions of Excel on the same computer? ›

If you want to install and use more than one version of Excel on the same computer, you must install the versions of Excel in ascending order. For example, if you want to use both Excel 7.0 and Excel 2000 on the same computer, you must install Excel 7.0 first, and then Excel 2000.

How do I convert Office 365 to Office 2021? ›

After that, you need to activate Office 2021 as well as upgrade the program from Microsoft 365 to Office 2021. Open an Office program, and then select [File]⑧ at the upper-left corner of the toolbar. Select [Account]⑨, and then click [Activate Product]⑩. Click [Update Now]⑪.

What is the new Excel 2021 version? ›

Excel 2021 for Windows allows you to collaboratively work with others and analyze data easily with new Excel capabilities including co-authoring, Dynamic Arrays, XLOOKUP, and LET functions. Note: Some features listed below are not included in Excel LTSC 2021 for commercial customers.

What is the difference between the desktop version and the 365 version of Excel? ›

Excel Online spreadsheets are generally set up for multi-user access that is collaboration with other stakeholders whereas Excel desktop files are generally used locally only. And for those of you who are developers Excel desktop has full VBA support whereas Excel Online only supports basic macros…

Do I have Excel 2021? ›

Excel 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 (Microsoft 365)

Start by clicking on the File button, on the top left corner of Excel. Click on Account, on the left-hand side of the screen, then About Excel. The version is visible in the first paragraph of the dialog box that appears.

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