Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) vs. Office 2016: a comparison of both models

With the introduction of Office 365 (Microsoft 365), the popular office software is now available for the first time in a subscription model. This new version has many advantages although many users and businesses aren’t sure what the differences between Office 365 and Office 2016 are. Our comprehensive comparison of Office 365 and Office 2016 aims to change this. The pros and cons of both models are explained below.

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Classic version vs. new subscription model: Office 2016 vs. Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365)

The main differences between Office 365 and Office 2016 relate to the distribution channel, functionality, and validity of the purchased license. It’s interesting to know that many applications that are included in Office 2016 are also contained in the Microsoft 365 subscription. The numerous individual Office 2016 and Microsoft 365 bundles may, however, confuse users.

Office 2016

If you opt for Office 2016, the purchasing process is barely any different from buying previous versions of Office. This means that you buy Office at a store or online for a one-time fee and receive the full version of the software as per usual. Microsoft offers the software packages in different versions, each of which differs in range: the customary individual applications Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote are always included (e.g. in the smallest packages Home & Student). Larger packages (such as Home & Business) include the Outlook email client. Office 2016 Professional provides you with even more such as the Publisher and Access applications. Office 2016 is available for Windows PCs (from Windows 7 onwards) as well as for Mac OS.

Note

With Office 2016, you buy a single license, which entitles you to download the software onto one computer. Be aware that the license is only valid for PCs and Macs! Therefore, you should pay close attention to the operating system for which you are purchasing the software.

Since it’s a download, this means that an internet connection is required for Office 2016’s initial installation and setup. Once the software is installed on your computer, you don’t need an internet connection anymore. This means that you can also use the application when you’re on the move i.e. on your laptop on public transport.

In addition to the relatively high purchase costs, the big disadvantage of this model is that only the most necessary security updates are provided. New features that supplement subsequent Office releases are no longer available – at least until you purchase subsequent versions Office 2019 or Office 2021 at full price. Office 2016 also lacks an upgrade feature: the software comes as it is and there’s not much you can do to expand it.

Fact

Office 2016 is ideal for casual home users who don’t need to work on multiple devices and who don’t want to receive regular feature updates. You still get security updates. The model is also recommended for users who prefer one-time purchases to monthly or annual debits.

Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365)

On the contrary to a one-time purchase of Office 2016 and subsequent editions, you pay a monthly or annual fee with Microsoft 365, this also includes access to Office applications Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook. Publisher and Access are also included for PCs. Unlike with the one-time purchase of the Office 2016 beginner versions ‘Home & Student’, these programmes are also included in the low-cost packages ‘Microsoft 365 Personal’ and ‘Microsoft 365 Family’. If you decide to pay the yearly fee, it is slightly cheaper than paying the monthly fee for a year. The individual Microsoft 365 license models and the corresponding prices have already been described in detail in one of our articles.

One of the most important differences between Microsoft 365 and Office 2016 is that with the subscription model, you always get the latest versions of the entire Office programmes in addition to the full range of applications. This means that as soon as a new Office version is released, subscription users can upgrade without having to pay again. Regular feature updates are also included as well as the security updates.

If many users want to use the software, it is crucial that it can be installed on several devices with only one subscription. For example, Microsoft 365 Family lets you use individual applications on up to five devices, whether it’s Mac or PC, an iOS or Android device.

The range of functions is also extended to tablets and smartphones which a one-time purchased version doesn’t offer. On mobile devices, you can work in Microsoft 365 Word with ‘Track Changes’, edit headers and footers, or insert section and page breaks. With Excel you can also use shadow and mirror effects or insert WordArt, while PowerPoint’s features include freehand annotations and speaker notes. This extended set of features applies to five smartphones and five tablets. In addition, there is 1TB OneDrive cloud storage for each user, which isn’t included with Office 2016. Technical support from Microsoft is available during the entire subscription period, instead of only during the installation process.

Fact

compared to Office 2016, the low-cost subscription model Microsoft 365 is ideal for ambitious users and companies with multiple employees. Microsoft’s ongoing technical support, the upgrade feature, the generously-sized cloud storage and installation (regardless of the device) also speak volumes for the subscription.

Microsoft 365 (formerly Office) 365 vs. Office 2016 in an overview

Microsoft 365

Office 2016

Payment model

Subscription (monthly/yearly)

Retail version

Applications included

Office Suite including Outlook for all devices. Access and Publisher are only available for PC

Office Suite with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for PC or Mac. Outlook, Access, and Publisher only available in selected versions

Updates and upgrade possibilities

Security updates, feature updates, upgrades to newer Office versions

Security updates

Installation on several devices with a single license possible

Yes. With ‘Microsoft 365 Family’ up to 5 PCs and/or Macs, 5 smartphones and 5 tablets

No. One PC or one Mac per license.

Maximum number of users

Pro Microsoft 365 Family license allows up to 6 users. For businesses, Microsoft offers specific models with an unlimited number of users

One user per purchased license

Working on mobile devices possible

Up to 5 smartphones and 5 tablets are possible with extra functions 

Only basic editing functions available

Included cloud storage

1 TB OneDrive cloud storage per user

None

Included Skype call minutes for landlines and mobiles

60 minutes per month per user (Microsoft 365 Family or Microsoft 365 Single

None

Tip

With IONOS, you will receive the Microsoft 365 Business package with attractive conditions and with our usual premium service.

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