Microsoft Office has long been the gold standard for productivity software, with millions of users worldwide relying on its suite of applications for both personal and professional use. With the release of Microsoft Office 2021, many users are wondering how it compares to its predecessor, Microsoft Office 2019. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll delve into the key differences between the two versions, exploring their features, performance, pricing, and more to help you decide which version is right for you.
Introduction to Microsoft Office 2019
Released in September 2018, Microsoft Office 2019 was designed to provide users with a one-time purchase option for the suite of Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more. It was aimed at users who preferred not to subscribe to Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) and instead wanted a perpetual license for the software.
Key Features of Microsoft Office 2019
- Word 2019:
- Focus Mode for distraction-free writing
- Improved inking features, including pressure sensitivity and tilt effects
- Learning Tools, such as Read Aloud and Text Spacing
- Excel 2019:
- New data analysis features, including new charts and formulas
- Enhanced PowerPivot and PowerQuery
- Improved data visualization with new chart types like Funnel and Map charts
- PowerPoint 2019:
- Enhanced Morph and Zoom capabilities for more dynamic presentations
- Improved inking features
- 3D model support and improved slide transitions
- Outlook 2019:
- Focused Inbox to prioritize important emails
- Updated contact cards
- Office 365 Groups integration
Introduction to Microsoft Office 2021
Microsoft Office 2021 was released in October 2021, offering several enhancements and new features over Office 2019. Like its predecessor, Office 2021 is available as a one-time purchase, catering to users who prefer not to commit to a subscription model.
Key Features of Microsoft Office 2021
- Word 2021:
- Line Focus for improved reading and writing experience
- Updated Draw tab for better inking capabilities
- Modern comments for improved collaboration
- Excel 2021:
- Dynamic Arrays for more powerful and flexible data analysis
- New functions like LET and XMATCH
- Improved performance and stability
- PowerPoint 2021:
- Enhanced Presenter Coach with speech coaching
- Improved Record Slide Show feature
- New animations and transitions
- Outlook 2021:
- Translator and ink support
- Improved search functionality
- Updated user interface for a more modern look
Performance and Stability
When comparing Microsoft Office 2019 and 2021, performance and stability are crucial factors to consider. Office 2021 benefits from the latest updates and optimizations, making it generally more stable and faster than Office 2019. Users have reported smoother performance, quicker load times, and fewer crashes with Office 2021, thanks to Microsoft’s continuous improvements and bug fixes.
Collaboration and Cloud Integration
While both Office 2019 and 2021 offer robust collaboration features, Office 2021 has the edge with several enhancements aimed at improving teamwork and productivity. The modern comments feature in Word 2021, for example, allows for more intuitive and efficient collaboration, making it easier to manage feedback and track changes. Additionally, Office 2021 integrates more seamlessly with Microsoft 365 services, providing better cloud connectivity and real-time collaboration capabilities.
User Interface and Experience
Microsoft has made several tweaks to the user interface in Office 2021, resulting in a more modern and streamlined experience. The updated UI features a cleaner design with improved icons and a more consistent look across the suite of applications. These changes may seem minor, but they contribute to a more pleasant and efficient user experience, especially for those who spend a lot of time working with Office applications.
Pricing and Licensing
One of the most significant differences between Office 2019 and 2021 is the pricing and licensing model. Both versions are available as one-time purchases, but the cost and licensing terms vary.
Microsoft Office 2019 Pricing
- Office Home & Student 2019: Includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for a one-time purchase price of around $149.99.
- Office Home & Business 2019: Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for a one-time purchase price of around $249.99.
- Office Professional 2019: Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, and Access for a one-time purchase price of around $439.99.
Microsoft Office 2021 Pricing
- Office Home & Student 2021: Includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for a one-time purchase price of around $149.99.
- Office Home & Business 2021: Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for a one-time purchase price of around $249.99.
- Office Professional 2021: Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, and Access for a one-time purchase price of around $439.99.
As you can see, the pricing for Office 2021 is similar to that of Office 2019, making it an attractive option for those looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.
Compatibility and System Requirements
Both Office 2019 and 2021 are compatible with Windows and macOS, but there are some differences in system requirements that users should be aware of.
Office 2019 System Requirements
- Windows: Windows 10 or later
- macOS: The three most recent versions of macOS
Office 2021 System Requirements
- Windows: Windows 10 or later
- macOS: The three most recent versions of macOS
While the system requirements are similar, Office 2021 may offer better performance on newer hardware due to its optimizations and updates.
Feature Comparison
To help you better understand the differences between Office 2019 and 2021, let’s take a closer look at some of the key features in each application.
Word
- Word 2019: Focus Mode, improved inking, Learning Tools
- Word 2021: Line Focus, updated Draw tab, modern comments
Excel
- Excel 2019: New charts and formulas, enhanced PowerPivot and PowerQuery
- Excel 2021: Dynamic Arrays, new functions (LET, XMATCH), improved performance
PowerPoint
- PowerPoint 2019: Enhanced Morph and Zoom, improved inking, 3D model support
- PowerPoint 2021: Enhanced Presenter Coach, improved Record Slide Show, new animations
Outlook
- Outlook 2019: Focused Inbox, updated contact cards, Office 365 Groups integration
- Outlook 2021: Translator and ink support, improved search, updated UI
Which Version Should You Choose?
Deciding between Microsoft Office 2019 and 2021 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
- Budget: If you’re looking to save money and don’t need the latest features, Office 2019 may be a suitable choice. However, if you want the latest improvements and are willing to invest a bit more, Office 2021 offers better value in the long run.
- Features: If you rely heavily on collaboration and cloud integration, Office 2021’s enhanced features and better integration with Microsoft 365 services make it the better option.
- Performance: For users with newer hardware or those who prioritize performance and stability, Office 2021 is the clear winner due to its optimizations and updates.
- User Experience: If you prefer a more modern and streamlined user interface, Office 2021’s updated design will likely be more appealing.
Conclusion
Microsoft Office 2019 and 2021 both offer robust productivity tools that cater to a wide range of users. While Office 2019 provides a solid foundation with essential features and reliable performance, Office 2021 builds on this foundation with enhanced collaboration tools, improved performance, and a more modern user experience. By considering your budget, feature requirements, and performance needs, you can make an informed decision on which version of Microsoft Office is right for you. Whether you choose Office 2019 or 2021, you can rest assured that you’re getting a powerful suite of applications that will help you stay productive and efficient in your personal and professional endeavors.