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Find Your Best Version of Microsoft Office Online
By Cindy Grigg Cindy Grigg Writer Cindy Grigg is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire and a productivity writer who teaches Microsoft Office software to students and pros. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on April 2, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email MS Office Word Excel Powerpoint Outlook Choosing the best version of Microsoft Office for your device and usage can feel overwhelming. Or, you may assume you have the best version for your needs simply because its the latest, but this is not always the case. Here's a simple summary of your options to make choosing one as painless as possible! Keep in mind that some versions of Microsoft Office are intended to integrate with cloud or mobile lifestyles, though this is optional. Free Microsoft Office Viewers
You can view, copy, or print Office documents authored by others without buying the suite yourself. However, these Office Viewers are becoming obsolete because they offer fewer features than Microsoft Office Online. Since these are free, we feel it makes more sense for users to sign up for Office Online instead (see next item on this list). Free Microsoft Office Online Web Apps
The Office Web Apps are free, simplified versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. They're used on your Android, iOS, Mac, or Windows device through an internet connection. The programs themselves are housed on a remote server. Users are therefore working through Microsoft's cloud environment known as OneDrive. Microsoft Office 2019 for Windows
Office 2019 is the latest version of Microsoft Office. As opposed to the cloud-based Microsoft 365, just below, it's the traditional desktop version of the suite, but can be cloud-integrated. Office 2019 comes in a variety of versions you can read more about through this link. In particular, you may be interested in a discounted student version, if you qualify. You purchase Office 2019 the same way as past versions, by paying for it once. Alternatively, you could opt for older versions: Office 2016, Office 2013, Office 2010 or Office 2007. Support for Office 2003 has ended. The tradeoff is that, while these versions may be cheaper, they will lose support sooner and could cause you compatibility issues with users who have upgraded. Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac
Microsoft Office 2019 is the latest version for Mac users. Follow this link for more details and download information. Alternatively, you could opt for Office 2011 for Mac. Again, the tradeoff for saving money on an older version is that the software loses relevancy faster. Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 is the productivity portion of Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud, and the new Office 2013 is part of Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365 comes in professional, organizational, personal, or student subscription plans rather than a one-time purchase. Microsoft Office Mobile App for iOS and Android
This version is optimized for mobile devices and is available to download for free. It includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Additional advanced features are available with a Microsoft 365 subscription. Standalone versions of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel are also available for Android and iOS. Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT for RT Tablets such as Surface RT
Office 2013 comes in a special version for Windows 8 RT devices such as Microsoft's Surface RT. A few limitations exist in this version, so it really pays to check this out before deciding on your hardware. If you already have an RT device, this is the most robust version of Office that will work on it, and it probably came pre-installed anyway. Microsoft Office Mobile for Windows Phone
Your best experience for Microsoft Office on Windows Phone comes from a version built just for this device, and it most likely is pre-installed on newer phones. This also can be used as an independent app or with an Microsoft 365 subscription. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Microsoft Office May Be Changing Its Name, but It’s Not Going Anywhere Latest Microsoft Office Service Packs (October 2022) How to Install Microsoft 365 on Your PC How to Use Microsoft's Free PowerPoint Viewers Is Microsoft Word Free? Yes, It Can Be OneNote Not Syncing? How to Get It Back Online The 8 Best Microsoft Office Alternatives of 2022 What Is Microsoft Word? What Is Microsoft Word for Mac? What Is Microsoft PowerPoint? How to Run Microsoft Office on a Chromebook 9 Best Free Microsoft Office Alternatives Microsoft Office Online Review Microsoft Office Free Trial: What You Need to Know What is Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise? Microsoft 365 vs. Office Desktop Version Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies