Microsoft 365, formerly known as Microsoft Office, is the quintessential suite of productivity applications. From classic programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook to modern additions like Teams and OneDrive, Microsoft 365 offers a comprehensive toolkit for both personal and professional use. While some web versions are free, accessing the full suite requires a monthly or annual subscription. This guide breaks down the various Microsoft 365 pricing plans available for home and business users.
Microsoft 365 cost.
Microsoft 365 Home Plans: Features and Costs
For individual home users, Microsoft 365 offers a robust plan for $7 per month or $70 annually. This provides access to all core Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more. A single subscription allows simultaneous use on up to five devices, along with a generous 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage.
Families can opt for the Microsoft 365 Family subscription at $10 monthly or $100 annually. This plan covers up to six accounts, each with access to the full suite of Office apps and a dedicated 1TB of OneDrive storage, totaling 6TB for the entire family.
For those seeking discounts, checking for current Microsoft Office deals can often yield significant savings.
Microsoft 365 Business Plans: Options and Pricing
Microsoft 365 business cost.
Businesses have a wider range of Microsoft 365 options, starting with a basic plan that provides web access to Word, Excel, and other applications for a price potentially lower than the personal home user option. However, this basic plan doesn’t include the full desktop versions or cloud storage.
The “Apps for Business” package, at $8.25 per month, grants access to desktop versions but lacks cloud storage. For comprehensive access to the full suite of applications and cloud services, businesses can choose from plans ranging from $12.50 to $22 per user per month. It’s important to consider these per-user costs when budgeting for team-wide access.
Subscription Model: Understanding Annual and Monthly Payments
Microsoft 365 operates on a software as a service (SAAS) model, requiring an ongoing subscription. While the perpetually licensed versions of Office are no longer available, users can choose between monthly and annual payment options. Annual plans typically offer better value for money compared to monthly subscriptions.
Users seeking alternatives to Microsoft Office can explore various available options for office productivity software.
Exploring Free Access and Trial Options
While Microsoft 365 isn’t entirely free, there are several ways to utilize some of its features without cost. Web versions of the apps offer basic functionality, and free trials provide a full-featured experience for a limited time. These options can be valuable for users who want to test the suite before committing to a subscription or for those with limited needs.
