Microsoft's office software is very popular. In 2020, 85 percent of office employees in German companies used the Microsoft Office software. However, there are many versions of it that are suitable for different purposes and vary in size. Here you can find out which versions are available and how they differ - then you can decide which version is right for you.
Tip: Read here how to find out which version of Microsoft Office you are currently using.
Cloud or local software
Whether private or commercial: Anyone who wants to use the office software basically has two options. You can subscribe to the cloud version of Microsoft 365 or purchase the local software Office 2019 once..
Cloud: Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 was still called Office 365 until the beginning of 2020 and is a subscription model . You pay monthly or annually and always receive the latest version of the Office programs as well as security updates and technical support. Microsoft 365 is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. You can test all versions of Microsoft 365 for one month free of charge (with the exception of Microsoft 365 Single).
In addition to the well-known Office package with the programs Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote, you can also use Outlook and Skype for Business and get 1 terabyte of cloud storage per user at OneDrive. You can install the software on as many devices as you want and be signed in to your Microsoft account on up to five devices at the same time in order to use the software.
You can access and edit your documents in the cloud from anywhere - provided you have internet access. To use Microsoft 365, you do not need a permanent internet connection after installation and setup. The free mobile Office apps get more functions when you use them in conjunction with Microsoft 365.
Local: Office 2019
Here you pay one time and get ready-made software that you install locally on a single PC or Mac . You will receive security updates, but no content updates such as new features. The programs Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Visio, Access and Publisher are included (the last four only for Windows). If you don't need all the latest functions and want to save money, you can also use the older versions of the software, such as Office 2016..
Browser: Office Online
Office Online offers free mini versions of tools such as Word, Excel or OneNote that you can easily use via a browser. The advantage: You can open Office files even if the software is not installed on your PC. You can also work on documents with people who do not use Office software themselves. To use it, you need to log in to office.com with a Microsoft account.
Microsoft Office for home users
Would you like to use the Office software privately? Then it depends on how many people you plan to do this with. The Microsoft 365 Single subscription is suitable for individuals and can be used on up to five (including mobile) devices (currently € 69 per year). Alternatively, you can use the local software Office 2019 Home and Student . Here you pay one time (currently € 149) - but you can also install the software on just one computer. Microsoft 365 Family (currently € 99 per year)
is suitable for anyone who wants to use the Microsoft license with several people . You can use this subscription software with up to six people on any number of devices, each user gets 1 terabyte of cloud storage.
Microsoft Office for Business
Are you self-employed or do you have a company in which you would like to use the office software? Then it depends, among other things, on how many licenses and what level of security you need. For commercial use there are the versions Microsoft 365 Business Basic (€ 4.20 per user and month), Standard (€ 10.50 per user and month) and Premium (€ 16.90 per user and month). If you only need the Office applications and no additional services, you can use Microsoft 365 apps (€ 8.80 per user and month).
Your data is stored in German data centers in compliance with the GDPR . In addition, the subscription models also Microsoft Teams included (excluding Microsoft 365 apps). Alternatively, there is the local software Office Home and Business 2019 (currently one-time € 299), which you can install on one device per license. All business versions of the Office software are compatible with Windows 10 or higher.
All presented versions at a glance
| version | target group | model | price | Specialty |
| Microsoft 365 single | private individual users | Subscription | 69 € / year | - |
| Microsoft 365 Family | up to 6 private users | Subscription | 99 € / year | Try 1 month for free |
| Office Home and Student 2019 | private single use | local software | € 149 | - |
| Microsoft 365 Business Basic / Standard / Premium | Companies | Subscription | € 4.20 / € 10.50 / € 16.90 per user and month | Try 1 month for free |
| Microsoft 365 apps | Companies | Subscription | € 8.80 per user and month | - |
| Office Home and Business 2019 | Companies | local software | 299 € | - |
| Office Online | Single user | Browser offer | for free | limited versions of the programs |
| version | target group | model | price | Specialty |
| Microsoft 365 single | private individual users | Subscription | 69 € / year | - |
| Microsoft 365 Family | up to 6 private users | Subscription | 99 € / year | Try 1 month for free |
| Office Home and Student 2019 | private single use | local software | € 149 | - |
| Microsoft 365 Business Basic / Standard / Premium | Companies | Subscription | € 4.20 / € 10.50 / € 16.90 per user and month | Try 1 month for free |
| Microsoft 365 apps | Companies | Subscription | € 8.80 per user and month | - |
| Office Home and Business 2019 | Companies | local software | 299 € | - |
| Office Online | Einzelnutzer | Browser-Angebot | kostenlos | eingeschränkte Versionen der Programme |
Microsoft itself gives you a precise and up-to-date overview of the versions of Microsoft Office on this website.