When it comes to choosing between Office 365 and Office 2016, understanding the features of each can help you make an informed decision. Office 2016 is the traditional standalone version of Microsoft Office, while Office 365 is a subscription-based service that includes the latest features and updates. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs and preferences.
Office 365 offers a range of features that are not available in the traditional Office 2016. One of the main advantages of Office 365 is that it provides access to the latest versions of popular Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. With Office 365, you also have the flexibility to work and collaborate on documents from any device with internet access, making it ideal for those who need to work on the go or across different locations.
On the other hand, Office 2016 is a one-time purchase that provides the essential features of Microsoft Office without the need for a subscription. This can be a more cost-effective option for individuals or businesses who don’t require frequent updates or cloud storage. Office 2016 also offers a familiar user interface that many users are comfortable with, making it easier to navigate and use.
In terms of features, Office 365 offers additional benefits such as cloud storage with OneDrive, regular updates, and access to new features as they become available. Office 2016, on the other hand, provides the core functionality of popular Office applications without the additional cloud-based features. Ultimately, the choice between Office 365 and Office 2016 comes down to your specific needs, budget, and preferences.
Pricing Differences
When considering which office suite to choose, one important factor to consider is the pricing differences between Office 365 and Office 2016. Both options have their own unique features and advantages, but the pricing structure can greatly influence your decision.
Office 365
Office 365 offers a subscription-based pricing model, which means you pay a monthly or annual fee to access the office suite. This pricing model allows you to always have access to the latest features and updates, as they are automatically included in your subscription. With Office 365, you also get access to cloud storage for your files, as well as the ability to collaborate with others in real-time.
The cost of an Office 365 subscription varies depending on the plan you choose. Whether you are an individual user, a small business owner, or part of a large enterprise, there are different subscription options available to meet your needs. Office 365 also offers different pricing tiers based on the number of users and the included features.
Office 2016
Office 2016, on the other hand, is a one-time purchase. You pay a fixed price to own the office suite, and you can use it indefinitely without any additional costs. This pricing model is often preferred by users who don’t need access to the latest features and updates and who simply want a reliable and familiar office suite.
While Office 2016 may seem more cost-effective in the short term, it’s important to note that you won’t have access to any new features or updates unless you purchase a new version of the suite. This can make Office 2016 less convenient for users who rely on the latest tools and enhancements in their day-to-day work.
Conclusion
The pricing difference between Office 365 and Office 2016 ultimately depends on your needs and budget. If you prefer a subscription-based model that provides constant access to the latest features, Office 365 may be the better choice. However, if you don’t require frequent updates and prefer a one-time purchase, Office 2016 may be more suitable. Consider your specific requirements and evaluate the pricing options before making a decision.
Subscription Model
One of the main differences between Office 365 and Office 2016 is the feature of a subscription model that is available with Office 365. This subscription-based service allows users to pay a monthly or yearly fee to access and use the Office 365 suite of applications and services.
With Office 365, users have the advantage of always having access to the latest features and updates. Microsoft regularly releases new updates and improvements for Office 365, ensuring that users are always working with the most up-to-date version of the software.
Benefits of the Subscription Model:
- Continuous Feature Updates: The subscription model of Office 365 ensures that users receive all the new features and updates as they are released. This means that users can take advantage of the latest tools and technologies to enhance their productivity.
- Access to Additional Services: Office 365 subscribers also gain access to additional services, such as OneDrive for cloud storage, Skype for Business for communication and collaboration, and Exchange Online for email hosting. These additional services can greatly enhance the overall productivity and collaboration within an organization.
- Flexible Licensing: The subscription model allows users to customize their licensing based on their needs. Organizations can easily scale their licensing up or down depending on the number of users, making it a flexible and cost-effective option.
Comparison with Office 2016:
Office 2016, on the other hand, is a one-time purchase software. Once you buy it, you own it, and it does not come with continuous feature updates like Office 365. Users will have to purchase a new version of Office to access new features and improvements.
While Office 2016 may be a suitable option for users who prefer to make a one-time purchase and do not require the additional services offered by Office 365, the subscription model of Office 365 provides a more flexible and constantly evolving solution that meets the needs of modern businesses and individuals.
Available Applications
In the comparison between Office 365 and Office 2016, one of the key factors to consider is the range of applications available in each suite. Both Office 365 and Office 2016 offer a variety of essential productivity tools, but there are some differences in the features and flexibility they provide.
Office 365 includes a wide range of applications that are accessible online and can be accessed from multiple devices. Some of the key applications included in Office 365 are:
- Word: The word processing application that allows you to create and edit documents.
- Excel: The spreadsheet application that enables you to work with data and perform complex calculations.
- PowerPoint: The presentation application that allows you to create dynamic slideshows and deliver engaging presentations.
- Outlook: The email and calendar application that helps you manage your communication and schedule.
- OneNote: The note-taking application that allows you to capture and organize your ideas and information.
- Access: The database application that enables you to create and manage databases.
- Publisher: The desktop publishing application that allows you to create professional-looking publications.
- OneDrive: The file storage and sharing application that provides cloud storage for your files.
- Skype for Business: The communication application that offers instant messaging, audio and video calls, and online meetings.
On the other hand, Office 2016 is a desktop-based suite that includes the core applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. It does not include the additional applications like OneNote, Access, Publisher, OneDrive, and Skype for Business that are available in Office 365.
The availability of these additional applications in Office 365 provides users with more flexibility and a broader range of tools to enhance their productivity. However, it is important to note that the specific applications and features included may vary depending on the subscription plan or version of Office 365.
Overall, when comparing Office 365 and Office 2016, the range of available applications is an important factor to consider, as it determines the tools and features you will have access to for your work or personal needs.
Installation Options
When it comes to installation options, there are some key differences between Office 365 and Office 2016.
Office 365 offers a subscription-based model, which means that you pay a monthly or annual fee to access the software. This allows you to always have the latest version of Office, as updates and new features are automatically installed. It also includes cloud storage, allowing you to access your documents from anywhere and collaborate with others in real time.
On the other hand, Office 2016 is a one-time purchase that gives you a perpetual license for the software. This means that you pay a one-time fee and can use the software indefinitely. However, you will not receive any future updates or new features unless you purchase a new version.
Another difference is the installation process. With Office 365, you can choose to install the software on multiple devices, including PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones. This allows for greater flexibility and the ability to work from different devices. Office 2016, on the other hand, can only be installed on one device.
Ultimately, the choice between Office 365 and Office 2016 will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Office 365 offers greater flexibility and access to the latest features, but requires a subscription. Office 2016, on the other hand, provides a one-time purchase option but lacks the same level of updates and cloud storage.
Cloud Storage
When it comes to cloud storage, both Office 365 and Office 2016 offer a range of options. With Office 365, you have access to OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage service. OneDrive allows you to store, share, and access your files from anywhere, on any device. This means that you can easily collaborate with others, even if they don’t have Office 365.
Office 2016, on the other hand, does not come with cloud storage built-in. However, you can still use third-party cloud storage services, such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or Box, to store your Office documents. This can be convenient if you already have an existing account with one of these providers.
One advantage of using Office 365’s OneDrive is the integration with Office apps. With OneDrive, you can easily open, edit, and save your Office documents directly from within the apps. This can save you time and make it more convenient to access your files.
Another advantage of using Office 365’s cloud storage is the ability to access your files offline. With OneDrive, you can easily sync your files to your device, allowing you to access them even when you don’t have an internet connection. This can be particularly useful if you frequently work in areas with limited or unreliable internet access.
In conclusion, while both Office 365 and Office 2016 offer options for cloud storage, Office 365’s integration with OneDrive and the ability to access files offline make it a more convenient choice. However, if you already have an existing account with a third-party cloud storage provider, such as Dropbox or Google Drive, you can still use Office 2016 with those services.
Collaboration Tools
In today’s fast-paced office environment, collaboration is key to success. Both Office 2016 and Office 365 offer a range of collaboration tools to help you work together with your colleagues more efficiently.
Real-time Co-authoring
One of the standout features of Office 365 is the ability to co-author documents in real-time. This means that multiple users can work on a Word, Excel, or PowerPoint document simultaneously, seeing each other’s changes in real-time. This feature is not available in Office 2016, where collaboration requires users to take turns editing the document.
Shared Calendars and People
Office 365 also allows for easy collaboration through shared calendars and contacts. Multiple users can access and edit the same calendar, making it easier to schedule meetings and coordinate projects. In Office 2016, shared calendars and contacts can only be accessed through email, making collaboration less seamless.
Team Sites and SharePoint
Office 365 offers the ability to create team sites and use SharePoint to centralize and store documents, making it easier to collaborate and share files with colleagues. Office 2016 lacks these features, requiring users to manually share documents via email or through cloud storage platforms.
- Office 365 Collaboration Tools:
- Real-time co-authoring
- Shared calendars and contacts
- Team sites and SharePoint integration
- Office 2016 Collaboration Tools:
- No real-time co-authoring
- Limited shared calendar and contact access
- No team sites or SharePoint integration
In conclusion, when it comes to collaboration tools, Office 365 outshines Office 2016 with its real-time co-authoring, shared calendars and contacts, and team sites and SharePoint integration. These features make it easier for teams to work together, increasing productivity and efficiency in the office.
Updates and Upgrades
One of the key differences between Office 365 and Office 2016 is the way updates and upgrades are handled.
For Office 365, updates are automatically delivered to users as part of their subscription. This means that users always have access to the latest features and improvements without having to manually download and install updates. With Office 365, users can take advantage of new features as soon as they are released.
On the other hand, Office 2016 requires users to manually download and install updates. This can be time-consuming and may lead to some users not having the latest features and improvements. It also means that users need to regularly check for updates and ensure that they are installed.
Another advantage of Office 365 is that it includes free upgrades to the latest version of Office. This means that users can easily transition from one version to another without having to pay for a new license. With Office 2016, users need to purchase a new license if they want to upgrade to a newer version.
In summary, Office 365 offers automatic updates and free upgrades, providing users with the latest features and improvements without any additional cost. Office 2016 requires manual updates and upgrades, which can be time-consuming and may incur additional expenses.
| Office 365 | Office 2016 | |
|---|---|---|
| Updates | Automatically delivered | Manually downloaded and installed |
| Upgrades | Free to the latest version | Requires purchasing a new license |
Email and Calendar Features
Both Office 2016 and Office 365 offer a range of email and calendar features that can help users stay organized and productive. However, there are some key differences between the two versions.
Email Features in Office 2016
Office 2016 includes robust email features that are designed to make managing your inbox easier. With Office 2016, you can:
- Create and send email messages
- Organize your inbox with folders and filters
- Search for specific emails
- Flag important emails for follow-up
- Set up automatic replies for when you’re away
Email Features in Office 365
Office 365 takes email functionality to the next level with additional features that are not available in Office 2016. With Office 365, you can:
- Access your emails and calendar from anywhere, on any device
- Collaborate with others in real-time on documents and emails
- Use the Outlook web app for a streamlined and user-friendly email experience
- Get 50GB of email storage, compared to the 15GB available in Office 2016
- Integrate your email with other Office 365 applications for seamless productivity
If email and calendar functionality is a priority for you, Office 365 offers a wider range of features and capabilities compared to Office 2016. However, if you primarily use email for basic communication and organization, Office 2016 may be sufficient for your needs.
Security Features
When it comes to security features, the comparison between Office 365 and Office 2016 reveals some important differences.
Office 365 offers a range of advanced security features that are designed to protect your data and ensure the privacy of your information. One of the key features of Office 365 is its built-in threat protection, which includes advanced threat intelligence and real-time monitoring to detect and block malicious activities.
Office 365 also provides strong encryption capabilities, both at rest and in transit, to safeguard your data from unauthorized access. It includes multifactor authentication, allowing you to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. Additionally, Office 365 allows you to manage and control access to your data through features such as data loss prevention and information rights management.
On the other hand, Office 2016, being a standalone version, does not offer the same level of advanced security features as Office 365. It includes basic security features such as password protection and file-level encryption, but it lacks the robust security measures provided by Office 365.
If you require enhanced security for your sensitive data and want to benefit from the latest security features, Office 365 is the recommended choice. Its comprehensive security measures will help to protect your information from various cyber threats and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of your data.
| Security Features | Office 365 | Office 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in threat protection | ✓ | X |
| Advanced encryption | ✓ | Basic |
| Multifactor authentication | ✓ | X |
| Data loss prevention | ✓ | X |
Mobile Access
In the mobile access comparison between Office 365 and Office 2016, both options offer mobile access to their applications and services. However, Office 365 has a more comprehensive mobile experience compared to Office 2016.
With Office 365, users can access their files, documents, and applications on their mobile devices through the Office mobile apps, which are available for iOS, Android, and Windows devices. These mobile apps allow users to create, edit, and share documents on the go, providing a seamless mobile productivity experience.
Office 365 also offers additional mobile-centric features, such as real-time co-authoring and collaboration on documents, offline access to files, and automatic syncing across devices. These features enable users to work efficiently and effectively, even when they are not connected to the internet.
On the other hand, Office 2016 offers basic mobile access through limited mobile apps, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. While users can view and make simple edits to their documents on their mobile devices, the functionality is not as robust as Office 365.
In summary, Office 365 provides a more comprehensive and feature-rich mobile access experience compared to Office 2016. Users can seamlessly work on their documents and access important files on their mobile devices, enhancing productivity and flexibility in today’s mobile-centric workplace.
Web Application Versions
In the feature comparison of Office 365 vs Office 2016, one of the key differences is the available web application versions.
Office 365 offers web applications that can be accessed through a web browser, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. These web applications provide a convenient way to create, edit, and collaborate on documents from any device with an internet connection.
On the other hand, Office 2016 does not include web application versions. It is a traditional software suite that is installed locally on a computer.
With Office 365’s web applications, users can access and work on their documents from anywhere, without the need to install the software on multiple devices. This makes it easier for teams to collaborate and ensures that everyone is working on the latest version of the document.
The web applications also offer real-time co-authoring, where multiple users can work on a document simultaneously. Changes made by one user are instantly visible to others, allowing for seamless collaboration.
Additionally, the web applications of Office 365 are regularly updated with new features and improvements, ensuring that users have access to the latest tools and capabilities.
In summary, Office 365’s web application versions provide a convenient and flexible way to access and work on documents from any device, while Office 2016 is a traditional software suite installed locally on a computer.
Integration with Other Services
Both Office 2016 and Office 365 offer integration with other services, allowing users to collaborate and enhance their productivity.
Office 2016
Office 2016 provides integration with various cloud storage services such as OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive. This allows users to easily access their files and collaborate with others, regardless of the cloud storage provider they prefer.
In addition, Office 2016 integrates well with other Microsoft services, such as SharePoint and Skype for Business. Users can easily share files and collaborate with colleagues using SharePoint, and they can also schedule and join Skype for Business meetings directly from within Office 2016.
Office 365
Office 365 takes the integration with other services to the next level. It includes all the integration features of Office 2016, while also offering additional capabilities.
With Office 365, users can seamlessly integrate their Office documents with Microsoft Teams, a collaboration platform that allows teams to communicate, share files, and work together in real-time. This integration makes it even easier for teams to collaborate on projects and streamline their workflow.
Furthermore, Office 365 includes integration with other Microsoft cloud services, such as Exchange Online for email and calendar management, and SharePoint Online for document management and collaboration.
Overall, both Office 2016 and Office 365 provide integration with other services, but Office 365 offers a more comprehensive set of integration features, making it a more powerful choice for teams and organizations looking to enhance their productivity and collaboration capabilities.
Customer Support
When it comes to customer support, both Office 2016 and Office 365 offer assistance to their users. However, there are some differences in the level of support provided.
Office 2016 users can rely on Microsoft’s traditional support methods, such as phone and email support, as well as their extensive online support resources. Microsoft also offers a community forum where users can ask questions and get help from other users.
On the other hand, Office 365 takes customer support to the next level with its subscription-based service. Subscribers are entitled to 24/7 phone support from Microsoft’s certified experts. This means that users can get immediate assistance whenever they encounter an issue.
In addition to phone support, Office 365 also offers a variety of online support resources, such as tutorials, articles, and videos, to help users get the most out of their subscription. There is also an active community forum where users can interact with other Office 365 subscribers and learn from their experiences.
In terms of customer support, Office 365 clearly has an advantage over Office 2016. Subscribers can expect a higher level of support, with the ability to get immediate assistance from Microsoft’s experts. However, it’s worth noting that Office 2016 still provides adequate support through its traditional channels and online resources.
File Sharing and Collaboration
One of the key differences between Office 365 and Office 2016 is the file sharing and collaboration features they offer.
With Office 365, you can easily share files and collaborate with others in real-time. The cloud-based nature of Office 365 allows you to store files in OneDrive or SharePoint and share them with colleagues or clients. You can give others different levels of access to your files, such as read-only or editing permissions.
In addition to file sharing, Office 365 also includes powerful collaboration features. You can co-author documents with others, which means multiple people can work on a document at the same time. Changes are automatically saved, and you can see who is currently editing the document. This enables seamless collaboration and eliminates the need for emailing files back and forth.
Office 2016, on the other hand, does not have the same level of file sharing and collaboration features as Office 365. While you can still share files with others using Office 2016, the process is not as seamless. You may need to manually save and send files, and there is no real-time co-authoring capability.
Overall, Office 365 offers a more robust and streamlined file sharing and collaboration experience compared to Office 2016. If you frequently collaborate with others or need to share files, Office 365 is the better choice.
Version History and Recovery
Keeping track of document versions and being able to recover previous versions is a crucial feature in any office productivity suite. Both Office 365 and Office 2016 offer version history and recovery options, but with some differences.
In Office 365, version history is automatically saved and updated as you work on your documents. This means that you can easily view and restore previous versions of a file, even if you haven’t explicitly saved different versions. Office 365 also allows you to compare different versions side by side, which can be useful for tracking changes and collaboration.
Office 2016, on the other hand, does not have automatic version history. You need to manually save different versions of your documents if you want to keep track of changes. However, Office 2016 does provide an easy way to access the version history of a file through the “Info” tab. You can view and restore previous versions from there.
Which is better?
Office 365’s automatic version history feature provides a more seamless and convenient experience for keeping track of document changes. It eliminates the need for manually saving different versions and offers more flexibility in accessing and comparing previous versions. This can be particularly useful for teams working collaboratively on documents.
Although Office 2016 requires manual saving of versions, it still offers a reliable and accessible version history feature. It’s a good option for individual users who don’t need the advanced collaboration features of Office 365.
In the end, the choice between Office 365 and Office 2016 for version history and recovery depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user or organization. Both options provide the essential functionality, but Office 365 offers a more streamlined and automated experience.
Accessibility Options
When it comes to accessibility options, both Office 2016 and Office 365 offer a range of features to ensure that everyone can use their software effectively. However, there are some differences to consider in this aspect of the two versions.
Office 2016: Accessibility Features
Office 2016 provides a variety of built-in accessibility options to support users with different needs. These features include:
- Keyboard shortcuts for easy navigation
- Screen reader support for visually impaired users
- High contrast mode to enhance visibility
- Accessibility Checker to review and fix accessibility issues in documents
While Office 2016 includes these important accessibility features, it does not have the same level of ongoing updates and improvements as Office 365.
Office 365: Accessibility Features
Office 365 takes accessibility to the next level, with regular updates and enhancements to its range of features. Some of the accessibility options in Office 365 include:
- Translator for real-time translation of documents
- Live captions and subtitles in PowerPoint presentations
- Immersive Reader for improved reading experience
- Powerful accessibility features in SharePoint Online
These features demonstrate how Office 365 goes beyond the capabilities of Office 2016 when it comes to accessibility.
Conclusion: While both Office 2016 and Office 365 provide accessibility options, Office 365 offers a wider range of features and ongoing updates to support users with various needs. If accessibility is a priority for you, Office 365 may be the better choice.
User Interface
The user interface (UI) is an important aspect of both Office 2016 and Office 365. Both versions of Office feature a modern and intuitive interface that allows users to easily navigate and access the various features and tools.
In Office 2016, the user interface is familiar and similar to previous versions of Office. It includes a ribbon at the top, which contains all the main tabs and commands. The ribbon is organized into different tabs such as Home, Insert, Page Layout, etc., and each tab contains related commands. This makes it easy for users to find the specific command they are looking for.
On the other hand, Office 365 introduces a refreshed and updated user interface. The ribbon is still present, but it has been redesigned with a more modern and streamlined look. The commands are grouped together in a more logical and organized manner, making it even easier for users to find the tools they need.
Additionally, Office 365 also introduces other UI enhancements such as the ability to customize the ribbon and choose which commands are displayed, providing a more personalized and tailored user experience. Office 365 also features a simplified version of the ribbon, called the “Simplified Ribbon,” which removes some of the clutter and presents a cleaner and more focused interface.
In conclusion, both Office 2016 and Office 365 offer a user-friendly and intuitive user interface. While Office 2016 maintains a familiar UI similar to previous versions of Office, Office 365 introduces a refreshed and updated interface with improved organization and customization options.
Question-answer:
What is the difference between Office 365 and Office 2016?
Office 365 is a subscription-based service that includes access to the latest version of Office applications, as well as additional features such as OneDrive storage and Skype minutes. Office 2016, on the other hand, is a one-time purchase of the Office suite that does not include these additional features or regular updates.
Can I use Office 365 without an internet connection?
Yes, you can use certain Office 365 applications, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, without an internet connection. However, some features, such as autosave and real-time collaboration, may not be available without an internet connection.
Which version of Office should I choose?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on your needs and preferences. If you prefer a one-time purchase and don’t need the additional features of Office 365, Office 2016 may be the better option. However, if you want the latest features, regular updates, and access to OneDrive storage and Skype minutes, Office 365 may be the better choice.
Can I use Office 365 on multiple devices?
Yes, with a single Office 365 subscription, you can install the software on multiple devices, including PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones. This allows you to have access to your Office applications and files wherever you go.
Can I switch from Office 2016 to Office 365?
Yes, you can switch from Office 2016 to Office 365. Depending on your current subscription, you may need to purchase an Office 365 subscription or activate a trial. You can then install the Office 365 software and migrate your files from Office 2016.
What is the difference between Office 365 and Office 2016?
Office 365 is a subscription-based service that provides access to the latest version of Microsoft Office, along with additional features like cloud storage and collaboration tools. Office 2016, on the other hand, is a one-time purchase software package that includes the installation of specific versions of Microsoft Office applications on a local computer.
Is Office 365 more expensive than Office 2016?
Office 365 has different pricing options depending on the subscription plan you choose. While the upfront cost may be higher compared to Office 2016, the subscription model offers more flexibility and additional features that can be cost-effective for businesses and individuals in the long run.
Can I use Office 365 and Office 2016 together?
Yes, it is possible to use Office 365 and Office 2016 together. Office 365 subscriptions allow you to download and install the latest version of Office applications on your computer, while Office 2016 is a standalone software package that can be installed separately. However, it is worth noting that the features and functionality may vary between the two versions.
What are the advantages of using Office 365 over Office 2016?
Office 365 offers several advantages over Office 2016. Firstly, it provides access to the latest version of Microsoft Office applications, so you always have access to the newest features and updates. Additionally, Office 365 offers cloud storage, which allows you to access your files from anywhere with an internet connection. It also includes collaboration tools such as online document editing and file sharing, which make it easier to work with teams or multiple users.