Microsoft Office 2024, the latest version of the well known office suite, is now available for both individuals and businesses. Unlike the subscription based Microsoft 365, this version can be purchased with a lifetime license and used offline, without requiring an internet connection.

Microsoft has released a new one-time purchase version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. Microsoft Office 2024 is available to purchase starting today, but a Microsoft 365 subscription or a free alternative probably makes more sense for most people.

The $149 version of Office 2024 is for home users only. If you plan to use it for commercial purposes, the Home & Business version costs $249 . By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Microsoft Office Home and Business 2019 for Mac offers lifetime access to all the essential productivity tools you need without monthly fees.

In short, Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service, while Office 2024 requires a one-off purchase. Here are some more specific details. Microsoft 365 Personal is a subscription-based package, and costs $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year. There is no upfront cost other than your first subscription payment.

Users can get lifetime licence to the suite of apps – so long as they can do without want updates or collaboration

Microsoft's push to get Windows and Office users to buy Microsoft 365 subscriptions can be irritating, but to the company's credit, it's one of the few that has continued to sell buy-once, use-forever versions of its flagship software after launching a subscription model.

It’s been three years since Microsoft released the 2021 version of its inescapable Office apps suite, but the company hasn’t been resting on its laurels. The subscription-based, always-online Microsoft 365 has been getting constant tweaks and updates in that time.