For those seeking the functionality of Microsoft Office without the commitment of a subscription, a new option has emerged. As of October 1, Microsoft has made its Office suite available for a one-time purchase, breaking away from the traditional Microsoft 365 subscription model.
Standalone Purchase Options
The Office Home 2024 edition is priced at 9.99 and includes all core applications, excluding Outlook. For those requiring Outlook and commercial use rights, the Home & Business 2024 version is available for 9.99. These versions are fixed, meaning users will not receive ongoing feature updates as they would with the subscription service. However, for individuals satisfied with the current offerings and planning to use the software for several years, this presents a viable solution. Notably, the last standalone version of Office was released in 2021, and for those willing to consider an older iteration, Office 2021 can be acquired for a mere .
Enhancements in Office 2024
Office 2024 introduces several improvements over its predecessor, Office 2021:
- Excel: Enhanced performance, particularly when managing multiple workbooks simultaneously. New functions facilitate easier manipulation of text and arrays, allowing users to paste images directly or utilize the IMAGE function without altering formatting. Dynamic arrays in charts will now automatically update to reflect recalculated data.
- Outlook: An accessibility checker has been integrated to automatically identify accessibility issues within emails.
- PowerPoint: The new Cameo feature allows users to embed a live camera feed directly into presentations. Additionally, the Recording Studio enables narration, animations, transitions, and inking to be recorded seamlessly.
- OneNote: An improved inking experience has been introduced, featuring a full-screen pen-focused view for a more immersive writing experience.
In comparison, Microsoft 365 offers an individual plan at .99 per year (or .99 monthly) and a family plan for up to six users at .99 annually (or .99 monthly).
System Requirements
Office 2024 is compatible with Windows 10 and 11, as well as the three most recent versions of macOS. A Microsoft account and internet connection are required to utilize the product.