Choosing between Microsoft Office 2024 Pro Plus and Microsoft Office 2021 Pro Plus for a Windows PC often comes down to how much you want to pay for the more recent release versus an earlier, lower-priced edition. Both are lifetime licenses for up to three users, both are genuine USB editions, and both run on Windows 10 and Windows 11. The 2024 edition is listed at $85.95, while the 2021 edition is listed at $65.95.
Quick Verdict
If you want the later Office Pro Plus release and are willing to pay the higher listed price, Microsoft Office 2024 Pro Plus is the straightforward choice. If you prefer an earlier edition at a lower listed price and the explicit inclusion of OneNote and Publisher, Microsoft Office 2021 Pro Plus is the more economical option.
At a Glance
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar | License | Format | OS | Apps Listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Office 2024 Pro Plus (USB, 3 Users) | $85.95 | Lifetime, 3 users | USB | Windows 10/11 | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, and more | |
| Microsoft Office 2021 Pro Plus (USB, 3 Users) | $65.95 | Lifetime, 3 users | USB | Windows 10/11 | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access, Publisher, and more |
Where Each Wins
- Microsoft Office 2024 Pro Plus wins if you want the more recent release. The 2024 edition has the higher listed price of the two and is the later version, while still offering a lifetime license for up to three Windows PCs.
- Microsoft Office 2021 Pro Plus wins if you want the lower listed price. At $65.95, it is listed at $20 less than the 2024 edition, and its description explicitly names OneNote and Publisher alongside the core Office apps.
Product Notes
Microsoft Office 2024 Pro Plus Window 10 & 11 USB Lifetime 3 Users PC Genuine
Choose this if you want the later Office Pro Plus release. It is listed at $85.95, comes on USB, and includes a lifetime license for three users on Windows 10 or 11. The description names Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, and more. Keep in mind that it is the higher-priced option in this comparison, and it is not for Mac OS.
Microsoft Office 2021 Pro Plus Window 10 & 11 USB Lifetime 3 Users PC Genuine
Choose this if you want a lower listed price for a lifetime Office Pro Plus license. It is listed at $65.95, also on USB, and covers three users on Windows 10 or 11. The description explicitly includes OneNote, Publisher, Access, and other core apps. The main trade-off is that it is an earlier release than the 2024 edition.
Final Choice by Use Case
If you prioritize having the more recent Office Pro Plus release, even at the higher listed price, go with Microsoft Office 2024 Pro Plus. If you want the lower listed price and are comfortable with an earlier version, Microsoft Office 2021 Pro Plus is the option to pick.
