For one person on one computer, Office 2024 is cheaper than Microsoft 365 after about 3 years: Microsoft 365 Personal costs $99.99 a year in the US, while Office Home & Business 2024 costs $249.99 once. Over 5 years that’s about $500 against $250. For a family with several computers, Microsoft 365 Family at $129.99 a year is often cheaper, because one subscription covers up to 6 people. Enter your own numbers below.
Every year, Microsoft 365 renewal emails send people searching for a cheaper way to keep Word and Excel. This calculator shows the real total cost of a Microsoft 365 subscription against a one-time Office 2024 licence for your number of people and years. It uses current prices from Office Watch’s 2026 Microsoft 365 plan overview and Microsoft’s Office 2024 pricing, and it tells you honestly when the subscription is the better deal.
Microsoft 365 vs Office 2024: Cost Examples
Here’s how the numbers work out for common situations, at US prices: Microsoft 365 Personal $99.99 a year, Family $129.99 a year, and Office Home & Business 2024 $249.99 per computer.
| Who | Period | Microsoft 365 | Office 2024 | Cheaper option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person, 1 computer | 3 years | $300 | $250 | Office 2024 saves $50 |
| 1 person, 1 computer | 5 years | $500 | $250 | Office 2024 saves $250 |
| 2 people, 2 computers | 5 years | $650 (Family) | $500 | Office 2024 saves $150 |
| Family, 4 computers | 5 years | $650 (Family) | $1,000 | Microsoft 365 saves $350 |
| Family, 6 computers | 3 years | $390 (Family) | $1,500 | Microsoft 365 saves $1,110 |
| 5 people, 5 computers | 5 years | $2,500 (5 × Personal) | $1,250 | Office 2024 saves $1,250 |
The pattern is clear: the fewer computers and the longer you keep them, the more Office 2024 saves. The more people share a Family plan, the better the subscription looks.
What You Get for the Money
Cost isn’t the whole story. Here’s what each option actually includes:
| Office 2024 (one-time) | Microsoft 365 (subscription) | |
|---|---|---|
| Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote | Yes | Yes |
| Outlook | Home & Business and Professional Plus | Yes |
| Access (Windows) | Professional Plus only | Yes |
| Devices | 1 computer per licence | 5 at once per person, including phones |
| OneDrive cloud storage | No | 1 TB per person |
| Copilot AI features | No | Yes |
| New versions and features | No | Yes |
| Security updates | Until 9 October 2029 | As long as you subscribe |
| Stops working if you stop paying | No | Apps switch to read-only |
Hidden Costs to Consider
Microsoft 365 prices can rise
Microsoft raised Microsoft 365 Personal from $69.99 to $99.99 a year, and Family from $99.99 to $129.99, in January 2025, when it added Copilot AI features (Pureinfotech). A subscription’s five-year cost depends on prices that can change. Microsoft also offers cheaper “Classic” plans without Copilot, at $69.99 for Personal, but mainly to people who try to cancel.
Office 2024 has an end date for updates
Office 2024 gets security updates until 9 October 2029 (Microsoft). It keeps working after that, but without security fixes. If you plan to use Office for more than about three years from now, budget for a future upgrade. The calculator warns you when your chosen period goes past that date.
Cloud storage has a value
Microsoft 365 includes 1 TB of OneDrive storage per person. If you’d otherwise pay for cloud storage elsewhere, count that saving in Microsoft 365’s favour.
Which Should You Choose?
Still unsure? Our “Which Office should I buy?” quiz recommends an edition in five questions, and our Office 2024 vs Microsoft 365 vs LibreOffice comparison covers features in depth.
Switching From Microsoft 365 to Office 2024
Switching doesn’t mean losing your work. Your documents stay on your computer, and anything in OneDrive can be downloaded before your subscription ends. On Windows, you can switch the installed apps from your Microsoft 365 licence to Office 2024 with File › Account › Switch License, without uninstalling (Microsoft). Our guide to changing the Office product key without reinstalling walks through every method.
- Download anything you need from OneDrive, since storage drops to 5 GB after the subscription ends.
- Buy and activate Office 2024 before your Microsoft 365 subscription runs out, so there’s no gap.
- Turn off automatic renewal in your Microsoft account under Services & subscriptions.
Buy Office 2024 Once and Stop Paying Every Year
Noxkeys sells genuine Office product keys with instant email delivery and step-by-step activation help.
Browse all Microsoft Office licences or contact us if you’re buying for several computers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Office 2024 cheaper than Microsoft 365?
For one person on one computer, yes, after about 3 years. Microsoft 365 Personal costs $99.99 a year in the US, while Office Home & Business 2024 costs $249.99 once. For families with several computers, Microsoft 365 Family is often cheaper.
How much does Microsoft 365 cost per year?
In the US, Microsoft 365 Personal costs $99.99 a year and Family $129.99 a year for up to 6 people. Microsoft 365 Premium costs $199.99. Prices vary by country.
How much does Office 2024 cost?
Microsoft sells Office Home 2024 for $149.99 and Office Home & Business 2024 for $249.99 in the US, as one-time purchases for one computer. Licence resellers often sell for less.
Is Microsoft 365 worth it?
It’s worth it if you use Office on several devices, share it with family, or want 1 TB of cloud storage and Copilot AI. If you only use Word and Excel on one computer, Office 2024 usually costs less.
What happens to my files if I cancel Microsoft 365?
Files on your computer stay. The Office apps switch to read-only, and your OneDrive storage drops to 5 GB, so download anything you need first.
Can I switch from Microsoft 365 to Office 2024 without uninstalling?
Yes, on Windows. In any Office app go to File > Account and select Switch License, or change the product key with Change License.
How long will Office 2024 last?
Office 2024 keeps working indefinitely, and gets security updates until 9 October 2029. After that it still works, but without security fixes.
Does Office 2024 include cloud storage?
No. Office 2024 doesn’t include OneDrive storage beyond the free 5 GB. Microsoft 365 includes 1 TB per person.
Can I use Microsoft 365 Personal or Family for business?
No. Personal and Family are for home use. Businesses need Microsoft 365 business plans or a business-licensed edition such as Office Home & Business 2024 or Office 2024 Professional Plus.
Did Microsoft 365 prices go up?
Yes. In January 2025, Microsoft raised Personal from $69.99 to $99.99 and Family from $99.99 to $129.99 a year in the US, adding Copilot AI features.