Office 2021 Upgrade Costs: Get the Best Deal

If you’re currently using Office 2019 and thinking about upgrading to Office 2021, you’re likely wondering about the cost to upgrade Office 2019 to Office 2021. Microsoft Office is an essential tool for both personal and professional use, and ensuring you get the best deal when upgrading is crucial for your budget. Whether you’re upgrading for the new features, better performance, or longer support, understanding the costs involved will help you make a smart, cost-effective decision.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the pricing options for upgrading from Office 2019 to Office 2021, discuss potential discounts and deals, and explore the long-term value of the one-time purchase versus a Microsoft 365 subscription. Read on to discover how you can save money while upgrading your software.

Can You Upgrade Directly from Office 2019 to Office 2021?

First, it’s important to note that Microsoft does not offer a free upgrade path from Office 2019 to Office 2021. Both versions are considered one-time purchases (also known as perpetual licenses), meaning once you buy Office 2019, you own it for life without the option to upgrade for free. To move from Office 2019 to Office 2021, you’ll need to purchase a new license for Office 2021.

However, understanding the pricing and the cost to upgrade Office 2019 to Office 2021 will help you make a well-informed decision based on your software needs and budget.

Office 2021 Upgrade Costs

The cost to upgrade from Office 2019 to Office 2021 depends on the version of Office you choose. Microsoft offers three main versions of Office 2021: Home & Student, Home & Business, and Professional. Below is a breakdown of the costs:

1. Office 2021 Home & Student

• Price: $149.99 (one-time purchase)
• Included Apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Who It’s For: This version is ideal for students, home users, and individuals who only need the core Office applications without the need for advanced business tools.

The cost to upgrade Office 2019 to Office 2021 Home & Student is the most budget-friendly option, especially if your needs are simple. It doesn’t include Outlook, Access, or Publisher, but it covers the essentials for personal use.

2. Office 2021 Home & Business

• Price: $249.99 (one-time purchase)
• Included Apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Who It’s For: This version is better suited for small businesses and professionals who need Outlook for managing emails and appointments.

If you’re currently using Office 2019 Home & Business, the cost to upgrade Office 2019 to Office 2021 Home & Business will be higher than the Home & Student edition, but it offers the critical tool (Outlook) that many business users rely on daily.

3. Office 2021 Professional

• Price: $439.99 (one-time purchase)
• Included Apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Publisher
• Who It’s For: This version is designed for professionals, businesses, and organizations that require access to advanced tools like Access (for database management) and Publisher (for design).

The cost to upgrade Office 2019 to Office 2021 Professional is the highest, but it’s also the most feature-packed. If your work requires extensive use of all these applications, the investment can pay off in the long run.

Is There a Discount for Upgrading?

Unfortunately, Microsoft does not offer a specific discount for users upgrading from Office 2019 to Office 2021. You’ll need to pay the full price for the new version, regardless of whether you already own Office 2019. However, there are a few ways you can potentially save on the cost to upgrade Office 2019 to Office 2021.

Money-Saving Tips for Office 2021 Upgrade

While Microsoft doesn’t offer direct upgrade discounts, there are several ways you can reduce the cost to upgrade Office 2019 to Office 2021:

1. Look for Sales and Discounts from Retailers

Third-party retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg often offer discounts on software like Microsoft Office. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales events, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or back-to-school promotions. You might be able to snag Office 2021 for a lower price than purchasing directly from Microsoft.

2. Consider Bundled Deals

Some retailers offer bundled deals where you can purchase Office 2021 along with a new laptop, desktop, or other software. This can be a great way to save if you’re in the market for new hardware. You’ll often find that purchasing Office as part of a bundle can significantly lower the total cost.

3. Check for Educational Discounts

If you’re a student, teacher, or part of an educational institution, you may qualify for special pricing on Microsoft Office products. The Office 2021 Home & Student edition is already priced lower than the other versions, but you might also find additional discounts through educational platforms.

4. Compare One-Time Purchase vs. Microsoft 365 Subscription

Another way to approach the cost to upgrade Office 2019 to Office 2021 is to compare it with the pricing of a Microsoft 365 subscription. Microsoft 365 offers a subscription-based model, where you pay either monthly or yearly for access to the full suite of Office applications, along with additional cloud services like OneDrive and Microsoft Teams.

Here’s a comparison:

• Long-Term Value: While Office 2021 is a one-time purchase, Microsoft 365 offers continuous updates, meaning you’ll always have access to the latest features and security updates. If you plan to use Office for many years and don’t mind the subscription model, Microsoft 365 could offer more long-term value, especially for families or businesses with multiple users.
• One-Time Purchase Benefits: If you prefer to avoid ongoing payments, Office 2021’s one-time purchase option may be more appealing, even though you won’t receive new features after your purchase. However, you’ll still receive essential security updates.

5. Buy a License from Reputable Software Resellers

There are also reputable software resellers like TookOffice.com and SoftwareKeep that offer discounted Microsoft Office licenses. These sites often have deals that can save you money compared to purchasing directly from Microsoft. Be cautious and ensure that the reseller is legitimate to avoid purchasing counterfeit or unauthorized software.

6. Consider Timing Your Purchase

If your Office 2019 installation is still working well, you may want to wait for a better deal before upgrading. As time goes on, Office 2021 might go on sale more frequently, especially as newer versions of Microsoft Office are released. If you don’t urgently need the new features, waiting a little longer could help you get a better price.

Is It Worth Upgrading to Office 2021?

Before you decide whether to spend the cost to upgrade Office 2019 to Office 2021, consider whether the new features and improvements align with your needs.

Reasons to Upgrade

1. New Features: Office 2021 offers several new features, including XLOOKUP and LET functions in Excel, improved dark mode, and enhanced real-time collaboration tools. If you need these features for your work, upgrading could significantly boost your productivity.
2. Better Performance: Office 2021 is optimized for modern hardware and Windows 11, meaning you’ll get better performance on newer systems. If you’re using Windows 11 or plan to upgrade soon, Office 2021 will integrate more smoothly with the operating system.
3. Longer Support: Office 2021 will receive mainstream support from Microsoft until October 2026, while Office 2019 will stop receiving security updates in October 2025. If security and long-term support are priorities, upgrading is worth considering.

Reasons to Stick with Office 2019

1. Cost: If budget is a primary concern, sticking with Office 2019 might be the best choice. Office 2019 will continue to receive security updates until 2025, meaning you can safely use it for at least a few more years without facing security risks.
2. Basic Needs: If your current version of Office 2019 meets all your needs and you don’t require the new features or performance improvements in Office 2021, you might not need to upgrade just yet.

Final Thoughts: Cost to Upgrade Office 2019 to Office 2021

The cost to upgrade Office 2019 to Office 2021 can range from $149.99 to $439.99 depending on the version you choose. While there’s no free upgrade option, you can save money by taking advantage of sales, bundled deals, and educational discounts. If you’re looking for long-term value and need access to new features, Office 2021 is worth the investment.

However, if your current version of Office 2019 is working well for you and you don’t need the new tools, it might make sense to stick with it for a while longer. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific software needs and budget.