Detailed Comparison: Microsoft Office Pro 2021 vs Office Professional Plus 2019
When comparing Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Office Professional Plus 2019, several differences stand out in terms of features, improvements, and performance. This article provides a detailed breakdown to help you understand the distinctions between these two versions.
1. Release Year and Support Lifecycle
Office Professional Plus 2019 was released in September 2018 and offers mainstream support until October 2023, with extended support ending in 2028. This version was designed for users who prefer a one-time purchase rather than a subscription.
Microsoft Office Pro 2021 was released in October 2021 and offers support beyond that of Office 2019. Its mainstream support lasts until October 2026, and extended support continues until 2031. As a newer version, it includes more modern features and enhancements over its predecessor.
2. Features and Improvements
Office Professional Plus 2019 introduced several new features and improvements compared to earlier versions, but Microsoft Office Pro 2021 builds on this and introduces further innovations, especially for modern work scenarios.
User Interface and Design
Office Pro 2021 comes with a refreshed user interface, designed to be more user-friendly and visually cohesive across devices. These changes make navigation and usage smoother, especially on touch devices. Though subtle, the changes enhance the overall user experience.
Performance Enhancements
Microsoft Office 2021 is optimized for better performance, with faster app launches, enhanced responsiveness, and an overall improved performance compared to Office 2019. These enhancements are crucial for users seeking a more efficient and streamlined experience.
Collaboration Tools
Office Pro 2021 emphasizes real-time collaboration, particularly with Microsoft Teams integration. Features like co-authoring in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint allow multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously, even if it is stored locally. Office 2019, on the other hand, has more limited real-time collaboration capabilities.
Microsoft Teams
Office Pro 2021 integrates Microsoft Teams as a core communication tool, promoting remote collaboration. Office 2019, which only includes Skype for Business, offers less comprehensive collaboration features.
Excel Updates
Office Pro 2021 includes new Excel features such as Dynamic Arrays, LET functions, and XLOOKUP, which enhance data manipulation and analysis. Office 2019 includes essential Excel updates like new chart types and Power Query enhancements, but these are less advanced compared to the latest version.
PowerPoint Updates
In Office Pro 2021, PowerPoint includes improvements such as the ability to record slide shows, support for more complex animations, and expanded use of morph transitions. These features make presentations more dynamic and engaging compared to Office 2019.
Outlook Enhancements
Microsoft Office 2021 has improvements to Outlook's search capabilities, making it easier to find relevant emails. It also enhances performance when handling large volumes of emails, which is crucial for business users.
3. Software Requirements and Compatibility
Office 2021 is designed for modern Windows 10 and 11 environments, ensuring compatibility with the latest security features and optimizations in these systems. Office 2019, while still compatible with Windows 10, doesn’t fully leverage newer features found in Windows 11.
Cloud and subscription integration is also a key difference. Although both Office 2019 and 2021 are one-time purchases, not subscriptions like Microsoft 365, Office 2021 has deeper integration with cloud services. This includes seamless saving and sharing with OneDrive, improved autosave capabilities, and enhanced cloud storage management.
4. Licensing and Activation
Both Office Professional Plus 2019 and Microsoft Office Pro 2021 are available as one-time purchases, meaning you only pay once and own the license for life with no ongoing subscription costs. However, licensing and activation can differ depending on where you buy them from. Office Professional Plus 2019 was traditionally available only through volume licensing for enterprises but is now accessible for individual users as well.
5. Security Enhancements
Office 2021 brings updated security features, reflecting the latest trends in cybersecurity and protecting users from new vulnerabilities. Office 2019 includes security features, but Office 2021’s enhancements ensure it is more resilient against modern threats.
6. Price Comparison and Discounts
Office 2021 typically comes at a higher price than Office 2019, reflecting its newer features and support timeline. However, if you are looking for discounts, you can find deals on platforms like Affordablekey, which offers significant savings on genuine Microsoft product keys.
For example, if you buy Microsoft active product keys through Affordablekey and apply their Halloween discount, you can use the coupon code HELLO30 to maximize savings. This makes acquiring Office Pro 2021 much more affordable, especially compared to buying directly from Microsoft.
Conclusion: In summary, while Office Professional Plus 2019 remains a solid choice for those who do not require the latest features and tools, Microsoft Office Pro 2021 offers several enhancements that make it the better option for modern workflows, especially in terms of performance, collaboration, and compatibility with new systems. If you are looking to buy, considering deals through platforms like Affordablekey can help you get these products at a significantly lower price.