Microsoft Office 2021 vs 2019: Which Version Should You Buy in 2024?

Choosing between Microsoft Office 2021 and 2019 can save you hundreds compared to Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Both are one-time purchase perpetual licenses, but they offer different features and value propositions.

This microsoft office 2021 vs 2019 comparison will help you decide which version delivers the best bang for your buck.

Key Differences Between Office 2021 and 2019

Excel Gets the Biggest Upgrade

Office 2021's standout feature is Excel's advanced functions that simply don't exist in 2019. You get XLOOKUP (a better VLOOKUP), XMATCH for precise searching, and LET functions for creating reusable formulas.

Dynamic arrays are another game-changer. They automatically spill results across multiple cells, making complex calculations much easier to manage.

If you're a heavy Excel user dealing with large datasets or complex formulas, these tools alone justify the upgrade to 2021.

Real-Time Collaboration Finally Arrives

Office 2019 lacks real-time co-authoring, forcing you to email files back and forth or use basic OneDrive sync. Office 2021 fixes this with proper real-time collaboration in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Multiple people can edit the same document simultaneously, seeing changes instantly. It's not as robust as Microsoft 365's collaboration tools, but it's a massive improvement over 2019.

PowerPoint Gets Professional Recording Tools

Office 2021 transforms PowerPoint presentations with built-in recording capabilities. You can record slideshows with your voice, video, and even laser pointer effects.

The new ink animation feature lets you draw on slides with smooth, natural-looking animations. These tools make creating professional presentations much easier without third-party software.

Design and User Experience

Modern UI vs Familiar Interface

Office 2019 maintains the flatter design language from Office 2016, which feels dated but familiar. The dark mode is basic and doesn't extend throughout the entire interface.

Office 2021 embraces Microsoft's Fluent Design with rounded corners, better dark mode implementation, and improved visual hierarchy. If you're using Windows 11, the interface feels much more integrated and modern.

Performance and Compatibility

Both versions run well on Windows 10 and 11, but Office 2021 is optimized for newer hardware and 4K displays. The performance difference isn't dramatic for basic tasks, but power users will notice smoother scrolling and faster rendering.

Pricing Reality Check

Discount key resellers like Kinguin, Gamivo, and Keycense offer significant savings over Microsoft's retail prices. Office 2019 keys are often 60-80% cheaper since it's considered legacy software.

For budget-conscious buyers, Office 2019 Professional Plus keys offer excellent value if you don't need the latest features.

Which Version Should You Choose?

Pick Office 2021 If You:

• Work with teams and need real-time collaboration
• Use Excel extensively with complex formulas
• Want a modern interface that matches Windows 11
• Create presentations regularly
• Plan to use the software for 5+ years

Stick with Office 2019 If You:

• Work solo and don't need collaboration features
• Use basic Word, Excel, and PowerPoint functions
• Want maximum savings on software costs
• Prefer familiar interfaces
• Don't mind missing out on newer Excel functions

Support and Longevity Considerations

Office 2019's mainstream support ends in October 2025, meaning only security updates afterward. Office 2021 has longer support, making it a safer long-term investment.

Both versions receive only security patches—no new features are added post-release. This differs from Microsoft Office 365, which gets monthly feature updates.

Our Bottom Line Recommendation

For most users, Office 2021 Professional Plus offers the best balance of features and future-proofing. The Excel improvements and collaboration tools justify the modest price premium over 2019.

If budget is your primary concern and you work independently, Office 2019 Professional provides core functionality at rock-bottom prices.

Avoid paying Microsoft's retail prices—legitimate discount key vendors offer the same software for 60-80% less. Just ensure you're buying from reputable sellers with good reviews and activation guarantees.

Ready to make your choice? Browse our office software comparison to find the best deals on both versions from trusted merchants.