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(MPN ID: 6704324)
Choosing the right productivity software is crucial for individuals and businesses alike. Microsoft’s productivity suites are among the most popular options, with the 2019 and 2021 versions of Office being the most recent releases for Mac users.
The main difference between the two versions lies in their features, pricing, and system requirements. The newer version, Office 2021, brings new features and improvements, while Office 2019 remains a reliable choice for those who don’t need the latest features.
As we explore the differences between these two versions, we’ll examine the key features, pricing, and system requirements to help you decide which one is best suited for your needs.
Office for Mac has evolved significantly over the years, and the 2019 and 2021 versions showcase this progression. The software has been a cornerstone for productivity, and understanding the differences between these versions is crucial for making an informed decision.
Microsoft has been refining Office for Mac, introducing new features and improvements with each iteration. The journey from Office 2019 to 2021 has been marked by significant advancements in functionality, performance, and user experience. Key innovations include improved collaboration tools, enhanced graphics, and better integration with other Microsoft services.
To understand the differences between Office for Mac 2019 and 2021, let’s look at some of the key features. The table below summarizes the main differences:
| Feature | Office 2019 | Office 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing Model | Perpetual License | Perpetual License |
| New Features | Limited to features available at the time of release | Includes new features introduced after 2019 |
| Support | Mainstream support ended, extended support available | Mainstream support available |
One of the critical decisions when choosing Office for Mac is between a perpetual license and a subscription model. A perpetual license, as seen in both Office 2019 and 2021, offers a one-time purchase option. In contrast, a subscription model, such as Microsoft 365, provides ongoing access to the latest features and updates for a recurring fee. The choice between these models depends on your needs for the latest features and your budget.
The features in Office for Mac 2019 and 2021 are key to making an informed decision.
When comparing Office for Mac 2019 and 2021, it’s essential to look at the new features introduced in the latter. Office 2021 brings several innovations that are not available in the 2019 version.
Office 2021 introduces several new features that enhance productivity and user experience. Some of the notable features include:
These features are significant improvements over Office 2019 and are particularly useful for those who work on complex documents or collaborate frequently.
Despite the new features in Office 2021, many of the core functionalities remain the same across both versions. For example:
| Feature | Office 2019 | Office 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Word Processing | Yes | Yes |
| Spreadsheet Analysis | Yes | Yes |
| Presentation Software | Yes | Yes |
As shown in the table, both versions offer the fundamental tools that are essential for productivity.
One of the significant differences between the two versions is the lack of certain features in Office 2019. For instance, dynamic arrays and XLOOKUP are not available in Office 2019, making Office 2021 more desirable for those who need these advanced Excel features.
“The new features in Office 2021, such as dynamic arrays and XLOOKUP, significantly improve the user experience and productivity.”
Office 2021 also boasts performance improvements over the 2019 version. Users can expect:
These improvements contribute to a smoother and more reliable user experience.
The financial implications of choosing between Office for Mac 2019 and 2021 depend on the pricing and licensing models. Understanding these models is crucial for making an informed decision that suits your needs and budget.
Office for Mac 2019 is available as a one-time purchase, while Office for Mac 2021 offers both one-time purchase and subscription models through Microsoft 365. The one-time purchase model provides ownership of the software, but it lacks the ongoing updates and features that come with a subscription.
Key differences between one-time purchase and subscription:
When comparing the cost over time, the one-time purchase of Office for Mac 2019 or 2021 may seem more economical initially. However, the subscription model provides ongoing updates and new features, which can be valuable for those who need the latest software capabilities.
| Software | Initial Cost | Ongoing Cost | Total Cost after 3 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office for Mac 2019 (One-time) | $150 | $0 | $150 |
| Office for Mac 2021 (One-time) | $160 | $0 | $160 |
| Microsoft 365 (Subscription) | $0 | $70/year | $210 |
For businesses, volume licensing options are available for both Office 2019 and Office 2021. These options provide discounted rates for multiple licenses and are ideal for organizations with many users.
Microsoft 365 offers family and personal plans that include Office applications, OneDrive storage, and other benefits. These plans are suitable for individuals and families who need access to Office software on multiple devices.
To ensure smooth performance, it’s essential to check the system requirements for both Office for Mac 2019 and 2021. The compatibility of these versions with your Mac’s operating system and hardware is crucial for optimal functionality.
Both Office for Mac 2019 and 2021 require a compatible version of macOS. Office 2019 is compatible with macOS Sierra (10.12) or later, while Office 2021 requires macOS Big Sur (11.0) or later. This means that if you’re using an older macOS version, Office 2019 might be the only compatible choice.
The hardware requirements for both versions are relatively similar. They require a Mac with a 64-bit processor, 4GB of RAM (or more), and 4GB of available disk space. However, Office 2021 is optimized for more modern hardware, potentially offering better performance on newer Macs.
Office 2021 is compatible with Apple Silicon (M1/M2) processors through Microsoft’s native support, offering better performance and energy efficiency. Office 2019 can run on these processors using Rosetta 2, but it may not be as efficient as native applications.
Both versions of Office are capable of opening files from other versions, ensuring that you can work with files regardless of their origin. However, some features may not be supported when working with files from newer or older versions.
| Feature | Office for Mac 2019 | Office for Mac 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| macOS Compatibility | macOS Sierra (10.12) or later | macOS Big Sur (11.0) or later |
| Apple Silicon Support | Via Rosetta 2 | Native Support |
| Hardware Requirements | 64-bit processor, 4GB RAM | 64-bit processor, 4GB RAM |
Comparing Microsoft Word 2019 and 2021 reveals notable differences in functionality and performance. The 2021 version brings several improvements and new features that enhance the overall user experience.
The user interface has seen some improvements in Word 2021. One of the key changes is the refined visual design, which provides a more modern look and feel. The new interface is more intuitive, making it easier to find and use various features. Additionally, the 2021 version offers improved accessibility features, making it more user-friendly for people with disabilities.
Microsoft Word 2021 offers enhanced editing and collaboration features. One of the significant improvements is the advanced commenting feature, which allows for more effective collaboration. Users can now reply to comments, making it easier to manage discussions within documents. Additionally, the 2021 version provides improved track changes functionality, making it easier to review and edit documents collaboratively.
Word 2021 introduces new writing tools that enhance productivity. The Editor feature has been improved, offering more advanced grammar and style suggestions. Additionally, the new version includes improved text prediction capabilities, making it easier to write and edit documents. These features are designed to help users produce high-quality content more efficiently.
Performance has been a key area of focus for Microsoft in the 2021 version of Word. The new version is optimized for better performance, particularly with large documents. The improved performance is due in part to the optimized resource management, which allows for smoother operation even with complex documents. Overall, Word 2021 offers a more responsive and reliable experience compared to the 2019 version.
Excel 2021 brings a host of new features and improvements over its 2019 counterpart, making it a more powerful tool for data analysis. This section will explore the differences between Excel 2019 and Excel 2021, focusing on the key features that set them apart.
One of the significant improvements in Excel 2021 is the introduction of new functions and formulas. These include dynamic arrays and XLOOKUP, which simplify data analysis and reduce the time spent on complex calculations. Excel 2021 also includes other new functions such as LET and XMATCH, which provide more flexibility and power in handling data.
These new functions are not available in Excel 2019, making Excel 2021 a more robust tool for users who need advanced data analysis capabilities.
Both Excel 2019 and Excel 2021 offer powerful data analysis tools, but Excel 2021 has an edge due to its new features. The introduction of dynamic arrays, for example, allows for more efficient handling of data arrays, making it easier to perform complex calculations.
Excel 2021 also improves on the data analysis capabilities with features like Power Query, which is now more integrated into the Excel experience, allowing users to easily manage and analyze large datasets.
Excel 2021 shows significant performance improvements over Excel 2019, particularly when dealing with large spreadsheets. The new version is optimized for better performance, reducing the time it takes to load and manipulate large datasets.
This improvement is crucial for users who work with complex financial models, large datasets, or other resource-intensive Excel files.
Dynamic arrays and XLOOKUP are two of the most significant features introduced in Excel 2021. Dynamic arrays allow formulas to return multiple values, making it easier to work with data that is not necessarily contiguous. XLOOKUP, on the other hand, provides a more flexible and powerful alternative to the traditional VLOOKUP function, reducing the risk of errors and improving the overall efficiency of data retrieval.
These features are not available in Excel 2019, making Excel 2021 a more efficient and powerful tool for data analysis.
When it comes to creating engaging presentations, the choice between PowerPoint 2019 and 2021 can significantly impact your outcome. Both versions have their strengths, particularly in terms of presentation features.
PowerPoint 2021 introduces several design and animation improvements, making it easier to create visually appealing slides. These include enhanced morphing capabilities and more intuitive animation tools. In contrast, PowerPoint 2019 provides a solid foundation for presentation design but lacks some of the more advanced features found in 2021.
The Presenter View has been a staple in PowerPoint for years, and 2021 brings significant enhancements. With improved layout and additional features like slide preview and speaker notes, presenters can deliver more confident and engaging presentations.
Both versions handle media well, but PowerPoint 2021 offers better support for newer media formats and more flexible embedding options. This ensures that your presentations are more dynamic and engaging.
In terms of recording and export options, PowerPoint 2021 provides more flexibility, including the ability to record presentations with ease and export them in various formats. This is particularly useful for creating content for online platforms.
Cloud integration and collaboration are crucial for modern productivity, and Office for Mac 2019 and 2021 handle these aspects differently. Both versions have made significant strides in enhancing how users work together on documents and projects.
OneDrive integration is a key feature for cloud storage and access. Office 2021 offers more seamless integration with OneDrive, allowing for easier access and management of cloud-stored files directly from the Office applications.
Real-time co-authoring is another vital collaboration feature. Both Office 2019 and 2021 support this, but Office 2021 enhances it with better conflict resolution and more intuitive collaboration tools.
Sharing and permission settings are crucial for controlling who can access and edit documents. Office 2021 provides more granular control over permissions, making it easier to manage complex collaborations.
While both versions offer offline capabilities, Office 2021 improves the online experience with more robust cloud features, allowing for more flexible work arrangements.
Choosing the right Office version for your needs can be a daunting task, but understanding the differences between Office 2019 and 2021 can simplify the decision. Both versions have their strengths and are suited for different types of users.
Office 2019 is ideal for users who require a one-time purchase solution and do not need the latest features or cloud-based services. It’s suitable for basic office tasks such as word processing, spreadsheet management, and presentation creation.
Office 2021 is better suited for users who need the latest features, improved performance, and enhanced security. It’s a good choice for those who want a perpetual license without the need for a subscription.
For users who require continuous updates, cloud storage, and collaboration tools, Microsoft 365 is the best option. It offers flexibility and scalability, making it suitable for various user categories.
Home users who occasionally use Office applications might find Office 2019 or 2021 sufficient. However, those who need access to the latest features and cloud storage might prefer Microsoft 365.
Small business owners who rely heavily on Office applications and require collaboration tools should consider Microsoft 365. It offers the necessary features for business productivity and scalability.
Students and educators can benefit from Microsoft 365, which often includes discounted rates for educational institutions. It provides access to the latest Office versions, cloud storage, and collaboration tools.
Enterprise users typically require robust solutions with advanced security and compliance features. Microsoft 365 is usually the best choice due to its enterprise-grade features and scalability.
| User Type | Office 2019 | Office 2021 | Microsoft 365 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Users | Suitable for basic needs | Offers latest features | Ideal for frequent updates and cloud access |
| Small Business Owners | Limited collaboration features | Better performance and security | Best for collaboration and scalability |
| Students and Educators | Basic functionality | Latest features | Offers educational discounts and cloud storage |
| Enterprise Users | Limited security and compliance | Enhanced security features | Robust security, compliance, and scalability |
By considering your specific needs and the characteristics of each Office version, you can make an informed decision that best suits your requirements.
Choosing between Office for Mac 2019 and 2021 depends on your specific needs and preferences. Our comparison highlights the key differences between these two versions, enabling you to make an informed decision.
Office for Mac 2021 offers advanced features, improved performance, and enhanced collaboration tools, making it ideal for those who need the latest and greatest technology. On the other hand, Office for Mac 2019 provides a more traditional experience and is suitable for those who are looking for a one-time purchase option.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual requirements. If you need the latest features and are willing to pay for them, Office for Mac 2021 is the better choice. However, if you are on a budget or prefer a more straightforward, familiar experience, Office for Mac 2019 may be the way to go.
In conclusion, our Office for Mac comparison provides a clear understanding of the differences between the 2019 and 2021 versions, helping you to choose the best option for your needs.
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