Microsoft Office 2021 Professional vs Professional Plus: Key Differences Explained

When comparing Office 2021 Standard vs Professional, the key difference lies in the features and intended user base. Office 2021 Standard is designed for volume licensing customers and includes essential productivity tools, while Office 2021 Professional caters to individual users and small businesses with additional functionality like Outlook.

Both versions are part of the Microsoft Office 2021 suite but serve different needs. Below is a detailed breakdown to help you decide which edition suits your requirements.

📝 What Is Included in Office 2021 Standard?

Microsoft Office 2021 Standard is available primarily through volume licensing and includes:

  • Word

  • Excel

  • PowerPoint

  • Outlook

  • Publisher

  • OneNote

Ideal For:

  • Government agencies, educational institutions, and businesses using Volume Licensing

  • Users who do not need database tools or advanced communication apps

🚀 What Is Included in Office 2021 Professional?

Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus includes all Standard features, plus:

  • Access (for database management)

  • Skype for Business (for enterprise communication)

Ideal For:

  • Small to medium-sized businesses

  • Professionals who need additional tools beyond the basics

🔐 Security & Compliance Features

While both versions support Microsoft’s core security protocols, Office 2021 Professional Plus includes:

  • Advanced compliance tools

  • Enhanced threat protection

  • Better integration with Microsoft Exchange and SharePoint

These features make the Professional Plus version more suitable for enterprise-grade environments.

💲 Pricing Comparison: Standard vs Professional

Edition Availability Target User Notable Features Typical Use Case
Office 2021 Standard Volume Licensing only Large orgs, education, gov. Core apps (no Access or Skype) Bulk deployments
Office 2021 Professional Plus Retail & digital Small businesses, individuals Includes Access, Skype for Business Advanced productivity needs

Key Takeaway:

Final Recommendation

If you’re comparing Office 2021 Standard vs Professional:

  • Go with Standard for institutional use with basic apps and volume license requirements.

  • Opt for Professional Plus if you’re an individual or business needing advanced tools like Access and Skype for Business.

Choose the edition that aligns with your operational needs, licensing method, and long-term productivity goals.

FAQS

1. What is the difference between Office 2021 Professional and Professional Plus?

The main difference is that Office 2021 Professional Plus includes two additional apps: Access and Skype for Business, along with advanced security and compliance features. Office 2021 Professional is ideal for small businesses, while Professional Plus is best suited for enterprise environments.

2. Does Office 2021 Standard include Outlook?

Yes, Microsoft Office 2021 Standard includes Outlook, along with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and OneNote. It is primarily offered through volume licensing for organizations.

3. Can I upgrade from Office 2021 Standard to Professional?

There is no direct upgrade path between the two editions. You would need to purchase a separate license for Office 2021 Professional Plus if you require the extra apps like Access and Skype for Business.

4. Is Microsoft Office 2021 a one-time purchase?

Yes, Microsoft Office 2021 is a one-time purchase for a single PC. It does not require a subscription like Microsoft 365, though it also does not receive major feature updates—only security patches.

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