Microsoft 365 vs Office Online: Microsoft 365 (£3.80-£48.10/user). Office Online free. Microsoft 365 replaced Office 365. Annual commitment. Teams, automation. AMVIA guidance.
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What is the difference between Microsoft 365 and Office Online, and which should I choose? With popularity Microsoft 365, you may find yourself questioning whether it has replaced Microsoft Office Online. Microsoft 365 has appeared in place another Microsoft product, but Office Online something little different. Microsoft Office Online can be used as free Microsoft Office alternative. Enables you edit share any file created in word processor, spreadsheet or presentation programme, as well as OneNote and Outlook. Everything you do in Microsoft Office Online performed through web browser saved online. Working in Office Online means you can access those files from anywhere by logging into your Microsoft account. Microsoft 365, other hand, productivity cloud designed help individuals, businesses, and educational institutions achieve what they need. Includes best-in-class Office apps alongside intelligent cloud services sophisticated security. Microsoft 365 did not replace Microsoft Office Online, but it did come in place Office 365 subscriptions. Like Office 365, Microsoft 365 offered as subscription service, whereby you choose package that suits your needs pay for what you use monthly. Microsoft 365 contains everything that was found in old Office 365 plans, alongside various cloud services security features that leverage latest technology. Small medium businesses, change Office 365 Microsoft 365 is in name only. Plans features same as they used be. Larger enterprises, tools features on offer have significantly increased, this why Microsoft decided change name. For remote hybrid work, Microsoft 365 collaborative features powerful productivity boost. AMVIA provides assessment, selection, pricing comparison, implementation, 24/7 support.
With popularity Microsoft 365, you may find yourself questioning whether it has replaced Microsoft Office Online. Microsoft 365 has appeared in place another Microsoft product, but Office Online something little different.
This guide clarifies the differences between Microsoft 365 and Office Online, helping you choose the right solution for your business needs.
Microsoft 365 did not replace Microsoft Office Online, but it did come in place Office 365 subscriptions.
Microsoft Office Online can be used as free Microsoft Office alternative. It enables you edit and share any file created in word processor, spreadsheet or presentation programme, as well as OneNote and Outlook.
Office Online characteristics:
Everything you do in Microsoft Office Online is performed through web browser and saved online. Working in Office Online means you can access those files from anywhere by logging into your Microsoft account.
Access and workflow:
Microsoft 365, on other hand, is productivity cloud designed help individuals, businesses, and educational institutions achieve what they need. It includes best-in-class Office apps alongside intelligent cloud services and sophisticated security.
Microsoft 365 characteristics:
Like Office 365, Microsoft 365 is offered as subscription service, whereby you choose package that suits your needs and pay for what you use monthly. Microsoft 365 contains everything that was found in old Office 365 plans, alongside various cloud services and security features that leverage latest technology.
Microsoft 365 positioning:
For small and medium businesses, change from Office 365 Microsoft 365 is in name only. Plans and features are same as they used be.
For larger enterprises, tools and features on offer have significantly increased, and this is why Microsoft decided change name. New moniker is more representative comprehensive suite features offered in enterprise packages.
When you first begin using it, you can try most Microsoft 365 subscription packages for free for one month. You must either decline continue with it or commit paid subscription when this trial period ends.
All Microsoft 365 packages require you take up annual commitment; this means you sign up for one-year subscription and can choose pay monthly or yearly. Incidentally, there is discount for using this option.
Actual price Microsoft 365 package depends on where you sign up for it. If you choose purchase subscription from Microsoft directly, current prices are follows:
Frontline Worker Plans:
Information Worker Plans:
As you can see, cost packages varies significantly. Packages vary because tools and features you get, and more expensive subscriptions allow you access most advanced technology from Microsoft's suite products. Most costly subscriptions generally suited larger enterprises with 50+ employees - smaller organisations won't usually require full range features.
It may be possible get any one these subscriptions at lower price. You could try approaching Microsoft Direct Cloud Solutions Provider (CSP) instead going Microsoft directly. These companies approved partners Microsoft, so that you can trust their legitimacy.
CSP advantages:
They can often arrange subscriptions at lower rates and can offer fantastic support in ensuring you have right package for your needs. Migrating to Office 365 is not usually simple process, so it may be wise explore all options before committing.
Microsoft 365 is cloud-based business solution, so it stands reason that it is only available online. This is why it is offered on subscription basis; you cannot 'own' Microsoft 365 as it is only available online.
Cloud delivery model:
Office 365 and Office Online also online-only solutions. This model is becoming new normal for many businesses and institutions around world.
However, it is still possible purchase Microsoft Office as locally installed programme. Some prefer this option, particularly if they don't need all cloud-based additions offered with Microsoft 365 subscription.
Offline advantages:
By residing on hard drive with access computer's operating system, Microsoft Office contains richer tools for tasks like inserting complex objects. Also, there currently no online versions Access or Publisher.
Important note: However, this is where advantages of offline option end.
It is fine if you only need products like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. With small number employees, this suite software may fulfil your needs.
But rich collaborative features Microsoft 365 can empower organisations with comprehensive digital workplace that boosts productivity, streamlines processes and automates things like analytics and compliance. If any this sounds helpful in your business, you will likely find subscription package for you.
Microsoft 365 business benefits:
Another thing consider is that if you only require features offline version Microsoft Office, Microsoft Office Online offers virtually everything you need. It is almost identical offline versions but with added benefits being free and using OneDrive save your work cloud.
Office Online use cases:
No one knows better than you what your business needs from its Microsoft Office features, so you are best placed make decision. Of course, if you feel you need support in making right choice, you can always consult with expert.
Microsoft 365 replaced Office 365, not Microsoft Office Online, which is still available as free tool access many core Microsoft Office features via your web browser. If you only need these core functions then Office Online could be ideal, or you might consider purchasing offline version Microsoft Office for your business.
However, if you want powerful and richly-featured suite tools that comprise complete digital workplace, it might be time consider going for Microsoft 365.
AMVIA provides comprehensive Microsoft 365 vs Office Online assessment:
Complete Microsoft 365 implementation:
AMVIA delivers 24/7/365 Microsoft 365 support:
Start assessing current needs. What document types do you use? How many users? What collaboration required?
Next, evaluate features. Does Office Online sufficient? What Microsoft 365 features most valuable?
Then, analyze pricing. What budget available? What ROI expected? Direct Microsoft or CSP better?
Finally, make decision. Trial Microsoft 365. Compare with Office Online. Contact AMVIA expert guidance. Begin implementation.
Need expert help choosing between Microsoft 365 and Office Online for your business? Contact AMVIA specialists: 0333 733 8050 (direct to experts, no voicemail) or request consultation. We provide comprehensive Microsoft 365 assessment, Office Online vs Microsoft 365 comparison, pricing analysis (direct vs CSP), plan selection and optimization, implementation support, user training, license management, 24/7 support. Discover how AMVIA's human-first approach delivers solution guidance—ensuring you choose between free Office Online for basic needs or comprehensive Microsoft 365 subscription (£3.80-£48.10/user) for enterprise collaboration, automation, security, and digital workplace transformation.
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