Which activation type is best for me?
Some editions are linked to a Microsoft account, allowing reinstallation on new devices, while others are one-time activations that cannot be transferred.
How many devices and which programs are included?
The number of devices supported can range from a single computer to dozens of PCs with volume licenses, and the set of included programs also varies – some versions include Outlook, Publisher, or Access, while others do not.
Should I choose a permanent license or a subscription?
There is the choice between a permanent license and a Microsoft 365 subscription, which offers regular updates and additional cloud services.
The comparison below provides a clear and structured overview of all major Office license types, making it easier to select the version that matches your technical requirements, preferred features, and budget.
| License Type | Versions | Included Programs | Microsoft Account Required | Activation Type | Number of Devices | One Time Purchase | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Unbound | Office 2019, 2021, 2024 Pro Plus / Home & Business / Home & Student |
Pro Plus: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher*, Access H&B: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook H&S: Word, Excel, PowerPoint |
One-time activation | 1 PC/Mac | Non-transferable; *Publisher not included in 2024 | ||
| Retail Bound | Office 2019, 2021, 2024 H&S / H&B / Pro Plus | Same as Unbound, depending on edition | yes | Reinstallation possible after device change | 1 PC/Mac | Linked to Microsoft Account | |
| Click-to-Run (1 PC) | Office 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024 Standard / Pro Plus |
Standard: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook Pro Plus: +Publisher*, Access |
One-time activation | 1 PC | *Publisher not included in 2024 | ||
| MAK (Volume License) | Office 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024 Standard / Pro Plus | Same as Standard or Pro Plus | Multiple activation | 5–50 PCs | One key for multiple PCs | ||
| MacOS – Standard | Office 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024 | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook | Serializer (one-time activation) | 1 Mac | No Publisher or Access | ||
| MacOS – Home & Business | Office 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024 | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook | yes | Reinstallation possible | 1 Mac | Linked to Microsoft Account | |
| Microsoft 365 Single | Microsoft 365 | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook | yes | Subscription | 1 user (PC/Mac/Android) | Includes 1TB OneDrive | |
| Microsoft 365 Family | Microsoft 365 | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook | yes | Subscription | Up to 6 users | Includes 6TB OneDrive | |
| Microsoft 365 Business Basic | Microsoft 365 | Web/Mobile: Word, Excel, PowerPoint +Teams, Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint |
yes | Subscription | Per user | No desktop apps included | |
| Microsoft 365 Business Standard | Microsoft 365 | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher (PC only), Access (PC only) +Teams, Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint |
yes | Subscription | Per user | Publisher & Access only on PC |
