Top 10 Low-Cost Microsoft Office Licenses

Do you need Microsoft Office for your home, studies, or work, but the official license price is out of your budget? You’re not alone. Many people — from students to professionals and small businesses — struggle with the high cost of legally acquiring Office. The good news is that you don't have to resort to piracy or spend a fortune: nowadays, it's possible to get genuine Microsoft Office licenses at a fraction of their original price, in a completely legal and secure way.

In this article, we’ll go over the 10 best low-cost Microsoft Office license options. We'll explain what each edition includes (programs and versions), what type of user it's best suited for, its main advantages, and its approximate or range price. We’ll also include brief comparisons between versions like Office 2019 vs Office 2021 where relevant, so you can make a smart decision. And of course, we’ll give you tips and calls to action for buying safely from the Licendi store, highlighting its benefits as a European provider of official licenses with a guarantee. Get ready to equip yourself with Office without compromising your wallet or legality!

Office Licenses: One-Time Purchase or Subscription?

Before diving into the top 10, it’s worth understanding that Microsoft offers two main types of Office licensing models:

• Perpetual license (one-time purchase): These are the classic Office versions identified by a year, such as Office 2016, Office 2019, Office 2021, etc. You pay once for the license and can use the Office suite on your PC or Mac indefinitely (lifetime use, though without upgrades to newer versions). These licenses usually apply to one device only and don’t include future enhancements; when a new version comes out, you’d need to purchase it separately if you want to upgrade. Still, you continue to receive security updates as long as that version is supported. They’re ideal if you prefer a one-time payment and to stick with the same version for years.
• Microsoft 365 subscription (formerly Office 365): Instead of buying the software outright, you pay a monthly or yearly subscription that grants access to the latest Office apps always up to date, along with additional cloud services. As long as your subscription is active, you'll have the most recent version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc., plus access across multiple devices (PC, Mac, tablet, mobile) and benefits like OneDrive storage. If you cancel the subscription, you lose access to the programs. It’s ideal if you value always having the latest version, online features, and the ability to install on several devices at once.

Both options are official and legal. The choice depends on your needs: do you prefer to pay once and be done with it, or pay gradually in exchange for always being up to date? In our list, you’ll find alternatives of both types at reduced prices.

Why Is It Possible to Get Cheaper Office Licenses?

You might be wondering how it’s possible that low-cost Office licenses exist when Microsoft sells them at such high official prices. The reasons are similar to those behind other types of software, and knowing them will help you buy with confidence:

• OEM or discarded licenses: Many Office licenses come from OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) agreements or pre-activated installations. For example, PC manufacturers sometimes include Office with their new devices. If those keys go unused or are surplus, they may end up being resold by third parties. As they don’t include a physical box or direct Microsoft support, their cost is much lower. It's possible to find legitimate OEM or uninstalled Office keys for a fraction of the retail price.
• Volume or second-hand licenses: Large organizations often purchase volume licenses for Office. If a company upgrades its systems or no longer needs all its licenses, it can resell the surplus. In the European Union, the resale of used software is legal as long as the license is perpetual and the original buyer acquired it legitimately. This means you can buy a second-hand Office license (e.g., Office 2019 or 2021) that's completely valid at a much lower cost, thanks to the secondary market. These are original licenses that simply had a previous owner, but are legally transferred.
• Specialized stores and agreements: There are authorized resellers and specialized stores (such as European digital marketplaces) that focus on sourcing these low-cost licenses legally and offering them to the public. When you buy from these trusted stores, you ensure the key you receive is genuine and comes with an activation guarantee. For example, Licendi is a European store that offers 100% legal Microsoft Office licenses with activation guarantees and local customer support. Such companies can offer huge discounts thanks to commercial agreements and economies of scale. In short, you get the same original Office at a reduced price through a reliable channel.

Now, let’s take a look at the ten best Office licenses you can get without overspending — and why each might be the right fit for you.

1. Microsoft 365 Family (Office 365 Home)

What’s included: Microsoft 365 Family (formerly called Office 365 Home) is the most comprehensive annual subscription for household use. It includes all Office apps in their premium versions: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access (the last two only on PC). It also offers 1 TB of cloud storage on OneDrive per person, Skype minutes, and access to services like Microsoft Teams. The subscription allows up to 6 users (e.g., family members), each of whom can install Office on their devices (up to 5 per user). It’s compatible with Windows, macOS, tablets, and smartphones.

Ideal user: Perfect for families, households with multiple users, or small groups who want to share Office. Also very attractive for small family-run businesses or workgroups of up to 6 people who need Office and want a low cost per user. Each person gets their own cloud space and can use Office simultaneously.

Main advantages: As a subscription, you’ll always have the latest version of Office without paying extra. You get continuous feature and security updates. The ability to use it across multiple devices is a big plus (e.g., your desktop PC, your partner’s laptop, the kids’ tablet, etc.). The shared cost among several users makes this one of the cheapest ways to have original Office (a family of 6 means less than €20 per person per year for the full Office suite!). It also includes exclusive features like 60 Skype minutes per user each month and advanced functionality in OneDrive and Outlook.com.

Approximate price: Microsoft 365 Family has an official price of €99.99 per year (around €8.33 per month). However, there are often deals and discounts: sometimes it’s available for around €90/year, and even lower during special promotions. In trusted low-cost license stores, it's common to find discounted activation cards or codes. Considering it supports 6 users, the value for money is excellent. Note: This is a subscription, so it renews annually.

2. Microsoft 365 Personal (Office 365 Personal)

What’s included: Microsoft 365 Personal offers the same complete suite of applications as the Family version (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access), with 1 TB of OneDrive, Skype minutes, etc., but it’s designed for a single user. The license lets you install Office on all your personal devices (up to 5 simultaneously, e.g., PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone), but the user will always be the same person.

Ideal user: The right choice for individual users: college students, freelancers, or anyone who needs Office just for themselves. If you don’t want to or can’t share the subscription, Microsoft 365 Personal gives you all the benefits of 365 just for you. It’s also useful for someone who wants Office on multiple devices (e.g., desktop + MacBook + iPad + phone) under a single account.

Main advantages: Just like the Family version, you’ll enjoy constant updates and always have the newest Office version. You can work in the cloud, sync your files across devices with OneDrive, and always have your documents handy. Even though you don’t “share” the account, being able to use it on up to 5 devices is great if you’re a tech-savvy person. Of course, since it’s official, you get support and all premium features (e.g., premium templates, Microsoft Editor, etc.).

Approximate price: Microsoft 365 Personal officially costs €69.99 per year (about €7/month). On promotion, it may be found for €60 or less for a year. Given that it includes 1 TB of storage (which alone costs almost €60/year if purchased separately), it’s a great value. Compared to the Family version, it’s more expensive per person (since for a bit more, you get the 6-user version), but still affordable. It depends on your needs: for one person, ~€70/year for the full Office suite remains a low price compared to buying the apps separately. Again, you can find 1-year codes at trusted stores for less than the official price.

3. Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus

What’s included: Office 2021 Professional Plus is the most complete perpetual edition of the Office 2021 suite (released in October 2021). By purchasing this one-time license, you get Word 2021, Excel 2021, PowerPoint 2021, Outlook 2021, Publisher 2021, and Access 2021, all for one Windows PC (this version is Windows-oriented; for Mac the equivalent is Office 2021 Home & Business, since Publisher/Access are not available on Mac). Professional Plus 2021 is a robust suite built for demanding professional environments, with all applications available offline.

Ideal user: Perfect for small businesses, professionals, and advanced users who want all Office programs installed on their PC and prefer a one-time purchase instead of a subscription. If you need Access (database management) or Publisher (desktop publishing), this is the version that includes them. It’s also a solid choice for businesses that require Outlook and full-featured programs with commercial licensing. It’s ideal if you plan to use Office for many years without upgrading often.

Main advantages: Being a perpetual license, you pay once and use Office 2021 indefinitely. No monthly or annual fees. You’ll get security updates and bug fixes from Microsoft throughout the lifecycle of Office 2021 (expected to have extended support at least until 2026), but no further payment is needed. Another benefit is that it works offline once activated—ideal for restricted-network environments. Feature-wise, Office 2021 brought a few improvements over 2019: a slightly updated interface, new Excel functions (like dynamic arrays, XLOOKUP), better performance, and Microsoft Teams integration replacing Skype for Business in the install. If you’re coming from Office 2016 or 2019, you’ll notice minor but helpful changes.

Approximate price: The Professional Plus edition is usually the most expensive if bought from Microsoft (not available as an individual retail license—normally via volume licensing to businesses, costing hundreds of euros per license). The good news is that you can get Office 2021 Professional Plus for tens of euros at affordable license stores. For example, on Licendi and similar sites, this license ranges from €60–€100—a huge saving compared to traditional pro licenses that can exceed €500. For around €60 you can equip your PC with the full Office 2021 suite. Definitely one of the best investments for professionals seeking power and value.

4. Microsoft Office 2021 Home & Business

What’s included: Office Home & Business 2021 is the one-time-purchase edition designed for small businesses and advanced home users. It includes Word 2021, Excel 2021, PowerPoint 2021, and Outlook 2021. Unlike the Home & Student edition, this version allows commercial use, hence the “Business” in the name. It is valid for 1 device, either a Windows 10/11 PC or a Mac (the same key works for both platforms). It does not include Access or Publisher, which are only available in the Professional edition.

Ideal user: Targeted at small businesses, freelancers, home offices, or even advanced students who need Outlook for professional email. If you’re self-employed or run a small business, this license gives you the essential tools (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and email/calendar) with the proper commercial-use license. It’s also perfect for Mac users who need Outlook with Office 2021 (since there is no “Professional Plus” version for Mac, Home & Business is the most complete available).

Main advantages: It’s a one-time payment and gives you the main Office apps updated to the 2021 version, which will receive support for several years. The inclusion of Outlook is crucial for those who manage email professionally. Compared to the Professional Plus edition, it’s more affordable, and not everyone needs Publisher or Access. Versus a subscription, this license doesn’t expire: you can use Office 2021 as long as you want on the activated device, even offline. Plus, it’s cross-platform (Windows/Mac), offering flexibility if you switch systems.

Approximate price: The official price of Office 2021 Home & Business is around €249–€299. However, legal digital licenses from alternative sellers often cost significantly less. You can find this edition in the €100–€200 range depending on deals. For example, Office 2021 Home & Business has been spotted for around €100–€120 during promotions. That’s a considerable saving, especially since it’s the latest version with Outlook. If your budget is limited but you need Outlook and a license for professional use, this discounted edition could be your best option.

5. Microsoft Office 2021 Home & Student

What’s included: Office Home & Student 2021 is the basic version of the Office 2021 suite with a perpetual license. It includes Word 2021, Excel 2021, and PowerPoint 2021 (plus OneNote). It does not include Outlook or any other apps, and the license is strictly for personal or educational use, not commercial. It’s valid for 1 PC or Mac. It’s the ideal version for those who only need the essential Office apps for school, university, or home tasks.

Ideal user: As the name suggests, it’s aimed at students, home users, teachers, or anyone who needs Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for private or educational use. For example, students completing assignments, university users preparing reports and presentations, or families who want Office on the home computer for simple tasks (managing personal finances in Excel, writing letters, etc.). If you don’t need Outlook or advanced tools, this edition covers typical office needs at a lower cost.

Main advantages: This is the most affordable way to get the latest Office version with a lifetime license. You pay once and get Word/Excel/PowerPoint 2021 permanently on your device. The 2021 apps offer slight improvements over 2019: Word 2021 added real-time collaboration on shared documents, performance improvements, and new icons; Excel 2021 introduced new data types and functions; PowerPoint improved slide recording tools. These are subtle upgrades, but they ensure full compatibility with current files and extended support (Office 2019 is supported until 2025, Office 2021 beyond that). Another benefit is compatibility: it works on Windows 10/11 and the latest three versions of macOS, offering flexibility depending on your system.

Approximate price: Microsoft officially sells Office 2021 Home & Student for €149 (fixed price). At third-party retailers, since it’s still a relatively new product, the discount isn’t as steep as on older versions—but you can still find it slightly cheaper. It’s commonly listed at €120–€140, and sometimes dips below €100 during special sales. Alternatively, you can choose Office 2019 Home & Student if your goal is to save even more (see later in this guide). However, if you want the most recent version as a one-time purchase, the 2021 edition remains your best bet for overall value.

6. Microsoft Office 2019 Professional Plus

What’s included: Office 2019 Professional Plus is the full suite corresponding to the 2018/2019 release. It includes Word 2019, Excel 2019, PowerPoint 2019, Outlook 2019, Publisher 2019, and Access 2019 (all for 1 Windows 10 PC; Office 2019 is not compatible with Windows 7/8). Although Office 2021 exists, the 2019 edition remains powerful and fully functional in 2025, with nearly all the features of 2021 except for some minor updates.

Ideal user: Users who want the complete Office suite at an ultra-low price. Many small businesses and advanced users opt for Office 2019 Pro Plus because it offers everything (including Access and Publisher) at a much lower cost than newer versions. If you don’t need the very few additions made in 2021 and want to maximize savings, this is the version for you. It’s also useful for those still using Windows 10 with no plans to upgrade soon, as Office 2019 is optimized for Windows 10.

Main advantages: As a perpetual license, you pay once and use Office 2019 indefinitely. Microsoft has committed to providing security updates until October 2025 for Office 2019, so it still has life left. Functionally, Office 2019 introduced many new features compared to 2016 (e.g., dark mode in Word, new Excel functions like MINIFS, CONCAT, 3D maps, etc., and usability improvements). The difference from Office 2021 is minimal for the average user, so using 2019 won’t leave you at a disadvantage for everyday tasks. The biggest advantage, of course, is the price: as an “older” version, it’s available for a fraction of the cost. Not having to pay a subscription while still getting Outlook, Access, and more makes Pro Plus 2019 one of the most tempting offers to equip a PC with Office.

Approximate price: Officially, Office 2019 Professional (retail license) cost around €579 at launch for business customers. But don’t panic! On the legal secondary market, this license can be found for a fraction of that. In fact, Office 2019 Professional Plus can be found for under €40. At Licendi, for example, it’s often available for €40–90 — an incredible price for a complete professional suite. It’s arguably the most affordable option by software value: for a few euros, you get Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, and Access legally activated. If saving money without sacrificing apps is your top priority, this is the crown jewel.

7. Microsoft Office 2019 Home & Business

What’s included: Office Home & Business 2019 is the one-time-purchase edition aimed at professional and home users released alongside Office 2019. It includes Word 2019, Excel 2019, PowerPoint 2019, and Outlook 2019. Like the 2021 edition, it allows commercial use and is valid for one device (Windows PC or Mac). It does not include Publisher or Access. On macOS, this was the version available in 2019 for users who needed Outlook alongside the main Office apps.

Ideal user: Professionals and small businesses who want the reliability of Office 2019 on their devices at a lower cost than Office 2021. Also suitable for Mac users who need Outlook but don’t want a subscription or to pay full price for the 2021 version. In general, it’s ideal for those who need Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook with a business license but can live without 2021’s minor upgrades, making the price more attractive.

Main advantages: Office 2019 H&B offers nearly the same features as the 2021 version, minus a few tweaks. Since Office 2019 and 2021 are very similar, using the 2019 edition today is perfectly viable: you can open and edit modern documents with no issues (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx formats are unchanged). The interface and features are nearly identical to 2021, making for a seamless user experience. The biggest benefit is the cost savings: as the “previous version,” its price in 2025 is much lower. You get Outlook 2019 for professional email, along with the essential apps, for far less than the 2021 equivalent. Plus, being perpetual, you buy it once and use it for years. Microsoft still provides patches and security updates, so it’s safe to use.

Approximate price: This edition had an official price close to €279 back in 2019. Today, thanks to license resellers, you can get Office 2019 Home & Business for around €70–100 (and it has been seen for as low as €60 on specialized websites). At Licendi, for instance, it often sells for around €70, which is less than a quarter of the original price. Compared to Office 2021 H&B, which costs about €249, the 2019 version saves you over €150 while losing only a few minor features that many users won’t even notice. A great deal to equip your business or home office legally.

8. Microsoft Office 2019 Home & Student

What’s included: Office Home & Student 2019 is the basic perpetual version released in 2018. It includes Word 2019, Excel 2019, and PowerPoint 2019 (plus OneNote). Like its 2021 successor, it does not include Outlook or other apps, and it’s licensed for non-commercial use on 1 PC or Mac.

Ideal user: Students and home users looking to get original Office at the lowest possible cost but with a still modern version. For instance, if you need Word and Excel for school or personal tasks and don’t mind using the 2019 version instead of 2021, this edition offers everything you need. It's especially useful for students on a tight budget or families wanting affordable Office at home. Also, if you have a slightly older computer, Office 2019 may run a bit better than 2021, though both have similar requirements (Office 2019 needs Windows 10; on Mac, macOS 10.12 Sierra or later).

Main advantages: It’s still a recent version of Office, fully compatible with today’s documents. Buying Office 2019 H&S in 2025 means you get mature software with all stability updates applied over the years. You won’t get the latest 2021 features, but for most tasks, you won’t miss them (e.g., a student writing essays won’t notice any major difference between Word 2019 and 2021). The price is the key factor: it's cheaper than 2021, helping you save money for other student expenses. Plus, you get the peace of mind of using genuine software, avoiding the risks of pirated versions that may contain viruses or fail just when you need to submit something important. With Office 2019 H&S, you can keep working for several more years; Microsoft will support it with security patches through 2025.

Approximate price: Originally priced at €149, the same as the 2021 equivalent. Today, being one step behind the latest version, it comes with substantial discounts. It’s common to find it in the €90–100 range. In special deals, it may even drop below €70. For instance, it’s recently been listed at around €90 on the Licendi store — still much cheaper than the full-priced 2021 version. If every euro counts, choosing Office 2019 Home & Student over 2021 gives you virtually the same functionality, saving you €50 or more — which can be very significant for a student.

9. Microsoft Office 2016 Professional Plus

What’s included: Let’s go further back with Office 2016 Professional Plus, the flagship suite released in 2015. It includes Word 2016, Excel 2016, PowerPoint 2016, Outlook 2016, Publisher 2016, and Access 2016. It’s the full edition for 1 PC (compatible with Windows 7, 8.1, and of course Windows 10). Despite its age, Office 2016 remains fully functional for many basic and advanced tasks, and in 2025 its main appeal is the very low price.

Ideal user: Users with older devices or previous OS versions (like Windows 7 or 8.1) that can’t install Office 2019/2021, or those on a very tight budget. Also appealing to nostalgic users or those who prefer the 2016 interface for familiarity. For small businesses with many older PCs, buying several Office 2016 Pro Plus licenses can be a way to equip them all affordably, as long as the newest features aren’t necessary. It's worth noting that although Office 2016 is old, it’s still legal software and far safer than pirated or unknown office alternatives.

Main advantages: Offers all the applications (including Access/Publisher) just like newer versions, only in their 2016 editions. For many users, Word 2016 or Excel 2016 already do everything they need: text editing, spreadsheets with formulas, multimedia presentations, email with Outlook, etc. File compatibility remains strong — Office 2016 can open documents created in 2019 or 2021, though it may lack a few recent functions. Another perk is compatibility with Windows 7 and 8.1, operating systems some environments still use; Office 2019/2021 require Windows 10+. And of course, the biggest benefit: a bargain price. If Office 2019 is cheap, 2016 is often even cheaper due to its age.

Approximate price: Back in the day, Office 2016 Professional cost several hundred euros. Today, you can find Office 2016 Pro Plus for about €40–60 at legal license stores. At Licendi, for instance, it’s often listed at around €40 or even less during promotions. Considering you get six full Office programs, it’s unbeatable value. Just keep in mind that Office 2016 is at the end of its life cycle: Microsoft’s extended support ends in October 2025. After that, no more official patches. Therefore, it’s recommended mainly for short-term use or if your system doesn’t support newer versions. For long-term projects, it may be better to invest slightly more in Office 2019 or 2021. Still, for the price, 2016 Pro Plus remains one of the cheapest and most useful licenses around.

10. Microsoft Office 2016 Home & Student

What’s included: Lastly, we wrap up with Office Home & Student 2016, which still represents a valid low-cost option for certain users. It includes Word 2016, Excel 2016, and PowerPoint 2016. Licensed for 1 PC (Windows 7, 8.1, or 10) or 1 Mac (Office 2016 for Mac also existed), without Outlook or extra apps, and only for home/educational use.

Ideal user: Students or home users still using older computers who need a very low-cost legal Office solution. Picture a student with an old PC running Windows 7: they can’t install Office 2019, but they can install Office 2016 and get genuine Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for school. Or maybe an older person used to Office 2010 but wanting something more modern without jumping to the newer 2019/2021 interfaces — Office 2016 strikes a familiar middle ground. It can also be useful for schools with donated older PCs needing legit software at minimum cost.

Main advantages: Despite being nearly a decade old, Office 2016 H&S still handles basic tasks perfectly. Creating text documents, spreadsheets, and presentations is just as feasible as with later versions, aside from visual details or advanced features the average home user won’t miss. The Office ribbon interface hasn’t changed much since 2007, so 2016 feels very similar to 2019. File compatibility is still up-to-date; you can open and edit .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files from others. Most appealing is that you can get this license for the price of a dinner. Plus the peace of mind of using legitimate Office, avoiding the security risks of pirated versions often bundled with malware.

Approximate price: At the Licendi store, it typically costs €70–75, but with discounts it may drop further. Just remember that support ends in 2025, so use it while it still receives security updates.

Conclusion: Equip Yourself with Legal Office Without Overspending

In conclusion, nowadays it’s totally possible to get genuine Microsoft Office at affordable prices. We’ve seen options for everyone: from the latest Office 2021 suite to previous editions like 2019 and even 2016, not to mention Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Each license has its pros and ideal users, but all share one important thing: they’re budget-friendly and 100% legal alternatives to Office. There’s no need to resort to piracy or give up on Office because of the price. With a little research (or by reading guides like this), you can find the license that fits your needs and budget — and enjoy Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more with peace of mind.

If you’re thinking of getting one of the licenses mentioned, remember the importance of buying from trusted sources. Taking advantage of low prices doesn’t mean sacrificing authenticity: specialized stores like Licendi allow you to get the same official Microsoft licenses at considerable savings. Besides the great price, you’ll get the backing of a European company with activation guarantee and local-language support if needed. In short, getting genuine, up-to-date Office has never been so accessible.

Don’t wait any longer: whether you’re a student needing Office for class, a professional setting up a workspace, or an SME equipping a team, there’s an affordable Office license waiting for you. Upgrade your productivity tools smartly and economically. Visit Licendi and find the license you need to work, create, and study without limits. Your productivity and peace of mind will thank you!