Whether you work on the computer for professional reasons, study, or hobby – you will always need the best tools to boost your creativity. In this category, the legendary suite of Office applications has been the best choice of users worldwide for years.

Better and better versions of the Office suite from Microsoft come out with newer systems. It is a proven set of tools responding to the needs of the most demanding users. Equipped with text, spreadsheet, or presentation applications, it represents the perfect addition to any version of the operating system. And newer and newer functions make this package second to none.

Today we will compare two very similar versions – Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019.

General overview

There is a crucial similarity between these editions, which often leaves customers unsure which version will fulfill their expectations. Both Microsoft Office 2016 and Microsoft Office 2019 are suites based on a local device instead of the cloud.

These are perpetually licensed packages that never expire. So if you are looking for lifelong application licensing, these two products are sure to answer your needs. But what else do they offer?

Each of these packages comes in a variety of versions targeting specific users. So you can choose from sets like Home & Student, Home & Business, Standard, Professional, or Professional Plus. How do they vary? By the content designed with specific users in mind. This way, Home & Student is only equipped with core applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or OneNote. But for example, Home & Business offers core applications plus Outlook. So you can see that these versions answer the needs of all users – home and business.

Different versions for different operating systems

Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019 are application suites for Windows and macOS users looking for the best solutions for work and casual use of tools on their PC. However, Office 2016 is available for systems like Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2016.

Microsoft Office 2019 runs only on Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2019. So if you are a user of a slightly older system, the newer package will not run on your PC. But is newer really better?

What’s new?

MS Office 2016 is a breakthrough, presenting many improvements to the already familiar tools. It got rid of the outdated Clip Art and introduced an improved One Note. It also offers easy saving in the OneDrive cloud, which revolutionized the teamwork creation of content and various projects. It is an application suite used by millions of satisfied users.

Microsoft Office 2019 came out as a response to the needs of users who are not ready to use the cloud. Its premiere occurred around the same time as Office 365 – a suite of online applications based on the subscription. Its content is very similar to everything that Office 365 offers, but its operation leans towards local devices. With this product, you will discover a whole new realm of creative possibilities and even more options for intuitive operation. Depending on the selected version, you can access core apps plus Access, Publisher, or Skype for Business.

And what else? Discover the text-to-speech tool that will help you create any text document! Try new chart types, even better PowerPoint image settings, Outlook priority messages, and the option to turn on the dark theme.

MS Office 2019 also introduces improved communication with support for Microsoft Teams and Mentions that encourage teamwork. You’ll also find new handwriting functions, improved tablet support, and a polished translator – all with an interface almost identical to Office 2016.

Which is better?

Time to consider one of the most vital factors – costs. It is a significant difference between the two editions of the application suite from Microsoft, as Office 2016 is cheaper. As part of this product, you get the most necessary tools of the most famous PC package to make your work easier and faster.

Office 2019 is a larger expense, offering many changes towards customers looking for teamwork tools. Support for Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, or Mentions are features that will bring joy to users running a business or students.

So what to choose? This decision depends entirely on your needs.