Microsoft Office was a collection of office-related applications. Each application serves a unique purpose and provides a specific service to its users. For example, Microsoft Word is used to create documents. Microsoft PowerPoint is used to create presentations. Microsoft Outlook is used to manage email and calendars. Microsoft has since transitioned to the Microsoft 365 app, which has replaced the separate suite of programs.

The last version of Microsoft Office was Microsoft Office 2019, though the web-based Microsoft 365 is the version Microsoft would like users to adopt. Various versions of the suite have been around since 1988, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Professional, Microsoft Office Home and Student, and various collections of Microsoft Office 2016. Most people still refer to each version of the suite as Microsoft Office, which makes distinguishing between editions difficult.

What sets Microsoft 365 apart from older editions of MS Office is that it integrates all aspects of the apps with the cloud. It is also a subscription service, meaning that users pay a monthly or annual fee to use it, and upgrades to newer versions are included in that price. Previous versions of Microsoft Office, including Office 2016, did not offer all the cloud features that Microsoft 365 does and were not subscription-based. Office 2016 was a one-time purchase, like other editions, and as is Office 2019.

Microsoft 365 has different editions: The 365 app is a monthly service, but there are still standalone Office apps available. Each edition has the same general features (that is, all the apps are available), and they both work on Mac, PC, Android, iOS, iPadOS, and other tablets. You will, however, see some differences in pricing, storage, and number of users.