Among Microsoft products, a Microsoft 365 subscription stands out as a popular choice, even with numerous free alternatives. Looking at the main advantages, it’s easy to see why Microsoft 365 is worth every penny.
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- 1. Accessing Desktop Versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- 2. OneDrive Storage Space is a Money-saver
- 3. Protecting Multiple Devices With Microsoft Defender Security
- 4. 24/7 Tech Support
- 5. Seamless Collaboration
- Is Microsoft 365 Worth It?
1. Accessing Desktop Versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
The main reason I subscribed to Microsoft 365 was to keep all my Office apps active on my Windows laptop and PC. It’s currently the best way to engage with these applications on a desktop as you get access to their latest versions along with updates. As a professional writer, the offline versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are integral to my work.
Sure, there are the web versions of Office that you can access anytime. But the desktop version remains the gold standard for precise formatting. Its columns, gridlines, watermarks, and cover pages are more universally acceptable, supporting all types of printers. Word Online lacks many key features available in the desktop version, such as Mail Merge and SmartArt.
Additionally, the desktop version of Word offers better support for citations and bibliography. For Excel and PowerPoint, I wouldn’t consider their web versions or any alternative products. If a client demands an Excel file, they specifically mean a document created using Microsoft Excel. Alternatives like Google Sheets aren’t acceptable.
Tip: you can access Word, Excel, or PowerPoint offline through a lifetime Office license. It’s valid for one device and is more cost-effective in the long term.
2. OneDrive Storage Space is a Money-saver
By far, Microsoft 365 offers one of the best cloud storage options with 1 TB of OneDrive premium storage at $69.99/year. It offers ten times more storage and much better value than Google One’s Basic Plan, which I’m subscribed to at $1.99/month and provides only 100 GB of storage space. With a family plan for just $99.99/year, you get 6 TB of cloud storage. You can share it with others, but if you have multiple Outlook accounts, you’ll enjoy even more storage.
The monthly cost for Google doesn’t feel worth it since I might quickly reach my available quota. With OneDrive, though, 1 TB is more than enough storage space for me without the concern of running out. The next Google One tier provides 2 TB at $99.99 per year. At this price point, a Microsoft 365 Family plan offers three times more storage (6 TB) making it better value for money.
For those using Outlook or Hotmail accounts, Microsoft has made it very difficult to do without a Microsoft 365 subscription. With just 5 GB of combined Outlook and OneDrive storage on a free email account, space fills up quickly. It also prevents you from sending or receiving emails. You either have to delete essential emails and files or subscribe to Microsoft 365. No one likes this, of course, but there’s really no other option if you’re using Microsoft accounts for work.
However, your Outlook experience does improve. With a Microsoft 365 subscription, all your emails are ad-free. All email attachments are scanned for malware, and you get data encryption for all your mailbox contents. Personally, I think it’s much better to have an upgraded Outlook.
One of the best features of OneDrive is its close compatibility with Office applications. To make the most of the 1 TB storage with a Microsoft 365 subscription, save all your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files online and access them across multiple devices.
Related: if you’re a student, consider one of these other cloud storage options.
3. Protecting Multiple Devices With Microsoft Defender Security
This is a big deal and essential today. Recently, Microsoft included Microsoft Defender-based endpoint security in its Microsoft 365 subscription. It’s distinct from the free solutions bundled under Windows Security, also called “Defender.” The endpoint solution is designed to protect multiple devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, from zero hour threats. It also offers advanced identity-based protection and dark web scanning.
Microsoft Defender’s Real-time Endpoint Protection:
Microsoft Store
I strongly feel having an extra layer of security on top of Windows Security is crucial due to newer ransomware variants and state-sponsored threats. It’s a good deal that Microsoft Defender is included in a Microsoft 365 subscription and doesn’t require a separate purchase. However, given the recent vulnerabilities in Microsoft’s end systems with the CrowdStrike downtime affecting global systems in recent memory, I am using a non-Microsoft antivirus to protect my endpoints.
4. 24/7 Tech Support
On a free version of Windows or a one-time purchase of Office, the only time you get access to Microsoft support is when your product needs to be activated. After that, you cannot really contact anyone from the Microsoft team for any issue. The only way to get around this is to purchase a Microsoft 365 subscription. It will open the doors to Microsoft support through:
- Microsoft 365 Admin Center: accessible from your Microsoft 365 account, the admin center allows you to raise tickets online and track their resolution.
- Toll-free numbers: if you’re in the U.S., you can reach a Microsoft support staff on (800) 865-9408 for any issues.
- Live chat: for any glitches or unexpected tech issues
5. Seamless Collaboration
There are a few important collaboration features that you can only get access through a Microsoft 365 subscription. The most important one is SharePoint, which requires a Microsoft 365 Business plan starting at $6/month. You also are able to access Microsoft Teams, which is also available with a Personal or Family plan. Both apps help you interact with multiple users, whether through shared workspaces or online video calls.
Is Microsoft 365 Worth It?
It’s important to remember that a Microsoft 365 subscription is optional even for Windows users. For me, the biggest concern is the recurring payment model which can add over time. I was initially subscribed to the monthly plan which although cheap, had issues a few times when the payment was declined due to a different payment method. You’d be better off with an annual plan which brings sufficient discounts.
However, considering the complete offerings, it’s clear that Microsoft 365 is a very powerful software package. It has multiple solutions rolled into one. The 1 TB of cloud storage and access to offline Office are compelling reasons to subscribe. Additionally, Microsoft Defender is a powerful solution on its own, potentially saving you from purchasing additional antivirus products, despite a few drawbacks. With Teams and SharePoint thrown in, Microsoft 365 is one of the best software subscriptions you can buy right now as a Windows user.
Image credit: Pixabay. All screenshots by Sayak Boral.
Sayak Boral –
Staff Writer
Sayak Boral is a technology writer with over eleven years of experience working in different industries including semiconductors, IoT, enterprise IT, telecommunications OSS/BSS, and network security. He has been writing for MakeTechEasier on a wide range of technical topics including Windows, Android, Internet, Hardware Guides, Browsers, Software Tools, and Product Reviews.
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