Microsoft Office Professional and Microsoft Office Professional Plus are two of the most popular and powerful productivity suites available today. Both offer a comprehensive set of tools for creating, managing, and sharing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and other projects. But which one is the right choice for your needs? This article compares the features of Microsoft Office Professional and Professional Plus, helping you make an informed decision.
| Microsoft Office Professional | Microsoft Office Professional Plus |
|---|---|
| Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher | Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher, OneNote, Skype for Business, InfoPath |
| Available for purchase as a one-time purchase | Available as part of Office 365 subscription |
| Does not include Outlook email | Includes Outlook email |
Microsoft Office Professional is a one-time purchase that includes Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, and Publisher. Microsoft Office Professional Plus is available as part of an Office 365 subscription and includes Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher, OneNote, Skype for Business, and InfoPath. Microsoft Office Professional Plus includes Outlook email, while Microsoft Office Professional does not.
Chart Comparing: Microsoft Office Professional Vs Professional Plus
| Features | Microsoft Office Professional | Microsoft Office Professional Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Word Processor | Word | Word |
| Spreadsheet | Excel | Excel |
| Presentation | PowerPoint | PowerPoint |
| Database Management | Access | Access |
| E-mail Client | Outlook | Outlook |
| OneNote | No | Yes |
| Publisher | No | Yes |
| Skype for Business | No | Yes |
| InfoPath | No | Yes |
| SharePoint Designer | No | Yes |
| Price | $349.99 | $499.99 |
Microsoft Office Professional vs Professional Plus – Main differences
Microsoft Office Professional and Professional Plus are two of the most popular Office software suites available. Both offer a suite of tools and applications that can help users increase their productivity, create and manage documents, and collaborate with colleagues.
However, there are a few key differences that set Microsoft Office Professional and Professional Plus apart. Understanding these differences can help users decide which version of Office is the best fit for their needs.
Licensing and Cost
Microsoft Office Professional is available as an individual license or as part of a volume licensing program. It is typically more expensive than Professional Plus and is not offered as part of a subscription service. Professional Plus, on the other hand, is available as part of a subscription service and is usually less expensive than Office Professional.
Additionally, Professional Plus includes access to the Microsoft Office Online service, which allows users to access the full suite of Office applications from any device with an internet connection.
Applications Included
Microsoft Office Professional includes the full suite of Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. Professional Plus includes all of these applications as well, plus a few additional tools and features such as Skype for Business and InfoPath.
Professional Plus also includes a number of advanced features such as data analysis, collaboration tools, and enhanced security.
Desktop and Web Access
Microsoft Office Professional is only available as a desktop application, meaning users must install it on their computer in order to use it. Professional Plus, on the other hand, is available as both a desktop application and a web-based application.
This allows users to access their Office files from any device with an internet connection, making it easier to collaborate and share documents with colleagues.
System Requirements
Microsoft Office Professional requires a Windows operating system, while Professional Plus is available for both Windows and Mac OS. Professional Plus also requires a minimum amount of RAM and hard drive space, which may be an issue for users with older or lower-end computers.
Additionally, Professional Plus requires users to have an active internet connection in order to access the web-based version of Office.
Support and Updates
Microsoft Office Professional includes free technical support and periodic updates. Professional Plus includes free technical support as well as regular updates, which can help keep the software up to date and more secure.
Additionally, Professional Plus users have access to the Office Online service, which can provide additional support and resources for users.
Conclusion
Microsoft Office Professional and Professional Plus are both powerful Office software suites that provide users with a wide range of tools and applications. However, there are a few key differences between the two suites, including licensing and cost, applications included, desktop and web access, system requirements, and support and updates.
Understanding the differences between the two versions can help users decide which version is the best fit for their needs.
Microsoft Office Professional Vs Professional Plus
Pros of Office Professional
- Lower cost than Office Professional Plus
- Includes the most popular programs like Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Familiar and easy to use user interface
Cons of Office Professional
- Does not include Outlook, Access, and Publisher
- No support for collaboration with other users
- No automatic updates for the latest features
Pros of Office Professional Plus
- Includes Outlook, Access, and Publisher
- Supports collaboration with other users
- Automatic updates for the latest features
Cons of Office Professional Plus
- Costs more than Office Professional
- Requires a greater understanding of technology
- Not as user friendly as Office Professional
Microsoft Office Professional Vs Professional Plus: Which Is Better?
In conclusion, both Microsoft Office Professional and Professional Plus provide a great range of tools and features for businesses and individuals alike. Microsoft Office Professional is suitable for basic users who require only the most essential features, while Professional Plus provides advanced features and tools to those who have more complex needs. Ultimately, the decision between the two versions comes down to the level of functionality that the user requires. Those with more complex needs should opt for Professional Plus, while those with more basic requirements should be satisfied with the Professional version.
Microsoft Office Professional Vs Professional Plus Few Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Microsoft Office Professional and Professional Plus?
The main difference between Microsoft Office Professional and Professional Plus is the range of applications included in each suite. Office Professional contains the core applications of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. Office Professional Plus includes these applications, plus additional applications such as Access, Publisher, Skype for Business, and InfoPath.
What features are included in Microsoft Office Professional Plus?
Microsoft Office Professional Plus includes all of the core applications found in Office Professional, plus additional applications such as Access, Publisher, Skype for Business, and InfoPath. Access is a database management system that allows users to store, manipulate, and report on data. Publisher is a desktop publishing program that allows users to create professional-looking documents. Skype for Business is a communication platform that allows users to make voice and video calls, and instant messages. Finally, InfoPath is a form-creation program that allows users to create forms for data collection and analysis.
What is the price difference between Microsoft Office Professional and Professional Plus?
The price difference between Microsoft Office Professional and Professional Plus can vary depending on the source. Generally, Office Professional Plus is more expensive than Office Professional, as it includes additional applications. For example, the Microsoft Office 365 Business Premium plan includes Office Professional Plus for $12.50 per user per month, compared to Office Professional for $8.25 per user per month.
How can I upgrade from Office Professional to Professional Plus?
If you have purchased Office Professional and would like to upgrade to Professional Plus, you can do so either through the Microsoft Store or through a third-party vendor. For example, if you purchased Office Professional through the Microsoft Store, you can upgrade to Office Professional Plus through the same store. Alternatively, you can purchase Office Professional Plus from a third-party vendor such as Amazon.
What are the system requirements for Microsoft Office Professional and Professional Plus?
The system requirements for Microsoft Office Professional and Professional Plus are generally the same. Both suites require a computer or tablet with Windows 7 or later and an internet connection. For desktop versions, at least 4 GB of RAM and 3 GB of storage space is recommended. For tablet versions, at least 1 GB of RAM and 1 GB of storage space is recommended.
Which version of Microsoft Office is best for small businesses?
For small businesses, Microsoft Office Professional Plus is generally the best option. This version includes all of the core applications of Office Professional, plus additional applications such as Access, Publisher, Skype for Business, and InfoPath. These additional applications can be helpful for businesses that require database management, form-creation, and communication platforms.
Office 2021 vs Microsoft 365: what’s the difference & what’s new?
Microsoft Office Professional and Microsoft Office Professional Plus both offer powerful tools for the modern office, but the latter provides an added layer of security and automation that can be a real asset in any business. With its advanced features and options, Professional Plus is the best choice for anyone who needs the full suite of Microsoft Office tools and wants to stay ahead of the competition.