Office software for home users, students and businesses, with Microsoft office suites and related licences making up almost the whole range. Over 1,000 products are listed, from Microsoft titles to a small number of items from D-Link and Lenovo. Check the edition, licence type and number of devices before you order.
How to choose office software
Licence type. A subscription such as Microsoft 365 is paid for continuously and includes updates, and often cloud storage. A one-off licence is paid for once and stays on the version you buy. If you want to avoid recurring payments and are happy with a fixed version for several years, a one-off licence makes sense.
Included apps. Entry-level editions usually cover Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Outlook, Access and Publisher are often found only in higher or business editions. Read the app list first, especially if you rely on email, databases or desktop publishing.
Users and devices. Some licences cover a single PC or Mac, while others cover several devices for one user. For a team, count every person who needs access. Home editions generally come with licence terms that restrict commercial use, so a business should check the terms or choose a business edition.
Operating system. Match the version to Windows or macOS and check the minimum system requirements. Older office suites may not install on a recent operating system, and newer ones may not run on an old computer.
Business services. Business plans of Microsoft 365 typically add services such as business email, Teams and SharePoint. If you only need to write documents and build spreadsheets on one computer, these extras are not needed.
Brands we carry
- Microsoft: the maker of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, and the supplier of nearly every product in this category.
- D-Link: known for network equipment such as routers and switches, with only a few items listed here.
- Lenovo: best known for ThinkPad laptops and business PCs, with a single item in this category.
Because almost everything here is from Microsoft, the main choice is between editions and licence types rather than between brands.
Office software FAQ
What is the difference between Microsoft 365 and a one-off Office licence?
Microsoft 365 is a subscription that keeps your apps updated with new features and usually includes online services such as cloud storage. A one-off Office licence is bought once and does not receive new features after the version is released. Choose by how long you plan to use the software and whether you want ongoing updates.
Do I need to buy office software to use Word and Excel?
Yes, for the full desktop versions you need a licence, either a subscription or a one-off purchase. Free web-based versions of some apps exist, but they have fewer features than the desktop programs. If you work with large spreadsheets, macros or advanced formatting, the desktop version is the safer option.
Can I install one licence on several computers?
It depends on the licence. Some cover one PC or Mac only, while some subscription plans allow installation on several devices for one user. Check the number of devices in the product details before buying.
Which office software suits a small business?
A business edition is the usual choice, because it comes with licence terms that permit commercial use. Look for the apps your staff use every day, and consider whether you also want business email and collaboration tools. Buy one licence for each person who needs access, unless the product states otherwise.
