Buying a Microsoft Excel License (PC or Mac): One-Time Purchase or Subscription

Microsoft Excel is one of the most widely used tools for data analysis, accounting, and other business applications. When purchasing Excel, you have two options: a one-time purchase or a subscription. What are the differences, and which option best suits your needs? We explain everything in this blog.

What are the options for a Microsoft Excel license?

One-Time Purchase:
With a one-time purchase through Microsoft Office or a standalone version, you receive a lifetime license for Excel. This means you pay only once, but you won’t have access to future updates.

Subscription via Microsoft 365:
A Microsoft 365 subscription gives you constant access to the latest version of Excel, including updates and new features. However, you’ll need to pay a monthly or annual fee for the subscription.

One-Time Purchase or Subscription for Excel?

Who is a one-time purchase suitable for?

• Small businesses or individual users looking for a budget-friendly, long-term solution.
• Users who don’t need the latest features or Cloud functionality.
• Situations where Excel is used offline without regular updates.

Who benefits more from a subscription?

• Large businesses or teams that require collaboration tools and Cloud storage.
• Users who always want access to the latest technology and features.
• People who prefer flexibility and spreading costs over time.

Pre-Owned Microsoft Excel Licenses

Pre-owned licenses, also known as second-hand software licenses, are original Microsoft licenses previously purchased by another organization. Although already used, these licenses are legally and technically equivalent to a new license but offered at a significantly lower price.

By choosing pre-owned licenses, you can save up to 70% compared to buying new software. This is an ideal solution for companies with multiple users looking to reduce IT expenses.

When is a one-time purchase more advantageous than a Microsoft 365 subscription?

One-Time Purchase: Prices for Excel as part of an Office package start at €149 and can go up to €250, depending on the version you choose.

Standalone Version of Microsoft Excel: €159.

Subscription: Microsoft 365 Personal costs €7 per month, while the Family subscription (up to 6 users) is €10 per month.

At Softtrader, we offer various Office packages as well as the standalone version of Excel as pre-owned licenses. This means that a one-time purchase through Softtrader is much more affordable than Microsoft’s new prices, whether for Microsoft Office packages or the standalone version of Excel.

For example, by purchasing the standalone version of Excel via Softtrader, it becomes more cost-effective after just 11 months compared to a Microsoft 365 Personal subscription. This allows you to make significant savings compared to Microsoft’s new prices.

At Softtrader, it’s more cost-effective to opt for a pre-owned Office package instead of a standalone Excel license. For a small price difference, an Office package includes Excel along with other useful applications like Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Save on Excel with Softtrader?

The choice between a one-time purchase and a subscription depends entirely on your needs and budget. If you plan to use Excel over a longer period and don’t require Cloud features, a one-time purchase is likely the best option. With Softtrader, you can save significantly on your Office package or standalone version of Excel, making your purchase much more affordable.

At Softtrader, we’re here to help you choose the Excel license that best suits your needs. Contact us for more information or request a quote!