Office 2021 vs Office 2019: Is It Worth Upgrading?
Deciding between Office 2021 and Office 2019? This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences in features, performance, and support to help you make the right choice.
Quick Answer
Office 2021 offers significant improvements including XLOOKUP, dynamic arrays in Excel, real-time collaboration, and extended support until 2026. If you rely heavily on Excel or need modern collaboration features, upgrading is recommended.
What's New in Office 2021
XLOOKUP Function
A powerful replacement for VLOOKUP that searches both vertically and horizontally with simpler syntax.
Dynamic Arrays
Excel formulas that automatically spill results into multiple cells, revolutionizing spreadsheet work.
LET Function
Define variables within formulas to improve readability and performance.
Real-time Co-authoring
Collaborate on documents simultaneously with team members in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Modern UI
Refreshed interface with new icons, improved dark mode, and better accessibility.
Performance Improvements
Faster startup times, improved stability, and better memory management.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Office 2019 | Office 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| XLOOKUP Function | ||
| Dynamic Arrays | ||
| LET & LAMBDA Functions | ||
| Real-time Co-authoring | ||
| Modern Visuals & Dark Mode | ||
| Improved Accessibility | ||
| Sketch Style Outlines | ||
| Line Focus in Word | ||
| Support End Date | October 2025 | October 2026 |
Performance Comparison
Office 2021 brings noticeable performance improvements across all applications:
- 30% faster Excel calculation engine for large workbooks
- Reduced memory footprint in Word for long documents
- Improved graphics rendering in PowerPoint
- Faster Outlook search and email synchronization
Support & Security
One of the most important differences is the support timeline:
Office 2019: Mainstream support ended October 2023. Extended support ends October 2025.
Office 2021: Mainstream support until October 2026. Security updates guaranteed until then.
This means Office 2019 users will stop receiving security updates in 2025, potentially exposing systems to vulnerabilities.
Who Should Upgrade?
Upgrade to Office 2021 if:
- You use Excel extensively and want XLOOKUP and dynamic arrays
- You need real-time collaboration features
- Security updates through 2026 are important to you
- You want the latest performance improvements
- Your organization requires modern accessibility features
Stay with Office 2019 if:
- •Your current features meet all your needs
- •Budget constraints prevent upgrading
- •You plan to migrate to Microsoft 365 soon
- •Your workflows don't require new Excel functions
Cost Analysis
Consider the total cost of ownership when deciding:
Office 2019: Lower initial cost but shorter remaining support period. May require upgrading sooner.
Office 2021: Higher upfront cost but longer support timeline and more features. Better long-term value.
The Verdict
For most users, upgrading to Office 2021 is worth it. The combination of powerful new Excel features, real-time collaboration, extended support until 2026, and performance improvements provides significant value. However, if you're planning to move to Microsoft 365 subscription soon, staying with Office 2019 until then may be more cost-effective.