Is Microsoft 365 Worth It? What Business Owners Should Know

You’re tired of juggling outdated tools, mismatched apps, and constant tech headaches that slow your team down and chip away at your profits. You’re not alone. Whether you’re running operations solo or overseeing a team of 50+, the daily chaos of scattered files, inconsistent access, and security risks is enough to make you wonder: Is there a better way to do this?

That’s probably what led you to this exact question: Is Microsoft 365 worth it? Especially when there are so many options out there—free tools, standalone apps, or even just sticking with what you’ve always used.

But let’s be honest: trying to “make it work” with unreliable tech can silently drain your business. Your productivity drops, your team gets frustrated, and worst of all, your customers feel the cracks.

If you’re weighing the cost of Microsoft 365 against what it can really do for your business, you’re asking the right question. And we’re going to break that down in plain, business-owner terms—no tech jargon, no hype. Just the truth about whether this Microsoft 365 subscription is worth your time, money, and trust.

[.c-button-wrap][.c-button-main][.c-button-icon-content]Contact Us[.c-button-icon][.c-button-icon][.c-button-icon-content][.c-button-main][.c-button-wrap]

What is Microsoft 365?

Let’s keep this simple. Microsoft 365 is more than just Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It’s a fully integrated office suite that lives both on your desktop and in the cloud—designed to keep your business running no matter where your team works.

But here’s the real value: it’s a subscription, not a one-time purchase. That means you’re not stuck with outdated tools or software that “almost works” for your business. With Microsoft 365 for the web and desktop versions included, you’re always running the latest version, packed with new features, regular security updates, and support you can count on.

So, what is included in Microsoft 365? That depends on the plan—but even the basic plan comes loaded. Here’s what most Microsoft 365 plans include:

• Full versions of Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage (yes, 1TB of cloud storage—per user)
• Microsoft Teams for internal chat, meetings, and collaboration
• Copilot in Word and other Microsoft 365 apps to help write, organize, and summarize content fast
• Cross-device access (use it on your desktop, mobile, tablet, or browser)
• Offline access and unlimited use, even when you need to be connected only for sync or updates

And if you’ve ever wondered how much Microsoft 365 personal costs, it starts around $69.99 per year. But for businesses, pricing scales are based on the number of users and features needed.

Still using Office 2021 or an older version of Microsoft Office that was sold as a one-time purchase? You're likely missing out on the agility, automation, and security that today's businesses demand.

Key features that matter for businesses

When you're trying to run a business, you don’t just need tools—you need tools that actually work together, every day, across every device. That’s where the Microsoft 365 subscription really starts to shine. Here are the features that matter most to business owners like you:

1. Cloud-first, work-from-anywhere flexibility

Whether you're at the office, home, or traveling, the 365 suite keeps your team connected. With 1TB of OneDrive storage per user, your files are never tied to just one computer or device. Need access while on a call or between meetings? It’s there. Even better—you don’t always need to be online to use Microsoft 365. You get full offline access to desktop apps, with auto-sync once you’re back online.

2. Seamless collaboration

Think beyond email chains and jumbled file versions. With Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, multiple people can edit the same doc in real-time. Share presentations, track updates, and store everything in your Personal Vault or OneDrive. Collaboration happens instantly—whether your team is across the room or across the state.

3. Productivity tools that think ahead

Copilot is one of the most impressive additions to the suite. Whether you’re drafting reports in Word or analyzing data in Excel, Copilot in Word uses AI to make suggestions, pull summaries, and speed up your workflow. It’s like having a junior assistant who never sleeps.

4. Security built for today’s threats

Cyberattacks don’t wait for business hours. That’s why Microsoft 365 Basic and higher-tier plans include robust protection: from multi-factor authentication to malware and ransomware detection, all monitored 24/7. Your data, your team, and your reputation stay protected.

5. Subscription benefits that scale with you

As your business grows, your Microsoft 365 subscription can grow too. Need more users? Add them. Want to upgrade from basic to something with more muscle? You’ve got subscription options. And if you’re asking, "Can I share your subscription with others?" — yes, with Microsoft 365 Family or Personal plans, that’s possible for personal use, though business tiers give you more control and oversight.

Pros of using Microsoft 365 for your business

You’ve heard the features. Now let’s talk about what really matters: how this Microsoft 365 subscription unlocks real results for your business.

1. It’s always improving—so you don’t have to chase tech trends

One of the biggest headaches in business tech? Constant updates and replacements. With Microsoft 365, those worries disappear. Your tools are always improving in the background, with security updates, new features, and enhancements that roll out automatically. No manual installs. No downtime. Just smoother performance—week after week.

2. Lower upfront costs and predictable billing

Unlike software that’s sold as a one-time purchase, the subscription fee for Microsoft 365 is budget-friendly and predictable. Whether you’re a team of five or fifty, the per user model lets you scale easily without surprise costs.

For those wondering, how much is Microsoft 365 Personal? It's usually under $70 per year, with Microsoft 365 Family slightly more. Business plans are higher but come with admin controls, better security, and business software tailored for teams.

3. Works anywhere, on anything

Use Microsoft 365 on your desktop, phone, tablet, or in the cloud. It doesn’t matter where you or your employees are—everyone stays synced. And yes, even if you’re using a version of Microsoft 365 on one computer, you can still log in from others, thanks to your Microsoft account and cloud access.

4. Real productivity gains

The blend of desktop apps, web apps, and AI-powered features like Copilot means your team isn’t just “using tools”—they’re getting real work done faster. Imagine a sales rep whipping up a proposal in minutes or your finance manager quickly summarizing complex spreadsheets in Excel.

That’s not hype. That’s 365 worth investing in.

5. Support that doesn’t disappear

Microsoft Support is one thing—but local, expert help is another. If you're not confident setting it up solo, Chicago Microsoft Office 365 installation partners can configure everything to fit your exact business needs—without the guesswork, without the downtime.

Who should (and shouldn’t) invest in Microsoft 365?

Not every business needs the full Microsoft 365 suite. But for many, skipping it could actually cost more—in lost time, missed deadlines, and security risks.

You should absolutely consider Microsoft 365 if you:

• Run a team that needs to collaborate remotely
  If you’ve got people in multiple locations (or working from home), the 365 apps make syncing, sharing, and staying on the same page nearly effortless.
• Have sensitive data to protect
  Businesses that handle customer info, finances, or intellectual property need top-tier security. The built-in protections and OneDrive storage encryption give you peace of mind.
• Need to access your work anywhere
  Whether you’re in a meeting, at the airport, or on a client site, being able to sign in to Microsoft 365 from anywhere changes the game. Plus, you don’t need internet access all the time—offline functionality means you're never stuck.
• Want to future-proof your tech
  With Microsoft 365 apps, you're not just getting tools—you’re getting tools that stay current. That means fewer compatibility issues, better performance, and less stress.

But you may not need Microsoft 365 if you:

• Only use basic office tools occasionally
  If you’re a solopreneur writing a couple of docs per month, the free versions of apps like Word or tools like LibreOffice might be enough.
• Work completely offline and never need cloud access
  If your business runs on a single device with no remote work, no need for collaboration, and minimal security requirements, the older version of Microsoft Office (like Office 2021) might suit you better.
• Have extremely tight budgets and use alternatives
  For startups or nonprofits on a shoestring budget, there are other free or low-cost tools that can fill some gaps—but you'll sacrifice integration, support, and long-term reliability.

Final verdict: Is it worth it for your business?

So—is Microsoft 365 worth it?

If your business depends on staying connected, working securely, and getting things done across teams and devices, the answer is a confident yes. The Microsoft 365 subscription is worth every penny when it prevents even one data loss, missed deadline, or major productivity slump.

With tools like Copilot, 1TB of OneDrive storage, desktop app flexibility, and continuous subscription benefits, you’re not just investing in software—you’re investing in stability, adaptability, and growth.

And when it’s implemented right—with expert help from a local team who gets your unique setup—Microsoft 365 becomes less of a tech decision and more of a business advantage.

Still on the fence? Ask yourself:

• Can I afford to lose access to my data for even one hour?
• Are my team’s tools helping us move faster, or slowing us down?
• Am I confident in my cybersecurity, backups, and daily operations?

If you’re answering no to any of those… It’s time to explore a better path.

After more than 15 years supporting businesses just like yours, Version2 knows how to make technology feel like it’s working for you—not the other way around. You don’t need to figure this out alone. Let us help you take your business to the next level. 

[.c-button-wrap2][.c-button-main2][.c-button-icon-content2]Contact Us[.c-button-icon2][.c-button-icon2][.c-button-icon-content2][.c-button-main2][.c-button-wrap2]

Frequently asked questions

How much is Microsoft 365 Personal, and is it worth the cost?

Microsoft 365 Personal typically starts at $69.99 per year, offering access to premium Microsoft Office tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with 1 TB of cloud storage on OneDrive. For individuals or solopreneurs, the personal subscription is absolutely worth the cost if you value seamless access, automatic security updates, and productivity tools that are always improving.

What is included in Microsoft 365 for business users?

For business subscriptions, Microsoft 365 Basic and other tiers include full desktop and web apps like Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, and collaboration via Teams. You also get 1TB of OneDrive storage per user, advanced threat protection, offline access, Copilot AI tools, and options for unlimited use. The plan you choose depends on your subscription options and team size.

What’s the difference between Microsoft 365 and Office 2024?

Here’s the deal: Office 2024 is sold as a one-time purchase, meaning you pay once but get no future updates or cloud-based services. On the other hand, a Microsoft 365 subscription offers a constantly updated platform with versions of the apps that evolve over time, more storage space, and better security. So when comparing, think: difference between Microsoft 365 and Office 2024 = flexibility and future-proofing vs. limited and static.

What does a Chicago Microsoft Office 365 installation involve?

A local Chicago Microsoft Office 365 installation means partnering with experts who handle everything—from migrating your data to syncing devices and configuring security protocols. For businesses that don’t want to deal with setup headaches or risks, this option ensures your tech is aligned and ready on day one, whether you're on a business subscription or not.

Do I need to connect to the internet to use Microsoft 365?

Good question. While you need to be connected for cloud syncing and updates, Microsoft 365 apps like Word or Excel also offer offline access. That means you can use office apps on your desktop and then sync your changes once you're back online. This flexibility makes it perfect for those who travel or don’t always have internet access.

Can I share my Microsoft 365 subscription with others?

Yes—but only under specific plans. The Microsoft 365 Family Plan allows sharing with up to five additional people, and each gets their own OneDrive account and Personal Vault. Business plans, however, are tied to organizational users and are only available to the subscription owner or assigned users. So, whether you need access for family or team, choose your plan accordingly.