Microsoft Office 2016 and Office 2019 are both productivity suites, but Office 2019 introduces several updates and new features over its predecessor. Below are the key differences:
1. General Updates
- Release Date:
- Office 2016: Released in September 2015.
- Office 2019: Released in September 2018.
- Support:
- Office 2016 mainstream support ended in October 2020 (extended support continues until October 2025).
- Office 2019 mainstream support lasts until October 2023, with extended support until October 2025.
2. Feature Improvements
- Excel:
- Office 2016: Includes essential functions and features like basic PivotTables and Power Query.
- Office 2019: Adds new functions like TEXTJOIN, CONCAT, IFS, and SWITCH. Features like new charts (Map and Funnel) and Power BI integrations are also included.
- Word:
- Office 2016: Standard writing and editing tools.
- Office 2019: Adds features like a focus mode, improved inking capabilities, translation tools, and learning tools like Read Aloud and Text Spacing.
- PowerPoint:
- Office 2016: Basic presentation features with transitions and animations.
- Office 2019: Introduces new features such as Morph and Zoom for advanced transitions, 3D model handling, and enhanced inking capabilities.
- Outlook:
- Office 2016: Email and calendar functionalities.
- Office 2019: Adds features like focused inbox, updated contact cards, and support for Office 365 Groups.
3. Performance and Usability
- Improved Performance: Office 2019 provides better performance and stability compared to Office 2016.
- Inking Support: Office 2019 improves inking across apps with features like pressure sensitivity and tilt effects.
4. Cloud and Collaboration
- Both versions support OneDrive integration for cloud storage, but Office 2019 enhances real-time collaboration features when connected to Office 365.
5. System Requirements
- Office 2016 is compatible with older Windows versions, such as Windows 7 and 8.1.
- Office 2019 requires Windows 10 or macOS Sierra (or later).
6. Licensing Model
- Both versions are perpetual licenses (one-time purchase). However, Office 2019 includes newer features that were initially available only to Office 365 subscribers.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Office 2016 | Office 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | September 2015 | September 2018 |
| Mainstream Support End | October 2020 | October 2023 |
| Excel Features | Basic | New functions, charts |
| Word Features | Standard | Focus mode, translation |
| PowerPoint Features | Basic | Morph, Zoom, 3D models |
| Performance | Standard | Improved |
| OS Compatibility | Windows 7/8.1/10 | Windows 10 only |
If you’re deciding between the two, Office 2019 is the better choice for updated features and enhanced performance. However, for the most up-to-date capabilities, consider Microsoft 365, which provides ongoing updates.