Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac

An all-in-one suite from Microsoft

Microsoft Office 2021, like its predecessors, provides essential productivity tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Word excels as a word processor, Excel handles complex calculations, PowerPoint boasts extensive presentation features, and Outlook efficiently manages emails and calendars. In contrast to the subscription-based Office 365, this version offers a paid, perpetual software license. 

Plus, the UX of the suite mirrors the classic Microsoft Office interface, offering familiarity to long-term users. However, if you’re looking for AI tools and other cutting-edge features you should consider Office 365. Otherwise, Microsoft Office 2021 is still a very helpful suite.

Microsoft’s popular flagship

Microsoft Office 2021 is a powerful and versatile office suite that lets you stay on top of your productivity. Developed by Microsoft, it features various programs for whatever office task or project you need to do. The successor to Microsoft Office 2019, the software doesn’t add any new applications but instead applies new functionalities and optimizations to the main programs in its bundle. 

These updates include new formulas and functions—such as XLOOKUP and XMATCH—for Excel, the Ink Replay tool for your Ink Object drawings in PowerPoint, a better user interface for Outlook, an improved Immersive Reader mode for Word, and new co-authoring capabilities when you share files with other users. However, users will find the lack of AI-powered tools and intelligent assistance a limitation of the program. 

In terms of speed and stability, it maintains a consistent performance. It handles moderate to large data sets well, and the programs generally offer responsive performance—although some Mac users have noticed a slow start-up of Office applications. Before purchasing this program, though, note that it will no longer receive support after October 13, 2026. Nevertheless, it’s still worth considering if you prefer a classic Microsoft Office experience without recurring payments.

Microsoft Office 2021 system requirements for Mac

Below are the system requirements for Mac computers:

• Operating System: macOS Monterey, macOS Sonama, and macOS Ventura
• Memory: 4GB Ram
• Hard Disk: 10 GB of free storage space
• Processor: Intel and Apple Silicon

A powerful set of programs

Overall, Microsoft Office 2021 is a great choice if you prioritize ownership or prefer an office suite that helps with productivity. It features versatile and powerful tools and offers a one-time purchase license. It doesn’t let you choose which specific programs to use, but at least you have all available software in case you happen to need them. However, you may run into slow start-up issues on your Mac computer.