The best Microsoft 365 package for your budget in 2023

Microsoft 365 contains many widely-used productivity apps. AppleInsider may earn an affiliate commission on purchases made through links on our site.

Microsoft 365 is available in a dizzyingly wide array of packages, and they don't make it easy to pick what's best for you. Here's how to pick the right Office package for your

needs and budget. Formerly known as Microsoft Office 365 before a massive rebranding effort that's ongoing, Microsoft 365 is the software giant's way to provide its

highly-used suite of productivity tools to users. Used throughout business, education, and at home, the suite has been a very popular software collection that many users end

up buying simply because they're used to it all. However, like the Office 365 packages that preceded it, Microsoft 365 is available in a large number of different price

points. Each tier also varied what exactly you got to use, which could make things bewildering to newcomers. With a little bit of understanding how Microsoft organizes its

suite, most people will be able to work out what package they need, without overspending on items that they don't require. The free option, and the not-so-free Microsoft 365

Basic In a guide aiming to demystify the cost of different software packages in a bid to save users money, it makes sense to point out that you don't necessarily need to spend

money at all. Aside from the alternative options, such as Apple's own productivity tools on Mac and iPhone or Google's own version, you can actually take advantage of elements

of Microsoft 365 without paying a penny. All you need is a Microsoft account, and you're off to the races with the bare essentials. Or more specifically, cloud-based versions

of the apps that work in the browser, rather than downloadable apps. This includes being able to use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint within a web browser, without needing to pay

for access. There's also OneNote, Outlook, and 5GB of free OneDrive storage. The free option is handy for those with limited budgets, and for people who need to access

Microsoft 365 documents natively but don't want to buy a subscription. Mobile app versions are available to use for free, if you're not using an iPad with a large display.

The downside here is entirely that you're basically using a browser-based version and not an app running on your Mac. You don't need to download and install anything, but some

people just want the full app-based experience. You do have the option to use the mobile apps on an iPhone or iPad, though you are limited to screens measuring 10.1 inches or