Office 2024 LTSC vs Microsoft 365 Business: what are the differences?

Microsoft 365 Business app logos
(Image credit: Microsoft)

Office 2024 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) and Microsoft 365 Business are both productivity app suites provided by Microsoft, but they definitely differ in some aspects.

Office 2024 LTSC provides ownership (through a one-time purchase) of the classic versions of Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. On the other hand, Microsoft 365 Business is a subscription-based service that offers the new Office apps along with other features such as cloud storage and online collaboration.

Here’s a closer look at the differences and similarities between Office 2024 LTSC and Microsoft 365 Business.

Office 2024 LTSC vs Microsoft 365 Business: features

Office 2024 LTSC and Microsoft 365 Business software suites both include popular productivity tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook each tailored to meet user requirements and preferences effectively.

Office 2024 LTSC is a one-time purchase that offers users a fixed set of features from the date of its release. This edition is ideal for businesses or individuals who prefer a software solution that does not require ongoing updates. It is especially suited for environments where software reliability is essential, such as industries with strict regulatory requirements.

Users who choose this option appreciate its simplicity—once purchased, they can rely on a consistent set of tools without the disruptions caused by updates.

Microsoft 365 Business functions through a subscription model that includes either yearly or monthly payments. When you subscribe to it, you get updates and improvements to enhance your software experience. You also get web access to the Office apps to ensure you always have them at your disposal.

In addition to this, the Microsoft 365 Business version offers options like cloud storage using OneDrive and strong collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, as well as advanced security features that safeguard important information from constantly changing threats. This particular edition is designed for individuals who excel in teamwork and engage in work interactions, with coworkers and customers no matter where they are located.

Office 2024 LTSC vs Microsoft 365 Business: integrations

Office 2024 LTSC and Microsoft 365 Business have important differences in their integrations. Office 2024 LTSC is an on-premises suite that primarily focuses on core application integrations within the desktop environment. It offers stable functionality with limited cloud connectivity, making it well-suited for offline work.

Microsoft 365 Business is deeply integrated with cloud services, enabling seamless collaboration, file sharing, and access to online features like Microsoft Teams and advanced security tools. While Office 2024 LTSC provides a traditional, locally-focused experience, Microsoft 365 Business emphasizes modern, cloud-driven collaboration and productivity.

Office 2024 LTSC vs Microsoft 365 Business: support

Office 2024 LTSC and Microsoft 365 Business provide different levels of integration support. Office 2024 LTSC is a standalone product with limited integration capabilities, primarily focusing on core applications. Support for integrations is mainly available through community forums, documentation, and limited direct assistance from Microsoft.

Meanwhile, Microsoft 365 Business is a cloud-based service that offers extensive integration options with various Microsoft and third-party services. Its comprehensive integration support features online resources, dedicated support channels, and access to Microsoft's technical experts.

Office 2024 LTSC vs Microsoft 365 Business: pricing

Office 2024 LTSC and Microsoft 365 Business serve different needs, with distinct integration capabilities and pricing structures.

Office 2024 LTSC is a one-time purchase, on-premises software suite designed for organizations that require a stable and unchanging environment. It includes core applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint but offers limited cloud integration.

Pricing is based on a one-time purchase per license, making it suitable for organizations with predictable IT requirements and limited internet access. You can find prices for individual licenses on sites like CDW and other software retailers. For Example, CDW shows prices for Office LTSC standard and professional plus, in the $480 to $510 range.

In contrast, Microsoft 365 Business is a subscription-based service that provides the latest versions of Office applications with seamless cloud integration, collaboration tools, and advanced security features. Its pricing is based on a recurring monthly or annual fee per user, making it ideal for businesses that prioritize flexibility, remote work, and access to the latest features. The various Microsoft 365 Business packages start at about $6 per month per user.

Office 2024 LTSC vs Microsoft 365 Business: verdict 

Office 2024 LTSC is designed for organizations with specific needs, particularly those that require long-term stability and minimal updates. This version is suitable for businesses with strict regulatory requirements preventing cloud usage or operating in environments with limited internet access. Such organizations prioritize a consistent software environment and often prefer a one-time purchase model.

For its part, Microsoft 365 Business is ideal for companies that focus on collaboration, remote work, and accessing the latest features and security updates. These businesses typically require seamless integration with cloud services, enhanced security features, and scalable solutions that adapt to their changing needs.

Not convinced? Check out our pick of the best alternative operating systems

Bryan M Wolfe

Bryan M. Wolfe is a staff writer at TechRadar, iMore, and wherever Future can use him. Though his passion is Apple-based products, he doesn't have a problem using Windows and Android. Bryan's a single father of a 15-year-old daughter and a puppy, Isabelle. Thanks for reading!

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Read more
A person working at a laptop.
Microsoft 365 Family vs Microsoft 365 Business: which is better for work?
A man sitting at his desk in the evening and using a desktop computer
Office 2021 vs Office 2024: is it time to upgrade?
Microsoft 365 vs Office Online
Microsoft 365 vs Office Online: What’s free, what’s not and do you need the paid version?
Microsoft 365 product logos on an orange background
Best Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 deals in January 2025
Video conferencing
Microsoft Teams vs Slack: Which video collaboration service is best?
a laptop computer
Windows 11 vs macOS for business: which side are you on?
Latest in Software & Services
A man sitting at his desk in the evening and using a desktop computer
Office 2021 vs Office 2024: is it time to upgrade?
Microsoft 365 Business app logos
Office 2024 LTSC vs Microsoft 365 Business: what are the differences?
Windows 11 Start menu layout choices: Grid view
Windows 11 vs Linux for business: which operating system should you embrace?
A phone sitting on a laptop keyboard with the Microsoft Outlook logo on the screen.
Gmail vs Outlook for business: which email system is right for your organization?
Windows 11 logo
Windows 11 Pro vs Windows 11 Home: which version is right for you?
Canva HubSpot
HubSpot and Canva team up to level the creative playing field
Latest in Versus
An AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT vs RX 9070 against a red two-tone background
AMD RX 9070 XT vs 9070: Which RDNA 4 GPU should you buy?
Panasonic Lumix S1R II alongside Panasonic Lumix S5 II on a split green / orange background
Panasonic Lumix S1R II vs Lumix S5 II: time to upgrade?
Logitech Z407 and Creative Pebble Plus desktop speakers against a TechRadar background
Logitech Z407 vs Creative Pebble Plus: Neither of these budget speakers sound cheap, but which go best with your setup?
A man sitting at his desk in the evening and using a desktop computer
Office 2021 vs Office 2024: is it time to upgrade?
Microsoft 365 Business app logos
Office 2024 LTSC vs Microsoft 365 Business: what are the differences?
Two gaming monitors, Gigabyte M32UC on the left side vs the Corsair Xeneon 32UHD144 on the right against a TechRadar background
Gigabyte M32UC vs Corsair Xeneon 32UHD144: Which 4K display is right for you?