How can I get a genuine, legal copy MS Office for Mac OS

[Rod]

I want to make it clear I'm not after some bogus unregistered copy of MS office for Mac, but I'm having trouble separating the legit from the just plain illegal.
My wife has been struggling along with MS Office 2008 for a few years now but it's starting to become unworkable. So I did a bit of searching and found so many offers from sites that claim they will provide genuine copies of MS Office for Mac 2016 at very low prices but I don't want my wife to be stuck with a version that will not update or suddenly become unusable because it "phoned home" to MS.
What confuses me is Microsoft themselves don't seem to offer any specials on old versions, or maybe it's because I just cant find them.
Does anybody have a link to a reliable, legal source of older versions of MS Office for Mac OS? 2016 would be good but not essential.
Please don't suggest Libre Office or similar alternatives. We have tried them and good as they are they simply do not fill my wife's compatibility requirements in some cases.

 

[MacInWin]

Is there a reason for not going directly to Microsoft? They have Office for sale for Home & Student for US$149.99. It's the 2019 version and includes Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Or you could sign up for Office365 as a subscription and pay as little as US$99.99/year for up to six machines and get not only Word, Excel and Powerpoint, but Outlook, One Drive and Skype as well.

As for older versions, that I cannot help. There are a lot of dodgy offers out there. Maybe Amazon?

 

[lclev]

I got mine at Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...aps,203&crid=GK1FNTLFH8DY?tag=macforums0e4-20

Lisa

Edit: Oh, just realized you are across the pond. Not sure if you can order from a U.S. link?

 

[pm-r]

A download seems to be available for Microsoft Office 2016 for $69 99usd
(Download Microsoft Office 2016 from MacUpdate.com Download 1.7 GB )
https://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/54686/microsoft-office-2016

Also some links to some older related apps at the same site.

Yes, it's a legit source.





- Patrick
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[IWT]

@Rod

You might like to take a long look at 365 subscription service. I know many people, and I am amongst them, hate subscriptions which then tie you to that product and, in the event of terminating the subscription, often leave you totally adrift.

But MS does seem to have come up with a really good deal:

Share with your entire family – for up to 6 people
• For use on multiple PCs/Macs, tablets, and phones (including Windows, iOS, and Android*)
• Premium versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, plus Publisher and Access for PC only
• 1TB OneDrive cloud storage with advanced security per person
• Collaborate on documents with others online
• Tech support via chat or phone with Microsoft experts
• Annual or monthly subscription. Your subscription will automatically continue.
Work anywhere with apps that are always updated.

See here for full details: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/office-365-home/cfq7ttc0k5dm?activetab=pivot:overviewtab

I have no connection with MS, but have to use some of their features.

Ian

 

[Randy B. Singer]

A download seems to be available for Microsoft Office 2016 for $69 99usd
(Download Microsoft Office 2016 from MacUpdate.com Download 1.7 GB )
https://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/54686/microsoft-office-2016
...
Yes, it's a legit source.

Is it? for $70? From MacUpdate?

The price doesn't sound legit, and MacUpdate hasn't been trustworthy for some time.

I wouldn't purchase this product from MacUpdate unless I called Microsoft support first and they assured me that MacUpdate was a Microsoft authorized retailer and that if I purchased it it would be 100% backed by Microsoft. In fact, I'd ask that Microsoft put it in writing first.

I'm sure that the product will install and run fine, I'd just be concerned what would happen if I ever needed support from Microsoft, or an update.

 

[MacInWin]

In addition to what Randy said, I have found Macupdate to be one of those "bundlers" who load up their downloads with crapware that I don't want. I haven't been back in a long time because of that, but they are definitely on my "naughty" list.

 

[usagora]

I'll put in another plug for Office 365. If you use the Office products all the time like I do, it's a no brainer. Otherwise, you can find Office 2016 on Amazon.

 

[Rod]

Thanks everybody, much as I usually stay away from it I might go the MacUpdate (thanks for the link Patrick) way this time because US$149.00 is about AU$200.00 at the moment and 365 is close enough to $100 a year.
The 2016 version will be fine for my wife's purposes. Just retina screen compatibility will make a difference.

 

[Rod]

In addition to the above I did check validity of the retail package with MS and support plus updates will be available for this edition until 2020. So I will have to think again then but there seems no alternative to 365. This is obviously the way MS and others have chosen to go.

 

[pm-r]

In addition to the above I did check validity of the retail package with MS and support plus updates will be available for this edition until 2020.

Good to hear, and thanks for the confirmation, update and feedback Rod, and glad to hear the link worked out for you. It sure seemed like a good price.







- Patrick
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[chscag]

MacUpdate does not sponsor pirated or illegal software, although they have been known to bundle "goodies" with their downloads. The Office 2016 download as Rod pointed out is legal and a good price. But keep in mind, Office 2016 is now one version behind the latest stand alone Office software, Office 2019.

 

[KennyC]

Rod, when I was looking for an older version of office 2013 or 2016 (win version) I wanted an older version due to price difference, when I chatted with MS I was given this toll free # 877-696-7786, I haven't called due to switching to a iMac. Hope this may help too.

 

[Randy B. Singer]

MacUpdate does not sponsor pirated or illegal software, although they have been known to bundle "goodies" with their downloads. The Office 2016 download as Rod pointed out is legal and a good price. But keep in mind, Office 2016 is now one version behind the latest stand alone Office software, Office 2019.

I still highly advise following my original guidance, which is, prior to purchasing this from MacUpdate, to contact Microsoft and get their assurances IN WRITING that this is a legitimate copy of Office, the purchase of which entitles the buyer to both support and updates from Microsoft.

Why? First, because I highly doubt that a Microsoft authorized retailer would still be allowed to sell a one-version-out-of-date version of Office now that a new version is being sold. Note that you can no longer purchase Office 2016/Mac direct from Microsoft:

https://products.office.com/en-us/buy/compare-microsoft-office-products?tab=2

Second, the price is fishy. I know that it makes sense to discount an out-of-date version of software. But I've never seen a legitimate, brand new, copy of Office go for anything like this price unless it was grey market or worse.

I just had a live online chat with Microsoft. They couldn't confirm that MacUpdate was an authorized retailer or not. But they highly advised not purchasing from them if there were any questions at all, and purchasing direct from Microsoft instead. Sorry I couldn't get a more definitive answer. But, answer me this, if I couldn't get an answer from Microsoft now, what do you think the chances are that you will be be arguing with Microsoft Support over this when you need their assistance?

Just a word to the wise. I'm a attorney. I see people get screwed on transactions like these *every-single-day*.

 

[pm-r]

I just had a live online chat with Microsoft. They couldn't confirm that MacUpdate was an authorized retailer or not. But they highly advised not purchasing from them if there were any questions at all, and purchasing direct from Microsoft instead. Sorry I couldn't get a more definitive answer. But, answer me this, if I couldn't get an answer from Microsoft now, what do you think the chances are that you will be be arguing with Microsoft Support over this when you need their assistance?

I imagine the same argument could be made for buying the same software through Amazon, eBay or some of the other sites that offer it as a bargain. Whether they are classed as "legitimate sellers" or not.
But I don't know about others, but I can hardly recall a time I have had to contact the software company for any troubles with their software. Most, if any, troubles solutions can usually be found online, and I dare say a lot faster than waiting on hold on their support line.





- Patrick
======

 

[usagora]

But I don't know about others, but I can hardly recall a time I have had to contact the software company for any troubles with their software. Most, if any, troubles solutions can usually be found online, and I dare say a lot faster than waiting on hold on their support line.





- Patrick
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[pm-r]

+1!!!

And I wonder how many users pay the BIG BUCKS for some of their expired support calls that the company may even make some money on???





- Patrick
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[Randy B. Singer]

I imagine the same argument could be made for buying the same software through Amazon, eBay or some of the other sites that offer it as a bargain.

Amazon is an authorized Microsoft Retailer. That's why you don't see Office offered on Amazon at too-good-to-be-true prices. Generally, prices for things on Amazon are either at or near the lowest legitimate price anywhere. The price for Office 2016 on Amazon doesn't come close to $79.

The others aren't Microsoft authorized retailers, and you do see them offering too-good-to-be-true prices, so what does that tell you?

But I don't know about others, but I can hardly recall a time I have had to contact the software company for any troubles with their software. Most, if any, troubles solutions can usually be found online, and I dare say a lot faster than waiting on hold on their support line.

Once again, Office has quite effective copy protection. If you need to move it to another (maybe a new) computer, or get an upgrade, you may need Microsoft's assistance. I hear from folks all the time with this problem.

Hey, it's your money. If you want to gamble, go for it. I just suggested what I would do so that it wouldn't be gambling.