Microsoft Project is a well-known project management tool for teams and organizations. You can organize tasks, assign resources, track progress, manage the budget, and optimize teamwork with the latest MS Project 2024 version. After releasing this, every user asked whether to remain in Project 2021 or upgrade to the Project 2024 version. This article provides an in-depth comparison of Microsoft Project 2024 vs 2021, their pros and cons, which version is better for teams, pricing, licensing guides, and recommendations to help you choose the best one.

What is Microsoft Project 2021 and Project 2024?

Microsoft Project 2021: Traditional and Desktop-Based Solution

MS Project 2021 is a professional, desktop-based solution with a traditional system. It offers a perpetual license, making it suitable for organizations without paying for a subscription. Here is a quick overview:

• Advanced Gantt charts, task management, and scheduling benefits.
• Powerful offline functionality with a familiar UI and the option to connect with cloud services. 
• Excel and Power BI integration for detailed analytics and reporting. 
• Ideal for organizations with simple or local-network workflows.

Microsoft Project 2024: New and Modern Project Management Solution

Project 2024 is the latest version of Microsoft Project and the best project management software, which focuses on these capabilities:

• Modern interface with refined interface and performance improvements.
• To reduce risk detection and scheduling, it includes AI-powered task automation.
• It provides basic cloud integration with Microsoft 365, including OneDrive and SharePoint.
• This version supports collaboration with Microsoft Teams.
• Microsoft Project 2024 is a perpetual desktop licensing system that never ends. It also has a Project Plan 1,3,5 model for online use, which focuses on subscription-based licensing to support Microsoft’s cloud-first strategy.

Key Differences: Features and Functionality

User Interface and Usability

Microsoft Project 2024 features a new interface that aligns with the Office 2024 Fluent Design Principles. With a modern interface, improved icons, and simple navigation, this version meets users’ modern demands. Alternatively, MS Project 2021 has the classic design of Office 2019 and 2021. It offers clear views and better task filtering and sorting options.

Automations and New Features

Project 2024 takes Automation a step ahead with Artificial Intelligence (AI) compared to the 2021 version. It helps analyze historical project data and predicts possible risks. It also suggests actions to prevent these risks. However, Project 2021 offers only a few automation benefits. Moreover, Project 2024 includes Simulation Scenarios or a What-if analysis feature to test different planning assumptions without changing the original plan with a few clicks. In contrast, Project 2021 simulations need to create a file manually, which is less productive.

Integration with Cloud and Office 365

If you’re considering integrating with cloud and Office 365, Project 2024 is way ahead of its previous version. The latest version of MS Project includes deeper integration with Microsoft 365 or the cloud feature. You already know about the chats and video calls. Project 2024 also works well with cloud services like OneDrive and SharePoint. Also, it integrates with Power BI, which helps create visual project status dashboards and allows for easy report creation. On the contrary, Project 2021 offers only basic cloud integration, which is less productive.

Real-Time Collaboration

Project 2024 is built for modern collaboration capabilities with updated tasks and statuses by multiple members simultaneously. If you keep the file in SharePoint or OneDrive, other team members can edit the file with your approval. So, it can be a game-changer for team workflow. In contrast, Project 2021 doesn’t have real-time and follows the traditional process. With it, a project manager shares the .MPP file and others can view it. So, Project 2021 users have fewer capabilities than Project 2024 users.

Templates and Work Methodologies

Microsoft Project 2024 contains many new and enhanced prebuilt templates, which help you get the right tools for different industries, including IT, marketing, construction, and more. In contrast, Project 2021 has fewer templates and its library is limited compared to the latest version. Project 2024 supports agile methodology and integrates with Kanban and Scrum boards, allowing simultaneous work between the Gantt chart and the Kanban board to track tasks, whether they are pending, in progress, or completed. On the contrary, Project 2021 offers agile methodology, but it is basic compared to the 2024 version.

Reporting, Analytics, and Dashboards

Microsoft Project 2024 offers modern and customizable dashboards, advanced analytics insights, and Power BI integration, which provides deeper data analysis and insights. On the other hand, Project 2021 offers standard reporting capabilities and dashboards, which are not highly customizable, and no direct Power BI integration is available.

Here is a quick comparison between Project 2024 vs Project 2021:

 

Microsoft Project 2024 vs 2021: Who Should Use Which Version?

Both Microsoft Project 2024 and 2021 have their benefits. When choosing the best version for you, it’s important to understand them well. Let’s explore them:

Why Choose Microsoft Project 2024?

Modern UI with Simple Navigation

Microsoft Project 2024 offers a modern UI with simple navigation that makes it easier to navigate the software. It is easier to learn and focus on the task with smarter scheduling, resources, risk management, and modern UI. 

Remote, Hybrid, or Distributed Work

If you’re looking for the best project management tool in 2026 for distributed or remote work, try Project 2024. It works well with Microsoft 365 and cloud services. It provides seamless access to Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Power BI for real-time collaboration without physically attending.

AI-Powered Automation and Enhanced Collaboration

With AI-powered automation features, Microsoft Project 2024 automates routine tasks, offers predictive analytics for risks and delays, generates real-time insights for better data-driven decisions, and improves efficiency and accuracy. Therefore, Project 2024 features real-time collaboration, which allows multiple users to work on the project simultaneously. So, if you need automation benefits or enhanced collaboration for a modern workflow, Microsoft Project 2024 is the ideal option.

Support and Lifecycle

If you want longer support and a longer lifecycle for Microsoft Project software, choose MS Project 2024 in 2026. It has a longer lifecycle policy until 2029. This means you will receive security patches and updates for a longer time.

Why Choose Microsoft Project 2021?

Offline Workflow with Perpetual License

Microsoft Project 2021 is available with one-time purchase and lifetime use. People who are looking for a desktop-first solution, consider Project 2021 to boost offline workflow.

Cost-Effective Solution

Microsoft Project 2021 is a perpetual license-based software that mainly focuses on offline use. It doesn’t have advanced AI or cloud benefits, which can’t align with the larger team. If you have a smaller team or are running simple projects, Project 2021 is a great version.

Avoid Long-Term Licensing Fees

Microsoft Project 2021 is a perfect option for those who require lifetime access and perpetual licensed software. This version avoids long-term license fees, including subscription-based licenses, and saves costs. Project 2021 is an ideal choice for freelancers and small or medium-sized businesses, offering a low-cost, reliable solution.

Project 2021 Lifecycle & Support

Microsoft Project 2021 lifecycle & support extends until October 13, 2026. This ensures you will continue to receive security patches and updates throughout this year.

Microsoft Project 2021 vs Project 2024: Which Version is Better for Teams?

Microsoft Project 2021 and 2024 are both effective for different users. Which version is better for your teams depends on the requirements, project priorities, and budgets.

Smaller Projects, Teams, or Budgets

If you run a small project, team, or budget, Microsoft Project 2021 is the perfect option. This version is designed for offline functionality and covers the most essential features without additional investment.

Large Companies and Large Teams

When you’re managing large projects or teams, Microsoft Project 2024 is the best choice. It has many advanced features, including real-time collaboration, cloud integrations, AI-powered automation, and more, which help you manage large companies or teams efficiently.

Hybrid Project Management (Agile + Waterfall)

To get the best project management experience, your MS Project software must have both the agile and traditional methodologies. In this case, Microsoft Project 2024 fulfills the requirements and supports both of the project management methodologies. It allows teams to switch between different methods based on the project’s needs. 

Long-Term Investment

If you’ve a budget and want a long-term investment, Project 2024 is an ideal solution. It will get security patches till 2029 and be compatible with a future-proof Microsoft ecosystem. if you are looking good deals, then rogers is best options for you

Licensing Considerations – Where to Buy MS Project 2021 & 2024 License Keys at the Best Price?

There are some differences between the Microsoft Project 2021 and 2024 licensing and pricing options. Microsoft Project 2021 and 2024 both offer a perpetual (lifetime access) suite. However, MS Project 2024 is compatible with subscription-based licensing and focuses on Microsoft’s cloud-first strategy. Here are the pricing details:

Microsoft Project 2021: Microsoft Project 2021 is a stable and familiar project management tool for diverse use. You can buy the Project 2021 Professional license key for only $59.99 and manage your project efficiently.

Microsoft Project 2024: Microsoft Project 2024 is the latest Project management tool and designed for personal and professional use. At the Microsoft official store, the Project 2024 Professional edition is available at $1129.99 and the Project 2024 Standard edition at $679.99. However, you can buy the genuine Project 2024 Professional license at a lower price from Softkeyworld.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right version between Microsoft Project 2021 vs 2024 depends on the organization’s size, infrastructure, and collaboration capabilities. If you need a stable, offline software and a desktop-focused tool, Project 2021 is the best option. Alternatively, choose Project 2024 for AI-driven, cloud-first, and long-term compatibility. Check out Softkeyworld’s offers, software-related blogs, and licensing options to choose the best deals in Microsoft software. 

FAQs

1. Is Microsoft Project 2024 better than the Project 2021 version?

If you need advanced capabilities, AI-powered automation, cloud integration, and real-time benefits, MS Project 2024 is better than the Project 2021 version. 

2. Which version integrates perfectly with Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft Project 2024 is designed for better collaboration capabilities compared to its previous version. Microsoft Teams perfectly integrates with Project 2024 for improving collaboration.

3. Does Project 2024 require internet access?

Yes. The Project 2024 version focuses on the cloud-based workflow, and it has limited offline use compared to the Project 2021.

4. Do I need to upgrade from Project 2019?

Yes, upgrading to Project 2021 or Project 2024 provides performance improvements and better project management capability.