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Microsoft - Outlook or Outlook Web App Comparisons
There are two main ways people do their email with Office 365, Outlook and Outlook Web App. So how
do you decide which to use? Outlook is the desktop client that has the most features. However, for
many organizations and individuals, the web-based Outlook Web App (which is part of Office 365) may
meet all your email needs. Others may need the additional features of Outlook.
You have Outlook installed on your desktop.
You’re on your own computer.
You need to see mail from multiple
accounts all in one place.
You manage someone else’s inbox.
You want complete offline access.
You need a quick and easy way to do your
email, calendar, and contacts from any
web-enabled device, including PCs, mobile
phones and tablets.
You’re using someone else’s computer, or
a computer not connected to your office
network.
You want immediate access to the latest
features.
Laptop and desktop computers.
Surface devices running Windows 8.1.
Many mobile phones and devices:
iPad: OWA for iPad app.
iPhone: OWA for iPhone app.
Android and Windows phones and
devices: optimized mobile layout.
Outlook 2013 comes with some, but not all
Office 365 plans.
Older versions of Outlook that you already
have, such as Outlook 2010 and Outlook
2007, also work with Office 365, but
Outlook 2013 is recommended.
Outlook Web App is available with all
Office 365 plans that include email.
To compare the features of Outlook 2013, Outlook Web App, and OWA for iPad and OWA for iPhone,
Outlook 2010, Outlook 2007, and the light version of Outlook Web App, see the detailed feature
comparisons.