Here’s how I saved $55 on a year of Microsoft 365 Family, in the search for a cheaper Microsoft 365 plan for a friend. It’s easy, legal, anyone can do it and there’s often bonus software to use or ignore.
We searched online for a reputable online retailer who sold Microsoft 365 Family below the official US$129.99 price. We ended up at NewEgg.com who have consistently lower prices than Microsoft and without the subscription traps from the like of Amazon or BestBuy.
We could have tried Costco (she’s not a member) or the Military Appreciation offer (she’s a civilian). See 6 steps to saving on Microsoft 365 renewals or first purchase
Note: we have NO affiliate, advertising or other paid arrangement with NewEgg. Use any retailer you prefer.
Microsoft 365 ‘Combo’ deals to save money
‘Combo’ deals for Microsoft 365 plans are good value when the total price is less than the cost of a Microsoft 365 plan alone.
A combination deal is cheaper because the makers of the extra software want to get you using it and then paying for renewals.
You don’t have to use the extra software. By all means, use the Microsoft 365 part to extend or start a plan. Just ignore the additional software.
Often the extra is anti-virus or security software and we definitely do NOT recommend installing. Such software isn’t necessary because Microsoft Windows Defender is more than adequate. And uninstalling security software is often difficult and time-consuming.
NewEgg sells the Family plan for full price $129.99 but scroll down the “Microsoft 365 Family” search to see various cheaper prices. There was a $67.99 combo offer with some security software, we chose a $8 more expensive option because it had a year of VPN which might be useful.
NewEgg has a Microsoft 365 combo deal with NordVPN, a well-respected VPN service.
Things to check
A few things we looked for which recommended this offer:
- Price was good. $55 less than Microsoft 365 Family from Microsoft, Amazon or BestBuy at $129.99.
- A direct purchase of a product key to allow one year of Microsoft 365 Family.
- Ideally a ‘digital download’ that can be used immediately, not a product key sent in the mail (OK but slower).
- Use for either a new Microsoft 365 account or extend an existing Microsoft 365 Family account.
- Microsoft 365 Family is what the user already has. If extending, an existing plan, make sure you’re buying the same product.
- You have to purchase a plan extension in the same country as the existing plan. Can you save buying Microsoft 365 from another country?
- NewEgg is a known retailer and the purchase is direct from them, not a third-party. Note the Sold by and Shipped by details, lower right above.
- If a VPN is needed, NordVPN is a reasonable choice. Their software can be removed / uninstalled easily. As always, watch out for automatic renewals.
Purchase the product as usual. We always buy digital products as a credit card separate purchase with nothing added to the same cart, because that makes it easier to dispute or ‘chargeback’ if necessary.
A few minutes after payment, an email arrived from NewEgg with the product keys to unlock both Microsoft 365 Family and the VPN service.
The email has a Microsoft 365 Family product key and instructions for setting up or extend a Microsoft 365 plan. We used a different method that confirms the correct Microsoft 365 account is being used and lets you compare the expiry date before and after. Adding a cheaper Microsoft 365 to your account
The credit card billing by NewEgg was a little strange. The total was US$74.99 which was charged as two transactions of $65 and $9.99. Not a problem, just unusual.
Buy more than one year?
Since the purchase of a year of Microsoft 365 Family went OK, my friend is considering locking in that good price by buying another three combo packs. Microsoft 365 Personal/Family plans can be extended up to five years by buying additional years and adding them to your account.
6 steps to saving on Microsoft 365 renewals or first purchase
