The Visio versions compared
Microsoft Visio is available as a perpetual licence in four versions, from 2016 to 2024. The diagramming tools have grown over the years, but the real deciding factor is the support lifecycle. We carry all four as the Professional edition.
| Version | Support until | Security updates | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visio 2024 | October 2029 | Yes | Best choice |
| Visio 2021 | October 2026 | Yes | Affordable alternative |
| Visio 2019 | ended Oct 2025 | No | special cases only |
| Visio 2016 | ended Oct 2025 | No | special cases only |
Which Visio version you should buy
- Visio 2024. The current version with security updates until October 2029 – the right choice if you are planning for the long term.
- Visio 2021. Still supported until October 2026 and usually cheaper – a sensible option with a tighter budget and a shorter planning horizon.
- Visio 2019 and 2016. Without security updates since October 2025. Only worthwhile if you deliberately need an older version and can do without updates.
- Feature set. The differences between the versions are minor – diagrams, flowcharts, org charts and the large shape library are included throughout. Support lifecycle and price are what tip the balance.
