ChatGPT vs Microsoft Copilot
ChatGPT vs Microsoft Copilot: what's the difference?
ChatGPT is the better standalone assistant for most people, with a generous free plan and features like study mode and voice. Microsoft Copilot is the better choice if you work in Word, Excel and Outlook, because Microsoft 365 Personal (US$9.99/month in the US) puts it inside those apps. Copilot's basic chat is free with a Microsoft account.
At a glance
| ChatGPT | Microsoft Copilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | OpenAI | Microsoft |
| Free plan | Yes – Free plan: everyday text chats with fair-use limits, plus limited uploads, image creation, voice and deep research. | Yes – Copilot chat is free with a Microsoft account; Copilot inside Word, Excel and Outlook needs a Microsoft 365 plan. |
| Paid from | US$8/month (Go, may include ads); Plus US$20/month; Pro from US$100/month. | US$9.99/month (Microsoft 365 Personal, includes Office apps, 1 TB storage and monthly AI credits); Microsoft 365 Premium US$19.99/month for higher limits. |
| Best for | everyday questions, writing and editing, brainstorming, image creation, voice chat | Windows and Microsoft 365 users, everyday questions, Word, Excel and Outlook help |
| Works on | web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS | web, Windows, iOS, Android, macOS |
Which wins for what?
| Task | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday chat | ChatGPT | Versatile free plan with voice and study mode. |
| Word, Excel, Outlook | Microsoft Copilot | Built into Microsoft 365 apps on paid plans. |
| Windows integration | Microsoft Copilot | Built into Windows. |
| Images | Tie | Both can create images. |
| Price for extras | Tie | ChatGPT Go US$8/month; Microsoft 365 Personal US$9.99/month includes Office apps and 1 TB storage. |
Choose ChatGPT if…
- You want the best standalone AI chat
- You don't use Microsoft 365
Choose Microsoft Copilot if…
- You live in Word, Excel and Outlook
- You'd use the bundled Office apps and storage
Both have free plans, so the easiest test is to paste the same prompt into each – try one from the guides below.
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Prompts to test them side by side
Write a tricky work email
Rough guide only: 20–40 minutes
💷 MoneyBuild a simple monthly budget
Rough guide only: 1–2 hours
💼 Work & careerRefresh your CV for a specific job
Rough guide only: 2–3 hours
💼 Work & careerSummarise a long document or meeting notes
Rough guide only: 20–40 minutes each time
How we chose
These are editorial picks by Amara Lewis, based on what each tool's free and paid plans include, how easy it is for a beginner, and how well it suits this task. We have not run formal benchmark tests for this page, and no company paid to be listed. Read how we review.
Frequently asked questions
Is Copilot free?
Yes, Copilot chat is free with a Microsoft account. Copilot inside Word and Excel needs a Microsoft 365 plan.
Is Copilot just ChatGPT?
Microsoft has used OpenAI models, but Copilot is a separate product with its own features and limits.
Which is better for Excel?
Copilot, if you have a Microsoft 365 plan that includes it.
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