Side-by-side comparison
ChatGPT vs Microsoft Copilot
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Which should you choose?
ChatGPT is OpenAI's stand-alone assistant. Microsoft Copilot is recorded as an everyday assistant that also connects to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook for eligible Microsoft 365 plans.
Choose ChatGPT if…
- You want one assistant for writing, research, coding and files that does not depend on an Office subscription.
- You want projects, voice conversations and connected tools.
Choose Microsoft Copilot if…
- Your work happens in Microsoft 365 and you want drafting, spreadsheet analysis, slides or email summaries inside those apps.
- You want an everyday assistant on web, Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
Check before you pay: Stand-alone Copilot and Microsoft 365 subscriptions have different access. Premium app features need a qualifying plan, so do not assume every Office feature is free.
Based on our directory records reviewed 24 October 2026, not on a hands-on test. Confirm current plans with each provider.
Tip: on a small screen, swipe the table sideways.
| What matters | 🤖 ChatGPT | 🪟 Microsoft Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | OpenAI's AI assistant for writing, coding, research, file analysis, and connected work across chats and projects. | Microsoft's AI assistant for everyday questions and work, with additional Copilot capabilities in Microsoft 365 plans. |
| Best for | Writing, research, coding, and file-based tasks in one assistant | Everyday assistance and eligible Microsoft 365 workflows |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Plans | Plan details not recorded yet | Plan details not recorded yet |
| Free-plan limits | Free is $0 with unlimited text chats on GPT-6 under abuse guardrails, plus limited uploads, image creation, voice, deep research and Codex access. Go is $8 a month and may include ads, Plus is $20, and Pro starts at $100 with three usage tiers. | Standalone Copilot and Microsoft 365 subscriptions have different access. Premium app features require a qualifying plan; do not assume all Office features are free. |
| Platforms | Web, macOS, Windows | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Key capabilities | Projects and chats Web search File and image inputs Voice conversations Connected tools and plugins | Conversational assistance Word drafting assistance Excel analysis assistance PowerPoint creation Outlook summaries |
| Strengths | Keeps drafting and follow-up questions in one conversation. | Use conversational help for a draft or question, and check which Microsoft 365 features your subscription includes. |
| Limitations | The ChatGPT Free plan includes limited image creation. Uploads and other advanced features have plan-dependent allowances. API billing is separate; check current account availability and provider pricing. For tightly bounded evidence, give it source text instead of relying on recollection. | Standalone Copilot and Microsoft 365 subscriptions have different access. Premium app features require a qualifying plan; do not assume all Office features are free. |
| No signup required | Not verified | Not verified |
| No credit card required | Not verified | Not verified |
| Free trial | Not verified | Not verified |
| Details last reviewed | 2026-10-15 | 2026-10-06 |
| Official pricing / source | Check pricing | Check pricing |
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