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ChatGPT vs Microsoft Copilot: Which AI Assistant Fits?
ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot are general AI assistants for chat, writing, images and voice. ChatGPT is OpenAI's assistant with its own Free, Go, Plus and Pro tiers built on the GPT-6 family. Copilot is free across web, mobile and Windows, and higher usage comes through Microsoft 365 subscriptions that also add it inside Office apps.
The short answer
Pick ChatGPT if you want one assistant with a wide feature set, including deep research, coding with Codex and agent features. Pick Microsoft Copilot if you already work in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook and want AI inside them through Microsoft 365.
Side by sideChatGPT vs Microsoft Copilot
| ChatGPT | Microsoft Copilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Company | OpenAI | Microsoft |
| Pricing | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starts at | $8/month (Go) | $9.99/month or $99.99/year (Microsoft 365 Personal) |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, ios, android, windows, macos | web, ios, android, windows, macos |
| Models used | GPT-6 family (GPT-6.1 Sol, GPT-6 Astra/Sol/Luna) plus GPT-5.6 models | — |
| Best for | Anyone who wants one assistant that covers everyday questions, writing, coding help, image creation and research. | Windows and Microsoft 365 users who want AI help inside Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. |
Facts in this table come from the verified profile of each product.
Key differences
$8/month (Go); Plus $20/month, Pro from $100/month. Prices are localized by country.
$9.99/month or $99.99/year (Microsoft 365 Personal).
Unlimited text chat with GPT-6, plus limited uploads, images, voice, deep research and Codex.
Copilot chat, image creation, voice and visual assistance with standard usage limits.
One assistant for questions, writing, coding, images and research.
AI help inside Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook for Microsoft 365 users.
GPT-6 family (GPT-6.1 Sol, GPT-6 Astra/Sol/Luna) plus GPT-5.6 models.
Underlying models are not stated on Microsoft's pages.
Web, iOS, Android, Windows and macOS.
Web, iOS, Android, Windows and macOS.
Standalone AI tiers: Free, Go, Plus and Pro.
No standalone AI plan; higher usage tied to Microsoft 365 Personal, Family or Premium.
Go may include ads and lacks advanced reasoning models; top access needs Pro.
On Family and Premium, AI features are for the subscription owner only.
Choose ChatGPT if…
- You want deep research, projects and scheduled tasks in one assistant.
- You want Codex and agent features for coding work.
- You prefer a standalone AI plan, not an Office bundle.
- You want unlimited free text chat with GPT-6.
Choose Microsoft Copilot if…
- You already pay for, or plan to use, Microsoft 365.
- You want Copilot inside Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
- You want a free assistant built into Windows.
- You want AI bundled with Office apps and cloud storage.
Frequently asked questions
Is ChatGPT or Copilot free?
Both have free versions. ChatGPT Free gives unlimited text chat with GPT-6 plus limited uploads, images, voice and deep research. Copilot is free on web, mobile and Windows with standard usage limits for chat, images and voice.
How much do ChatGPT and Copilot cost?
ChatGPT Go is $8/month, Plus $20/month and Pro from $100/month, with prices localized by country. Copilot's higher usage comes with Microsoft 365: Personal $9.99/month, Family $12.99/month and Premium $19.99/month.
Which works inside Word and Excel?
Microsoft Copilot. Paid Microsoft 365 plans add Copilot inside Office desktop apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. ChatGPT is a separate assistant available on web, mobile, Windows and macOS.
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