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Prices checked Oct 19, 2026

ChatGPT vs Microsoft Copilot

The question is mostly where your work happens. Copilot shines inside Microsoft’s apps; ChatGPT stands on its own.

ChatGPTFree planMicrosoft CopilotFree app

The quick answer

Choose ChatGPT if…

  • You want a stand-alone assistant with reusable setups

Choose Microsoft Copilot if…

  • You work in Word, Excel, Outlook or Teams
  • You want an assistant built into Windows and Edge

Either works if you will use it on work files. For either tool, check your company’s data rules before you paste work material. At work, Copilot features also depend on what your IT team has switched on.

Side by side

Starts at

ChatGPT

Free plan

Microsoft Copilot

Free app

Plans and prices

ChatGPT

  • Free plan
  • Paid Go, Plus and Pro plans. OpenAI’s pricing page did not show dollar amounts when we checked, so see OpenAI for current prices.

Microsoft Copilot

  • Free Copilot app
  • Extra features come with paid Microsoft 365 plans. See Microsoft for current prices.

Best for

ChatGPT

Everyday writing, explaining, research and first drafts that you will edit yourself.

Microsoft Copilot

People who work in Windows and Microsoft 365 and want an assistant built in.

Strengths

ChatGPT

  • Conversation. Good at explaining a topic in plain language or turning rough notes into a structured draft.
  • Research. Deep research and file uploads help with longer questions. Check the sources it cites.
  • Extras. Custom GPTs, projects and scheduled tasks suit repeat jobs; the free plan limits them.

Microsoft Copilot

  • In Microsoft apps. Works in Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams for people on the right Microsoft 365 plan.
  • Free app. The Copilot app and website are free to try.
  • Windows. Built into Windows and Edge, so it is always one click away.

Prices were checked on each vendor’s own pricing page on Oct 19, 2026. Plans change often, so confirm on the official site before you pay.

How to choose

  • Do you work in Word, Excel, Outlook or Teams?

    Choose Microsoft Copilot

    Copilot works in those apps for people on the right Microsoft 365 plan.

  • Do you want an assistant built into Windows and Edge?

    Choose Microsoft Copilot

    Copilot is built into both, so it is always one click away.

  • Do you want a stand-alone assistant with reusable setups?

    Choose ChatGPT

    ChatGPT offers custom GPTs, projects and scheduled tasks. As a stand-alone chatbot, Copilot competes with free options from OpenAI and Google.

  • Are you using it on work files?

    Either works

    For either tool, check your company’s data rules before you paste work material. At work, Copilot features also depend on what your IT team has switched on.

Check before you pay

ChatGPT

Worth a look first

  • Do not paste customer data, contracts or unreleased code into a free chat.
  • Plans, model names and limits change often. Confirm what your plan includes on OpenAI’s site before you budget it.

Microsoft Copilot

Worth a look first

  • Features depend on your Microsoft plan and, at work, on what your IT team has switched on.
  • Company data rules may limit what you can paste. Ask before you use it on work files.

Read each review

ChatGPT reviewMicrosoft Copilot reviewChatGPT official siteMicrosoft Copilot official site

This comparison restates each vendor’s own public information. We have not run lab benchmarks, and the better tool for you depends on your work. Placement is not paid for. See our editorial policy.

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