Microsoft Copilot vs ChatGPT 2026 - Which AI Assistant Should You Use?
Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT both run on OpenAI's GPT models, but they are packaged very differently. Copilot is free in Windows, Edge and on the web, and its premium features now come with Microsoft 365 subscriptions (Personal $9.99, Family $12.99, Premium $19.99/month) after Copilot Pro was retired. ChatGPT is a standalone assistant with Go ($8), Plus ($20) and Pro ($100 or $200) plans, and gets OpenAI's newest models and tools first.
Our verdict
Copilot wins for Microsoft 365 users who want AI inside Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. ChatGPT wins as the more capable standalone assistant.
When to choose each
Choose Microsoft Copilot when...
- Built into Windows, Edge and the Microsoft 365 apps
- Free Smart mode powered by OpenAI's GPT-5 family
- Premium AI bundled with Office apps and OneDrive storage from $9.99/month
- Microsoft 365 Premium covers Office for up to 6 people for $19.99/month
- Business plans with Researcher and Analyst agents grounded in your work data
- Enterprise data protection when signed in with a work account
Choose ChatGPT when...
- Newest OpenAI models first, including the GPT-6 family
- Codex coding agent and agent mode
- Deep Research, projects, memory and custom GPTs
- Cheaper entry plan: Go at $8/month
- Works the same whether you use Microsoft, Google or neither
- Larger ecosystem of apps and integrations
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Build My AI WorkflowFrequently asked questions
Is Microsoft Copilot the same as ChatGPT?
No. Both use OpenAI models, but Copilot is Microsoft's own product with its own interface, model routing and integrations into Windows and Microsoft 365. ChatGPT is OpenAI's app and usually gets new OpenAI models and features before Copilot does.
Is Microsoft Copilot free?
Yes. Copilot is free on the web, in Windows and in Edge, with usage limits. Higher limits and Copilot inside Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook come with Microsoft 365 Personal ($9.99/month), Family ($12.99/month, AI for the owner only) or Premium ($19.99/month).
What happened to Copilot Pro?
Microsoft stopped selling the $20/month Copilot Pro plan to new customers on October 1, 2025 and folded its features into Microsoft 365 Premium at $19.99/month. Support for remaining Copilot Pro subscriptions ended on August 1, 2026.
Which is better for Excel and Word?
Copilot, because it works directly inside your Microsoft 365 documents, spreadsheets and email. ChatGPT can analyze uploaded files and write content, but you have to move the results back into Office yourself.
Which is better for coding?
ChatGPT, thanks to the Codex coding agent included with paid plans. Consumer Microsoft Copilot is a general assistant; Microsoft's dedicated coding product is GitHub Copilot, which is a separate subscription.