VS

ChatGPT vs Microsoft Copilot

ChatGPT: OpenAI's all-round assistant for writing, analysis, images and voice. Microsoft Copilot: Microsoft's free assistant on the web, Windows and Edge. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, platforms, pros and cons.

Quick verdict

ChatGPT

Best for: Anyone who wants one assistant for everyday writing, research and brainstorming.

Stands out for: Handles a very wide range of tasks; Apps on most devices.

Microsoft Copilot

Best for: Windows users who want a free assistant without installing anything.

Stands out for: Free to use; Built into Windows and Edge.

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot
ChatGPT
Visit chatgpt.com (opens in a new tab)
Microsoft Copilot
Visit copilot.microsoft.com (opens in a new tab)
What it isOpenAI's all-round assistant for writing, analysis, images and voice.Microsoft's free assistant on the web, Windows and Edge.
Pricing
Free + Paid
Free + Paid
Free to useYesYes
CategoryAI Chatbots & AssistantsAI Chatbots & Assistants
Editor rank#1 in category#4 in category
Made byOpenAIMicrosoft
Best forAnyone who wants one assistant for everyday writing, research and brainstorming.Windows users who want a free assistant without installing anything.
Key features
  • Chat, voice and image generation in one app
  • Reads uploaded files, PDFs and spreadsheets
  • Custom GPTs and project folders for repeat work
  • Built into Windows and Edge
  • Web answers with linked sources
  • Image creation included
Pros
  • Handles a very wide range of tasks
  • Apps on most devices
  • Generous free tier
  • Free to use
  • Built into Windows and Edge
  • Shows web sources
Cons
  • Can state wrong facts confidently
  • Best models and higher limits need a paid plan
  • Office app features need a Microsoft 365 plan
  • Can be less flexible than rival assistants
Use it to
  • Draft emails, essays and reports from a short brief
  • Analyse an uploaded spreadsheet or PDF
  • Talk through a problem using voice mode
  • Get quick answers with web sources
  • Create images from a text prompt
  • Ask for help directly from Windows
Web app
iPhone & iPad
Android
Windows
Mac
API

ChatGPT vs Microsoft Copilot: questions

Is ChatGPT better than Microsoft Copilot?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank ChatGPT slightly higher overall in AI Chatbots & Assistants, but Microsoft Copilot can be the better fit: Windows users who want a free assistant without installing anything.

Which is free, ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot?

Both can be used without paying: ChatGPT is free + paid and Microsoft Copilot is free + paid. Paid plans add more usage or features.

Can I use ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example draft emails, essays and reports from a short brief with ChatGPT, and get quick answers with web sources with Microsoft Copilot.

More comparisons