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Microsoft Copilot vs DeepSeek

Microsoft Copilot: Microsoft's free assistant on the web, Windows and Edge. DeepSeek: A free chat assistant with strong reasoning and openly released models. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, platforms, pros and cons.

Quick verdict

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.

DeepSeek

Best for: Students and developers who want a capable free assistant or open models.

Stands out for: Free chat app; Strong reasoning.

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Microsoft Copilot, DeepSeek
Visit copilot.microsoft.com (opens in a new tab)Visit deepseek.com (opens in a new tab)
What it isMicrosoft's free assistant on the web, Windows and Edge.A free chat assistant with strong reasoning and openly released models.
Pricing
Free + Paid
Free
Free to useYesYes
CategoryAI Chatbots & AssistantsAI Chatbots & Assistants
Editor rank#4 in category#7 in category
Made byMicrosoftDeepSeek
Best forWindows users who want a free assistant without installing anything.Students and developers who want a capable free assistant or open models.
Key features
  • Built into Windows and Edge
  • Web answers with linked sources
  • Image creation included
  • Free chat with a reasoning mode
  • Open-weight models for self-hosting
  • Low-cost API for developers
Pros
  • Free to use
  • Built into Windows and Edge
  • Shows web sources
  • Free chat app
  • Strong reasoning
  • Open model weights
Cons
  • Office app features need a Microsoft 365 plan
  • Can be less flexible than rival assistants
  • Servers can be busy at peak times
  • Data is stored in China, which may matter for some users
Use it to
  • Get quick answers with web sources
  • Create images from a text prompt
  • Ask for help directly from Windows
  • Work through maths and logic problems step by step
  • Get help writing and fixing code
  • Run the open models on your own hardware
Web app
iPhone & iPad
Android
Windows
API

Microsoft Copilot vs DeepSeek: questions

Is Microsoft Copilot better than DeepSeek?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Microsoft Copilot slightly higher overall in AI Chatbots & Assistants, but DeepSeek can be the better fit: Students and developers who want a capable free assistant or open models.

Which is free, Microsoft Copilot or DeepSeek?

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

Can I use Microsoft Copilot and DeepSeek together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example get quick answers with web sources with Microsoft Copilot, and work through maths and logic problems step by step with DeepSeek.

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