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Microsoft Copilot vs Open WebUI

Microsoft Copilot: Microsoft's free assistant on the web, Windows and Edge. Open WebUI: A self-hosted, open-source chat interface for local and cloud AI 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.

Open WebUI

Best for: Technical teams who want their own private chatbot portal.

Stands out for: Free and open source; Highly customisable.

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Microsoft Copilot, Open WebUI
Microsoft Copilot
Visit copilot.microsoft.com (opens in a new tab)
Open WebUI
Visit openwebui.com (opens in a new tab)
What it isMicrosoft's free assistant on the web, Windows and Edge.A self-hosted, open-source chat interface for local and cloud AI models.
Pricing
Free + Paid
Open source
Free to useYesYes
CategoryAI Chatbots & AssistantsAI Chatbots & Assistants
Editor rank#4 in category#13 in category
Made byMicrosoft—
Best forWindows users who want a free assistant without installing anything.Technical teams who want their own private chatbot portal.
Key features
  • Built into Windows and Edge
  • Web answers with linked sources
  • Image creation included
  • Works with local and API models
  • Document upload and retrieval
  • Multi-user accounts and roles
  • Plugin and tool support
Pros
  • Free to use
  • Built into Windows and Edge
  • Shows web sources
  • Free and open source
  • Highly customisable
Cons
  • Office app features need a Microsoft 365 plan
  • Can be less flexible than rival assistants
  • Needs some technical setup to host
Use it to
  • Get quick answers with web sources
  • Create images from a text prompt
  • Ask for help directly from Windows
  • Give your team a private chat app on your own server
  • Chat with internal documents
  • Switch between several models in one place
Web app
iPhone & iPad
Android
Windows
Linux

Microsoft Copilot vs Open WebUI: questions

Is Microsoft Copilot better than Open WebUI?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Microsoft Copilot slightly higher overall in AI Chatbots & Assistants, but Open WebUI can be the better fit: Technical teams who want their own private chatbot portal.

Which is free, Microsoft Copilot or Open WebUI?

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

Can I use Microsoft Copilot and Open WebUI together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example get quick answers with web sources with Microsoft Copilot, and give your team a private chat app on your own server with Open WebUI.

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