Microsoft Copilot vs Z.ai Chat
Microsoft Copilot: Microsoft's free assistant on the web, Windows and Edge. Z.ai Chat: A free chatbot built on Zhipu's GLM models, good at coding and building web pages. 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.
Z.ai Chat
Best for: Developers and tinkerers who want to try a strong open-weight model family for free.
Stands out for: Free to use; Models are also released with open weights.
Side-by-side comparison
| Visit copilot.microsoft.com (opens in a new tab) | Visit chat.z.ai (opens in a new tab) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Microsoft's free assistant on the web, Windows and Edge. | A free chatbot built on Zhipu's GLM models, good at coding and building web pages. |
| Pricing | Free + Paid | Free |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Category | AI Chatbots & Assistants | AI Chatbots & Assistants |
| Editor rank | #4 in category | #19 in category |
| Made by | Microsoft | Zhipu AI |
| Best for | Windows users who want a free assistant without installing anything. | Developers and tinkerers who want to try a strong open-weight model family for free. |
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Microsoft Copilot vs Z.ai Chat: questions
Is Microsoft Copilot better than Z.ai Chat?
Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Microsoft Copilot slightly higher overall in AI Chatbots & Assistants, but Z.ai Chat can be the better fit: Developers and tinkerers who want to try a strong open-weight model family for free.
Which is free, Microsoft Copilot or Z.ai Chat?
Both can be used without paying: Microsoft Copilot is free + paid and Z.ai Chat is free. Paid plans add more usage or features.
Can I use Microsoft Copilot and Z.ai Chat together?
Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example get quick answers with web sources with Microsoft Copilot, and generate a landing page from a short brief with Z.ai Chat.