AI Tools

Microsoft Copilot vs ChatGPT

Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT are both popular AI assistants, but they are built around different ecosystems. Microsoft Copilot is strongest for users who work inside Microsoft products such as Windows, Edge, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and Microsoft 365. ChatGPT is stronger as a standalone all-in-one AI assistant for writing, research, image generation, voice conversations, file analysis, data analysis, custom GPTs, coding help and everyday productivity. This comparison looks at Microsoft 365 integration, web search, image generation, file uploads, voice, business plans, custom tools and everyday usability to help you decide which AI assistant better fits your workflow.

Last updated: May 13, 2026

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Microsoft

Microsoft Copilot

A Microsoft AI assistant for Windows, Edge, Microsoft 365 apps, web search and workplace productivity

OpenAI

ChatGPT

An all-in-one AI assistant for writing, research, images, voice, files and productivity

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Specifications

FeatureMicrosoft CopilotChatGPT

Free Tier✅ Yes, Copilot app and Copilot Chat access are available depending on account and eligibility✅ Yes, limited free ChatGPT access

Paid PlanMicrosoft 365 Premium for individuals, and Microsoft 365 Copilot plans for work or business usersChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business and Enterprise plans

Enterprise PlanMicrosoft 365 Copilot is available for eligible business and enterprise customers with qualifying Microsoft 365 plansChatGPT Business and Enterprise plans are available for teams and organisations

Current ModelModel access can vary by Copilot product, plan and Microsoft experienceModel access can vary by ChatGPT plan, model and product surface

Microsoft 365 IntegrationNative Microsoft 365 integration on eligible plans, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams❌ No native Microsoft 365 app integration like Copilot

File/Email AccessCan work with Microsoft 365 work data and uploaded files on eligible Copilot plans and experiencesFile uploads are available, but email and calendar access are not native in the same Microsoft 365 way

Image Generation✅ Yes, Copilot can create and edit images✅ Yes, ChatGPT can create and edit images

Voice Mode✅ Yes, Copilot Voice is available✅ Yes, voice conversations are available in ChatGPT

Cross-platform✅ Available across Microsoft web, Windows, Edge, mobile and Microsoft 365 experiences, depending on product access✅ Available on web, desktop and mobile apps

Best ForMicrosoft 365 users, workplace productivity, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and enterprise workflowsWriting, research, image generation, voice, file analysis, data analysis, custom GPTs and general productivity

Pros & Cons

Microsoft Copilot — Pros

✓Strong integration with Microsoft products such as Windows, Edge and Microsoft 365

✓Microsoft 365 Copilot can work inside apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams on eligible plans

✓Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot support web-grounded AI assistance for eligible users

✓Image generation, file upload, voice, Copilot Pages and Deep Research are available in Copilot experiences

✓Microsoft 365 Copilot business plans include enterprise data protection, management and compliance features

✓Good fit for organisations already using Microsoft 365, Teams and enterprise identity tools

Microsoft Copilot — Cons

✕Best value is clearer for users already using Microsoft products

✕Full Microsoft 365 app integration requires eligible Microsoft 365 plans or subscriptions

✕Consumer Copilot app and Microsoft 365 Copilot for work are different experiences

✕Some features depend on country, language, device, account type and plan eligibility

✕Less flexible than ChatGPT for custom GPT-style workflows and broader standalone AI use

ChatGPT — Pros

✓Strong standalone assistant for writing, brainstorming, research and everyday productivity

✓Built-in image generation and voice conversations

✓File uploads, data analysis and chart-based workflows

✓Custom GPTs, projects and tasks for specialised workflows

✓Expanded messages, uploads, memory and context on paid plans

✓Business and Enterprise plans are available for teams and organisations

ChatGPT — Cons

✕No native Microsoft 365 app integration like Microsoft Copilot inside Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams

✕Some advanced features depend on plan, model and usage limits

✕Business and enterprise workplace controls require the right ChatGPT plan

✕Not as naturally connected to Microsoft work files, Teams and Microsoft 365 admin tools

✕Broader feature set may feel less focused for users who only want AI inside Microsoft apps

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Our Verdict

Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT are both strong AI assistants, but they are built around different workflows. Microsoft Copilot is usually the better choice for users and organisations that already live inside Microsoft’s ecosystem. Its strengths are Microsoft 365 integration, Windows and Edge access, workplace productivity, Copilot Chat, Copilot Pages, file upload, image generation and business-ready features for eligible Microsoft 365 customers. ChatGPT is usually the better choice for users who want a broader standalone AI assistant. Its strengths are writing, research, image generation, voice conversations, file analysis, data analysis, custom GPTs, projects, tasks, coding help and everyday productivity. It is easier to use as a general-purpose assistant even if you do not depend on Microsoft 365. The bottom line: choose Microsoft Copilot if your priority is Microsoft 365 integration, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and workplace productivity. Choose ChatGPT if you want a more versatile standalone AI assistant for writing, research, files, images, voice, data analysis, coding and custom workflows.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Microsoft Copilot if...

→You already work in Microsoft 365 apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams

→Your organisation uses Microsoft 365, Entra, Teams and Microsoft admin/security tools

→You want AI assistance connected to Microsoft work files and workplace workflows

→You prefer an assistant built into Windows, Edge and Microsoft productivity tools

→You need business-focused options with Microsoft enterprise data protection and management

→You want Copilot Chat, Copilot Pages, image generation, file upload and voice inside Microsoft’s ecosystem

Choose ChatGPT if...

→You want one standalone AI assistant for writing, research and everyday productivity

→You regularly use image generation, voice conversations, file uploads or data analysis

→You want custom GPTs, projects, tasks and broader workflow flexibility

→You need help with drafting, coding, charts, structured outputs or creative work

→You do not want your AI workflow tied mainly to Microsoft 365

→You want Business or Enterprise options for teams using ChatGPT across many types of work

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT better for everyday use?

A: ChatGPT is usually the better fit for users who want one flexible AI assistant for writing, brainstorming, research, image generation, voice conversations, file uploads, data analysis, coding help and everyday productivity. Microsoft Copilot is usually better for users who already work inside Microsoft products such as Windows, Edge, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and Microsoft 365. Choose ChatGPT if you want a broader standalone assistant. Choose Microsoft Copilot if your daily workflow is centred on Microsoft apps.

Q: Is Microsoft Copilot better than ChatGPT for Microsoft 365?

A: Yes, Microsoft Copilot is the better choice if you want AI directly inside Microsoft 365 apps on eligible plans. Microsoft 365 Copilot can work with apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams, and business plans add enterprise data protection, management and compliance features. ChatGPT can still help with writing, analysing files and drafting content, but it does not have the same native Microsoft 365 app integration as Copilot.

Q: Is ChatGPT more flexible than Microsoft Copilot?

A: ChatGPT is usually more flexible as a standalone AI assistant because it is built for a wide range of tasks, including writing, research, image generation, voice conversations, file analysis, data analysis, custom GPTs, coding support and productivity workflows. Microsoft Copilot is more valuable when the task connects to Microsoft products, Microsoft 365 apps or workplace data. The better tool depends on whether you want a general AI assistant or an assistant integrated into Microsoft’s ecosystem.

Q: Which is better for business teams — Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT?

A: Microsoft Copilot is often the better fit for organisations already using Microsoft 365, Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint because it connects more naturally with Microsoft workplace tools on eligible plans. ChatGPT Business and Enterprise can be a strong fit for teams that want a broader AI assistant for writing, analysis, coding, files, custom GPTs and general productivity outside one specific office suite. Businesses should compare security, admin controls, data handling, app integration and user workflows before deciding.

Sources & References

Prices, features and specifications in this comparison were verified from official sources.

Last verified: May 2026

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