AI Chat Assistants · Pricing comparison
Microsoft Copilot vs ChatGPT: Pricing
Microsoft Copilot is the cheaper option ($20.00/mo less), both offer a free plan, ChatGPT rates slightly higher. Below we break down plans, free tiers, and value so you can decide which fits your budget and workflow.
Last checked September 10, 2026
At a glance
Microsoft Copilot is the cheaper option ($20.00/mo less), both offer a free plan, ChatGPT rates slightly higher.
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Microsoft Copilot vs ChatGPT: side-by-side
| Feature | Microsoft Copilot | ChatGPT |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI Chat Assistants | AI Chat Assistants |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan details | Free Copilot for casual chat. Copilot Chat included with eligible M365 plans for enterprise-grade secure chat. | Free tier with limited access to flagship models and daily caps. |
| Starting price | Free (chat) | $20/mo (Plus) |
| Highest known plan | $30/user/mo (M365 Copilot) | $200/mo (Pro) |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Organizations already on Microsoft 365 who want AI grounded on their work data | Anyone who wants one subscription covering chat, images, voice, and files |
| Team support | Yes | Yes |
| API access | No | Yes |
| Editor rating | 4.2 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
Pricing and free plans
Microsoft Copilot uses a freemium model, starting at Free (chat). Free tier for chat. M365 Premium ~$19.99/mo for personal AI in Office apps. M365 Copilot $30/user/mo add-on requires qualifying M365 base plan. Business bundles: Standard $23.50, Premium $32/user/mo. Copilot Pro retired late 2025. Its free plan: Free Copilot for casual chat. Copilot Chat included with eligible M365 plans for enterprise-grade secure chat.
ChatGPT uses a freemium model, starting at $20/mo (Plus). A budget Go plan exists at $8/mo with ads. Business is $20/seat/mo. Pro tiers at $100 and $200/mo lift usage caps. Its free plan: Free tier with limited access to flagship models and daily caps.
Which is cheaper?
If budget is the deciding factor, Microsoft Copilot wins on entry price. If output quality or specific features matter more, weigh the feature lists below before deciding.
Microsoft Copilot: pros and cons
Pros
- Deep integration with Microsoft 365 apps
- Enterprise-grade security and compliance
- Free tier available for basic chat
- Work-grounded answers via Microsoft Graph
Cons
- Pricing is confusing — multiple overlapping products
- $30/user/mo requires qualifying M365 base plan
- No standalone API
- Annual commitment required
ChatGPT: pros and cons
Pros
- Broadest feature set for $20
- Huge ecosystem and plugins
- Free tier is genuinely usable
Cons
- Usage caps on Plus during peak demand
- Go plan includes ads
- Pro tier is expensive
Who each tool is best for
- Best for beginners: Microsoft Copilot — lower barrier to entry and easier to start for free or cheaply.
- Best for teams: ChatGPT.
- Best if you need an API: ChatGPT offers API access where the other does not.
- Microsoft Copilot is best for: Organizations already on Microsoft 365 who want AI grounded on their work data.
- ChatGPT is best for: Anyone who wants one subscription covering chat, images, voice, and files.
Verdict
On price alone, Microsoft Copilot is the value pick at Free (chat). ChatGPT edges ahead on our editor rating. For most people, choose Microsoft Copilot if you want organizations already on microsoft 365 who want ai grounded on their work data, and ChatGPT if you want anyone who wants one subscription covering chat, images, voice, and files.
Microsoft Copilot vs ChatGPT FAQ
Which is cheaper, Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT?
Microsoft Copilot has the cheaper entry price — about $20.00/mo less. Microsoft Copilot starts at Free (chat), while ChatGPT starts at $20/mo (Plus).
Does Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT have a free plan?
Both offer a free plan. Microsoft Copilot: Free Copilot for casual chat. Copilot Chat included with eligible M365 plans for enterprise-grade secure chat. ChatGPT: Free tier with limited access to flagship models and daily caps.
Is Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT better for beginners?
Microsoft Copilot tends to be the easier starting point thanks to its pricing and free access, though both cover the same core ai chat assistants needs.
Which is better for teams?
ChatGPT is the stronger team pick given its collaboration support and rating.