ChatGPT vs Microsoft Copilot (October 2026)
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ChatGPT
OpenAI's assistant for writing, research, analysis, coding and image generation, with free, personal and business plans.
Visit ChatGPTMicrosoft Copilot
Microsoft's assistant, free on its own and built into Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook with Microsoft 365.
Visit Microsoft CopilotVerdict. Microsoft Copilot has the lower entry price (USD 9.99 against USD 20.00). ChatGPT confirms 3 of our 3 key features; Microsoft Copilot confirms 2.
Side by side
| Feature | ChatGPT | Microsoft Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest paid plan | Plus: USD 20 per month | Microsoft 365 Personal: USD 9.99 per month |
| Other plan or fee | Free | Free |
| Another plan or fee | — | Microsoft 365 Premium: USD 19.99 per month |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Image generation | Yes | Yes |
| Team or business plan | Yes | Not confirmed |
| Number of plans listed | 2 | 3 |
| Our score | 68/100 (#4 of 4) | 78/100 (#2 of 4) |
| Best for | Best free starting point | Best free starting point |
| A year on the cheapest paid plan | USD 240 | USD 120 |
| Notes | Go, Pro and Business prices were not shown on OpenAI's pricing page when checked; Business needs at least 2 users | Business Copilot prices are on a separate page and were not checked |
Shaded cells mark the lower price. Sources: ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot.
Which to choose
Choose Microsoft Copilot if you want the lower starting price.
Choose ChatGPT if its features above matter more to you than price.
See all options: best AI assistants.
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