toolcompass.

Find your next AI tool

Search by product name or task. Press Escape to close.

Side-by-side comparison

ChatGPT vs Microsoft Copilot

Plans, free tiers and API access for ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, from each vendor's own pages. Last checked Oct 4, 2026.

ChatGPTAssistantMicrosoft CopilotAssistant

The short answer

Pricing and features

ChatGPTMicrosoft Copilot
Starting price
$20/mo
$9.99/mo
Paid plans
  • Plus$20/mo
  • Microsoft 365 Personal$9.99/mo
  • Microsoft 365 Family$12.99/mo
  • Microsoft 365 Premium$19.99/mo
  • Microsoft 365 Pro$99.99/mo
Free plan
Free planFree tier with limited messages and models
Free planNot confirmed
API access
API availableOpenAI API billed separately from ChatGPT plans
API unknownNot confirmed
Best for
Individuals and teams who want a general-purpose assistant in browser and mobile apps, from quick questions to longer writing and analysis workflows.
Individuals and families who want Microsoft’s AI assistant in the browser plus optional Copilot inside Microsoft 365 productivity apps.
Watch out for
All plans carry usage limits that can tighten at peak demand; Plus/Go limits differ by model and feature. API access, rate limits, and data handling follow separate OpenAI API terms.
Advanced Copilot features such as Researcher and Analyst are tied to Microsoft 365 Premium and Pro; subscriptions auto-renew unless canceled in a Microsoft account.
Category
Assistant
Assistant
Last checked
Oct 4, 2026
Oct 4, 2026

How to choose

ChatGPT is a standalone assistant, while Microsoft Copilot is Microsoft's assistant, available in the browser at copilot.microsoft.com and optionally inside Microsoft 365 apps. Pricing works differently. ChatGPT sells Free and Plus at $20 per month. Copilot's paid access is through Microsoft 365 plans: Personal at $9.99, Family at $12.99, Premium at $19.99 and Pro at $99.99 monthly only, all auto-renewing unless canceled. Copilot chat shows no paywall on its homepage, but no formal free plan is listed. Advanced features such as Researcher and Analyst are tied to Premium and Pro. Copilot's API status is Not confirmed, while ChatGPT's OpenAI API is billed separately. Copilot is aimed at individuals and families already on Microsoft 365.

Reviewed Oct 5, 2026. Prices and plans can change, so confirm on the vendor's site.

Common questions

Which is cheaper, ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot?

Microsoft Copilot has the lower starting price ($9.99/mo versus $20/mo). Compare plans before choosing, since limits differ.

Is ChatGPT free?

Free plan. Free tier with limited messages and models

Is Microsoft Copilot free?

Free plan. Not confirmed

Keep exploring