ChatGPT vs Microsoft Copilot
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Which is better, ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot?
It depends on what you want done. Pick ChatGPT if you want the broadest agent on every device and already pay for, or are happy to pay for, ChatGPT Plus. Pick Microsoft Copilot if you use Windows and Edge and want a free agent that's already there. Both are AI assistants with agent features. Prices as of November 2026: ChatGPT, agent features from $20/mo; Microsoft Copilot, free.
On our rubric, ChatGPT scores higher, 8.5 to 7.3. It handles 3 of our 6 everyday errands fully on its own, to Microsoft Copilot's 1. Here's where each one wins.
ChatGPT8.5
Choose ChatGPT if you want the broadest agent on every device and already pay for, or are happy to pay for, ChatGPT Plus.
Visit ChatGPTChoose Microsoft Copilot if you use Windows and Edge and want a free agent that's already there.
Visit Microsoft CopilotErrands, side by side
| Errand | ChatGPT | Microsoft Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| Book reservations, rides and travel | With your OK | With your OK |
| Shop and check out | With your OK | With your OK |
| Handle email and calendar | Yes | With your OK |
| Fill forms and click through websites | Yes | With your OK |
| Cancel subscriptions, chase refunds, lower bills | With your OK | With your OK |
| Research and compare | Yes | Yes |
Scores side by side
| Criterion | ChatGPT | Microsoft Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| Gets it done (30%) | 9.0 | 6.5 |
| Reach (15%) | 9.0 | 8.0 |
| Knows you (15%) | 8.5 | 7.0 |
| Safety & control (15%) | 8.0 | 7.5 |
| Value (15%) | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| Trust (10%) | 8.0 | 7.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 | 7.3 |
Where they work
| Clicks through websites for you | ||
|---|---|---|
| Works in the background or on a schedule | ||
| Remembers you | ||
| Works over text messages | ||
| Talks by voice | ||
| Phone app |
Price and fine print
| ChatGPT | Microsoft Copilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | AI assistant: ai assistant | AI assistant: ai assistant |
| Made by | OpenAI | Microsoft |
| Our rank | #1 of ai assistants with agent features | #5 of ai assistants with agent features |
| Price | Agent features from $20/mo (as of November 2026) | Free (as of November 2026) |
| Free plan | Yes, with limited ChatGPT Work in the desktop app (as of November 2026) | Yes: the Copilot app and Edge Copilot Mode are free (as of November 2026) |
| Refunds | Not stated | Not stated |
| Best for | Most people who want one agent that can do a bit of everything. | Windows and Edge users who want a free agent built in. |
ChatGPT: pros and cons
- Works through websites, forms and your connected apps in one place
- Scheduled tasks on Plus; Pro's dot keeps working after you close the tab
- Apps on web, Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android, with voice
- Hands control back to you for logins and payments
- Full agent features need Plus at $20; Free and Go only get limited desktop access
- The always-on dot needs Pro from $100 a month and launched without the UK, EU and Switzerland
- Usage limits apply, and OpenAI's published caps lag behind its plan changes
- Purchases still need you to step in, so shopping isn't hands-off
Microsoft Copilot: pros and cons
- Free, and built into Windows and Edge
- Actions handle booking and unsubscribe flows with your approval
- Phone apps and voice
- Microsoft 365 Premium bundles Office and storage
- Actions is a US preview and only works in Edge
- Does less on its own than the top three
- Microsoft hasn't published current consumer limits for Actions
- No background or scheduled tasks for consumers
ChatGPT vs Microsoft Copilot: questions
Is ChatGPT better than Microsoft Copilot?
On our rubric, ChatGPT scores higher (8.5 vs 7.3). Microsoft Copilot is still the better pick if you use Windows and Edge and want a free agent that's already there.
Which is cheaper, ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot?
ChatGPT: agent features from $20/mo, free plan: yes (as of November 2026). Microsoft Copilot: free, free plan: yes (as of November 2026).