Comparison · AI chatbots
ChatGPT vs Microsoft Copilot: which is better in 2026?
ChatGPT ranks higher in our list of AI chatbots (#1 against #4, score 94.0 against 85.5).
Choose ChatGPT if you want
General-purpose assistant with search, images and coding.
Covers chat, search, image creation, voice and Codex in one product, with search on the free plan. Model access and limits change by tier, so the paid plans offer more than the free tier.
Choose Microsoft Copilot if you want
Microsoft account users who want a free assistant.
Free with a signed-in Microsoft account, with answers that show trusted sources for search questions. The pages checked list fewer details than ChatGPT or Claude, and several features were renamed recently.
Side by side
 ChatGPT |  Microsoft Copilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 94.0 | 85.5 |
| Rank in list | #1 of 7 | #4 of 7 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree plan; paid Plus and Pro plans, with Go, Business and Enterprise also listed | Free plan, paid upgradesFree with a signed-in Microsoft account; paid plans listed on the Microsoft site |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebWeb | WebWeb |
| Made by | OpenAI | Microsoft |
| Made by | OpenAI | Microsoft |
| Searches the web | Yes | Yes |
| Coding tools | Codex on paid tiers | Not listed |
| Developer API | Yes | Not listed |
| Best for | General-purpose assistant with search, images and coding | Microsoft account users who want a free assistant |
| Strengths |
|
|
| Limits |
|
|
| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about ChatGPT vs Microsoft Copilot
- Is ChatGPT better than Microsoft Copilot?
- ChatGPT ranks higher in our list of AI chatbots (#1 against #4, score 94.0 against 85.5). ChatGPT is best for: general-purpose assistant with search, images and coding. Microsoft Copilot is best for: microsoft account users who want a free assistant.
- Which is cheaper, ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot?
- ChatGPT: Free plan; paid Plus and Pro plans, with Go, Business and Enterprise also listed. Microsoft Copilot: Free with a signed-in Microsoft account; paid plans listed on the Microsoft site.
- Do ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot run on the same platforms?
- ChatGPT supports Web. Microsoft Copilot supports Web.