Comparison · AI search engines
Kagi vs Microsoft Copilot: which is better in 2026?
Microsoft Copilot ranks higher in our list of AI search engines (#5 against #6, score 84.5 against 84.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 84.0Editorial score84.5
- 1Platforms1
- NoFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Kagi if you want
Ad-free search for people who will pay.
Paid, ad-free search with an Assistant that answers in Quick or Research modes. Plans cost from $5 a month, and the top AI models are limited to the highest plan.
Choose Microsoft Copilot if you want
Sourced answers for people on Microsoft accounts.
A free assistant that answers questions with trusted sources, tied to a Microsoft account. Its answers are less link-focused than a traditional search engine's results page.
The main differences
- Microsoft Copilot can be used for free; Kagi requires payment.
Side by side
 Kagi |  Microsoft Copilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 84.0 | 84.5 |
| Rank in list | #6 of 7 | #5 of 7 |
| Price | SubscriptionStarter $5 a month for 300 searches; Ultimate $25 a month; 100-search trial | Free plan, paid upgradesFree with a signed-in Microsoft account; paid plans listed on the Microsoft site |
| Free to use | No | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebWeb | WebWeb |
| Made by | Not stated | Microsoft |
| Search type | Ad-free search with an assistant | Chat with sourced answers |
| Own search index | Not listed | Not listed |
| API access | Yes | Not listed |
| Best for | Ad-free search for people who will pay | Sourced answers for people on Microsoft accounts |
| Strengths |
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|
| Limits |
|
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Kagi vs Microsoft Copilot
- Is Microsoft Copilot better than Kagi?
- Microsoft Copilot ranks higher in our list of AI search engines (#5 against #6, score 84.5 against 84.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Kagi is best for: ad-free search for people who will pay. Microsoft Copilot is best for: sourced answers for people on Microsoft accounts.
- Which is cheaper, Kagi or Microsoft Copilot?
- Kagi: Starter $5 a month for 300 searches; Ultimate $25 a month; 100-search trial. Microsoft Copilot: Free with a signed-in Microsoft account; paid plans listed on the Microsoft site.
- Do Kagi and Microsoft Copilot run on the same platforms?
- Kagi supports Web. Microsoft Copilot supports Web.