Last updated: October 2026. Prices are in USD unless marked CAD. Canadian cards are usually charged in USD and converted by your bank, plus GST/HST.
Microsoft Copilot is Microsoft’s AI assistant, built into Windows, Edge and Microsoft 365 apps. ChatGPT is OpenAI’s standalone assistant. Copilot uses OpenAI models among others, so answers often feel similar. Short answer: ChatGPT is the better assistant on its own, while Copilot is better if you live in Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
ChatGPT
More features, better writing, memory, projects and the Codex agent. Free plan, Go at $8 and Plus at $20.
Microsoft Copilot
Free chat for everyone; Copilot inside Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook with Microsoft 365 Personal (CA$11.50/month).
| Category | Copilot | ChatGPT |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes, chat + images + voice | Yes, chat + limited images |
| Works in Word/Excel/Outlook | Yes (Microsoft 365) | No (add-ins only) |
| Writing quality | Good | Excellent |
| Memory and projects | Basic | Advanced |
| Coding | Basic | Codex agent |
| Extra value | 1 TB OneDrive + Office apps | — |
| Ads on free plan | No | Yes (Free and Go) |
Pricing in Canada
Microsoft sells Copilot as part of Microsoft 365. Copilot Pro was discontinued and folded into Microsoft 365 plans.
| Plan | CAD price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Copilot (free) | $0 | Chat, web answers with citations, image creation, voice |
| Microsoft 365 Personal | CA$11.50/month or CA$115/year | Copilot in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook; 1 TB storage |
| Microsoft 365 Family | CA$14.50/month or CA$145/year | Up to 6 people (AI features for the owner) |
| Microsoft 365 Premium | CA$27/month or CA$270/year | Highest Copilot limits plus research features |
| ChatGPT Plus (for comparison) | ~CA$28/month + tax | Full ChatGPT, billed in USD |
Where Copilot wins
- Office integration: draft a Word document from notes, build Excel formulas and charts, turn a document into a PowerPoint, summarise Outlook threads.
- Value: Microsoft 365 also includes Office apps and 1 TB of OneDrive.
- Windows and Edge: Copilot is built into the taskbar and browser.
Where ChatGPT wins
- Better answers and writing for most everyday tasks.
- Memory, projects and custom GPTs for repeat work.
- Deep research, image editing and Codex for coding.
- Faster new features: OpenAI ships new capabilities to ChatGPT first.
Pros
- Copilot: free and no ads
- Copilot: works inside Office apps
- Copilot: Microsoft 365 bundle is strong value in CAD
- ChatGPT: best overall assistant
- ChatGPT: more advanced tools and memory
Cons
- Copilot: weaker as a standalone chatbot
- Copilot: Family plan AI is for the owner only
- ChatGPT: billed in USD
- ChatGPT: free plan shows ads
Which should you choose?
- Office-heavy jobs (admin, finance, students writing reports): Microsoft 365 Personal with Copilot.
- Everyone else: ChatGPT (Free, Go or Plus).
- Comparing Copilot with Google? See Gemini vs Copilot.
FAQ
Is Copilot just ChatGPT?
No. Copilot uses OpenAI models among others, but it is a separate Microsoft product with different features, limits and integrations.
Is Microsoft Copilot free?
Yes. Copilot chat is free at copilot.microsoft.com and in Windows. Copilot inside Office apps requires a Microsoft 365 plan.
What happened to Copilot Pro?
Microsoft stopped selling Copilot Pro in late 2025 and moved its features into Microsoft 365 plans such as Personal, Family and Premium.
Which is better for students?
ChatGPT is better for learning and explanations. Copilot is useful if your school gives you Microsoft 365. See best AI for students.