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.
Gemini is Google’s AI assistant, built into Gmail, Docs, Android and Chrome. Copilot is Microsoft’s, built into Windows, Edge and Microsoft 365. Short answer: pick the one that matches your apps. On features alone, Gemini is the stronger assistant with a more generous free plan.
Google Gemini
Stronger free plan, deep research, long context and cheap upgrades from CA$6.99/month. Best if you use Gmail and Google Docs.
| Category | Gemini | Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Very generous (deep research, Canvas) | Good (chat, images, voice) |
| Cheapest upgrade | AI Plus: CA$6.99/month | M365 Personal: CA$11.50/month |
| Works in | Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook |
| Phone | Default on Android | App on iOS/Android |
| Storage bundle | 400 GB–5 TB | 1 TB |
| Office file formats | Good | Native |
| Video generation | Yes (Veo) | No |
Prices in Canada
| Tier | Gemini (Google) | Copilot (Microsoft) |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Gemini app with deep research, Canvas, Gems | Copilot chat, images, voice |
| Entry | Google AI Plus: CA$6.99/month | Microsoft 365 Personal: CA$11.50/month |
| Mid | Google AI Pro: CA$26.99/month (5 TB, Gemini in Workspace) | Microsoft 365 Family: CA$14.50/month |
| Top | Google AI Ultra: from CA$139.99/month | Microsoft 365 Premium: CA$27/month |
Free plans
Gemini Free is one of the best free AI plans: it includes deep research, Canvas for documents and code, custom Gems and image generation. Copilot Free is good for quick chat and images, with no ads, but has fewer advanced tools.
Work apps
- Google users: Gemini in Gmail, Docs, Sheets and Drive summarises email threads, drafts replies and analyses spreadsheets (AI Pro).
- Microsoft users: Copilot in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook does the same inside Office files (Microsoft 365 plans).
Research and long documents
Gemini handles very long inputs (AI Pro offers a 1-million-token context) and its deep research produces long, cited reports. Copilot is better at quick answers with citations than long research.
Pros
- Gemini: best free plan
- Gemini: cheapest paid tier in CAD
- Gemini: video generation and huge storage
- Copilot: native in Office files
- Copilot: no ads, simple to use
Cons
- Gemini: best features need Google ecosystem
- Gemini: usage limits reset every few hours
- Copilot: weaker free features
- Copilot: Family AI is owner-only
Which should you choose?
- Gmail / Android / Google Docs: Gemini.
- Outlook / Windows / Word and Excel at work: Copilot via Microsoft 365.
- Neither? Gemini Free is the better assistant. Also compare ChatGPT vs Gemini and Copilot vs ChatGPT.
FAQ
Is Gemini better than Copilot?
As a standalone assistant, yes: it has more free features and better research tools. Copilot is better inside Microsoft Office files.
Are Gemini and Copilot free?
Both have free plans. Paid tiers start at CA$6.99/month (Google AI Plus) and CA$11.50/month (Microsoft 365 Personal).
Which AI is best for Android?
Gemini is built into Android and replaces Google Assistant on most phones.