Microsoft Copilot: who it fits, what it costs, and the catch
Start here: Microsoft Copilot
People already paying for Microsoft 365 who want AI inside Word, Excel and Outlook
Who Microsoft Copilot fits, and who it does not
- Checked 2026-10-16
- 4 sources
Scored against the other verified AI assistants tools. How we score tools. What we earn is not part of it.
- Good for
- People already paying for Microsoft 365 who want AI inside Word, Excel and Outlook
- First-time AI users who want a free assistant in Windows and Edge
- Not for
- Families who each need AI features (AI is for the subscription owner only)
- Users who need published usage limits
- The catch
- Free and built into Microsoft apps, but usage limits are not published and family plans give AI to the owner only.
Data last verified: 2026-10-16
What Microsoft Copilot costs over five years
Five years for a team of 5, paid yearly: $649.95
On the Microsoft 365 Family plan, at today's price. We do not assume a rise.
- Paid monthly, one year
- $155.88
- Paid yearly, one year
- $129.99
Paying yearly saves $25.89 a year (17%).
Change the number to see your own total. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Vendor pricing page · checked 2026-10-19Microsoft 365 Family is priced for up to 6 people; Microsoft 365 Premium is priced for up to 6 people. We have tracked Microsoft Copilot's prices since 2026-10-19; no change so far. All price changes
The free plan, as Microsoft Copilot describes it.
- Free plan
- Limited usage subject to capacity; sign in for chat history, image creation, voice and longer conversations
- Vendor page · checked 2026-10-16
What you risk by starting
Trial, refunds and getting your data out of Microsoft Copilot.
What we verified Microsoft Copilot can do
Open a row for the vendor's own wording and the page we read it on.
Chat interfaceYes
File uploadYes
Uploading files is free, within capacity limits; files are deleted within 18 months
Vendor page · checked 2026-10-18Web browsingYes
Understands imagesYes
Voice modeYes
Follows your standing instructionsNot verified
Not verified: the vendor gives no detail.
Not verifiedRemembers your preferencesYes
Personalization remembers details you share when signed in; you can view and delete it
Vendor page · checked 2026-10-18Code executionNot verified
Not verified: the vendor gives no detail.
Not verifiedTeam workspaceNot verified
Not verified: the vendor gives no detail.
Not verifiedConnects to your other apps (API)Not verified
Not verified: the vendor gives no detail.
Not verifiedIf Microsoft Copilot isn’t right for you
See every verified AI assistants tool
Rank 1
Google Gemini
People who already use Gmail, Docs and Drive
Our score83 / 100Five years for a team of 5: $1,497
Rank 2
Gemini Notebook
Students and researchers working from their own documents
Our score79 / 100Five years for a team of 5: $1,497
Rank 3
Claude
Beginner and working programmers needing code generation and debugging
Our score71.7 / 100Five years for a team of 5: $6,000
Show all 6 alternatives
Rank 4
ChatGPT
Writers, marketers and creatives drafting content
Our score70.9 / 100Five years for a team of 5: $6,000
Rank 5
Microsoft 365 Copilot
Small businesses already on Microsoft 365 who want Copilot in Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams
Our score62.1 / 100Five years for a team of 5: $5,400
Rank 6
Perplexity
People who want quick answers drawn from web searches
Our score47.3 / 100Five years for a team of 5: $10,000
Where these facts come from
What to do next
- Work out the cost for your own team size
- Compare the runner-up, Google Gemini
- See how we score, so you can check our work
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Data last verified: 2026-10-16