Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft's AI assistant with advanced reasoning, voice, and deep integration into Windows, Edge, and Microsoft 365. Free tier available, with enhanced features on paid plans.
What it is
Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant you can use on the web, in Windows, and in the Edge browser. You can ask it questions, generate images, upload files, have voice conversations, and use Think Deeper for advanced reasoning on complex problems. What makes Copilot unusual is that many of its powerful features (including Think Deeper and Voice) are available on the free tier, while competitors like ChatGPT and Gemini reserve similar features for paid plans. Microsoft 365 subscribers (from $9.99/month) get Copilot built into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, plus higher usage limits and priority access. With the Wave 3 update, Microsoft introduced Copilot Cowork (powered by Claude Cowork technology), which enables multi agent collaboration where Copilot works alongside you as a persistent coworker. Copilot also uses multi model intelligence, routing queries to GPT-5, Claude Opus, and other frontier models rather than relying on a single provider.
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a powerful, free AI assistant without paying for a subscription
Windows and Edge users who want AI built into their operating system and browser
Students who need a free tool for research, writing, and studying (Copilot includes a Study mode)
People already using Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook) who want AI integrated into their workflow
Teams and organizations on Microsoft 365 who want AI without switching platforms or adding another subscription
Pros and cons
Pros
- +Free tier includes Think Deeper reasoning and Voice in 50+ languages, with Microsoft 365 subscribers getting priority access and higher usage limits
- +Built into Windows and the Edge browser, so you can access AI without opening a separate app or website
- +Think Deeper (advanced reasoning) is available on the free tier, while ChatGPT and Gemini charge for equivalent features
- +Deep integration with Microsoft 365 apps on all paid plans (from $9.99/month), so Copilot works directly inside Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- +Voice mode supports 50+ languages for free, making it accessible worldwide
- +Copilot Pages let you collaborate on AI generated content in real time with others
- +Multi model intelligence routes queries to the best available AI model, so you are not locked into a single provider's strengths and weaknesses
- +Copilot Cowork (Wave 3) enables persistent multi agent collaboration, going beyond simple chat to act as an ongoing coworker
Cons
- −Image generation is limited to roughly 15 images per day on the free tier, lower than some competitors
- −The standalone chatbot experience is less polished than ChatGPT or Claude for long form writing and nuanced conversations
- −Copilot in Microsoft 365 desktop apps requires a paid Microsoft 365 subscription (from $9.99/month for Personal), with the most advanced AI features reserved for the $19.99/month Premium plan
- −No equivalent of ChatGPT's custom GPTs, plugin marketplace, or advanced voice with personality
- −Relies heavily on the Microsoft ecosystem; less useful if you use Google Workspace or Apple products instead
- −Copilot Pro was discontinued in October 2025, which frustrated users who had been paying for it separately
Pricing
- Chat (GPT-5 Smart mode)
- Think Deeper (advanced reasoning)
- Voice (50+ languages)
- All free Copilot features
- Copilot in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote (desktop)
- Higher usage than free for select Copilot features
- Higher usage for AI image creation
- All Personal features
- For 1 to 6 people
- Up to 6 TB OneDrive storage (1 TB per person)
- All Family features
- AI agents for complex tasks
- Extensive usage for AI features
Prices change; check the official pricing →