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Claude
An AI assistant for writing, research, files and small apps.
Best for: writing, research and everyday office work
🤖 Assistants & Research
Microsoft Copilot Overview
Microsoft's AI assistant in Windows, Edge and Microsoft 365.
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Quick answer
Microsoft Copilot: Microsoft's AI assistant in Windows, Edge and Microsoft 365. Best for Windows and Microsoft 365 users who want AI inside the apps they use. Pricing: free; Office features included with Microsoft 365 plans.
This is an overview based on Microsoft Copilot's official information and recent reviews. We have not run our own hands-on test of Microsoft Copilot yet.
Best forWindows and Microsoft 365 users who want AI inside the apps they use
PricingFree; Office features included with Microsoft 365 plans
What is Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot is a free AI assistant built into Windows and Edge and available on the web and mobile. It chats, searches the web, creates images and, with a Microsoft 365 subscription, works inside Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Key features
- Free chat and web answers
- Built into Windows and Edge
- Image creation
- Copilot in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook (with Microsoft 365)
- Voice conversations
Strengths
- Free and already on most Windows PCs
- Strong fit with Microsoft Office
- Web answers with links
Limitations
- Office features need a paid Microsoft 365 plan
- Fewer power features than ChatGPT for advanced users
Pricing
Free; Office features included with Microsoft 365 plans. Prices and plan limits change often, so check the official pricing page for the latest details before you subscribe.
Ready to try Microsoft Copilot?
Start with the free option and upgrade only if it fits your work.
Frequently asked questions
What is Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot is a free AI assistant built into Windows and Edge and available on the web and mobile. It chats, searches the web, creates images and, with a Microsoft 365 subscription, works inside Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Is Microsoft Copilot free?
Free; Office features included with Microsoft 365 plans. Plans and limits change often, so check the official pricing page for current details.
Who is Microsoft Copilot best for?
Microsoft Copilot is best for Windows and Microsoft 365 users who want AI inside the apps they use.
What are the downsides of Microsoft Copilot?
Office features need a paid Microsoft 365 plan. Fewer power features than ChatGPT for advanced users.
What are the best alternatives to Microsoft Copilot?
Popular alternatives include Claude (best for writing, research and everyday office work), ChatGPT (best for anyone who wants one assistant for writing, research and everyday tasks), Gemini (best for people who live in Google apps (Gmail, Docs, Drive, Android)), Perplexity (best for research and questions where you want sources you can check), DeepSeek (best for free reasoning and coding help for personal, non-sensitive use), NotebookLM (best for students, researchers and creators working from their own documents).
Sources: Microsoft Copilot official website. Features and prices checked October 2026; they change often, so confirm on the official site.
Alternatives to Microsoft Copilot
🤖 Assistants & Research
ChatGPT
OpenAI's all-round AI assistant, now with GPT-6.
Best for: anyone who wants one assistant for writing, research and everyday tasks
🤖 Assistants & Research
Gemini
Google's AI assistant, built into Gmail, Docs and Android.
Best for: people who live in Google apps (Gmail, Docs, Drive, Android)
🤖 Assistants & Research
Perplexity
An AI answer engine that searches the web and cites sources.
Best for: research and questions where you want sources you can check
🤖 Assistants & Research
DeepSeek
A free AI chat with strong reasoning and open models.
Best for: free reasoning and coding help for personal, non-sensitive use
🤖 Assistants & Research
NotebookLM
Google's AI research notebook that turns your sources into podcasts.
Best for: students, researchers and creators working from their own documents