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Microsoft Copilot vs. ChatGPT: What’s the Difference?

chatgpt vs copilot

AI tools are transforming the way businesses operate, promising greater efficiency and productivity. Two names leading the charge are Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT. While both aim to simplify your workload, they excel in different areas. With the recent release of Microsoft Copilot Chat, let’s explore how these tools compare and which might be the better fit for your business.


1. Integration and accessibility

  • Microsoft Copilot: Copilot is fully integrated into Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. It works smoothly within the tools you already use.

Example: In Excel, it quickly organises data with minimal effort, and now with Copilot Chat, it can summarise Teams conversations and assign action points in real time.

  • ChatGPT: A standalone AI that’s accessible via web, mobile apps, or API. While highly versatile, it doesn’t have the same built-in familiarity with business tools like Microsoft 365.

2. Functionality

  • Microsoft Copilot:
    • Designed for productivity tasks such as summarising meetings, generating document drafts, and managing schedules.
    • Copilot Chat adds new features like smart replies in Teams and calendar prioritisation in Outlook.

Example: It can turn a lengthy email thread into clear action points or suggest next steps during a meeting.

  • ChatGPT:
    • A general-purpose tool ideal for brainstorming, drafting, or tackling creative tasks.
    • Capable of simplifying technical explanations, generating code, composing emails, and even providing conversational support.

Example: It can rewrite technical jargon into a clear, client-friendly email or even assist with social media content creation.


3. Customisation

  • Microsoft Copilot: Adapts to your Microsoft 365 environment, tailoring insights and recommendations based on your data and workflows.
  • ChatGPT: While it’s not automatically customised, it’s highly flexible with the right prompts. For instance, asking it to “rewrite this like an email to a client” often produces spot-on results.

4. Security and privacy

  • Microsoft Copilot: Operates within Microsoft’s secure ecosystem, ensuring enterprise-grade data protection. For businesses already using Microsoft, this offers a seamless, secure integration.

Tip: Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and audit Copilot activity to keep your business secure.

  • ChatGPT: While OpenAI takes privacy seriously, users are responsible for how the tool is utilised. It’s important not to share sensitive information when using it.

5. Cost (UK Pricing)

  • Microsoft Copilot:
    • Add-on pricing for eligible Microsoft 365 subscriptions: £24.70 per user per month (excl. VAT).
    • Available for annual subscription at £296.40 per user per year (excl. VAT).
    • Works with plans like Microsoft 365 E3, E5, A3, A5, Business Standard, and Business Premium.
  • ChatGPT:
    • ChatGPT Plus: $20 per month, approximately £15.74.
    • ChatGPT Pro: $200 per month, approximately £157.37. Ideal for users requiring advanced features like GPT-4o and o1 models for complex tasks.
    • Pricing may vary due to currency conversion and payment provider fees.

Quick comparison table

FeatureMicrosoft CopilotChatGPT
IntegrationEmbedded in Microsoft 365 appsStandalone AI accessible via web, mobile, or API
FunctionalityProductivity tasks like meeting summaries, draftsCreative, brainstorming, coding, writing
CustomisationTailored to your 365 environmentFlexible with the right prompts
SecurityEnterprise-grade data protectionPrivacy depends on user handling of data
Cost£24.70/month per user (excl. VAT)Plus: ~£15.74/month; Pro: ~£157.37/month

Which AI tool is right for your business?

  • Microsoft Copilot: Perfect if your business already relies on Microsoft 365. Its seamless integration and focus on productivity will streamline day-to-day workflows.

  • ChatGPT: Best for brainstorming, creative problem-solving, or tasks outside the Microsoft ecosystem. Its flexibility can complement your existing tools.

  • Why not both? Many businesses are combining Copilot for automation and ChatGPT for creative tasks, making AI work smarter for them.

Helping your business adopt AI

At Cloud & More, we simplify the adoption of AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT by:

  1. Exploring your needs: Identifying how these tools can make an impact.

  2. Providing training: Ensuring your team feels confident using AI in their workflows.

  3. Tailoring solutions: Customising tools to fit your business processes seamlessly.

 
And in case you’re curious: ChatGPT helped streamline this article, but a human gave it the final polish. 

Discover the AI tools that will transform the way you work

Whether you’re looking to streamline tasks with Microsoft Copilot or unleash creativity with ChatGPT, Cloud & More can guide you every step of the way.

Let’s chat about how AI can boost your business. 

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