Microsoft Copilot vs. ChatGPT: Comparing Differences And Choosing The Best For Your Business

Artificial intelligence, better known as AI, is changing the way we do things. From your phone becoming a personal assistant in your hand to banking apps helping to manage your finances, AI is changing technology, and life, in many ways.

It’s the same for businesses. Thanks to AI-based tools, businesses are already seeing improvements in productivity, freeing up time and energy to focus on growth. By 2024, more than 15% of businesses were using at least one AI technology, and that figure looks set to climb even higher in 2025. The UK Government has already pledged to ‘turbocharge’ AI, and many businesses are following suit.

Two of the leading AI tools right now are Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT. Both have their strengths, but which one is best for your business? We take a closer look at Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT to help you find the most suitable AI solution for your needs.

What is Microsoft Copilot?

Microsoft Copilot is Microsoft’s integrated AI assistant. Working with existing Microsoft 365 apps like Word and Excel, it’s billed as your ‘companion to inform, entertain and inspire.’ It’s built into Microsoft programmes and uses data gathered from documents, emails, etc. to help carry out tasks and provide information.??

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is a conversational AI tool, which is used to generate text, answer questions and even help carry out tasks like coding. It’s available as both a standalone tool, and an API, which can be customised to make it work with various business systems.?

What are the differences between Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT?

At first glance, Copilot and ChatGPT sound similar, but there are differences between the two systems, including:

Integration

Microsoft Copilot

As a Microsoft platform, Copilot is more suitable for businesses that are already using Microsoft 365. It can help enhance existing workflows, working with the information it already has to improve productivity, save time and offer insights.??

ChatGPT

ChatGPT is a little more flexible. It’s possible to manually integrate ChatGPT with other platforms, making it customisable for different business needs.?

Data sources and context

Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft Copilot uses data from within Microsoft 365, such as emails, documents and spreadsheets. This can help users carry out business-specific tasks, and doesn’t rely on external data sources. For conversational AI, Microsoft offers Copilot for Bing, which uses web search results to provide information.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT uses pre-trained knowledge accessed via user prompts. When integrated with business systems, it can access real-time data.

Customisation

Microsoft Copilot

Copilot leaves little room for customisation. Like other Microsoft applications, Copilot is very rigid, although businesses may find some features better suited to their processes than others.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT is highly customisable for businesses willing to integrate its API, allowing it to be customised to different business applications. Many businesses are already doing this, using ChatGPT for customer service models, content generation and more.

Pricing

Microsoft Copilot

To use Microsoft Copilot, users must have an existing Microsoft 365 subscription. Copilot licences come at an additional cost, although subscription models could change in the future.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT offers multiple subscriptions, ranging from free to paid-for enterprise plans. The prices vary depending on the number of user accounts needed.

Security and compliance

Microsoft Copilot

Copilot uses Microsoft’s existing compliance guidelines and comes with built-in security, something many users will value when it comes to using corporate data.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT has its own data protection policies, but those who use its API must manage security themselves to help protect users and keep data safe.?

Which is best for your business?

After comparing both Copilot and ChatGPT, it’s clear that there are differences between the two platforms. While Microsoft’s platform effectively integrates AI into existing applications, ChatGPT has options for customisation and integration with various business systems. So how can you decide which platform is best for your business?

What are your business needs?

Every business has its unique requirements. To help you decide on the best AI platform for your needs, it’s important to consider whether you need a conversational AI tool (ChatGPT), or one that can work with applications you have to enhance your work processes (Copilot).?

Are you already using Microsoft 365?

If you’re already using Microsoft 365, then it could be worth exploring the value Copilot can bring to your business. For those who aren’t using it, ChatGPT could be the better option if you’re looking for a custom solution that can provide assistance beyond Microsoft tools.?

What is your budget?

Budget is another key consideration. Copilot can be expensive if you need to roll it out to several members of your team, and if you aren’t already using Microsoft 365, this would be an additional cost for your business. ChatGPT may provide you with more flexibility, but a subscription to its more advanced features could also be a costly investment for your business.

Is there room for both?

Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT each have their unique features and capabilities that can make them valuable assets for your business – is there room for both? While Copilot can help with your day-to-day tasks and help make your business more efficient, ChatGPT could benefit content generation and other creative elements. Consider what it is your business really needs to help you make the right decision. As time goes by, you can assess the effectiveness of your chosen tool before you decide whether to invest in other AI tools for your business.

IT support and solutions from Eclarity

Choosing the most suitable AI assistant for your business can be difficult, but working with Eclarity could make things simpler. As experts in AI technology, we can work with you to assess your needs and decide on the most appropriate solution and help roll it out within your business. Find out more about our services, or contact us today for more information.?