Microsoft Copilot review
Microsoft's assistant built into Windows, Edge and Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel and Outlook.
Microsoft Copilot is free in Windows and Edge, and becomes much more useful when paired with Microsoft 365, where it can draft documents in Word, analyse spreadsheets in Excel and summarise email in Outlook.
For Office-heavy workflows it is often the most convenient choice, even if the standalone chat is less flexible than ChatGPT or Claude.
Best for
Pros
- Built into Word, Excel, Outlook
- Free basic version
- Bundled with Microsoft 365 plans
Cons
- Best features require Microsoft 365
- Standalone chat less flexible than rivals
How Microsoft Copilot scores
Editorial scores for the tool overall, not a lab test. How we score
- Writing
- 7
- Coding
- 6
- Research
- 7
- Images
- 7
- Study
- 7
- Work
- 9
- Everyday
- 8
- Value
- 8
Microsoft Copilot plans
Free
needs check
needs verification
- Copilot app, Windows and Edge
- No Copilot inside Office apps
Microsoft 365 Premium
needs check
$16.67/month when billed annually; needs verification
- Copilot in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook (consumer)
- Name and availability vary by region
Microsoft 365 Copilot Business
$21/month with an annual commitment
- Copilot inside Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams
- Add-on: requires a Microsoft 365 business licence (not included)
US prices before tax. Last checked 2026-10-07. Full pricing details
Frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft Copilot free?
Yes, basic Copilot is free in Windows, Edge and the Copilot app. Copilot inside Office apps requires a Microsoft 365 subscription.