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ChatGPT vs Microsoft 365 Copilot
Short answer: ChatGPT is best for first drafts of emails, articles and meeting agendas; Microsoft 365 Copilot is best for firms on microsoft 365. On price, ChatGPT is Free; paid from $8/mo and Microsoft 365 Copilot is From $18/user/mo (annual, promo) (as of October 21, 2026). Book demos of both and test them on your real workflow.
| ChatGPT | Microsoft 365 Copilot | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | OpenAI's general-purpose AI assistant for writing, research, analysis and images. | Microsoft's AI assistant built into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams. |
| Best for | First drafts of emails, articles and meeting agendas | Firms on Microsoft 365 |
| Category | General AI assistants | General AI assistants |
| Free option | Free plan available to everyone. | None listed |
| Starting price | Free; paid from $8/mo | From $18/user/mo (annual, promo) |
| Key capabilities |
|
|
| Skip it if | Your firm prohibits general AI assistants, or you need a tool built specifically around advisor recordkeeping. | Your firm doesn't use Microsoft 365. |
| Details | ChatGPT overview | Microsoft 365 Copilot overview |
| Visit ChatGPT Get a ChatGPT demo | Visit Microsoft 365 Copilot Get a Microsoft 365 Copilot demo |
About ChatGPT
ChatGPT can draft client emails, summarize articles, explain financial concepts in plain language and help outline content. Advisors should confirm which plan their firm approves before using it with any client information.
Check before choosing ChatGPT
- Free, Go, Plus and Pro are individual plans; firms usually need Business or Enterprise for admin controls
- Confirm with compliance which plan, if any, is approved for client information
- Decide how AI-drafted client communications are reviewed and archived
About Microsoft 365 Copilot
Microsoft says Copilot is integrated into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams and grounded in your work content, with business and enterprise plans. Many advisory firms already run on Microsoft 365, which can simplify approval.
Check before choosing Microsoft 365 Copilot
- Budget for usage-based billing on advanced features like Cowork and Autopilot
- Promotional pricing ends December 31, 2026 and applies to year one
- Check that your archiving covers Teams and Copilot content
Microsoft 365 Copilot review · Microsoft 365 Copilot pricing
FAQ
ChatGPT vs Microsoft 365 Copilot: which is better for financial advisors?
ChatGPT is best for first drafts of emails, articles and meeting agendas; Microsoft 365 Copilot is best for firms on microsoft 365. On price, ChatGPT is Free; paid from $8/mo and Microsoft 365 Copilot is From $18/user/mo (annual, promo) (as of October 21, 2026). Book demos of both and test them on your real workflow.
What is the difference between ChatGPT and Microsoft 365 Copilot?
ChatGPT: OpenAI's general-purpose AI assistant for writing, research, analysis and images. Microsoft 365 Copilot: Microsoft's AI assistant built into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams.
Is ChatGPT or Microsoft 365 Copilot cheaper?
On price, ChatGPT is Free; paid from $8/mo and Microsoft 365 Copilot is From $18/user/mo (annual, promo) (as of October 21, 2026).