Microsoft Copilot vs. ChatGPT: Which AI Is Better?

You’re busy. Meetings, reports, deadlines. Somewhere in between, you’re expected to be insightful, creative, and fast. You don’t have time to “explore the potential of AI” in a vague, theoretical way. You need valuable tools that fit into your day. Tools that help you work smarter, not harder.

Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT are two great examples. One is baked into your Microsoft 365 apps, and the other sits in a browser tab, always ready with an answer.

Both promise to save time, boost output, and maybe even make work feel less like…well…work.

But they’re built differently, work differently, and shine in different situations. This breaks down Microsoft Copilot vs. ChatGPT. It will compare how they handle real tasks like writing, data analysis, creative brainstorming, and communication. We’re diving into actual workflows and what happens when you plug these tools into your day.

Writing code? Drafting content? Running reports? No matter the goal, you’ll come away from this post knowing which AI tool gets you from idea to done with less friction.

Let’s jump right in.

What is Microsoft Copilot?

Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant. The same large language models behind tools like ChatGPT power the tool. In 2024, it had around 20-30 million active users. (Source: Business of Apps).

It integrates directly with Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

So, it lives inside the software you might already be using. And it works in the flow of whatever task you’re handling.

That means if you’re working in a Microsoft 365 environment, Copilot doesn’t ask you to switch tabs or open a new window. It just shows up in the sidebar and gets to work:

• Microsoft Word: In MS Word, Copilot can draft content based on a quick prompt, rewrite paragraphs, or format a messy report into something more readable. 

• Microsoft Excel: You can ask questions in plain language, like “Which region had the highest sales last quarter?” It’ll pull the numbers for you without a formula.

• Outlook: Here, Copilot can summarize long email threads, write replies, or turn a brain dump into a clear message. 

• Microsoft Teams: Copilot takes meeting notes, identifies action items, and keeps track of who promised what.

The real value of Microsoft Copilot is speed and context. Since it works inside the Microsoft apps, it already sees your document, spreadsheet, and inbox. There’s no uploading, copying, or starting from scratch. You ask, it answers—right there where you’re working.

What is ChatGPT?

In simple terms, ChatGPT is an AI-powered chatbot. But calling it that undersells what it can actually do. You give it a prompt, and it gives you something back, like:

• Explanations

• Email drafts

• Summaries

• Strategies

• Outlines

• Writing

• Ideas 

• Code

…anything that starts with language and ends in output.

It’s flexible, fast, and often freakishly accurate. This is what makes it so popular. To get the most out of this tool, many users are learning to craft effective chatgpt prompts that generate more precise results for their specific needs.

As of February 2025, there are around 400 million weekly ChatGPT users. (Source: Exploding Topics)

Unlike Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT doesn’t live inside your work apps. You open it in a browser or app, type what you need, and it generates a relevant response.

That might sound simple, but its incredibly wide range is staggering. Here are just a few examples of what it can help you do:

• Rewrite a client email in a more professional tone

• Explain why your pivot table keeps breaking

• Outline a presentation

• Name a product

• Debug a script

Some may say that ChatGPT is at a disadvantage because it’s not tied to any specific platform. But this actually gives you more flexibility. You can use it whether you’re deep in Google Docs, building a pitch in Notion, code writing in VS-Code, or just trying to figure out how to word a Slack message.

It works across everything because it’s not built into anything. That gives you more flexibility, especially if your workflow jumps between tools and systems.

Also, if you have the subscription plan, you can level up with tools like code interpreter, file uploads, and even generative AI tools like image generation. You can ask it to analyze data, clean up a CSV, generate charts, or give feedback on a design concept.

For example, say you find an article about a study on performance marketers testing new ad formats.

You can use ChatGPT to create a table summarising the key findings.

To put it plainly, ChatGPT is the person in the office who knows a little about everything and never gets annoyed when you ask too many questions.

You won’t get the deep integration that Copilot offers, but you will get more control. You decide how to use it, where to use it, and what to ask. That freedom is a big deal, especially if your workflow doesn’t live inside a single ecosystem.

Microsoft Copilot vs. ChatGPT

Copilot and ChatGPT are smart, helpful, and surprisingly effective at saving time, but they serve different purposes.

Copilot enjoys seamless integration with Microsoft 365. So, if you live in MS Word, MS Excel, and Outlook, you’re already accustomed to that user interface, and it’s a match made in heaven. ChatGPT is what you call platform-agnostic and way more flexible. This is a win if you bounce between tools all day or want a single artificial intelligence assistant that can do everything from drafting copy to running code.

Let’s focus on what you probably care about most: getting your work done faster with fewer headaches.

Document creation and editing

Copilot is great when you already know the format and need help filling in the details. Think executive summaries, reports, or structured proposals. You open MS Word and give it a prompt like “Create a two-page overview of this strategy.” And it’ll spit out something surprisingly usable. You can tweak the tone, adjust the length, and style everything the way your team expects.

ChatGPT is better when you’re still figuring out what the thing should be. You can brainstorm angles, try different styles, and ask for three completely different drafts to pick from. It gives you options. You start with nothing, and it helps you shape the idea before opening a document.

Microsoft Copilot

• Ideal for structured documents like reports, proposals, and meeting notes

• Great for fast drafting and editing when you already know the format

• Works inside MS Word, so formatting stays consistent

ChatGPT

• Better for open-ended writing, brainstorming, and tone variations

• Offers more creative freedom and multiple drafts

• Helps shape ideas before you open a document

Bottom line: Use Copilot when the format is fixed and you want speed. Use ChatGPT when you’re still exploring and want flexibility.

Data analysis and reporting

Copilot shines when dealing with spreadsheets you didn’t build and don’t want to touch. You can ask MS Excel Copilot things like “What are the top five product categories by revenue this month?” and get a direct answer.

It’s using your data in the file, so there’s no back-and-forth. You stay in MS Excel. You get the insights. You move on.

ChatGPT is the better option for data analysis when your information lives outside MS Excel or needs cleanup before you can even analyze it. You can upload a CSV, ask for a breakdown, get some charts, and even follow up with questions like “What outliers should I be aware of?” If you’re using the Pro version, it can run Python in the background and crunch numbers.

Microsoft Copilot

• Can answer plain-English questions about trends, totals, or anomalies

• Best for clean, structured files you’re already working with

• Works inside MS Excel using your data directly

ChatGPT

• Can generate summaries and charts and even run Python for deeper analysis

• Helpful when your data lives outside MS Excel or needs cleanup

• Great for analyzing messy data or CSVs from scratch

Bottom line: ChatGPT is great for routine reports. ChatGPT is better when things are messy or customized or both.

Email and communication support

Copilot handles email the way you wish Outlook always had. It can summarize threads, suggest replies, and help you write a clear message without staring at a blinking cursor for 20 minutes.

It works best when the email lives inside a larger conversation. You’re juggling multiple threads, and it helps you stay organized and professional without wasting brainpower on phrasing.

On the other hand, ChatGPT comes in handy when you’re outside Outlook or want to explore different tones. Need a diplomatic reply for a tough client? Want to make your message sound more confident, more relaxed, or more direct?

ChatGPT can help you find the voice you want before you paste it into your email client. It’s beneficial if you write across multiple platforms (e.g., email, Slack, LinkedIn, proposals) and want consistency without copying yourself.

Microsoft Copilot

• Helps you manage inbox overload with clear, professional responses

• Works inside Outlook to summarize threads and draft replies

• Streamlines internal comms and status updates

ChatGPT

• Useful when you want to explore phrasing before hitting send

• Ideal for external messaging or when tone matters

• Helps fine-tune language for different platforms

Bottom line: Copilot keeps your inbox under control. ChatGPT helps you fine-tune your message when the stakes feel higher.

Brainstorming and creative work

When it comes to Microsoft Copilot vs. ChatCPT in brainstorming and creative work, Copilot can give you ideas. But it usually plays it safe. Think outlines, templates, structure, and content. It’s helpful when you know the direction and want help getting there faster.

For example, if you're building a PowerPoint deck, Copilot can generate slide outlines and visuals based on your content.

ChatGPT is where the real brainstorming happens. You can throw out messy ideas and get smarter ones back. Ask for headline options, campaign themes, brand voice suggestions, or story angles. ChatGPT helps you shape something out of nothing, no matter how ambiguous the message is.

Microsoft Copilot

• Supports basic ideation for slides, outlines, and templates 

• Works best when you know what kind of output you want

• Good for structured, creative tasks with guardrails

ChatGPT

• Ideal for marketers, writers, designers, or anyone concepting from scratch

• Can offer multiple tasks, variations, or left-field ideas

• Great for messy, early-stage brainstorming

Bottom line: Copilot supports structured creativity. ChatGPT gives you space to throw ideas around and see what “sticks”.

Meeting summarization and action items

If your team uses Microsoft Teams, Copilot is likely your pick. It can automatically take real-time notes, flag key decisions, pull out action items, and send summaries. You don’t have to assign a note-taker or wonder what you missed. It just does the work while you stay focused on the conversation.

ChatGPT is more valuable after the fact. You can feed it a transcript or summary. And it will clean it up, organize it, and highlight the most important takeaways. It’s especially valuable when you’re combining user input from multiple sources or recapping a more extended conversation that didn’t happen in MS Teams.

Microsoft Copilot

• Automatically generates action items and recaps

• Summarizes meetings live in MS Teams

• Best for real-time support during calls

ChatGPT

• Useful when meetings happen outside MS Teams or after hours

• Summarizes transcriptions or meeting notes after the fact

• Organizes chaotic input into clean, structured output

Bottom line: Use Copilot when you want real-time help during meetings. Use ChatGPT when you need a smart recap after the meeting’s already over.

Productivity, creativity, and problem-solving: Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT?

You don’t need another tool that promises to make you more productive and gives you homework. You need something that fits into your workflow and handles the parts of your job that slow you down so you can get to the parts that matter.

Productivity, creativity, and problem-solving are what your day runs on. Here’s how Copilot and ChatGPT show up in these areas.

Productivity

As you compare Microsoft Copilot vs. ChatGPT, you might find that productivity feels quiet. You’re moving through your usual, repetitive tasks, and it cuts out some steps.

You get through the draft faster, skip the formatting headache, and automate the email you’ve written ten times before.

It helps in the background. You don’t have to think about it much, which is the point. You stay in the flow, and it removes friction inside tools you already know.

On the other hand, ChatGPT feels more like a shortcut through the noise. You’re staring at five browser tabs, a messy brief, and a vague to-do list. You drop the chaos into ChatGPT and ask it to untangle the mess.

Suddenly, you have a plan, some bullet points, and a starting draft, and you feel more organized.

One tool makes you efficient inside your system (Microsoft Copilot), and the other helps you reset when the system breaks down (ChatGPT).

Microsoft Copilot

• Natural language interface and prompts to summarize emails or threads

• Context-aware suggestions and draft generation directly inside apps

• Automated formatting and cleanup for reports and documents

• Inline suggestions in MS Word, MS Excel, and Outlook

• Action item detection in MS Teams meetings

ChatGPT

• Quick summaries of PDFs, briefs, or long-form content (via file upload on Pro

• Multi-step automation with access to custom GPTs or memory-enabled chats

• To-do list generation from natural-language prompts

• Workflow planning based on the context you give it

• Brainstorming workflows to structure chaotic input

Creativity

So, what’s the verdict on Microsoft Copilot vs. ChatGPT regarding creativity? Copilot supports your ideas. ChatGPT challenges them. That’s the difference.

Copilot helps organize what you already want to say. It turns scattered thoughts into polished slides or cleans up your structure so you can present with confidence. It helps you get from version one to the final.

ChatGPT is where you go when version one doesn’t exist yet. When you’re stuck, blocked, or unsure what the idea is.

It makes room for the creative process instead of trying to streamline it out of existence.

Microsoft Copilot

• Slide creation from MS Word docs or prompts in PowerPoint

• Prebuilt templates to shape presentations or emails

• Text rewrite tools with tone and length adjustments

• Outline generation based on existing content

ChatGPT

• Back-and-forth iteration to develop rough ideas into complete assets

• Open-ended idea generation for content, campaigns, or messaging

• Brainstorming partner for taglines, headlines, concepts, naming

• Instant variations and rewording for creative copy

• Multiple writing styles and tones on request

Problem-solving

Real problems are rarely clean. Sometimes, they’re technical. Sometimes, they’re interpersonal. Sometimes, they’re just unclear. Copilot is helpful when the problem is “this file isn’t doing what I want. You’re mid-task, something breaks, and Copilot steps in with a fix.

ChatGPT is better when you’re unsure how to ask a question. You can describe the problem and figure it out mid-conversation. Why is this so helpful? Because a lot of the time, it’s not a broken spreadsheet that’s slowing you down. It’s decision fatigue, unclear next steps, or mental clutter.

ChatGPT can help you through that.

Microsoft Copilot

• Built-in MS Teams meeting recaps with key decisions and follow-ups

• Task automation within Microsoft 365 workflows 

• Real-time document restructuring in MS Word

• Formula explanation and fixes in MS Excel

ChatGPT

• Document and spreadsheet analysis with the Code Interpreter

• Conversational debugging for code, logic, or messaging

• Flexible troubleshooting with open-ended questions

• Roleplay features for practice conversations

• Scenario analysis and decision support

Choosing the right tool for the job

When choosing between Microsoft Copilot vs. ChatGPT, here are some better questions than “Which one should I choose?”:

• Do I want something that asks smart questions back and helps me rethink how I’m working in the first place?

• Do I want something that takes work off my plate without asking many questions?

Keep in mind: Neither tool is going to magically make your job easier. However, they can push you forward in different ways, depending on how you like to work, think, and make decisions.

So don’t choose based on what's trending or what other teams are doing. Choose based on how you think. Choose based on what kind of mental load you want to offload and how much control you want to keep.

And if that changes day to day? Fine. Use both. You don’t have to commit. You just have to get through the next task smarter than you did the last one.

Want more AI deep dives like this? Then check out our post on the 11 Best AI newsletters. Or subscribe to Superhuman AI’s newsletter today and never miss a beat.