Google Gemini vs Microsoft Copilot

Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot are both AI Chat & Assistants tools (Chatbots). Below: what each costs, what it does well, its biggest catches, and who should pick which, all from public sources rather than our own testing.

Side by side

Google GeminiMicrosoft Copilot
CategoryAI Chat & Q&A · ChatbotsAI Chat & Q&A · Chatbots
PricingFree tier: yes. AI Plus $4.99/mo, AI Pro $19.99/mo, Ultra from $99.99/mo. (checked Oct 10, 2026)Free tier: yes. Microsoft 365 Premium $19.99/mo. Microsoft 365 Copilot Business $18/user/mo paid yearly (discounted from $21), $25.20 on monthly billing. (checked Oct 10, 2026)
Pros
  • Deep integration with Gmail, Docs, Drive and Chrome
  • A cheap Plus tier at $4.99/mo, and Pro bundles big storage (reviews cite 5TB) plus Flow video credits
  • Long context for large documents
  • Free Copilot chat on the web and in the app is genuinely usable
  • Microsoft 365 Premium bundles Office apps, storage and expanded Copilot
  • Works across Word, Excel and Outlook on paid plans
Catches
  • Usage limits are compute-based and opaque, refreshing every 5 hours with a weekly cap
  • Developers report shrinking practical quotas in AI Studio
  • Less compelling outside Google's ecosystem (per reviews)
  • The free version lacks deep Office-app AI and agents
  • On Premium, AI benefits apply only to the subscription owner, not family members
  • For business, Microsoft 365 Copilot is an add-on: $18/user/mo yearly is a discounted price (regular $21), and it sits on top of a Microsoft 365 plan
Best forPeople who live in Google Workspace.Microsoft 365 households and businesses.
Skip it ifYou're not a Google user, or you need published usage numbers.You mainly need free chat. You don't have to pay.

Which should you pick?

Pick Google Gemini if…

you fit this: people who live in Google Workspace.

But not if: you're not a Google user, or you need published usage numbers.

Watch out for: Usage limits are compute-based and opaque, refreshing every 5 hours with a weekly cap.

Pick Microsoft Copilot if…

you fit this: microsoft 365 households and businesses.

But not if: you mainly need free chat. You don't have to pay.

Watch out for: The free version lacks deep Office-app AI and agents.

More options

Sources

Google Gemini

Microsoft Copilot

Pros, catches and prices are compiled from public sources (official pricing and docs pages, published reviews, user reports), not hands-on testing. Prices change often, so check the vendor page before you buy.