Claude vs Microsoft Copilot
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Microsoft Copilot has the lower starting price: about $10 a month, against $20 for Claude.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Projects with shared files
- Artifacts side panel
- Web search and research
- App connectors
- Image and PDF understanding
- Copilot in Windows and Edge
- Voice conversations
- Copilot Vision
- Image creation
- Office app integration
| Feature | Claude | Microsoft Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Anthropic's assistant for long documents, writing and careful reasoning | Microsoft's assistant for Windows, Edge and Microsoft 365 users |
| Category | Chat assistants | Chat assistants |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $20/mo | $9.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Anthropic | Microsoft |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
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Pricing compared
Microsoft Copilot has the lower starting price: about $10 a month, against $20 for Claude.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
6 plans
Free
Free
- Chat on web, desktop and mobile
- Web search, files and code execution
- Memory across conversations
Pro
$20/mo
- More usage than Free
- Claude Code
- Scheduled tasks
- Claude in Chrome and Microsoft 365
Max
$100/mo
- From $100; 5x or 20x Pro usage
- Higher output limits
- $100-$200/mo in API credits
Team Standard
$25/mo
- Per seat
- More usage than Pro
- Claude Code and Cowork
Team Premium
$125/mo
- Per seat
- 5x usage of standard seats
- Pooled API credits
Enterprise
$20/seat + usage
- Billed annually, 20-seat minimum
- Usage at API rates
- Admin spend controls
4 plans
Free
Free
- Copilot chat on web and apps
- Standard usage limits
Microsoft 365 Personal
$9.99/mo
- 1 person
- Copilot in Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- 1TB cloud storage
Microsoft 365 Family
$12.99/mo
- Up to 6 people
- Copilot for the subscription owner
Microsoft 365 Premium
$19.99/mo
- Highest Copilot usage limits
- Advanced AI features
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Claude
- Natural, well-structured writing
- Handles very long files well
- Strong at code and analysis
- Usage caps reset on a timer
- No built-in image generation
- Heavy users need the pricier Max plan
Microsoft Copilot
- Built into Windows and Edge
- Free web access to strong models
- Works inside Office documents
- Office features need a 365 plan
- Consumer and work versions confuse buyers
- Fewer power-user settings
Which one should you choose?
Choose Claude if you want:
- Natural, well-structured writing
- Handles very long files well
- Strong at code and analysis
Watch out: usage caps reset on a timer.
Choose Microsoft Copilot if you want:
- Built into Windows and Edge
- Free web access to strong models
- Works inside Office documents
Watch out: office features need a 365 plan.
Claude vs Microsoft Copilot FAQ
What is the difference between Claude and Microsoft Copilot?
Claude: Anthropic's assistant for long documents, writing and careful reasoning. Microsoft Copilot: Microsoft's assistant for Windows, Edge and Microsoft 365 users. Both are chat assistants tools.
Is Claude or Microsoft Copilot cheaper?
Microsoft Copilot has the lower starting price: about $10 a month, against $20 for Claude.
Do Claude and Microsoft Copilot have free plans?
Claude: Yes. Microsoft Copilot: Yes.
Who makes Claude?
Claude is made by Anthropic, based in United States.
Who makes Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Claude or Microsoft Copilot?
Choose Claude if you value natural, well-structured writing and handles very long files well. Choose Microsoft Copilot if you value built into windows and edge and free web access to strong models.