Copilot in Excel vs GRID
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Copilot in Excel starts at $9.99/mo and GRID starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Natural-language formulas
- Agent mode
- COPILOT cell function
- Python in Excel
- Charts and PivotTables
- Spreadsheet calculation engine
- Excel file support
- MCP server for agents
- Embeddable spreadsheet UI
- npm packages
| Feature | Copilot in Excel | GRID |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Microsoft's AI assistant and agent mode built into Excel | Spreadsheet engine that lets AI agents read and edit Excel files |
| Category | Data & analytics | Data & analytics |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free trial |
| Starting price | $9.99/mo | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No | No, trial available |
| Made by | Microsoft | GRID |
| Based in | United States | Iceland |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Copilot in Excel starts at $9.99/mo and GRID starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
4 plans
Microsoft 365 Personal
$9.99/mo
- 1 person
- Copilot in Excel and Office apps
- 1TB cloud storage
Microsoft 365 Family
$12.99/mo
- Up to 6 people
- Copilot for the subscription owner
Business Standard + Copilot
$28.20/mo
- Per user, monthly subscription
- Desktop Office apps
- Copilot Chat and Work IQ
Business Premium + Copilot
$38.40/mo
- Per user, monthly subscription
- Advanced security
- Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps
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
Copilot in Excel
- Built into the spreadsheet most people use
- Agent mode handles multi-step edits
- Enterprise data protections
- Needs a Microsoft 365 subscription
- Usage limits on consumer plans
- Works best with data in tables
GRID
- Agents use fewer tokens on spreadsheets
- Works with existing .xlsx files
- Free license for evaluation
- Aimed at developers, not end users
- Commercial license pricing not public
- Requires integration work
Which one should you choose?
Choose Copilot in Excel if you want:
- Built into the spreadsheet most people use
- Agent mode handles multi-step edits
- Enterprise data protections
Watch out: needs a microsoft 365 subscription.
Choose GRID if you want:
- Agents use fewer tokens on spreadsheets
- Works with existing .xlsx files
- Free license for evaluation
Watch out: aimed at developers, not end users.
Copilot in Excel vs GRID FAQ
What is the difference between Copilot in Excel and GRID?
Copilot in Excel: Microsoft's AI assistant and agent mode built into Excel. GRID: Spreadsheet engine that lets AI agents read and edit Excel files. Both are data & analytics tools.
Is Copilot in Excel or GRID cheaper?
Copilot in Excel starts at $9.99/mo and GRID starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Copilot in Excel and GRID have free plans?
Copilot in Excel: No. GRID: No, trial available.
Who makes Copilot in Excel?
Copilot in Excel is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes GRID?
GRID is made by GRID, based in Iceland.
Which should I choose, Copilot in Excel or GRID?
Choose Copilot in Excel if you value built into the spreadsheet most people use and agent mode handles multi-step edits. Choose GRID if you value agents use fewer tokens on spreadsheets and works with existing .xlsx files.