kitio.aiCopilot in Excel vs Grist
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Copilot in Excel has the lower starting price: about $10 a month, against $10 for Grist.
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
- AI spreadsheet generator
- AI Assistant
- Relational tables
- Forms and automations
- MCP server
- Self-hosting
| Feature | Copilot in Excel | Grist |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Microsoft's AI assistant and agent mode built into Excel | Relational spreadsheet with an AI assistant and AI spreadsheet generator |
| Category | Data & analytics | Data & analytics |
| Pricing model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting price | $9.99/mo | $10/mo |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Made by | Microsoft | Grist Labs |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Copilot in Excel has the lower starting price: about $10 a month, against $10 for Grist.
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
4 plans
Free
Free
- Unlimited documents
- 5,000 records per document
- 30-day snapshot history
Pro
$10/mo
- Per user
- 100,000 records per document
- 100 AI Assistant credits a month
Business
$30/mo
- Per user
- Minimum 5 users
- 2,000 AI Assistant credits a month
- Automations
Enterprise
Contact sales
- Custom SSO and domain
- Dedicated server
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
Grist
- Open-source self-hosted option
- Relational data in a spreadsheet UI
- AI builds whole workflows
- Free plan limits records per document
- AI credits only on paid plans
- Business requires five users minimum
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 Grist if you want:
- Open-source self-hosted option
- Relational data in a spreadsheet UI
- AI builds whole workflows
Watch out: free plan limits records per document.
Copilot in Excel vs Grist FAQ
What is the difference between Copilot in Excel and Grist?
Copilot in Excel: Microsoft's AI assistant and agent mode built into Excel. Grist: Relational spreadsheet with an AI assistant and AI spreadsheet generator. Both are data & analytics tools.
Is Copilot in Excel or Grist cheaper?
Copilot in Excel has the lower starting price: about $10 a month, against $10 for Grist.
Do Copilot in Excel and Grist have free plans?
Copilot in Excel: No. Grist: Yes.
Who makes Copilot in Excel?
Copilot in Excel is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes Grist?
Grist is made by Grist Labs, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Copilot in Excel or Grist?
Choose Copilot in Excel if you value built into the spreadsheet most people use and agent mode handles multi-step edits. Choose Grist if you value open-source self-hosted option and relational data in a spreadsheet ui.