Microsoft Copilot Review (2026)

What it is

Microsoft Copilot is Microsoft's AI assistant. It exists in two connected forms: the standalone Copilot app (web, Windows, mobile) for everyday questions, writing and image creation, and Copilot built into Microsoft 365 apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote. For consumers, Microsoft now sells Copilot mainly as part of Microsoft 365 subscriptions rather than as a separate add-on. Business users have separate Microsoft 365 Copilot plans.

Key features

According to Microsoft's official plan pages (October 2026):

  • Copilot chat: free with a Microsoft account, subject to capacity and limits; paid plans add "advanced Copilot chat" with higher usage.
  • Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps: draft documents in Word, analyse data in Excel, build presentations in PowerPoint and summarise email in Outlook (Personal, Family, Premium and Pro plans).
  • Visual assistance: Copilot can help using what is on your screen or camera, with usage that rises by plan.
  • AI image creation and AI-generated audio (English only), with higher allowances on paid plans.
  • Agentic features: Premium and Pro include agentic AI for tasks such as advanced research and analytics; Microsoft has named features such as Researcher and Analyst for Premium subscribers.
  • Bundled Microsoft 365 benefits: desktop Office apps, OneDrive storage, Microsoft Defender and Teams calling.

Microsoft notes that on Family and Premium plans, Copilot features are available only to the subscription owner and cannot be shared with other members.

Pricing (verified October 2026, US)

  • Copilot (free): $0 with a Microsoft account, with limited usage.
  • Microsoft 365 Personal: $9.99/month, one person, 1 TB storage, Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps with higher usage than free.
  • Microsoft 365 Family: $12.99/month, up to six people (AI for the owner only), 2 TB of shared storage on the current plan page.
  • Microsoft 365 Premium: $19.99/month or $199.99/year, according to the Microsoft Store, with extensive Copilot usage and Premium-exclusive features.
  • Microsoft 365 Pro: listed above Premium with the highest usage limits and 5 TB of shared storage; check the official site for current pricing.

Microsoft offers one-month trials of some plans, with terms that vary by region. Business plans (Microsoft 365 Copilot for organisations) are priced separately; check Microsoft's business pricing page.

Who it's for

  • People who already use Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook every day.
  • Households already paying for Microsoft 365, where Copilot comes at little or no extra cost.
  • Students eligible for Microsoft education discounts.
  • Windows users who want an assistant integrated with their PC.

Pros

  • Works directly inside the Office apps many people already use.
  • Bundled with storage, security and desktop apps, which improves overall value.
  • Free Copilot is available for casual use.
  • Premium consolidates what used to require separate Microsoft 365 and Copilot Pro subscriptions.
  • Microsoft documents how its consumer and work accounts interact for privacy and permissions.

Cons

  • Plan line-up has changed several times, which makes comparisons confusing.
  • Usage is described in relative terms ("higher", "extensive", "highest") with AI credits, not fixed numbers.
  • AI features on Family and Premium are for the owner only.
  • Some features vary by region, language and device.
  • Less compelling if you work mainly in Google Workspace or other tools.

Alternatives on AIMAPER

  • Google Gemini: the equivalent for Gmail, Docs and Drive users.
  • ChatGPT: a broader standalone assistant.
  • Claude: offers Claude for Microsoft 365 and Outlook on paid plans.
  • Notion AI: if your documents live in Notion.

Browse more in AI chatbots and AI writing tools.

Bottom line

If you already pay for Microsoft 365, start with the Copilot features your plan includes before buying anything else. Microsoft 365 Premium is the strongest consumer option for heavy Office users who want advanced AI and bundled storage. If you rarely use Office apps, a standalone assistant may serve you better.