Microsoft Copilot vs. Copilot Pro: Is the Subscription Worth the Cost?

Microsoft's Copilot tool is a versatile AI chatbot that you can access for free through a dedicated webpage, a mobile app, or as a built-in feature in Windows. It's designed to answer your questions, generate content, and even create images. However, if you're looking for more advanced features, Microsoft offers a Pro version of Copilot for a monthly fee of $20.

Recently, Microsoft expanded Copilot Pro support to include iPhone and Android apps, making it even more accessible to users on the go.

Features of the Free Version of Copilot

The free version of Copilot comes packed with a variety of useful features:

• Access to Copilot on the web, as well as on Windows, MacOS, and iPadOS.
• Utilization of the powerful GPT-4 model.
• Access to GPT-4 Turbo and GPT-4o during off-peak hours.
• Support for text, voice, and image inputs in conversational searches.
• Ability to create and edit AI-generated images with up to 15 boosts (15 images) per day using the Designer tool.
• Integration with various plugins to enhance functionality.

Additional Benefits of Copilot Pro

Opting for the Pro version of Copilot unlocks several enhanced features:

• Faster performance and priority access to GPT-4, GPT-4 Turbo, and GPT-4o, even during peak times.
• Integration with Microsoft 365 desktop and web apps, requiring a separate subscription for the desktop version and a Microsoft account for the web version.
• Enhanced AI image creation capabilities, with up to 100 boosts (100 images) per day using the Designer tool.
• Convenient image resizing options between square and landscape formats directly within the Designer tool.

Previously, Copilot Pro users had access to a Copilot Builder feature, which allowed them to create custom GPTs for personal or shared use. However, Microsoft retired this feature in July 2024, along with all associated custom GPTs.

Copilot Pro can be accessed through the Copilot website on any browser, directly from the Taskbar in Windows 10 or 11, and within the iPhone and Android Copilot apps. It's also compatible with Microsoft 365 on Windows, MacOS, and iPadOS, and can be used with the free Microsoft 365 web apps.

When to Use the Free Version of Copilot

Here are some scenarios where the free version of Copilot might be the best choice for you:

1. You Don't Use Microsoft 365 on Desktop or Web

The primary advantage of Copilot Pro is its integration with Microsoft 365, allowing you to leverage AI for tasks like text creation and editing in apps like Word and Excel. If you don't use these apps, the other benefits of the Pro version might not justify the $20 monthly cost.

2. You're Okay with Using GPT-4 and Non-Peak Access to GPT-4 Turbo and GPT-4o

While GPT-4 Turbo and GPT-4o offer enhanced performance and efficiency, the free version still provides access to these models during non-peak times. For most users, the capabilities of GPT-4 should be sufficient.

3. Your Image Generation Needs Are Modest

The free version allows you to generate up to 15 images per day using the Designer tool. If this meets your needs, there's no need to upgrade to the Pro version.

4. You Already Subscribe to ChatGPT Plus

Since ChatGPT Plus offers similar features to Copilot Pro, including the ability to create custom chatbots, there's little reason to pay for both services. Stick with the free version of Copilot to save money.

When to Use Copilot Pro

Consider upgrading to Copilot Pro if you find yourself in these situations:

1. You Use Microsoft 365 and Want AI Assistance

Copilot Pro can significantly enhance your productivity in Microsoft 365 apps by helping you write, edit, and summarize documents in Word, analyze data in Excel, create presentations in PowerPoint, and manage your inbox in Outlook. If these features would streamline your work, the Pro version is worth considering.

2. You Need Consistent Access to GPT-4 Turbo and GPT-4o

With Copilot Pro, you'll have uninterrupted access to the advanced capabilities of GPT-4 Turbo and GPT-4o, even during peak times. If you rely on these models for your work, the Pro version is the way to go.

3. You Need to Generate a Lot of Images

The Pro version allows you to generate up to 100 images per day, with faster creation times. If your job requires you to produce a high volume of images, Copilot Pro will be a valuable tool.

4. You Don't Subscribe to Other Premium AI Services

If you're not already using services like ChatGPT Plus or Google's Gemini Advanced, Copilot Pro could be a worthwhile investment to boost your productivity. You can always try it for a month and decide whether to continue or cancel.

Accessing the Free and Paid Versions of Copilot

Free Version Access at the Website

To use the free version on the web, visit the Copilot webpage. Select your preferred conversation style and enter your query at the "Ask me anything" prompt. You'll also see specific Copilot plugins available on the right side, such as Instacart, Kayak, and Open Table.

Free Version Access in Windows

For a more straightforward experience, click the Copilot icon on the Windows 10 or 11 Taskbar. You'll be greeted with a similar interface where you can choose your conversation style and start asking questions.

Free Version Access in the Mobile Apps

To use Copilot on your mobile device, download the app for iOS or Android. After selecting your conversation style, you can start submitting your requests.

Paid Version Access at the Website

To subscribe to Copilot Pro, visit Microsoft's Copilot Pro webpage and click the "Get Copilot Pro" button. At the subscription page, confirm your payment method and click "Subscribe." Once the payment process is complete, click "Get started" to access the Copilot webpage, where you'll see the Pro logo and have access to all Copilot plugins.

Paid Version Access in Windows

After subscribing on the website, log back into Windows 10 or 11 and click the Copilot icon on the Taskbar to access the Pro version.

Paid Version Access in the Mobile Apps

Open the Copilot app on your iOS or Android device, and you'll notice the Pro logo, indicating that you're now using your Pro subscription.