Head-to-head • Updated
ChatGPT vs Microsoft Copilot: Which Should a UK Business Use?
The verdict
Microsoft 365 Copilot is the better choice for businesses that live in Outlook, Teams and SharePoint, because it works on your own emails, meetings and files. ChatGPT is the better standalone assistant — more versatile, cheaper for individuals and not tied to one office suite.
Plus ~£20/mo
Choose ChatGPT if…
- You use Google Workspace or a mix of tools
- You want images, voice and custom GPTs
- Budget per person matters most
Add-on ~£18–£25/user/mo
Choose Microsoft 365 Copilot if…
- Your business runs on Microsoft 365 and Teams
- Meetings and email dominate your week
- You need enterprise compliance controls
Criteria by criteria
| Criterion | ChatGPT | Microsoft 365 Copilot | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works inside Office apps | Via connectors | Native in Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams | Microsoft 365 Copilot |
| Standalone versatility | Broadest feature set | Good | ChatGPT |
| Grounded in your work data | Via connected files | Emails, meetings, chats and files | Microsoft 365 Copilot |
| Compliance & data residency | Strong on Business/Enterprise | Inherits Microsoft 365 controls | Microsoft 365 Copilot |
| Cost for a small team | Plus or per-seat Business plan | Copilot Chat free; full Copilot paid add-on | Tie |
| Image generation & voice | Built in | Available, less central | ChatGPT |
The editorial analysis
The key difference is context. Copilot can read the email thread you're replying to, the Teams meeting you missed and the proposal in SharePoint, within your existing permissions. ChatGPT is more capable as a general tool but needs you to bring the context. Many Microsoft 365 businesses start with the free Copilot Chat and buy full Copilot licences only for the heaviest email and meeting users.