# Microsoft Copilot vs Perplexity

> Microsoft Copilot: Microsoft's AI assistant for chat, writing and research across web, apps and Microsoft 365
> Perplexity: AI answer engine that searches the live web and cites its sources

- Microsoft Copilot profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/microsoft-copilot
- Perplexity profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/perplexity
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/microsoft-copilot-vs-perplexity
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

Microsoft Copilot and Perplexity are both AI Assistants tools. Perplexity scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.7 vs 8.4 out of 10). Both have a free plan or trial. Only Microsoft Copilot is available on Windows and macOS. Only Perplexity offers an API.

### Choose Microsoft Copilot if

- You want a tool built for drafting and summarizing inside Word.
- Free tier with chat, image creation and voice on web, desktop and mobile.
- Built into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams for Microsoft 365 subscribers.

### Choose Perplexity if

- You want a tool built for answering factual and current-events questions with checkable sources, and running multi-step web research.
- Every answer links to numbered sources, so claims are easy to check.
- Free plan includes search with citations.

## Pricing

| | Microsoft Copilot | Perplexity |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |

## Features

| Feature | Microsoft Copilot | Perplexity |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Chat | Yes | Not listed |
| Image creation | Yes | Not listed |
| Voice | Yes | Not listed |
| Microsoft 365 integration | Yes | Not listed |
| Cowork | Yes | Not listed |
| Researcher | Yes | Not listed |
| Code | Yes | Not listed |
| Notebook and Guided Learning | Yes | Not listed |
| Work IQ | Yes | Not listed |
| Auto model picker | Yes | Not listed |
| Cited answers | Not listed | Yes |
| Pro Search | Not listed | Yes |
| Research | Not listed | Yes |
| Model selection | Not listed | Yes |
| File uploads | Not listed | Yes |
| Perplexity Computer | Not listed | Yes |
| Comet browser | Not listed | Yes |
| Perplexity API | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Microsoft Copilot | Perplexity |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | No |
| macOS | Yes | No |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | No | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | No |

## Microsoft Copilot strengths

- Free tier with chat, image creation and voice on web, desktop and mobile
- Built into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams for Microsoft 365 subscribers
- Copilot Chat is included with eligible business Microsoft 365 plans at no extra cost
- Enterprise Data Protection and admin controls in business plans
- Apps for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android

## Microsoft Copilot limitations

- Consumer premium features require a Microsoft 365 subscription; the standalone Copilot Pro plan is no longer sold
- Copilot Business is an add-on at $21 to $25.20 per user per month on top of a Microsoft 365 plan
- Usage limits apply to free and lower tiers, and Microsoft does not publish exact numbers on the pricing page
- Family plan AI features are for the subscription owner only

## Perplexity strengths

- Every answer links to numbered sources, so claims are easy to check
- Free plan includes search with citations
- Paid plans offer a choice of advanced models from several providers
- Available on web, iOS, Android and through a developer API
- Separate Comet browser integrates the assistant into browsing

## Perplexity limitations

- Free plan is limited to 3 Pro Searches per day and 1 Research query per month
- Pro and Max limits are described as weekly or monthly allowances rather than fixed numbers
- Max costs $200 per month, and Enterprise Max costs $325
- Answers can still contain errors, so the cited sources need checking

## FAQ

**Is Microsoft Copilot better than Perplexity?**

It depends on your workflow. Microsoft Copilot is built for drafting and summarizing inside Word. Perplexity is built for answering factual and current-events questions with checkable sources, and running multi-step web research.

**What are the key feature differences between Microsoft Copilot and Perplexity?**

Microsoft Copilot: Microsoft's AI assistant for chat, writing and research across web, apps and Microsoft 365. Perplexity: AI answer engine that searches the live web and cites its sources.

**Does Microsoft Copilot or Perplexity have a free plan?**

Yes, both do. Microsoft Copilot is freemium and Perplexity is freemium, and each has a free plan or trial.

**Which is cheaper, Microsoft Copilot or Perplexity?**

Both can be used for free. Paid plans differ in limits and features, so compare the tiers in the pricing table above.