The Comprehensive Analysis of Microsoft Copilot Pricing

Microsoft’s innovative artificial intelligence (AI) solution, Copilot, has revolutionised the tech world since its launch in March 2023. Despite its initial appearance in “test mode”, the AI tool has swiftly become an indispensable part of the Microsoft portfolio. This article will explore every aspect of Copilot, its pricing structure, and its potential value for businesses. 

Microsoft Copilot Explained 

To understand the complexity of Microsoft Copilot’s pricing structure, first, it’s essential to understand the product itself. Microsoft Copilot is not a singular entity but a collection of AI tools, each designed for different use cases. 

All of these tools are equipped with “large language model” (LLM) technology, and they feature conversational interfaces, integrations with Microsoft tools, and links to Microsoft Graph. These AI tools can serve specific purposes in different Microsoft software such as Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Loop, Office apps, Microsoft Dynamics, Viva, and more. 

Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, describes Copilot as the next major step in computing productivity. The tool’s capabilities range from streamlining workflows and improving efficiency to boosting productivity across all business environments. While some tools like Bing Chat are designed to improve online search experiences, others are comprehensive toolkits that empower teams in specific roles, such as sales or customer service. 

A Dive into Copilot Pricing 

The ability to interact with an AI bot built into essential tools, from Microsoft Word to PowerPoint, is one of Copilot’s most attractive features. However, the question on everyone’s mind is, “Is Microsoft Copilot free?” The answer to that isn’t straightforward. 

There are different “Copilot plans” available for each type of user, starting with the introduction of Microsoft Copilot Pro. The cost varies for each plan and each user type. 

Free Features of Microsoft Copilot 

Some aspects of the Copilot experience are accessible for free. The “free” Copilot experience for individuals includes foundational capabilities, web grounding, and commercial data protection. However, free users do not have access to any of the Copilot features in tools like Word, PowerPoint, or Teams. 

Bing Chat and Bing Chat Enterprise are free tools that are now rebranded as “Microsoft Copilot”. The new Copilot can answer questions, assess data, and create content. It also has a web grounding for access to the latest information. 

Copilot for Windows is also free and offers a range of features for managing your computer ecosystem, from drag-and-drop image learning to chatbot interaction using natural language. 

The Microsoft Copilot Pro Package 

If you want to use Copilot with your Microsoft apps and access more advanced features, you need to choose from one of two plans. The first, least expensive plan, is “Microsoft Copilot Pro”. This plan is intended for individuals who want to access the most advanced features of Copilot and upgrade their Microsoft apps. 

The Copilot Pro package includes all of the features available on the “free” version of Copilot, plus priority model access. You also get Copilot for Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. However, if you want to access Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps, you will need a platform subscription on top of your Copilot subscription. 

What’s Included in Microsoft Copilot Pro? 

Microsoft Copilot Pro gives users a more advanced experience with their generative AI app. This includes priority access to the latest AI models, starting with OpenAI’s GPT-4 Turbo. Copilot Pro also offers: 

• A single AI experience for the web, PC, apps, and your smartphone. 

• Access to Copilot in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. 

• AI image creation with the Designer tool. 

• A Copilot GPT builder for creating custom Copilot solutions tailored to a specific topic. 

Copilot for Microsoft 365: The Business Package 

While Microsoft Copilot Pro is designed for individuals, Copilot for Microsoft 365 is a plan specially designed for organisations. This plan includes all the features of Copilot Pro. 

In addition, you get Copilot for all of your Microsoft 365 apps (including Teams). In Microsoft Word, for instance, Copilot can write content, edit pre-written pieces, and summarise important statements using artificial intelligence. 

Additionally, the Microsoft 365 Copilot plan includes “Microsoft Graph Grounding”, which allows Copilot to draw information from your Microsoft Graph. It also comes with enterprise data protection and full access to Microsoft Copilot Studio. 

Microsoft Copilot Studio 

Copilot Studio is a low-code tool users can access to customise their Microsoft 365 copilots and build generative AI apps. It combines powerful conversational capabilities into a comprehensive toolkit for AI innovation. Developers can build, test, and publish standalone copilots with the Studio kit. 

Microsoft Copilot Pricing: Other Plans and Fees 

While some aspects of the Copilot experience are free, other versions of Copilot incur additional costs. For instance, Microsoft has been embedding Copilot functionality into its tools for customer-facing companies, like Dynamics 365. 

Additionally, Microsoft introduced “Copilot for Sales” and “Copilot for Service” at Ignite 2023. These specific versions of Copilot have their unique pricing structures. 

Is Microsoft Copilot Worth It? 

The advanced Microsoft Copilot solutions come with a cost. For individuals, you’ll pay around $30 per month with Copilot Pro, which can quickly add up. For businesses, the price of Copilot for Microsoft 365 can be quite hefty. However, it’s essential to consider the return on investment. 

Microsoft’s Copilot collection features various tools for different requirements. It can adapt to different work styles and personas, enhancing the quality of your meetings, summarising calls, and making teams more productive. Microsoft ploughed billions into its OpenAI partnership to create one of the most comprehensive intelligent assistants on the market. The value you get back regarding efficiency, productivity, and creativity could be worth the cost. 

Copilot in Word 

Part of Microsoft’s impressive Microsoft Copilot 365 toolkit, Copilot for Word can transform your workflows like never before. This AI tool leverages the latest large language model technology to enhance your Word content and documents. It can draft new content, rewrite existing content, transform text into tables, summarise content, and even offer suggestions to improve the quality of your writing. 

How to Use Copilot in Word 

Once you have the proper licences, learning to use Copilot in Word is relatively easy. There are a few different ways to access Copilot in Word. The first option is to load your (up-to-date) Word program and click on the Copilot icon in the top ribbon of the app. 

Using Copilot in Word for Mobile 

If you want to optimise and edit Word content on the move, it’s worth learning how to use Copilot in Word for mobile. On iOS and Android devices, Copilot can generate summaries, review documents, and make suggestions in real time. 

Quick Tips for Using Copilot in Word 

Learning how to use Copilot in Word is simple enough, but it’s essential to follow some key tips for success: 

• Master Prompting 

• Customise your Copilot Experience 

• Always Edit and Proofread your Content 

• Be Cautious with Data Security 

• Stay up to Date 

In conclusion, exploring Copilot’s pricing structure reveals that while some aspects of the Copilot experience are free, other versions of Copilot incur additional costs. The value of Copilot lies in its ability to adapt to different work styles and personas, enhancing the quality of your meetings, summarising calls, and making teams more productive. By considering the return on investment, businesses may find that the efficiency, productivity, and creativity that Copilot offers could be worth the cost.