Which Copilot do I need?

Dalton Dullaghan
2 days ago
2 min read

Microsoft has a few “Copilot” options. Think of them as AI helpers that can answer questions, draft content, and speed up everyday work. The main difference is where they work and what they can see.

Option 1: Copilot Chat (free with Microsoft 365)

A secure AI chat window for your work account.
Great for asking questions, summarising text you paste in, or getting quick drafts.
Lives in the browser or Teams; it doesn’t live inside Word/Excel/Outlook on your desktop.

You can access this (when logged into your O365 account) at: copilot.microsoft.com

Best for: Trying AI with no extra cost, quick help alongside your normal tools.

Option 2: Microsoft 365 Copilot (paid add-on)

Copilot built into the apps you use every day—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams.
Understands your work content (emails, files, meetings) that you already have permission to see, so answers are more tailored to your job.
Requires a qualifying Microsoft 365 subscription plus the Copilot add-on.

Best for: People who want AI directly in their documents, inbox and meetings to draft, analyse and summarise faster.

Quick chooser

I just want to try AI without changing licences: Use Copilot Chat.
I want AI inside Word/Excel/Outlook/Teams: Get Microsoft 365 Copilot (needs eligible Microsoft 365 plan + add-on).

What do I need to buy?

Copilot Chat: Included with most Microsoft 365 business subscriptions—no extra licence to buy.
Microsoft 365 Copilot: A separate add-on you buy on top of an eligible plan (for example, Microsoft 365 Business Standard/Business Premium, or Enterprise plans). There’s no trial

A note for Office 2021 users

If you’re on standalone Office 2021 (perpetual), Copilot won’t appear in those desktop apps. You’d need to move to Microsoft 365 subscription apps first, then add the Copilot add-on. Copilot Chat still works in the browser/Teams.

How to decide

Start free: Enable Copilot Chat for everyone to see quick wins.
Pilot the add-on: Pick a small group who live in Word/Excel/Outlook/Teams and test Microsoft 365 Copilot for real productivity gains.