The topic of AI has been buzzing around for the past couple of year — it was even named Word of the Year 2023 by Collins Dictionary — and it’s only getting more mainstream. It’s a bit like when “LOL” first started doing the rounds; it started off with just a few people “in the know”, but years later, even your grandma knows what it means.
Essentially, AI is everywhere right now. People say it’s taking over the world, but we like to think that human interaction and creativity cannot be replicated. What AI can do though, is do boring or mundane tasks for you.
Two of the most used AI-powered tools are Copilot and ChatGPT. But which one actually helps you get more work done? Let’s compare them.
What is Microsoft Copilot?
Copilot is Microsoft AI assistant that’s built into Microsoft 365 apps like Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook and more. It has direct access to your business files, emails, and calendars, so you don’t need to tell it about your company, it already has a good understanding. Copilot can pick up on your company’s tone of voice, ways of working, and processes. Because it has access to these apps, you can ask Copilot to summarise your emails or Teams messages or tell you what meetings you’ve got coming up.
What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is an OpenAI tool that is used for general text generation. It’s mainly used through a browser, and doesn’t integrate with your existing data. It’s ideal for creative writing, general Q&A, and brainstorming assistance. Examples of ChatGPT include: drafting social media posts, creating process guides, or troubleshooting assistance.
Direct comparison
| Feature | ChatGPT | |
|---|---|---|
| Integration | Built into Microsoft 365 apps | Web-based or via plugins |
| Data Access | Uses company data securely | No access to internal files |
| Security & Compliance | Microsoft 365-level security | Depends on OpenAI’s cloud setup |
| Use Case Focus | Business productivity | Creative and general problem-solving |
| Ease of Use | Embedded in familiar tools | Requires manual input/context |
| Cost | Add-on to M365 license | Free or ChatGPT Plus subscription |
Which is better for everyday office work?
Copilot is ideal for structuring tasks, summarising meetings, and improve admin efficiency.
ChatGPT is better suited to creative thinkings, providing content ideas, and researching.
Or even better, you can combine the two to get the best of both worlds. Use ChatGPT to research and draft, and Copilot to refine in the Microsoft 365 app.
What about the security of these apps?
It’s really important to remember that these apps shouldn’t be used for highly sensitive information. ChatGPT has a free version and a paid version, ChatGPT Plus, as well as ChatGPT Enterprise for business. For the free and Plus versions, any information you type into the service can be used to train and improve its models. Encryption is in place, but the data could still be reviewed for quality and safety purposes.
The Enterprise version isn’t used for training, and is much more safe and compliant, with data privacy guarantees in place. As we said, do not send any confidential information to ChatGPT free or Plus, and be wary highly sensitive information with Enterprise.
Microsoft Copilot on the other hand operates within your Microsoft 365 tenant, respecting all current security policies, permissions, and compliance rules. Data is encrypted, and nothing is used for model training.
However, it is based on information that your account has permission to view. This means its really important to review all permissions before implementing Copilot across your company, as Copilot could draw from confidential information that you accidentally have access to. For example, if you have access to all HR files, you can view all employee data, which could be a recipe for disaster.
So, which one should your business choose?
If you already use Microsoft 365, then go for Microsoft Copilot. You’ll get some significant productivity gains, and the integration really is seamless between M365 apps. If you need flexible support for creative ideas, then ChatGPT is for you. Or you can go for a mix of both — Copilot for internal efficiency, ChatGPT for creative innovation.
