Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini are the two AI assistants built directly into the office suites most people already use. Choosing between them on price isn’t just “$30 vs $20” — it depends on whether you mean the consumer plan or the business add-on, and what’s already in your subscription. This guide compares every tier so you can see which costs less for how you actually work.
Pricing Overview
Microsoft Copilot Pricing (2026)
| Plan | Price | Right For |
|---|---|---|
| Copilot (Free) | $0 | Casual chat use |
| Copilot Pro | $20/mo | Individuals wanting Copilot in Office apps |
| Microsoft 365 Copilot | $30/user/mo (annual) | Businesses, add-on to M365 |
Google Gemini Pricing (2026)
| Plan | Price | Right For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Casual use |
| Google AI Plus | $7.99/mo | Light regular users |
| Google AI Pro | $19.99/mo | Power users, professionals |
| Workspace Business + Gemini | ~$20/user/mo | Teams on Google Workspace |
The Core Price Difference
For individuals, the matchup is Copilot Pro ($20) vs Google AI Pro ($19.99) — essentially the same headline price. The difference is what’s bundled:
- Google AI Pro throws in 2 TB of storage and Gemini across Gmail, Docs, and Sheets.
- Copilot Pro puts Copilot inside Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook — but only matters if you live in Microsoft Office.
For businesses, the gap is real: Microsoft 365 Copilot is $30/user/month (annual commitment, on top of your existing M365 license), while Gemini for Workspace lands around $20/user/month depending on the plan. At scale, that $10/user/month difference adds up fast.
What You’re Actually Paying For
Microsoft Copilot’s value is Office integration. If your team writes in Word, models in Excel, and builds decks in PowerPoint, Copilot works where the work already happens. The $30 business tier is priced as a premium productivity add-on, and it assumes you’re already paying for Microsoft 365.
Gemini’s value is the bundle. The consumer plan pairs AI with 2 TB of storage, and the Workspace tier integrates into Docs, Sheets, Gmail, and Meet at a lower per-seat cost. If you’re a Google-first organization, you’re getting more in one bill for less.
Which Is Cheaper for You?
| Your Situation | Cheaper Choice |
|---|---|
| Individual, already pay for Office | Copilot Pro ($20) |
| Individual, Google user | Google AI Pro ($19.99 + 2 TB) |
| Individual, light use | Gemini AI Plus ($7.99) — no Copilot equivalent |
| Business on Microsoft 365 | M365 Copilot ($30/user) — premium |
| Business on Google Workspace | Gemini for Workspace (~$20/user) — cheaper |
The cheapest entry point overall is Gemini AI Plus at $7.99 — Copilot has no equivalent mid-tier, jumping straight from free to $20.
The Bottom Line
There’s no universal winner — the cheaper option is whichever ecosystem you already pay for. If you’re Microsoft-first, Copilot meets you in Office. If you’re Google-first, Gemini is both cheaper per seat and more generously bundled. The mistake is paying for the AI of an ecosystem you don’t actually use.
For deeper comparisons, see Gemini vs Copilot feature-by-feature and how Microsoft Copilot compares to ChatGPT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Copilot or Gemini cheaper?
For individuals they’re nearly identical ($20). For businesses, Gemini for Workspace ($20/user) is cheaper than Microsoft 365 Copilot ($30/user). The free and $7.99 Gemini tiers are also cheaper entry points.
Why is Microsoft 365 Copilot $30 per user?
It’s priced as a premium add-on layered on top of an existing Microsoft 365 business subscription, with deep integration into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. The price reflects enterprise positioning.
Does Gemini include storage?
Yes. Google AI Pro ($19.99/mo) includes 2 TB of Google storage along with the AI — a bundle Copilot Pro doesn’t match.
Can I use Copilot or Gemini for free?
Both have free tiers. Copilot offers free chat, and Gemini has a free plan plus a low-cost $7.99 AI Plus tier. The full Office/Workspace integrations require paid plans.
Comparing AI plans for your team? See the best AI tools for business by price and the full Gemini pricing breakdown →