Microsoft Copilot Pro, the premium generative AI subscription option for individuals, was originally introduced in January 2024 alongside a range of other Copilot subscription options. Now, however, Microsoft has expanded the plan's functionality and availability massively.
As of March 2024, Copilot Pro (available for $20 per month, per user), is available in 222 countries, and offers a one month free trial. Previously, this subscription offered users access to advanced AI models, like GPT-4 Turbo, and unique features like Copilot GPT Builder. However, it lacked integrations with Microsoft’s existing Office tools, unlike the Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription.
Now, the updated version of Copilot Pro works inside of Office web apps (so you don’t need a separate subscription to use it in web-based tools like Word and Outlook). Plus, it’s available on Microsoft’s mobile apps, making the subscription more valuable than ever.
But should you invest in Microsoft Copilot Pro? I examined its features and benefits (compared to other Copilot solutions) to find out.
What is Microsoft Copilot Pro?
Microsoft Copilot Pro is a subscription service that offers access to improved Copilot performance, faster image generation, and the ability to design unique Copilot GPTs. It also now features Copilot support in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote via the web and mobile apps.
Since Microsoft launched its Copilot technology, it has consistently built on its generative AI portfolio. There are now versions of Copilot for virtually everything, from Teams to Bing Search, Microsoft 365 apps, and even sales, service, and finance teams.
Microsoft introduced Copilot Pro specifically as a solution for individuals looking for a premium AI experience. It doesn’t include some of the features offered by Microsoft 365 Copilot, like access to Teams Copilot features or Copilot Studio. However, it does build on the experience users get when using Copilot for Search, content creation, and even GPT development.
According to Microsoft, Copilot Pro delivers the most advanced features of Copilot to people who want to tap into the latest capabilities of generative AI. It promises a streamlined experience, that delivers consistency across all devices (including mobile), and apps. It also has web grounding to access the latest information from the internet.
Although Copilot Pro is a subscription designed specifically for individuals, it still features commercial data protection for users signing in with a Microsoft Entra ID. This means companies can still use Copilot securely with the Pro package.
Microsoft Copilot Pro vs. Copilot’s Free Plan
While most of Microsoft’s specialist Copilot solutions incur a subscription fee, there are Copilot features you can use for free. For free, you can still use Copilot on the web and in Windows, iPadOS, and MacOS. You’ll also be able to use GPT-4 and GPT-4 Turbo during certain times and use text, images and voice for conversational search.
Plus, the free plan supports plug-ins and external GPTs and allows you to create and edit images with 15 daily boosts in Microsoft Designer.
Copilot Pro builds on this experience with a “supercharged” experience. You get:
- Priority access to GPT-4 and GPT-4 Turbo, at any time. These are the fastest versions of the generative AI models designed by OpenAI.
- Build your own Copilot GPTs using Microsoft’s GPT Builder. This tool, similar to Microsoft’s Copilot Studio, allows you to create bots tailored to your specific interests and needs.
- Generate unique images and enhance your creations using 100 daily boosts with the Designer app.
Additionally, you can now use Copilot Pro in productivity apps, provided you have a Microsoft 365 Personal or family subscription, or via the web and mobile apps.
This means you can use Copilot on:
- Word: Use Copilot to generate drafts, summarize your content, rewrite articles or documents in Word, or ask questions about your content.
- PowerPoint: Create outlines, design slides, and organize content in PowerPoint to create more compelling presentations with Copilot.
- Outlook: Leverage Copilot Pro in Outlookto summarize long threads, access suggested replies and draft emails with the right tone of voice.
- OneNote: Upgrade your note-taking strategies with Copilot in OneNote. It can summarize, rewrite, organize, and search through your lists for you.
- Excel: Generate formulas, analyze and summarize data, and include helpful visuals in spreadsheets with Copilot in Excel.
What’s new in Microsoft Copilot Pro?
Previously, to leverage Copilot Pro in your Office apps, you needed an additional Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription, starting at $7 per month. While you’ll still need a subscription to access Copilot Pro on desktop apps, you no longer need one for Microsoft’s web and mobile apps.
Additionally, Copilot Pro is now available in 222 markets worldwide. However, some “Designer” features (formerly Bing Image Creator) are only available in English. Microsoft does support various languages with Copilot Pro overall, however, such as French, Italian, German, and Spanish.
Copilot Pro vs Copilot for Microsoft 365
So, how does Copilot Pro compare to the business-focused solution for Copilot users, “Copilot for Microsoft 365”? First, it’s less expensive. Copilot Pro only costs $20 per month per user. However, if you're going to be using Copilot Pro on desktop apps, you do need to account for the extra cost of your Microsoft 365 Individual or Family subscription.
Copilot for Microsoft 365 costs $30 per month per user. Plus, you must pay for a supporting Microsoft 365 subscription, starting at $12.50 per month per user for “Business Standard.”
The tech giant also extended the semantic index for Copilot to Office 365 users (with a Copilot license). This index works with the Copilot System and Microsoft Graph to map your business data, ensuring that Copilot for Microsoft 365 can deliver personalized and relevant responses.
With Microsoft Copilot 365, you can access additional AI features on different apps. For instance, you can use Microsoft Copilot for Teams (chat and phone users) and access Microsoft Graph grounding. Copilot also includes Microsoft’s enterprise-grade data protection. This means it inherits your existing privacy, identity, and compliance policies in Microsoft.
