ChatGPT vs Microsoft Copilot vs Google Gemini: Full Comparison and 2025 Report on the Most Popular AI Chatbots
- Graziano Stefanelli
- 5 hours ago
- 13 min read
ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini are the leading AI tools of 2025, each offering powerful capabilities across text, code, and multimodal inputs, but with distinct focuses and strengths.
ChatGPT stands out as a versatile, conversational assistant with strong reasoning, image and voice support, and broad use cases from casual queries to advanced coding and data analysis.
Microsoft Copilot is deeply integrated into developer and productivity tools like GitHub and Microsoft 365, excelling at contextual assistance for coding, document creation, and workflow automation.
Google Gemini emphasizes multimodality and real-time knowledge, offering high-speed, up-to-date responses and advanced reasoning, with growing integration across Google Search, Android, and Workspace.
Each tool has limitations—ChatGPT with hallucinations or some outdated knowledge, Copilot with siloed experiences, and Gemini with limited public access to its most advanced model—but all are rapidly evolving toward smarter, more personalized AI assistance.
Aspect | ChatGPT | Copilot | Gemini |
Strength | Versatile assistant, strong reasoning | Productivity & dev tasks | Live info, ecosystem AI |
Multimodal | Yes – Text, voice, image | Partial – image only | Yes – input only |
Audience | General users, professionals, devs | Enterprise, devs, MS users | Google users, pros, devs |
Pricing | Free, $20/mo, Enterprise | $10–$39/mo, some free | Free, $20/mo, Workspace pricing |
Integration | Web, mobile, API, plugins | MS 365, GitHub, Windows | Search, Android, Workspace |
Performance | Accurate, slower, very capable | Fast, contextual, tool-based | Instant, real-time, private |
Limitations | Hallucinations, outdated info | Siloed, no voice, limited free | Ultra locked, no gen images |
Roadmap | More memory, real-time, GPT-5 | Unified Copilot, more consumer tools | Ultra, deeper tools, AI Android |
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1. Capabilities and Features
ChatGPT (OpenAI):
It is a conversational AI known for its strong natural language abilities. It can generate coherent text, answer questions, write essays, brainstorm ideas, and even produce or debug code.
With the latest GPT-4 model, it demonstrates advanced reasoning and creativity. Notably, ChatGPT is now multimodal – it can process voice and image inputs. You can speak to it and it will transcribe your voice, then respond either by text or in a natural-sounding voice. You can also upload images (such as charts or handwritten notes), and GPT-4 will interpret and discuss them. On the output side, ChatGPT includes image generation, allowing users to create visuals from text prompts.
It serves as a well-rounded assistant that can see, hear, speak, and draw, in addition to writing and coding. Its coding abilities are top-tier, often used for writing scripts, explaining code, and debugging.
Microsoft Copilot:
It is a suite of AI assistants embedded across Microsoft's products. Capabilities vary by product:
GitHub Copilot offers code suggestions, completions, and a chat mode for explanations and refactoring within coding environments like Visual Studio Code.
Microsoft 365 Copilot integrates into apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. It can summarize documents, draft emails, create presentations, and analyze data contextually.
Windows Copilot acts as a sidebar assistant built into Windows 11, performing OS-level tasks or answering queries via Bing-powered chat.
Specialized Copilots (like Sales Copilot or Security Copilot) serve domain-specific tasks such as summarizing sales data or analyzing cybersecurity logs.
Microsoft Copilots are highly task-focused and deeply integrated into the tools users already rely on. They emphasize contextual intelligence, drawing from user data like emails, documents, and calendars to produce grounded, relevant outputs. While not fully multimodal in input, they are evolving to include features like image generation and may soon support more natural voice interactions.
Google Gemini:
It is a next-gen multimodal language model designed to handle text, images, audio, and video. It powers Google’s conversational AI experiences, including the rebranded Bard assistant.
Gemini is capable of generating and analyzing content across various formats and is especially strong in reasoning, coding, and real-time knowledge retrieval.
Users can input images or speak to Gemini, and it will respond with rich, context-aware replies. Gemini is also designed to use external tools and APIs on its own – such as querying the web or generating formulas in Google Sheets – making it a versatile and action-oriented assistant.
Gemini’s standout strength lies in its deep integration with Google’s ecosystem:it works across Search, Gmail, Docs, Android, and Google Cloud, often pulling live, up-to-date information.
While image and audio generation features are still emerging, Gemini is positioned as a cutting-edge assistant with a focus on real-world task execution and advanced multimodal understanding.
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2. Pricing Models
OpenAI ChatGPT:
It offers a free tier that provides access to the GPT-3.5 model with limited features. This tier is ideal for casual users but does not include the most advanced capabilities.
The ChatGPT Plus subscription costs $20 per month and includes access to GPT-4, faster response times, and enhanced tools such as voice input/output and image generation.
For organizations, ChatGPT Enterprise offers custom pricing and includes features like higher message limits, longer context handling, priority support, and enhanced data security.
Developers can access GPT models through OpenAI’s API, with pricing based on token usage. For example, GPT-4 input/output tokens are billed separately and can scale significantly depending on volume and model variant.
Microsoft Copilot:
Its offerings span multiple products with distinct pricing models:
GitHub Copilot: Initially launched at $10/month or $100/year for individuals, GitHub now offers Copilot Pro at around $19–$20/month with added features and model options. A more advanced Copilot Pro+ tier costs $39/month and includes premium model access and increased usage allowances. Enterprises can license Copilot for Business or Enterprise with volume-based pricing, often ranging from $19 to $30/month per user.
Microsoft 365 Copilot: This version is offered as an add-on for enterprise Microsoft 365 plans at $30 per user per month, in addition to standard Microsoft 365 licensing. It includes AI features across Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams. There is currently no free or consumer version of Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Windows Copilot and Bing Chat: These are free for users of Windows 11 and Microsoft Edge, providing basic AI assistance and access to image generation and web search-based interactions.
Google Gemini:
It offers free access to the Gemini assistant via the web and mobile apps, with many advanced features available to all users, including image analysis and integration with Google services. A Gemini Advanced subscription tier is being introduced, likely priced around $20/month, which will include access to the more powerful Gemini Ultra model and features such as Gemini Live for real-time voice interaction. For businesses and developers, Google provides access to Gemini through Google Cloud’s Vertex AI and Workspace integrations (formerly Duet AI). These services use pay-as-you-go pricing based on token usage or per-user rates for enterprise tools. For example, Workspace AI features for businesses have been priced at $30 per user per month, aligning with Microsoft’s enterprise offerings.
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3. Integration and Ecosystem
ChatGPT (OpenAI):
It began as a standalone web application and has since expanded to include official mobile apps for iOS and Android. It supports plugins, which allow users to connect ChatGPT to third-party services – for example, to book travel, run calculations, or pull in live data. OpenAI also provides a robust API that enables developers to integrate ChatGPT into their own applications, from customer service bots to productivity tools.
Many platforms like Snapchat, Notion, and Slack have incorporated OpenAI models under the hood. While ChatGPT is not natively embedded in consumer software ecosystems like Microsoft or Google, it is increasingly available through partnerships – especially with Microsoft, which integrates OpenAI models into products like Bing Chat and Azure OpenAI services.
Users can also customize the ChatGPT experience through tools like custom GPTs, which allow fine-tuning behavior and personality within the ChatGPT interface.
Microsoft Copilot:
Its strategy is focused on deep integration within its product ecosystem.
In software development, GitHub Copilot is embedded into popular IDEs such as Visual Studio Code, Visual Studio, JetBrains, and the terminal. It provides in-line code suggestions and chat-based assistance within the developer’s environment.
Microsoft 365 Copilot is integrated into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams, appearing as a sidebar or embedded assistant. It can read and generate content based on documents, emails, and calendar events. The Copilot leverages Microsoft Graph to understand and reference user-specific data across apps.
Windows Copilot is built into the Windows 11 operating system, offering system-level commands and contextual help.
Edge Copilot in the Microsoft Edge browser enhances browsing with summarization, content generation, and real-time AI support.
These integrations create a seamless user experience, allowing AI to function contextually within workflows.
The Copilot tools require little setup beyond an active subscription or enterprise enablement, and Microsoft is increasingly connecting these assistants across tools for unified experiences.
Google Gemini:
It has integrated Gemini across a wide array of platforms.
The Gemini assistant is accessible via the web, mobile browsers, the Google app, and as a standalone app on Android devices. It is also being rolled out as the new voice assistant on Pixel and other Android phones, replacing the classic Google Assistant with more powerful capabilities.
In Google Search, Gemini powers the Search Generative Experience (SGE), generating AI-based answers and summaries at the top of search results.
In Google Workspace, Gemini is integrated as the engine behind Duet AI, supporting Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. It assists with drafting, editing, summarizing, image generation, and formula writing directly within these apps.
On the development side, Google offers Gemini through Vertex AI on Google Cloud, enabling developers to integrate its capabilities into apps, bots, and services. Tools like Android Studio also incorporate Gemini to assist with code and app development.
Additionally, on-device models like Gemini Nano power select features in Pixel phones, such as Call Screen, Recorder summarization, and smart replies – enabling fast, private AI tasks without requiring cloud access.
Overall, Google is embedding Gemini deeply across its ecosystem – Search, Android, Workspace, and developer tools – positioning it as a ubiquitous AI assistant with both consumer and enterprise reach.
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4. Target Audiences
ChatGPT (OpenAI):
It appeals to a broad and diverse user base.
General users rely on it for answering questions, learning new topics, or casual conversation. It serves as a virtual tutor, creative writing partner, and general assistant.
Content creators and professionals use ChatGPT to brainstorm, draft articles, generate social media posts, or write reports and emails.
Students and educators find value in its ability to explain complex concepts, generate practice questions, or assist in lesson planning.
Developers and tech users leverage its strong coding capabilities for writing, debugging, and understanding code.
Businesses use ChatGPT for data analysis, summarizing reports, creating customer communications, and automating content generation. ChatGPT Enterprise further targets larger organizations by offering privacy, compliance, and scalability.
In essence, ChatGPT serves individuals, professionals, and enterprises looking for a flexible and intelligent AI assistant, especially for writing, learning, and creative work.
Microsoft Copilot:
It targets specific user groups aligned with each product.
Developers benefit from GitHub Copilot’s code completion, debugging support, and real-time assistance within their coding environments.
Knowledge workers and enterprise employees use Microsoft 365 Copilot to automate routine tasks in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. These users are typically professionals in fields like marketing, finance, operations, and HR.
General Windows users can take advantage of Windows Copilot to manage system settings, perform web searches, and generate content.
Specialized professionals, such as salespeople or cybersecurity analysts, use domain-specific copilots like Sales Copilot and Security Copilot, which are tailored to their workflows.
Microsoft’s approach is aimed at boosting productivity in workplace and enterprise settings, making Copilot a powerful tool for users who are already embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Google Gemini:
It targets a wide spectrum of users across both consumer and professional segments.
Everyday consumers benefit from Gemini’s integration with Google Search and Android, enabling casual users to ask questions, plan trips, or interact with AI in a familiar setting.
Students and educators use Gemini for studying, content creation, and tutoring, especially through Google Docs and Classroom.
Professionals and teams within the Google Workspace ecosystem use Gemini (via Duet AI) to enhance productivity – writing emails, drafting documents, generating visuals, or analyzing data.
Developers and enterprises access Gemini via Google Cloud’s Vertex AI, embedding it into apps and workflows for customer service, automation, or internal tools.
Tech-savvy mobile users engage with on-device Gemini models in Pixel phones, using features like call screening, transcription, and summarization.
Gemini’s design makes it especially effective for users immersed in Google’s ecosystem, offering assistance in everyday life, education, and enterprise-grade applications alike.
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5. Performance Highlights (Speed, Intelligence, Multimodal Abilities)
ChatGPT (OpenAI):
Particularly with GPT-4, it delivers high-level reasoning, language fluency, and creativity.
It can handle complex problem-solving, generate long-form content, and follow context-rich conversations with ease. It performs exceptionally well on standardized tests and professional exams, reflecting its intelligence across diverse domains.
In coding, GPT-4 is known for producing accurate, readable code and offering valuable debugging assistance.
ChatGPT also supports multimodal input and output. Users can speak to it, submit images for analysis, and generate images from text prompts using DALL·E. Its voice interactions are fluid and natural, and image analysis allows it to interpret graphs, diagrams, and handwritten notes. Image generation is advanced, delivering detailed and coherent visuals from complex prompts.
While GPT-4 is slower than GPT-3.5, its accuracy and depth of response make it ideal for complex tasks. The free version (GPT-3.5) is faster but less capable, and advanced tools like voice and vision are reserved for paid users.
Microsoft Copilot:
It delivers strong task-specific performance by embedding large language models directly into applications like Word, Excel, Outlook, Visual Studio Code, and more.
In GitHub Copilot, suggestions appear almost instantly, helping developers write code efficiently with real-time in-line completions. The addition of Copilot Chat allows users to interact with an AI assistant that understands entire codebases and offers help across multiple files.
In Microsoft 365 Copilot, performance is defined by how quickly it can summarize documents, generate emails, or analyze spreadsheets. Tasks that typically take several minutes can be completed in seconds, offering substantial productivity gains.
While most Copilots use GPT-4 or optimized variants, heavier tasks sometimes rely on more powerful models, possibly with usage limits. Microsoft’s infrastructure allows fast, integrated AI experiences across tools, and performance continues to improve with updates and deeper contextual awareness.
Google Gemini:
Its performance is marked by its multimodal intelligence, fast response times, and real-time knowledge integration. Gemini Pro handles text and image inputs with ease, offering accurate and context-rich responses. Its reasoning abilities in math, science, and code have shown strong results, with the upcoming Gemini Ultra model expected to surpass GPT-4 on several benchmarks.
Gemini excels at speed and accessibility, offering nearly instant responses in many cases, especially when integrated with Google Search. It’s designed for live tool usage, such as retrieving up-to-date information, generating formulas in Sheets, or controlling apps on Android. While image and audio generation are not yet widely available, Gemini’s capacity for understanding and analyzing visual and audio input is notable. On Pixel devices, lightweight Gemini models run tasks like call screening and summarizing recordings locally, improving speed and privacy.
Overall, Gemini provides highly responsive, real-world-aware AI performance across text, vision, and voice, with growing capabilities across all Google platforms.
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6. Limitations and Drawbacks
ChatGPT (OpenAI):
While powerful, it still struggles with hallucinations – confidently presenting incorrect or fabricated information. This can be problematic for factual accuracy or critical applications. Its knowledge cutoff is another limitation – GPT-4 was trained on data up to late 2021, meaning it cannot answer questions about recent events unless the browsing tool is enabled. Even then, browsing has occasional reliability issues.
The free tier uses GPT-3.5, which is faster but less accurate and lacks access to voice, vision, and advanced tools. Features like custom GPTs, longer memory, and better performance are locked behind a paywall. Additionally, ChatGPT has content filters and strict safety settings, which sometimes result in overly cautious refusals or limitations in sensitive or nuanced conversations. It also lacks long-term memory in free or Plus tiers – conversations don’t persist context beyond a single session unless manually set via instructions.
Microsoft Copilot:
It inherits limitations from the models it uses, including occasional inaccuracies or hallucinations. In GitHub Copilot, for instance, it might suggest buggy or insecure code, especially when used by beginners without oversight. Legal concerns remain regarding the reuse of licensed code, as Copilot can sometimes output snippets resembling open-source code without attribution.
Each Copilot is somewhat siloed – for example, Office Copilot and GitHub Copilot don't share context, and there is no unified assistant across apps. Some features are enterprise-only, limiting accessibility for individuals or small businesses. Performance can vary depending on context size and task complexity. Also, no direct voice input or output exists in most Copilot tools, making them less interactive than voice-enabled assistants.
Google Gemini:
Its main limitation is that its most advanced model, Gemini Ultra, is not yet available to the public. Users currently interact with Gemini Pro, which is powerful but may fall short of GPT-4 in certain edge cases. Like other models, Gemini is also prone to hallucinations, and its citations can sometimes be misleading or inaccurate.
Gemini does not yet offer user-facing image or audio generation, unlike ChatGPT or Bing. While it can interpret images and audio, it lacks creative output modes in these domains. Integration across services can feel fragmented, with different experiences in Search, Assistant, and Workspace tools. For privacy-sensitive users, concerns remain about Google’s data usage policies, especially in the free version, where some data may be used to improve models. Lastly, the full Gemini experience is best when using Google's ecosystem, which may limit its utility for those outside it.
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7. Future Outlook and Roadmap
ChatGPT (OpenAI):
It is expected to continue evolving ChatGPT with more powerful models, improved multimodal capabilities, and greater personalization. While GPT-5 is anticipated, the focus for now appears to be on refining GPT-4 with versions like GPT-4 Turbo and “omnimodal” features that enhance image generation, voice interaction, and faster performance. Persistent memory is being gradually introduced, allowing ChatGPT to remember user preferences and past interactions for a more personalized experience.
ChatGPT will likely become more interactive and tool-enabled through plugins and agents, allowing it to execute real-world tasks such as making bookings or managing data workflows. OpenAI is also investing in enterprise tools, giving companies more secure and customizable deployments of ChatGPT. Voice and image features will become more seamless, possibly leading to real-time assistant capabilities on mobile and desktop.
Microsoft Copilot:
Microsoft plans to make Copilot a central AI assistant across all its platforms. The roadmap includes unifying various Copilot tools into a single, consistent experience across Windows, Microsoft 365, GitHub, and other products. Upcoming features may include cross-app AI memory, better multi-file reasoning in GitHub Copilot, and AI-augmented meetings, presentations, and workflows in Microsoft 365.
Microsoft is also working on expanding Copilot to smaller businesses and consumers, likely through new subscription tiers. As OpenAI develops new models, Microsoft will continue integrating them, while also improving its own domain-specific AI capabilities. Local processing, deeper tool integration, and more automation features (like proactive suggestions and task execution) are expected to become part of the Copilot experience.
Google Gemini:
Google has a bold vision for Gemini, aiming to make it a ubiquitous AI assistant across search, mobile, and productivity tools. The upcoming Gemini Ultra will be released to the public, offering state-of-the-art reasoning, larger context handling, and possibly generative abilities in audio and video. Gemini is set to become the backbone of a revamped Google Assistant, bringing smarter, more natural voice and text interactions to Android devices and smart home products.
In Google Search, Gemini is poised to play a bigger role in transforming how users find and consume information, potentially becoming the default search experience. Google also plans deeper integration into Workspace, allowing more powerful and intuitive features in Gmail, Docs, and other tools. For developers and enterprises, Gemini will expand via Vertex AI, with more fine-tuning options and support for building custom AI applications. Gemini is on track to be a real-time, multimodal, and proactive AI platform for both consumers and businesses.