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Microsoft Copilot: Free vs Paid
What’s Right for Your Business?

One of the most common questions we’ve been asked recently is about Microsoft Copilot - specifically, what the free version can do, how it compares to the paid upgrade, and whether investing in the full version makes sense for your team.

 

With Microsoft continuing to expand Copilot’s capabilities, understanding the differences can help you make a smarter, more cost-effective decision about how AI fits into your daily operations.

​What You Get with Free Copilot

The free version of Microsoft Copilot Chat, available to users of Microsoft 365, offers a solid introduction to AI-powered assistance. It provides basic support for tasks such as:

 

  • Drafting and summarising emails

  • Generating content outlines

  • Creating simple data visualisations

  • Answering questions based on your documents

  • Offering writing suggestions and formatting help

     

For many SMBs, this level of functionality is a great starting point - especially for teams just beginning to explore AI in their workflows. However, it’s important to note that the free version has limitations. It doesn’t include advanced customisation, deeper integration with business data or access to Copilot Agents - which are designed to automate more complex, multi-step tasks.

What the Paid Version Unlocks

The paid version of Microsoft Copilot (available via Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses) significantly expands what’s possible. It’s designed for businesses ready to operationalise AI and includes:

 

  • Advanced AI capabilities across all Microsoft 365 apps

  • Copilot Agents that can automate workflows, manage tasks, and interact with business systems

  • Deeper integration with your organisation’s data, including SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams

  • Enhanced security and compliance features for enterprise-grade use

  • Custom prompt engineering and scenario development for tailored use cases

     

This version is ideal for leadership teams and departments looking to drive efficiency, reduce manual work, and unlock new value from their existing tools.

How to Decide What’s Right for You

Choosing between free and paid Copilot depends on your business goals, team readiness, and appetite for innovation. If you’re just starting out, the free version offers a low-risk way to explore AI. But if you’re aiming to embed AI into your operations and strategy, the paid version provides the depth and flexibility needed to make that leap.

 

To help you navigate this decision, we’ve launched our Microsoft 365 Copilot Readiness Program - a fast, focused session designed to help leaders understand Copilot’s real-world potential and explore how it fits into their business.

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