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Microsoft Copilot vs Perplexity

Focuses on answering questions with cited sources, not integrated across Microsoft apps.

Short answer: Pick Microsoft Copilot if you want unified AI assistant across Microsoft ecosystem; pick Perplexity if you want cited AI answers with source links. Microsoft Copilot has a free plan; Perplexity is free.

Which to pick

Pick Microsoft Copilot if you want…

  • Unified AI assistant across Microsoft ecosystem

Pick Perplexity if you want…

  • Cited AI answers with source links
  • Cited answer engine
  • A free tool

Side by side

What it is
Microsoft Copilot:Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant that helps you chat, search, create content and images across work, life and school.
Perplexity:Perplexity is a free AI-powered answer engine that returns fast, cited answers from trusted sources.
Best for
Microsoft Copilot:Unified AI assistant across Microsoft ecosystem
Perplexity:Cited AI answers with source links
Who it’s for
Microsoft Copilot:Anyone using Windows, Edge, Microsoft 365 or mobile devices who wants AI-powered assistance.
Perplexity:Developers, researchers, and anyone needing quick, reliable information.
Pricing
Microsoft Copilot:Freemium
Perplexity:Free
Starting price
Microsoft Copilot:—
Perplexity:Free
Free plan or trial
Microsoft Copilot:—
Perplexity:Free to use
Works with
Microsoft Copilot:Windows, Microsoft Edge, iOS, Android, Mac
Perplexity:—

Microsoft Copilot features

  • Copilot Chat. Natural-language conversation for answering questions, brainstorming and task assistance.
  • AI Search. Grounded answers and quick retrieval of files, information and insights.
  • Content Creation. Draft text, generate images and polish work using AI prompts.
  • Guided Learning. AI-driven study mode that helps understand concepts and complete assignments.
  • Cross-device Experience. Works on web, Windows, Mac, Edge and mobile with synced conversations.
  • Privacy Controls. AI responds only when invoked and respects existing Microsoft privacy settings.

Perplexity features

  • Cited Answers. Provides answers with references to the original sources.
  • Real-time Search. Retrieves up-to-date information from the web instantly.
  • Computer Search Mode. Enables AI-driven searches across the internet.
  • Work Projects. Allows users to create and manage AI-assisted projects.
  • Project Hand-off. Delivers polished, reliable deliverables around the clock.

Microsoft Copilot vs Perplexity FAQ

What is the difference between Microsoft Copilot and Perplexity?+

Perplexity: Focuses on answering questions with cited sources, not integrated across Microsoft apps.

Should I use Microsoft Copilot or Perplexity?+

Pick Microsoft Copilot if you want unified AI assistant across Microsoft ecosystem. Pick Perplexity if you want cited AI answers with source links, cited answer engine or a free tool.

Is Microsoft Copilot or Perplexity free?+

Microsoft Copilot has a free plan and paid plans. Perplexity is free.

Based on each tool's website and DevHunt data. Details may change; check the official sites.