In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made a major impact on productivity tools. Whether you’re writing code or working on documents, AI assistants have started changing the way we work. Two big names in the AI space from Microsoft are GitHub Copilot and Microsoft Copilot. At first glance, they may seem similar—but they serve very different purposes.
If you’re confused about GitHub Copilot vs Microsoft Copilot, this guide will help you understand what each tool does, how they are different, what GitHub Copilot X is, pricing details, and more. Let’s break it down.
GitHub Copilot is an AI coding assistant developed by GitHub, a platform owned by Microsoft. It is powered by OpenAI’s Codex and helps developers write code faster by providing real-time code suggestions inside popular code editors like Visual Studio Code, Neovim, and JetBrains IDEs.
GitHub Copilot works like a super-smart code autocomplete tool. As you type, it suggests entire lines or even blocks of code. It understands the context of your file, programming language, and previous code to generate helpful suggestions.
Code suggestions based on AI
Support for multiple languages like Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Go, and more
Real-time help while writing code
Integration with popular IDEs
Learns from open-source code and developer patterns
Microsoft Copilot (also known as Microsoft 365 Copilot) is a broader AI assistant designed for productivity applications like Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams. It uses AI models to help you create documents, analyze data, draft emails, build presentations, and manage tasks.
It’s not focused on code, but on general business productivity. Microsoft Copilot is built directly into Microsoft 365 apps and helps you be more efficient in daily office tasks.
AI suggestions in Word (e.g., generate content from prompts)
Smart Excel analysis (e.g., explain formulas, automate calculations)
Email writing help in Outlook
Slide creation and editing in PowerPoint
Collaboration features in Microsoft Teams
Available in Windows and web versions
Here’s a clear breakdown of GitHub Copilot vs Microsoft Copilot:
| Feature | GitHub Copilot | Microsoft Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Code generation and assistance | Office and productivity support |
| Target Users | Developers, coders | Business professionals, general users |
| Tools Integrated With | Visual Studio Code, IDEs | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook |
| AI Model Used | OpenAI Codex / GPT | OpenAI GPT-4 and Microsoft Graph |
| Platform | GitHub and IDEs | Microsoft 365 applications |
| Pricing | Subscription-based | Available through Microsoft 365 plans |
So, if you write code, GitHub Copilot is your AI partner. If you work with spreadsheets, documents, or emails, Microsoft Copilot is more suitable.
GitHub Copilot X is the next generation of GitHub Copilot. It is a more advanced version powered by GPT-4 and offers features like chat assistance, pull request help, documentation support, and voice commands.
It aims to bring a complete developer experience by adding chat-based coding support right inside your editor.
Copilot Chat: Ask questions about your code inside your IDE
Pull Request Support: Auto-generate summaries and review suggestions
Docs Q&A: Ask technical questions and get answers from documentation
Voice Commands: Use natural language to interact with code
GitHub Copilot X is still rolling out gradually, and some features are in preview mode.
The original GitHub Copilot gives inline code suggestions. But Copilot X adds a conversational interface, enhanced by GPT-4, so you can talk to your code in natural language.
Copilot X supports chat and code explanation
It helps with documentation and pull request management
Built on GPT-4 (whereas the original Copilot used Codex/GPT-3)
More developer-friendly AI capabilities
Still being released in stages (not fully available to all users)
As of now, GitHub Copilot is priced at:
$10/month for individuals
$19/month per user for businesses (includes admin controls and policy settings)
Copilot X does not yet have a separate pricing structure—it is being gradually integrated into the GitHub Copilot experience. Some features may be added at no extra cost, while others might be available in higher-tier plans later.
Microsoft Copilot is available through Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Pricing is generally:
Microsoft 365 Copilot: $30/month per user (enterprise plan)
Included only in business-level and enterprise plans (not in personal or family plans yet)
It is being rolled out across Microsoft apps on Windows, web, and mobile. If you use Microsoft 365 for work, your organization may already have access.
Yes. Both Microsoft Copilot and GitHub Copilot use technology developed by OpenAI and are part of Microsoft’s broader AI ecosystem. However, they are used in different environments.
GitHub Copilot is for code.
Microsoft Copilot is for documents, communication, and business work.
Both rely on powerful AI models like GPT-4, and both are improving rapidly. Microsoft integrates OpenAI’s models into many tools, creating a wide range of AI-powered experiences.
To simplify things:
Use GitHub Copilot if you are a software developer, engineer, or student writing code.
Use Microsoft Copilot if you write documents, analyze spreadsheets, make presentations, or manage emails and meetings.
You don’t have to choose just one. If your work involves both coding and business tasks, you can use both side by side.
GitHub Copilot X features are being rolled out gradually. You can sign up for early access or keep using GitHub Copilot to get updates as they roll out. Microsoft has not shared a public release date for full Copilot X availability yet.
For now, some features are in preview, especially in Visual Studio Code and GitHub Codespaces.
If you are a developer, GitHub Copilot (or Copilot X) is a powerful tool that will save you time and help you write better code.
If you are a business user, Microsoft Copilot will make you more productive by helping with writing, analyzing, and planning tasks.
Both tools are based on cutting-edge AI and are part of Microsoft’s plan to bring AI into every workflow.
Q1: Is GitHub Copilot the same as Microsoft Copilot?
No, GitHub Copilot is for coding; Microsoft Copilot is for productivity apps like Word and Excel.
Q2: Can I use GitHub Copilot in Microsoft Word or Excel?
No, GitHub Copilot is not meant for Office tools. You need Microsoft Copilot for that.
Q3: Is GitHub Copilot X free?
Currently, GitHub Copilot X features are being tested. Some may be included in the standard GitHub Copilot plan.
Q4: What is the price of GitHub Copilot?
It’s $10/month for individuals and $19/month per user for businesses.
Q5: Do I need Microsoft 365 to use Microsoft Copilot?
Yes, you need a valid Microsoft 365 business or enterprise subscription.
Q6: Can I use both GitHub Copilot and Microsoft Copilot together?
Yes, if you work on code and office tasks, both tools can be used side by side.
AI is reshaping how we work, and both GitHub Copilot and Microsoft Copilot are leading the charge. Choose the one that fits your work style—and get ready to work faster and smarter with AI by your side.
If you’re ready to explore GitHub Copilot or Microsoft Copilot, start with the free trials or check with your organization for access. AI is no longer the future. It’s already here.
