Google and Microsoft both offer AI chatbots with free versions, but the paid versions come with more features. Google recently released Gemini Advanced, a chatbot that is part of the Google One AI Premium suite, directly competing with Microsoft’s Copilot Pro service integrated into Office applications. So, which package deal is better? Let’s take a closer look.
Gemini Advanced and Microsoft Copilot Pro are both available at competitive prices. Users can subscribe to either service for $20 per month, granting access to a similar set of productivity tools and services.
Google is currently offering a free two-month trial for both web and mobile users, but the duration of this offer is uncertain. On the other hand, Microsoft provides a one-month free trial for Copilot Pro to users who download the Copilot mobile app on iOS or Android devices.
Signing up for either service is straightforward. To register for any Gemini service, free or paid, you need a Google account and email. Similarly, for Copilot Pro, you need a Microsoft email address for sign-up. If you don’t have a Google or Microsoft email, creating an account is free.
Gemini Advanced is a newer AI offering from Google. It combines the original Bard chatbot and the Duet AI-powered productivity suite under the Gemini brand. Running on the Gemini Ultra 1.0 large language model, the chatbot is marketed as Google’s most powerful to date. Together with various Google One perks, the company promotes the Google One AI Premium tier for consumers.
Microsoft has collaborated with OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, since 2021. This partnership has allowed Microsoft to integrate GPT LLMs across its product offerings, including the Edge browser, Designer app, and 365 productivity programs. Initially named Bing Chat, the GPT-powered chatbot was later rebranded as Copilot and has been implemented across Microsoft’s AI product lineup.
Microsoft Copilot Pro runs on the GPT-4 and GPT-4 Turbo LLMs, offering users priority access and faster performance during peak traffic. In addition to exclusive access to GPT-4, Copilot Pro users benefit from AI-powered features in Microsoft’s productivity and creativity applications.
Similar to Google’s Gemini Advanced, the $20 Copilot Pro tier includes Copilot integration in Office apps like Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
The chart above shows that Microsoft also offers a more expensive $30 tier designed for organizations, providing administrator-level features such as Copilot integration in Teams and Microsoft Graph Grounding.
Gemini Advanced is relatively new and has not undergone extensive testing by industry experts, although it has received approval from Google’s research and development teams. It is suitable for tasks like coding, logical reasoning, following complex instructions, and creative collaboration. The chatbot is known for its long-form content output style, akin to ChatGPT Plus, and allows an unlimited number of replies in a single conversation.
Google bundles Gemini Advanced with its Workspace suite of apps and plans to integrate Gemini functionality into Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet. This integration will enable users to expedite tasks with AI-generated prompts, such as composing email responses.
Microsoft Copilot Pro has been tested for high-performance integration with Microsoft 365 applications, making it ideal for coding, concise outputs, and AI-driven creativity. Highlight features of Copilot Pro include faster AI image creation, with the ability to generate 100 images daily in the Designer app, and creating custom Copilot GPTs using the Copilot Builder tool.
In conclusion, both Gemini Advanced and Copilot Pro offer advanced AI capabilities tailored to different user needs. Gemini Advanced is more focused on productivity tasks and offers a longer free trial period, making it a compelling choice for individuals within the Google ecosystem. On the other hand, Copilot Pro targets creativity and developer-focused tasks, with deeper integration with Microsoft 365 applications, making it a strong option for users who prefer Microsoft products.
While both services have their strengths, the choice between Gemini Advanced and Copilot Pro ultimately depends on individual preferences and workflows. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, users have the flexibility to explore and adapt to the latest innovations in AI technology.
