Why Users Still Prefer ChatGPT Over Microsoft Copilot Despite Major Investments

Microsoft Copilot vs. ChatGPT: User Preferences in the Generative AI Arena

Despite Microsoft’s significant efforts to promote its AI assistant Copilot, recent industry analysis indicates that users continue to favor OpenAI’s ChatGPT for a variety of productivity and research tasks.

Growing Tensions Between Microsoft and OpenAI

Microsoft’s multi-billion-dollar partnership with OpenAI has played a crucial role in the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence tools across its ecosystem. However, the strategic relationship between the two companies is showing signs of strain—especially as OpenAI makes moves toward becoming a fully profit-driven entity. This shift has raised concerns about alignment and long-term vision, even as Microsoft remains one of the leading investors with over $14 billion committed to OpenAI.

Feature Comparison: Similarities and Distinctions

According to Jeff Teper, Microsoft Teams’ head, both Copilot and ChatGPT deliver largely similar functionalities based on generative AI technologies. Copilot offers enhanced security features and a more professional user interface—key points for enterprise adoption. Nevertheless, Mustafa Suleyman, who leads Microsoft's AI division, recently admitted that Microsoft’s own AI models still lag OpenAI by three to six months in terms of development and capabilities.

Enterprise Adoption Trends: Why Some Corporations Are Switching

A Bloomberg report highlights a growing trend among enterprise customers who are bypassing Copilot in favor of using ChatGPT directly. For example, global biotech company Amgen initially planned to purchase 20,000 Copilot licenses for its staff. However, after evaluating both solutions, Amgen shifted its focus to ChatGPT, citing its superior performance in research and summarization of scientific documents. Sean Bruich, Amgen’s Senior Vice President, acknowledged Copilot’s value when integrated with Microsoft tools like Outlook and Teams, but stated that the overall experience is better with ChatGPT.

Usage Metrics and Market Impact

The popularity gap is evident in user engagement statistics. In February 2025, ChatGPT recorded approximately 173 million monthly visits, vastly outpacing Copilot’s 98 million. Despite Microsoft’s claim that 70% of Fortune 500 companies have adopted Copilot and three million businesses have subscribed to its paid version, user complaints regarding Copilot’s lower quality compared to ChatGPT are common. Microsoft attributes many concerns to improper usage and has responded by launching the Copilot Academy, aiming to help users craft more effective AI prompts.

Future Outlook: Competition and Collaboration in AI Innovation

As the generative AI software market continues to expand, competition between established products like ChatGPT and enterprise-focused solutions such as Copilot intensifies. Microsoft is cautiously navigating the evolving dynamics of its partnership with OpenAI amid ongoing debate over profit models. Tech professionals and global organizations are closely watching how independent AI technologies will further shape productivity, user experience, and digital research workflows.