JENA vs Microsoft 365 Copilot
Help inside Microsoft's apps, or a team of AI employees that works across all of yours.
Side by side
| JENA | Microsoft 365 Copilot | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A team of AI employees for your business | AI inside Microsoft 365 appsMC1 |
| Where it works | A Windows app connected to 36 apps, including Gmail, Slack, Notion, Xero and HubSpot | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and TeamsMC1 |
| Agents | Employees with roles you set, such as researcher or marketer, who share work | Pre-built agents such as Researcher, Analyst and FacilitatorMC1 |
| Before it acts | Anything that sends, posts or pays waits for your approval | Set by your Microsoft 365 admin and agent settings; see Microsoft's documentation |
| What you need | A Windows PC and a NOVA account | An eligible Microsoft 365 business plan; Copilot is an add-onMC1 |
| Price | From NZ$29 a month for up to 3 AI employees, 7-day free trial | US$21 per user a month paid yearly, or US$25.20 monthly; a first-year promotion lowers the yearly price to US$18MC1 |
Inside your apps, or across them
Microsoft 365 Copilot works inside the Microsoft apps you already use. It drafts in Word, analyses in Excel and sums up in Outlook and Teams. If your whole business lives in Microsoft 365, that is a strong fit.
JENA works across apps. Your AI employees can research on the web, draft in Gmail, update Notion and check Xero, all in one job, and only with the apps you allow each one to use.
Agents you shape
Copilot comes with ready-made agents for research and analysis. In JENA you build the team: pick from 12 ready-made roles or write your own, give each one instructions in your words, and they hand work to each other.
Why small businesses choose JENA over Copilot
- Whole jobs, not help inside one app. Brief a job once and your team researches, drafts and updates your tools until it is done.
- Works with the tools you actually use. Google, Slack, Xero, HubSpot, Shopify and Outlook, 36 apps in all.
- Your team, your way. 12 ready-made roles or your own, each with instructions in your words.
- Nothing goes out without you. Every email, post and payment waits for your yes, and every action is recorded.
- No per-person pricing. From NZ$29 a month for up to 3 AI employees, with no Microsoft 365 plan needed.
When Copilot might suit you instead
If your whole team already works in Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams on an eligible Microsoft 365 plan, and you mainly want help inside those apps, Copilot fits.
Can I use both?
Yes. JENA works alongside Microsoft 365, and can connect to Outlook.
Sources
Competitor facts checked on their own sites on 22 October 2026. Products and prices change, so check each vendor's page before you decide.
Microsoft, Microsoft 365 and Copilot are trademarks of Microsoft. JENA is not affiliated with Microsoft.
Questions
Is JENA a Microsoft Copilot alternative?
Yes, for small businesses that want AI employees doing whole jobs across many apps. If you mainly want AI inside Word, Excel and Outlook, Copilot fits better.
Does Microsoft 365 Copilot need a Microsoft 365 plan?
Yes. Microsoft lists Copilot Business as an add-on for existing customers with an eligible Microsoft 365 business plan.
Does JENA work with Outlook?
Yes. Outlook is one of JENA's 36 app connections, alongside Gmail, Google Calendar and Slack.
Which is cheaper for a small team?
It depends on team size. Copilot is priced per user. JENA is priced per workspace, from NZ$29 a month for up to 3 AI employees.
Try it on a real job.
Download JENA free for 7 days and give your first employee something you would normally do yourself.