Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Microsoft 365 Copilot · 🧠 notes & knowledge
Microsoft 365 Copilot vs Onyx
An open-source platform that connects to 40+ apps to provide intelligent search and AI assistance across all company information Here is how Onyx ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Microsoft 365 Copilot ($10/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Onyx is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Microsoft 365 Copilot. Switching from Microsoft 365 Copilot ($10/mo) saves $120/yr per solo seat, or $600/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Microsoft 365 Copilot vs Onyx Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Microsoft 365 Copilot (Paid) | Onyx (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $10 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $120 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $120) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $600 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $600) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $1,200 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,200) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 33.3k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Microsoft 365 Copilot to Onyx
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Microsoft 365 Copilot.
How to deploy Onyx
Clone https://github.com/onyx-dot-app/onyx or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
Where your data lives
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
Why fork Onyx instead of vibe-coding a Microsoft 365 Copilot clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Microsoft 365 Copilot or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 2 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Onyx.
Microsoft 365 Copilot vs Onyx FAQ
Is Onyx a good free alternative to Microsoft 365 Copilot?+
Yes. Onyx is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Microsoft 365 Copilot. An open-source platform that connects to 40+ apps to provide intelligent search and AI assistance across all company information
What is the catch when switching from Microsoft 365 Copilot to Onyx?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Microsoft 365 Copilot.
How much do you save switching from Microsoft 365 Copilot to Onyx?+
Microsoft 365 Copilot costs $10/mo ($120/yr) per seat, whereas Onyx is $0/mo. Switching saves $120/yr for a solo user, $600/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,200/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Onyx instead of Microsoft 365 Copilot?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/onyx-dot-app/onyx or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
