Mail2Action vs. Copilot in Outlook and Gemini in Gmail
Copilot in Outlook and Gemini in Gmail each give you a quick text summary inside one mail app. Mail2Action works in both Gmail and Outlook on the web and adds action items with owners and due dates, plus a timeline, reply tree, and decision flowchart of the thread.
Pick the built-in assistant for quick summaries on any device. Pick Mail2Action when you need to understand and act on long threads.
Updated
Add to Chrome — It's FreeHow do they compare?
| Feature |  Mail2Action | Copilot in Outlook | Gemini in Gmail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mailboxes | Gmail and Outlook on the web | Outlook: work/school accounts and Outlook.com. Not Gmail accounts added to Outlook. | Gmail only |
| Where it runs | Chrome on desktop (side panel) | Outlook for Windows, Mac, web, iOS, Android | Gmail on the web and mobile apps |
| Thread summary | Yes: context, decisions, open questions | Yes, with citations to the messages | Yes; automatic summary cards on mobile |
| Action items | Task list with owner and due date; CSV export (Pro) | Not a dedicated view | Suggests reminders for tasks with a due date |
| Visuals | Timeline, reply tree, decision flowchart; SVG/PNG export (Pro) | No | No |
| AI model | Included AI, or your own key: OpenAI, Gemini, Claude, Grok | No | No |
| Cost | Free (30 runs/month); Pro $5.99/month or $44.99/year; unlimited with your own key | Depends on your Microsoft 365 plan and Copilot license | Depends on your Google account or Workspace plan |
| Training on email | Never stored or logged; not used for training | Not used to train foundation models (Microsoft 365) | Not used for training without permission (Workspace) |
Checked October 2026 against Microsoft and Google documentation (sources below). Plans and availability change often; check with your provider.
When is Copilot or Gemini the better choice?
- You read most email on your phone or in the Outlook desktop app — Mail2Action is desktop Chrome only.
- Your company already pays for Microsoft 365 Copilot or Gemini and has rolled it out.
- You only need a short text summary, not action items or a picture of the discussion.
- Your IT department does not allow browser extensions.
When is Mail2Action the better choice?
- You work in both Gmail and Outlook and want one tool with the same results in both.
- You inherit long threads and need to see who said what, who objected, and what was decided — see the email thread visualizer.
- You want an action-item list with owners and deadlines you can copy or export.
- You don't have a Copilot license, or want to choose your own AI model and provider.
Sources
- Microsoft: Summarize an email thread with Copilot in Outlook
- Microsoft: Data, privacy, and security for Microsoft 365 Copilot
- Google: Summarize emails with Gemini in Gmail
- Google: Generative AI in Google Workspace privacy hub
Microsoft, Copilot, and Outlook are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Google, Gemini, and Gmail are trademarks of Google LLC. Mail2Action is not affiliated with Microsoft or Google.