Side Copilot vs ChatGPT Atlas Chat
You do not need another AI Browser.
As AI transforms how we browse the web, two standout tools are redefining productivity: ChatGPT Atlas and Side Copilot. Both bring artificial intelligence directly into your browsing experience — but they take very different approaches.
In this guide, we’ll explore what ChatGPT Atlas offers, how Side Copilot compares, and which delivers the best balance of automation, privacy, and workflow control for everyday users.
What is ChatGPT Atlas?
ChatGPT Atlas is OpenAI’s newly launched AI browser, designed to integrate ChatGPT natively into your web experience. It replaces traditional browsing with an assistant-powered environment that can understand and act on page content in real time.
Here’s what makes ChatGPT Atlas unique:
- Built-in ChatGPT Assistant – A persistent sidebar lets you summarize articles, compare products, or extract key points directly from any webpage.
- Agent Mode – Premium users (Plus, Pro, Business) can let ChatGPT take actions for them — opening tabs, filling forms, or running research steps.
- Memory & Context Awareness – Atlas can build “browser memories,” letting ChatGPT recall past sites and interactions for personalized results.
- macOS – Currently available for macOS, with Windows and mobile versions coming soon.
In short, ChatGPT Atlas represents the next generation of AI-driven browsers — but it comes with trade-offs around control and transparency.
What is Side Copilot?
Side Copilot is an AI browser extension developed by Side Space, built to turn your existing Chromium-based browser into a smart workspace.
Key Features of Side Copilot:
- Works in all common browsers (Chrome, Edge, Brave, Firefox) — no migration required.
- Two intelligent modes:
- Chat Mode for quick summaries, translations, and instant answers.
- Agent Mode for deeper automation like tab grouping, history analysis, and AI-driven research.
- 🪄 Customizable Shortcuts – Save repetitive commands for one-click execution.
- 🔐 BYOK (Bring Your Own Key) – Use your own OpenAI API key for full control over data and cost.
In short, Side Copilot turns your everyday browser into an AI-powered productivity hub.
ChatGPT Atlas vs Side Copilot: Detailed Comparison
| Feature | ChatGPT Atlas | Side Copilot (Extension) |
|---|---|---|
| Product type | Full standalone AI browser built around ChatGPT | Browser extension working in your current browser |
| AI assistant integration | Built-in ChatGPT sidebar & Agent Mode | Chat Mode + Agent Mode inside extension |
| Context awareness (tabs & content) | Strong: ChatGPT sees page context, uses memories | Strong: operates on tabs, windows, history via tools |
| Multi-step automation | Agent Mode supports actions (for paid users) | Deep automation: tab/window grouping, session restore, workflows |
| Custom shortcuts & workflow support | Under development | Full shortcuts support, workflow automation |
| BYOK / API key control | No public BYOK offering | BYOK support: you provide your own API key |
| Browser switching required | Yes: you must use Atlas browser | No: you keep your current browser and add AI extension |
| Privacy & security concerns | Some red-flags: vulnerabilities, memory control issues | Lower exposure: uses existing browser security model, opt-in tools |
| Ideal for | Users wanting an AI-first browser experience | Researchers, power users, workflows needing automation |
Why Side Copilot Often Delivers More Automation for Productivity
- No browser migration required
Switching browsers can disrupt workflows, extensions, settings, bookmarks. Side Copilot lets you stay in your familiar environment. - Tailored for automation not just chat
Atlas leans heavily on chat plus AI tasks; Side Copilot emphasizes automation of everyday workspace tasks (grouping tabs, organizing windows, summarizing research, restoring sessions). - Privacy & control via BYOK
If you care about how AI APIs are used, BYOK is a strong benefit: you keep key and usage control instead of depending on vendor infrastructure. - Scalable for multi-tab, multi-window workflows
For researchers, developers, productivity-heavy users who open dozens of tabs/windows, Side Copilot’s toolset gives fine-grained control.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
- Choose ChatGPT Atlas if you’re okay with switching to a new browser, want deep AI integration per tab, and prefer a “browser built for AI” model.
- Choose Side Copilot if you want to keep your current browser setup, need heavy automation, custom workflows, and prefer control / privacy.
For most productivity-driven professionals, Side Copilot offers a more balanced, flexible, and privacy-friendly approach to AI browsing.