Software directory
Microsoft TeamsFree / $4/mo Essentials / $6/mo Business Basic

Microsoft Teams combines chat, video meetings, file storage, and app integrations in one platform. It's deeply integrated with Microsoft 365 and widely deployed in enterprises.

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6 Microsoft Teams Alternatives in 2026

Considerations for Microsoft Teams

  • Complex interface — finding features requires too many clicks
  • Performance is heavy compared to Slack or Discord
  • Deeply tied to Microsoft ecosystem — hard to mix with non-Microsoft tools
6 alternatives comparedConfirm current terms with providers
Slack
Best for: Team messaging
Free
Slack is the leading team messaging platform. Channels, threads, and deep integrations with 2,400+ apps make it the default communication layer for tech companies.
  • Leading team messaging platform
  • Channels, threads, and deep integrations with 2,400+ apps
  • Free tier available
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free / $7.25/mo Pro / $15/mo Business+
Mattermost
Best for: Mattermost is an open-source Slack alternative built
FreeOpen SourceBest Value
Mattermost is an open-source Slack alternative built for teams that need full data control. Deploy on your own servers with enterprise-grade security and compliance.
  • Self-host on your infrastructure — complete data ownership
  • Slash commands, bots, and integrations similar to Slack
  • SOC 2 and FedRAMP-compatible for regulated industries
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free (self-host) / $10/seat/mo Professional
Rocket.Chat
Best for: Open-source team messaging
FreeOpen SourceBest Value
Rocket.Chat is a fully open-source communications platform with messaging, video calls, live chat, and omnichannel support. Self-host or use their cloud.
  • Omnichannel — handle team chat and customer support in one app
  • Built-in video conferencing with no third-party required
  • 800+ community apps and integrations
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free (open source) / Cloud from $7/seat/mo
Zulip
Best for: Open-source team chat organised by topic threads
FreeOpen SourceBest Value
Zulip is open-source team chat that organises every conversation into a stream and topic, so long discussions stay readable and can be caught up on later. It can be self-hosted for free or used on Zulip Cloud, whose free plan keeps 10,000 messages of search history.
  • Topic-based threading keeps conversations separate
  • Self-host for free with all features
  • Cloud Standard adds unlimited history for $6.67 per user per month
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free (self-host or Cloud Free) / $6.67/user/mo Cloud Standard
Element
Best for: Encrypted, decentralised team chat on Matrix
FreeOpen SourceBest Value
Element is an open-source messaging app for the Matrix network, with end-to-end encryption, rooms, voice and video calls. Teams can use a public server, run their own Matrix homeserver, or pay Element for hosting and enterprise support.
  • End-to-end encrypted chat, voice and video
  • Decentralised Matrix network with optional self-hosting
  • Bridges to other chat networks
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free (app) / paid hosting for organisations
Zoom
Best for: Video meetings & webinars
Free
Zoom is the most popular video conferencing platform. Reliable for meetings, webinars, and virtual events with hardware-agnostic support.
  • Most popular video conferencing platform
  • Reliable for meetings, webinars
  • Free tier available
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free / $13.33/mo Pro / $18.33/mo Business