Microsoft Teams
Reviewed by Alexis Morain · Updated July 19, 2026
Microsoft Teams brings together chat, video calls, and file sharing, integrated with Microsoft 365. Free version available, paid plans from $4/user/month.
The default collaboration tool for companies on Microsoft 365, unbeatable for its native integration, less nimble than Slack for tech teams.
- Native integration with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Often already included in a paid subscription
- Less nimble and smooth than Slack for some teams
Microsoft Teams is Microsoft's collaboration platform: team messaging, video conferencing, calls, and file sharing, all built into the Microsoft 365 suite. It's one of the most widely deployed workplace tools, often the default choice at organizations already running Microsoft.
What is Microsoft Teams used for?
You chat in team channels, launch video meetings, and share and co-edit Office documents directly inside the app. Its native integration with Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Outlook is its main strength: for an organization already on Microsoft 365, Teams is the natural extension of the desktop. Thousands of third-party apps plug in as well.
Microsoft Teams or Slack?
Compared with Slack, often seen as more nimble and popular with tech teams, Teams wins through its Microsoft 365 integration and inclusion in subscriptions already being paid for. Compared with Discord, which targets consumers, Teams is clearly built for business. The choice mostly comes down to ecosystem: on Microsoft, Teams wins out; elsewhere, Slack often appeals more.
How much does Microsoft Teams cost?
A free version exists. Paid plans start at $4 per user/month (Teams Essentials), then move through Microsoft 365 Business Basic (around $7), Standard (around $14), and Premium (around $22), billed annually. Prices are listed in dollars; a euro pricing grid exists for France, and increases were announced for mid-2026.
Pros & Cons
- Native integration with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Often already included in a paid subscription
- Chat, video, calls, and sharing in one place
- EU data residency options
- Less nimble and smooth than Slack for some teams
- Pricing and tier names worth verifying (FR grid, 2026 increases)
- Full potential tied to the Microsoft ecosystem
Key features of Microsoft Teams
Team channels
Messaging organized by project or team
Video conferencing
Built-in video meetings and calls
Office co-editing
Shared Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents
Integrations
Microsoft 365 and thousands of third-party apps
Microsoft Teams pricing
Microsoft Teams has a free version (basic meetings and chat). Paid plans start at $4 per user/month (Teams Essentials), then Microsoft 365 Business Basic (around $7, Teams included), Business Standard (around $14), and Business Premium (around $22), billed annually. Prices are listed in dollars; a euro pricing grid exists for France, with increases announced for mid-2026.
Free plan / trial
Free version: basic video meetings and chat messaging for small teams, without the full Office apps or advanced administration.
Free
Meetings and chat · Basic collaboration · Small teams
$0
Teams Essentials
Extended meetings · Support · Without the rest of Office
$4 per user/month (annual)
Business Basic
Teams included · Office web apps · Business email
~$7 per user/month (annual)
Business Standard
Desktop Office · Full features · Webinars
~$14 per user/month (annual)
Pricing verified on July 12, 2026
Try Microsoft TeamsWho is Microsoft Teams for?
Best for
- Organizations already on Microsoft 365
- Companies wanting collaboration and Office combined
- Teams needing EU data residency options
Not recommended for
- Tech teams preferring Slack's agility
- Consumer communities (Discord fits better)
Want to try Microsoft Teams?
Head to the official site and the current offer.
Frequently asked questions about Microsoft Teams
Is Microsoft Teams free?▼
Microsoft Teams or Slack?▼
Does Teams offer European hosting?▼
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