---
title: "Microsoft Teams Pricing, Features & Alternatives (2026)"
description: "Microsoft Teams review: Communication tool — Free tier, plans, pros & cons, and the best Microsoft Teams alternatives compared for startups in 2026."
source: https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/microsoft-teams
retrieved: 2026-09-02
---

![Microsoft Teams logo](https://www.google.com/s2/favicons?domain=microsoft.com&sz=128)

[Communication](https://appstackbuilder.com/categories/communication)Free tier

# Microsoft Teams: Pricing, Features & Alternatives

Microsoft Teams is a collaboration hub combining chat, video meetings, file sharing, and app integrations, deeply tied into Microsoft 365\. A free tier covers basic chat and meetings; paid comes via Microsoft 365 Business plans.

Category

Communication

Pricing

Free tier available

Free tier

Yes

Best for

Communication — chat, video

[Visit Microsoft Teams official site](https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-teams/)

## Microsoft Teams Pricing Plans (2026)

| Plan                   | Price                             | Highlights                                           |
| ---------------------- | --------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| FreePopular            | $0 (basic chat + meetings)        | Unlimited chat · Group video meetings · File sharing |
| Microsoft 365 Business | Paid (from \~$4/user/mo via M365) | Longer meetings · Office apps · Admin & security     |

Pricing summary: Free. Always confirm current pricing on the official site.

## Key Microsoft Teams Features

* ✓Unlimited chat
* ✓Group video meetings
* ✓File sharing
* ✓App integrations

### ✓ Pros

* +Deep Microsoft 365 integration
* +Enterprise-grade security
* +Free tier available
* +Ubiquitous in enterprise

### ✗ Cons

* −Best inside the MS ecosystem
* −Heavier than Slack/Discord

## Best Microsoft Teams Alternatives

[Compare all ](https://appstackbuilder.com/tool-alternatives/microsoft-teams)

[![Zulip logo](https://www.google.com/s2/favicons?domain=zulip.com&sz=128)ZulipFree · paid from $6.67/mo](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/zulip)[![Mattermost logo](https://www.google.com/s2/favicons?domain=mattermost.com&sz=128)MattermostFree](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/mattermost)[![Rocket.Chat logo](https://www.google.com/s2/favicons?domain=rocket.chat&sz=128)Rocket.ChatFree](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/rocket-chat)[![Discord logo](https://appstackbuilder.com/discord.svg)DiscordFree · paid from $9.99/mo](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/discord)[![Slack logo](https://appstackbuilder.com/slack.svg)SlackFree · paid from $8.75/mo](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/slack)

## Microsoft Teams Compared

[Microsoft Teams vs Zulip](https://appstackbuilder.com/compare/microsoft-teams-vs-zulip)[Microsoft Teams vs Zoom](https://appstackbuilder.com/compare/microsoft-teams-vs-zoom)[Microsoft Teams vs Google Meet](https://appstackbuilder.com/compare/google-meet-vs-microsoft-teams)[Microsoft Teams vs Mattermost](https://appstackbuilder.com/compare/mattermost-vs-microsoft-teams)[Microsoft Teams vs Rocket.Chat](https://appstackbuilder.com/compare/microsoft-teams-vs-rocket-chat)

## Microsoft Teams FAQ

What is Microsoft Teams used for?⌄

Microsoft Teams is a communication tool. Team chat, video meetings, and collaboration deeply integrated with Microsoft 365\. Free tier available.

Is Microsoft Teams free?⌄

Yes — Microsoft Teams has a free tier you can start with, and paid plans for more usage and features.

How much does Microsoft Teams cost?⌄

Microsoft Teams is free to use, with usage-based pricing on some features.

What are the best Microsoft Teams alternatives?⌄

Popular Microsoft Teams alternatives include Zulip, Mattermost, Rocket.Chat, Discord, Slack. Compare pricing and features on our Microsoft Teams alternatives page.

## Not sure if Microsoft Teams fits your stack?

Get a free, AI-powered tech stack tailored to your budget, app type, and team size — including the best communication pick for you.

[Build my stack free ](https://appstackbuilder.com/)