Looking for a Microsoft Teams alternative? You’ve come to the right place!
Microsoft Teams is a powerful tool for instant messaging, document sharing, and video conferencing. However, it’s not the best fit for every team. Just because it’s from a well-known name doesn’t mean it’s the best collaboration software out there.
High subscription costs, a steep learning curve for new users, limited features in the free version, and compatibility challenges with non-Microsoft tools are just a few reasons why many teams are looking for better options.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top Microsoft Teams alternatives to help you find the perfect collaboration tool for your team.
What to look for in Microsoft Teams alternatives
When evaluating alternatives, keep the following essential features in mind:
Ease of use: Look for tools with an intuitive interface and a minimal learning curve.
Core features: Ensure the tool includes chat, video conferencing, file sharing, task management, and integrations.
Pricing: Compare free vs. paid options and assess their value for money.
Scalability: Consider whether the tool suits small teams, startups, or large enterprises.
Customization: Open-source or flexible tools can cater to specific needs.
Think about your team’s unique requirements before diving into the list of alternatives.
Microsoft Teams alternatives at a glance
Here’s a comparison of the best alternatives, highlighting core features and whether free plans are available.
8 best Microsoft Teams alternatives in 2025
Lark - Best overall Microsoft Teams alternative
Lark is the ultimate Microsoft Teams alternative, offering an all-in-one super app that brings every aspect of teamwork onto a single platform. Lark boosts efficiency by combining messaging, virtual meetings, document collaboration, file sharing, project management, and workflow automation in one place.
Key features
Chat privately or in groups, @mention colleagues, send files, add custom bots, and even schedule messages for different time zones with Lark Messenger.
Co-create and edit documents in real time with Lark Docs. An advanced alternative to Microsoft Office, where you can @mention teammates and track updates seamlessly.
Host audio and video calls, share your screen or documents, and collaborate on an interactive whiteboard in Lark Meetings. Real-time translation is also available, making global communication effortless.
Plan and schedule meetings with Lark Calendar. View your colleagues' availability and sync changes instantly with all attendees.
Create business systems, organize projects, assign tasks, automate workflows, and track progress in real time using Lark Base. Perfect for CRM, project management, data tracking, and more.
Ideal for: Remote teams, startups, and businesses seeking a cost-effective yet powerful alternative.
Pricing:
Starter plan: Free plan that includes 11 powerful tools for up to 20 users. It also comes with 100GB of storage, 1000 automation runs, AI translations, and more.
Pro plan: $12/user/month (billed annually) for up to 500 users. It includes everything in Starter plus group calling for up to 500 attendees, 15TB of storage, 50,000 automation runs, and more.
Enterprise plan: Contact sales for custom pricing. Supports unlimited users and includes even more automation runs and advanced security, compliance, and management features.
Slack - Best for instant messaging and channels
Image source: pcmag.com
If your team relies heavily on group messaging and integrations, Slack is an ideal Microsoft Teams alternative. Known for its intuitive interface and robust chat features, Slack has become a go-to tool for fostering communication and connection among remote teams.
Key features
Create dedicated channels for projects, topics, or teams, and stay on track with direct messaging.
Connect seamlessly with apps like Zoom, Trello, and Google Drive to streamline your workflow.
Easily share files and access searchable message history for quick information retrieval.
Use Slack Connect to communicate and collaborate securely with partners or clients outside your organization.
Ideal for: Remote teams focused on messaging and integrations.
Pricing: Free plan available with limited features. Paid plans start at $7.25 per month/user.
Compare Slack vs the best team communication tools.
Zoom - Best video conferencing software available
Image source: zoom.com
For high-quality video conferencing, Zoom stands out as a great replacement for Microsoft Teams. Renowned for its user-friendly design, Zoom is perfect for everything from casual check-ins to large-scale virtual events. Its advanced features, like breakout rooms and meeting recordings, make it an excellent choice for teams seeking a reliable tool for professional communication.
Key features
Conduct virtual meetings with crystal-clear video and sound, ensuring effective communication.
Enable smaller group discussions, ideal for brainstorming or targeted collaboration.
Manage and present to larger audiences with tools tailored for webinars.
Share content effortlessly and save recordings for future reference.
Ideal For: Teams prioritizing video and audio calling.
Pricing: Free plan available for personal use. Paid plans start at $13.33 per month/user.
Google Meet - Best for Google Workspace teams
Image source: google.com
For teams looking to migrate from the Microsoft ecosystem to Google’s suite of tools, Google Meet is an ideal choice. As part of the “Google Teams” equivalent to Microsoft Teams, this simple, browser-based video conferencing platform is seamlessly integrated with Google Workspace, making it a natural fit for teams already using Google’s productivity tools.
Key features
Easily connect with Google Calendar, Gmail, and other Google tools for a smooth workflow.
Join meetings directly through your browser—no downloads or installations needed.
Enable real-time captions in multiple languages, improving accessibility during meetings.
Ideal for: Teams already using Google Workspace or those considering switching to Google products such as Google Chat.
Pricing: Free option available. Paid plans start at $6 per month/user for Google Workspace.
Rocket.Chat - Best open-source alternative
Image source: significa.co
For teams seeking a secure and customizable alternative to Microsoft Teams, Rocket.Chat stands out as a powerful choice. This platform gives organizations full control over their messaging environment, ensuring privacy and flexibility while catering to specific team needs.
Key features
Deploy Rocket.Chat on your own servers to maintain full control over sensitive information.
Adapt the platform’s look, feel, and functionality to meet your team’s specific needs.
Leverage the open-source community for continuous innovation and custom solutions.
Ideal for: Tech-savvy teams or organizations looking for a secure, customizable communication platform with full control over their data.
Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $4 per month/user.
ClickUp - Best for project management workflows
Image source: clickup.com
ClickUp offers a versatile solution that merges project management and collaboration into a single platform. With its customizable workflows and comprehensive features, ClickUp empowers teams to streamline complex processes while keeping everyone aligned.
Key features
Manage tasks, track time, and communicate via built-in chat tools.
Adapt ClickUp to fit your team’s unique needs with flexible task and project views.
Connect seamlessly with other apps and tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Zoom for an efficient workflow.
Ideal for: Teams looking to combine collaboration and project management in one tool.
Pricing: Free plan for personal use. Paid plans start at $7 per month/user.
Spike - Best for email and chat-focused teams
Image source: g2.com
Spike offers a fresh approach by transforming traditional email into a chat-like experience. As Microsoft Outlook is not built directly into Microsoft Teams, it can be a hassle to toggle between these tools. In contrast, Spike combines email, chat, and collaboration in one platform, making communication seamless and more efficient.
Key features
Email, chat, and collaboration are all available in one intuitive app.
Work together on documents in real time without leaving the platform.
Transform email threads into chat-style conversations for a more conversational approach to email.
Ideal for: Teams that want to streamline communication by combining email and chat into a single, cohesive platform.
Pricing: Free plan for 3 users. Paid plans start at $4 per month/user.
Mattermost - Best secure open-source platform for developers and IT
Image source: mattermost.com
For teams in need of a secure, self-hosted alternative to Microsoft Teams, Mattermost is another open-source solution. Unlike Teams, which requires external integrations for advanced workflows, Mattermost is designed to integrate smoothly with DevOps tools while offering customizable workflows to meet the specific needs of developers and IT teams.
Key features
Tailor Mattermost to fit your team's processes and improve productivity.
Seamlessly integrate with popular DevOps tools for an efficient, cohesive workflow.
Maintain full control over your data with Mattermost’s secure, self-hosted environment.
Ideal for: Developers and IT teams.
Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $10 per month/user.
How to choose a Microsoft Teams alternative for your team?
Finding the perfect Microsoft Teams replacement for your team can feel overwhelming with so many options available. However, by focusing on a few key factors, you can narrow down your choices and select a tool that truly meets your team’s needs. Here’s how:
1. Assess your team’s size, budget, and workflow
Start by considering the unique characteristics of your team. How many people will use the tool? What is your budget? Do you need a simple chat platform, or are you looking for a more comprehensive solution that includes project management?
Understanding these factors will help you eliminate tools that don’t align with your requirements.
2. Prioritize tools that integrate with your existing software stack
To avoid unnecessary disruptions, look for tools that work seamlessly with the software your team already uses.
For example:
If your team relies heavily on Google Workspace, your best option is most likely Google Meet.
If your team relies on Zapier to connect tools, then software such as Lark or Slack may be an ideal choice.
Alternatively, you can choose an all-in-one collaboration tool if you're looking to save money on multiple third-party tools. This way, you cut costs while creating a smoother workflow without having to switch between apps.
3. Test free trials and free plans to find the best fit
Many collaboration tools offer free trials or freemium versions. Take advantage of these opportunities to test the tool’s features, user experience, and compatibility with your team’s workflow. Involve your team during the trial period to gather feedback and identify pain points early.
Why Lark is the best Microsoft Teams alternative
When it comes to collaboration tools, Microsoft Teams has been the go-to option for many organizations. But if you're looking for a smarter, more streamlined solution, Lark is the ultimate replacement. Let’s break down why Lark is the best alternative to Microsoft Teams.
Truly unified platform
Unlike Microsoft Teams, which often relies on integrations and separate apps, Lark combines all essential tools—messaging, video calls, file sharing, cloud storage, project management, and other features—into a single, seamless super app. With Lark, there’s no need to constantly switch between apps, saving time and reducing distractions.
Cost-effective
Lark offers competitive paid plans, as well as a free plan that surpasses the features included in the Microsoft Teams free plan. For instance, Microsoft Teams' free version is limited to personal use with family and friends, making it unsuitable for businesses. In contrast, Lark’s free plan is fully equipped for small businesses and startups, allowing them to get started without any cost.
If you do compare Microsoft Teams' paid plans with Lark's, it’s clear there’s a standout winner. To reduce expenses without sacrificing functionality, Lark offers unmatched value. Don’t just take our word for it—see how much your business can save with our Pricing Calculator.
Smarter messaging and collaboration
Lark Messenger takes communication to the next level by integrating tools directly into the chat feed. From threaded conversations, sharing emails, scheduling meetings, and replying to approval requests to accessing pinned dashboards and documents, Lark keeps everything organized and actionable in one place.
Designed for global teams
Working across time zones and languages? Lark makes global collaboration simple:
Multi-language support: With auto-translation and translate-as-you-type features, language barriers are no longer an issue.
Time zone-friendly tools: Schedule messages and meetings that align with your team’s diverse time zones, ensuring communication is effective without disruptions.
In addition, Lark is available in 16 languages, more than double the languages Microsoft Teams supports. You can also translate messages and documents across 100+ languages into 24 target languages in the Lark app.
Built for every industry
Lark isn’t just a one-size-fits-all tool—it adapts to the unique workflows and challenges of different industries.
Tech: Keep product and engineering teams aligned with messaging, shared project boards, and real-time document editing—so releases stay on track and feedback loops are faster.
Retail: Coordinate store operations, update inventory levels instantly, and adjust staff schedules in real time to meet customer demand without delays.
Food & beverage: Track supply orders and share daily shift updates to maintain consistent quality and ensure smooth coordination between the kitchen and front of house.
Manufacturing: Centralize production schedules, track quality control reports, and log maintenance activities to reduce downtime and improve efficiency on the shop floor.
Professional services: Manage client projects, contracts, and billing cycles in one organized workspace, ensuring deadlines and deliverables are always clear.
Web3: Collaborate securely on decentralized projects, manage global communities, and share key documents across different time zones without losing version control.
Mobile-first experience
While Microsoft Teams offers mobile support, Lark is optimized for productivity on the go. From editing documents to managing projects and attending virtual meetings, Lark ensures a consistent and intuitive experience across desktop, mobile, and tablet devices.
Customizable workflows for every team
Lark adapts to your organization's unique needs with highly customizable workflows. Tools like Lark Base and Lark Approval allow businesses to automate processes, streamline operations, and centralize data—all tailored to fit your specific requirements.
Lark doesn’t just match Microsoft Teams—it surpasses it in key areas like usability, integration, and global collaboration.
Final thoughts on Microsoft Teams alternatives
Microsoft Teams is undoubtedly a powerful collaboration tool, but it’s not the best choice for 2025. If you’re looking for a solution that goes beyond the basics, Lark stands out amongst the pack. Unlike other alternatives like Slack and Zoom, Lark combines messaging, video conferencing, shared calendars, cloud storage, and collaborative documents into one seamless platform.
Besides having more features, it also offers a free plan designed for teams and not just personal use. Whether you're managing a small team or an established organization, Lark’s intuitive design and focus on efficiency can supercharge your team’s productivity and communication.
Don’t just settle for “good enough”—choose a tool that empowers your team to do their best work.
FAQs about Microsoft Teams alternatives
What are the best free alternatives to Microsoft Teams?
While there are many cheap Microsoft Teams alternatives, here are the best free ones:
Lark: For all the tools you need, such as messaging, video conferencing, and file sharing.
Zoom: Although the free plan has limitations, Zoom is ideal if you hold a lot of video conferences.
Rocket.Chat: For those seeking an open-source platform for secure communication.
Another option is Trello if you’re looking for project management tools to replace Microsoft Teams. However, due to limited collaboration features, it may not be the best option.
What’s the difference between Microsoft Teams and open-source alternatives?
Microsoft Teams is a closed platform, so its code can’t be changed or accessed by users. Open-source alternatives to Microsoft Teams, like Mattermost or Rocket.Chat, allow anyone to view and customize the code. Open-source tools are more flexible, but may require more technical know-how to set up and manage.
What are the best alternatives to Microsoft Teams for remote work?
Slack, Zoom, and Lark are great alternatives for team communication and collaboration when your team works remotely. Slack specializes in team chat through instant messaging, and Zoom is great for video calling and screen sharing. But if you want the best of both, Lark is a fantastic alternative that combines team collaboration, project management software, and more into one superapp.
Is Microsoft Teams' free plan worth it?
This depends on your personal needs. MS Teams states its free version is designed for personal and daily life. If you're looking for a free alternative, which is designed for businesses and startups, many users prefer platforms such as Lark.
Who are Microsoft Teams' competitors?
Microsoft Teams isn’t the only player in the team collaboration space—there’s plenty of competition out there. This includes Lark, Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace (with Google Meet), and Cisco Webex, which many organizations prefer.
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