Independent Analysis · 2026

Teams vs Alternativesa platform-by-platform journey

Four major collaboration platforms examined objectively — features, pricing, strengths, and trade-offs — charted along a single path to help organisations find their destination.

🏢
Microsoft Teams
Complete Enterprise Suite
$4
/user/mo

The most comprehensive collaboration package available. Chat, HD video for 300 participants, SharePoint files, Planner tasks, Loop, Whiteboard, Communities, Town Halls — all at base price. 2026 adds: Copilot across all surfaces, voice enrollment, brand protection, Meet interop. 320M+ daily users.

320M
Users
300
Mtg Cap
1K+
Apps
60m
Free
Video 300 SharePoint Loop Whiteboard Planner Town Halls 30+ Captions Copilot +$30 Phone +$10
Verdict
The Swiss Army Knife of collaboration — nothing else delivers this many tools at this price. Best for M365-native organisations.
Known Limitations
  • Copilot AI requires +$30/user/month
  • Heavy on legacy hardware
  • Threading trails Slack
  • Enterprise deploy: 1–3 weeks
  • Needs full M365 ecosystem
  • Can overwhelm new users
⚡
Zoom Workplace
Video-First Powerhouse
$13
/user/mo

Gold standard for video. Adaptive bitrate, crystal-clear quality. AI Companion 2.0 free on all paid plans — major cost advantage vs Teams' $30 Copilot. ~56% global video market share. 300M+ daily participants. 1,000 pax meetings, 10K webinars.

300M
Users
1K
Mtg Cap
2K+
Apps
$0
AI Cost
Best Video AI FREE 1K Meetings 10K Webinar Clips 2.0 Zoom Docs 2K+ Market Phone Events
Verdict
Best video engine on the market with free AI. For client meetings and webinars — nothing compares. Pair with Slack for messaging.
Known Limitations
  • Free: 40 min (Teams/Meet: 60)
  • $13.33 is 3x Teams' base
  • Chat not primary messenger
  • Usually paired with Slack
  • Download required
  • 2020 security legacy
🐙
Slack
Integration Nerve Center
$8.75
/user/mo

Definitive messaging platform. 2,600+ plugins — unmatched density. Channel threading, Slack Connect, Workflow Builder, AI Agents. Salesforce-owned. 87% satisfaction — highest in class.

47M
Users
~50
Huddle
2.6K
Apps
87%
Rating
2,600+ Plugins Channels Connect Workflows Agents Salesforce Canvas Full AI Biz+
Verdict
The nervous system connecting every tool. 2,600+ integrations in one workspace. Always pair with Zoom for video.
Known Limitations
  • Video ~50 (Huddles only)
  • No webinar capability
  • Free: 90-day, 10 apps
  • Full AI: Biz+ ($12.50)
  • Steep at 500+ users
  • Channel sprawl risk
🌐
Google Meet
Zero-Installation Standard
$0
free start

Only platform requiring zero installation. Click a link — you're in. Gemini AI on all Workspace plans. Live Docs co-editing is unique. #1 by search volume in 28+ countries. 60-min free. Teams Rooms interop new 2026.

0KB
Install
100
Free Cap
60m
Free
#1
Search
Zero Install 60-Min Free Gemini AI Live Docs Teams Interop No Guest Acct
Verdict
The anti-installer. When collaboration should just happen — no barriers, no downloads. Best for Google Workspace and education.
Known Limitations
  • Fewer advanced controls
  • 100-user free cap
  • Narrower integrations
  • Google Chat less refined
  • Needs Google Workspace
  • Fewer breakout controls

Feature Comparison

Side-by-side across all four platforms

CapabilityTeamsZoomSlackMeet
HD Video✓ 300✓ 1,000~50✓ 100
Persistent Chat✓Basic✓ BestBasic
File Collab✓ DeepDocsCanvas✓ Deep
AI Free+$30✓ FreeTiered✓ Free
Integrations1K+2K+2.6K+Fewer
Telephony+$10Add-on——
Webinars1K10K——
Zero-InstallWebDLWeb✓ Native
Free Duration60m40mUnlim*60m
Compliance✓ Full✓ Full✓ Grid✓ Full
Teams
$4
/user/mo
Essentials $4 — E5 $22. Copilot +$30. Free 60m.
Zoom
$13
/user/mo
Pro $13 — Biz+ $22. AI FREE. Free 40m.
Slack
$8.75
/user/mo
Pro $8.75 — Biz+ $12.50. AI tiered. Free 90d.
Meet
$0
browser
Starter $7 — Plus $18. Gemini free. Free 60m.