40 Best Microsoft Teams Alternatives You Can Try

If you’re looking for some great Microsoft Teams alternatives, we’ve got some great ones for you in this post.

Alongside the usual suspects, we’ve uncovered some lesser-known collaboration apps so you can make your own decision.

Depending on how you are currently using Teams, we’ve split this article into two sections.

Free Microsoft Teams alternatives

Some Microsoft Teams competitors offer free plans to their users.

But, free plans are often limited in features (urging you to upgrade). All the free Microsoft Teams alternatives have paid plans to access collaboration features on top of their free plan.

Make sure to confirm that any free alternative you choose has the features that you need

1 – Slack is one of the leading alternatives to Microsoft Teams

As a matter of fact, Slack is the leading pioneer in the collaboration software industry. At its core, you can consider Slack a messaging app but one with a host of extra features and plugins.

Since launching its own collaboration platform, there is an ongoing battle between Slack and Teams.

Check out their history below.

While Teams is superb for integrations with Microsoft products, Slack’s focus is on integrating with external apps.

For example, check out these 47 Slack integrations.

As an alternative to Teams, here are the perks and features that you can expect from using Slack:

• Great billing options in Free, Standard, Plus, and Enterprise Grid
• Persistent messaging UI
• Audio/video calls
• Screen sharing with screen annotation
• Advanced search functionality

• Context adding Slack threads
• Build your own integration with the open API
• Slack Huddles allow quick conversations to replace long unnecessary meetings
• Slack Connect makes external collaboration with other organizations easier
• Slack Scheduled Messages help ease notification fatigue
• Custom emojis and reactjis
• Interop with Google Chat

2 – Zoom is the post-pandemic favorite Teams alternative

There’s not much to publicize here. If you don’t know about Zoom then where have you been?

In fact, Outlook users can directly access Zoom calls from their app so adding to apps you already have is simple.

What’s not so well-known is that Zoom is much more than a video platform.

Zoom Team Chat also enables you to manage your conversations with messaging, groups, and channels. This makes it a genuine Microsoft Teams alternative – not just for video.

Key features include:

• 1:1 chat or group conversations via public or private channels
• Starring messages to save for later
• Pinned messages
• A personal space to send yourself reminders and files
• Light or dark themes in your chat panel
• Customizable channels
• Privacy features and access permissions
• GIFs from GIPHY
• Message archiving and third-party storage
• Chat message history with manageable time limits
• Screen capture, file transfer, and image uploads
• Status and presence
• Edit and delete messages
• Video conference calls
• Virtual backgrounds
• Zoom integrations with Slack, Drive, Teams, Dropbox, Facebook, Intel Unite, etc.

3 – Webex is the meeting alternative to Microsoft Teams

Cisco Webex has a huge legacy of meetings, telephony, and unified communications. For the longest time, Cisco has been a leader in almost every Gartner Magic Quadrant.

Core Webex features include:

• Team and direct messaging
• Voice and video calling
• Scheduling and on-the-fly HD meetings
• File sharing
• End-to-end encryption
• Real-time translation for more than 100 languages
• Post-meeting summary notification
• Shape recognition in whiteboards
• Change in-meeting roles from your device      
• Gesture recognition
• Breakout sessions
• In-meeting media quality on Android and iOS
• Edit messages with attachments
• Schedule meetings through a third-party calendar with Slack integration

If you become one of the 62% of Cisco users who also use Teams, Cisco is a Cloud Video Interop (CVI) certified partner. This means you can attend Webex conference calls via Teams using the Webex video integration tool.

4 – Does Google have something like Microsoft Teams?

Yes, Google has collaboration options like Teams. As a matter of fact, Google Chat is like Microsoft Teams in several respects.

It is a tool under Google Workspace- Google’s suite of tools that rivals Microsoft 365.

Google Workspace is a collection of productivity and collaboration tools and products.

This means that with Google Chat, you get access to other products like:

• Meet
• Google Docs
• Google Forms
• Google Drive
• Google Calendar

As a replacement for Microsoft 365, see what Google Workspace can help your teams do:

• Collaborate with colleagues on workspaces like Docs, Sheets, Slides, with an @ mention
• Share files and conduct polls in live meetings

• Get the best brainstorming experience with Jamboard and Meet integration
• Easy access to emails when needed

• Touch-free meetings with Google Meet Hardware Series One

Slack, Webex, and Google are generally considered the leading alternatives to Microsoft Teams.

Watch Mio Content Marketing Director, Dom Kent, and Let’s Do Video Founder, David Maldow, discuss the differences between the main platforms in this video:

5 – Mattermost

Mattermost is a Microsoft Teams alternative built on open-source technology.

Both self-hosted and designed for customization, Mattermost provides the opportunity to build the app that’s right for you.

There’s support for many languages, and a free or enterprise version depending on the kind of capabilities you need.

Other features include:

• Threaded conversations
• Custom emojis
• Search functions for your entire workspace
• A complete range of integrations
• Notification customization
• File sharing
• Screen sharing
• Deployments in the cloud, on-premises, and in pre-built images

6 – Amazon Chime

Amazon just delivers shopping, right?

Wrong.

Amazon Chime is a collaboration tool that embraces the power of video. Chime delivers exceptional video quality and reliability.

When you need face-to-face interaction, Chime is a great solution powered by AWS.

Chime comes with built-in chat, screen sharing tools, and automatically calls each participant when it’s time for a meeting.

Other features include:

• Pay-as-you-go pricing
• Content sharing
• Meeting scheduling
• Video tiles
• Migrate telephony workloads to AWS using Amazon Chime Voice Connector
• Meeting recordings

7 – Twist

Twist is designed to give businesses a “calmer” way of working together.

Twist provides a hub where team members can come together and share knowledge.

It was named the best communication app by PCMag and has been featured in many industry publications.

Twist incorporates threaded conversations, which makes messages easier to follow.

Other features include:

• Notifications
• Advanced message search
• Message threads
• URLs attached to specific discussions
• A private messages inbox
• File sharing
• Content sharing

8 – Rocket Chat

Rocket Chat has self-proclaimed nicknames like “the ultimate communications platform.”

This is because of two important features:

1. It is an open-source software
2. It has unlimited integrations with all sorts of apps

These integrations can be with cloud-based services like AWS or social media platforms like Twitter.

This comes off as noisy and counter-productive for team collaboration.

But, you can centralize team collaboration and serve your clients in one place.

Some users feel that Rocket Chat has an edge over Teams as it is customizable and inclusive of integration with other platforms.

In fact, with the addition of being open-source, Rocket Chat is great for DevOps, collaboration, and customer engagement.

Rocket Chat features as an alternative to Teams include:

• High-level admin controls
• Open GitHub coding
• File sharing
• Guest channels
• Message search
• Platform is improved by a developer community

9- Missive

While most of the collaboration software today is a response to email not being the best option for collaboration, email also has its pros.

So, while other platforms in this list do away with emails, Missive builds around it.

Missive lets you collaborate with any kind of shared inbox like emails, tweets, webchat, and even SMS.

You can assign tasks to users and organize conversations with team labels.

Other features include:

• Workflow automation
• Social media, SMS, and email inbox collaboration
• Integrations with SMS accounts
• Threaded chats
• Snooze

10 – Spike

Spike is a Microsoft Teams alternative that brings the best team chat features to your inbox so you can avoid onboarding your team to yet another tool at work.

Using just your existing email (Google, iCloud, Microsoft, Yahoo, etc), Spike lets you chat one-on-one like a direct message in Teams or start a Spike Group to recreate the team chat functionality in Microsoft Teams.

Spike includes advanced search, file sharing, collaborative notes, group meetings, a unified calendar, and an integrated task tool to give you a single app for a complete digital workspace.

Spike’s Priority Inbox cleans up your message clutter so you can focus on what’s important.

Other features include:

• Streamlined chat (no headers or signatures)
• Voice messages
• Video meetings
• Scheduled send
• Snooze
• GIF integration

11 – ProofHub

ProofHub is first and foremost a project management tool. But it provides opportunities for collaboration too.

With Proofhub, you can keep all your teams and work together in the same place.

ProofHub is project management software, combined with group chat features to keep connected.

Other features include:

• Reports and time tracking
• White labeling
• Online proofing tools
• Online Kanban boards and workflows
• Task lists

12 – Hive

Hive is a project management software that aims to make teams more productive and end the stress of jumping between apps throughout your workday.

You’ll see everything from your real-time conversations to your files, and your to-do list in the same environment.

There’s also an integration available between Teams and Hive that brings Teams functionality into the Hive space.

Other features include:

• Direct and group messaging (private and public groups)
• Task management
• File integration with Google Drive/Docs, Dropbox, Box, and One Drive
• Email integration
• 1000+ integrations with other collaboration software and general apps

13 – JANDI

According to the team responsible for JANDI, this is a collaboration app designed to suit the modern workforce.

It makes communication quick via real-time messaging, and integrations with many popular apps.

Forbes calls it the number one contender in South Korea to become the ultimate business communication app.

Key features include:

• Custom emojis
• Rich admin panel
• File sharing and management
• Assign tasks to employees
• 1:1 and group conversations

14 – HiBox

HiBox is a collaboration tool that gives your teams many ways to connect, including video and instant messaging.

What makes this tool stand out is its artificial intelligence integration.

There’s a virtual assistant included with the app that helps you with assigning tasks and delivering information to users.

It’s a collaboration tool and robotic helper all in one.

Other features include:

• Video and audio conferencing
• Group chat
• Private messaging
• Group calendaring
• Task assigning and management

15 – Zoho CRM

Zoho’s CRM software is used by over 250,000 businesses worldwide for the best engagement with their customers.

Powerful AI helps you stay on top with analysis of your customers while you also collaborate with team members.

Get tools for different departments of your company like Bigin for CRM in sales, Assist for customer service, and Cliq, Projects, Sprints, Meeting, and more for email & collaboration.

What’s more, you can access apps for integration with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office 365.

Key features include:

• Feeds with posts
• Real-time communication channels
• Integration with other collaboration platforms
• Forums
• Features are all available on the mobile app
• Calendar and event management
• Task management

16 – TeamViewer

Like Teams, TeamViewer is a combination of several apps integrated for peak collaboration.

For example, TeamViewer Meeting enables video conferencing from anywhere in the world.

Tensor is the remote cloud connectivity SaaS platform. Assist AR offers support for frontline workers and customers.

Over 2 billion people are connected as Tensor scales to meet the requirements of your team and customers.

Other features include:

• HD VoIP and video
• Team messaging
• Scheduling
• Access on all devices
• Empower your frontline with augmented reality
• Indexed messaging
• TeamViewer encryption built-in

17 – Hubgets

More of a basic IM tool when it comes to looking for complete alternatives to Teams, Hubgets allows teams to reach each other over the web.

According to the app, it’s a “millennial-friendly” approach to workplace conversation.

There are boards and topics where people can come together to share thoughts and supply knowledge to colleagues.

Enterprise-level PBX is available for business customers.

Other features include:

• File sharing
• Hubgets indexes team communication for quick navigation
• Instant messaging
• Team boards
• Instant connection with clients using Page by Hubgets
• Knowledgebase

18 – Jostle

Designed as intranet software and then upgraded for the collaboration market, Jostle is a unique team tool.

A lot of the Jostle user interface is built on channels where users can share specific information.

There’s one section of the app intended for one-way announcements, while another section handles IMs.

Jostle is one of the few tools on the market that comes with SAML SSO too.

Other features include:

• Group surveys
• Member directory
• Forums and discussions
• Content management feed
• Knowledge base search

19 – Flowdock

The Flowdock app is less focused on traditional collaboration but still makes the list of alternatives to Teams.

It’s an app designed to pull team chat and email inboxes together into a single dashboard, so your teams can spend less time switching between apps.

You’ll also be able to integrate other services that are valuable to your employees and Flowdock even talks you through the integration process.

This includes tools like Basecamp and Trello, Git and GitHub, and customer support services like Zendesk.

Other features include:

• 1:1 and group chats
• Video and audio calling
• Threaded conversations
• Team inbox
• Service customers from within the app

20 – Ryver

Ryver is a collaboration tool that combines group chats with workflow and task management.

Designed to support teams of any size, Ryver integrates with many apps to deliver enhanced functionality.

Within the tool, you’ll find everything you need to keep your team members focused on the challenges at hand.

What’s more, the flat-rate pricing makes Ryver appealing from a budgetary perspective.

Other features include:

• Workflow automation engine
• Video and voice call
• Screen sharing
• Personal and team-based task management
• Threaded topics

21 – Element

Element is a selection of mobile and web-based tools which you can use to connect to an open network for decentralized communications.

Element allows connectivity to chat protocols like IRC and XMPP, as well as traditional systems like Slack and Teams.

Features include:

• Real-time chat
• Widgets
• File sharing
• Video and voice calls
• Open source/ open standard
• High-level security
• Social media app integrations

22 – Let’s Chat

Let’s Chat originated in 2012 when the founders said they “didn’t like any of the existing chat services out there so we decided to write our own.”

Let’s Chat comes with @mentions, file uploads, and rooms. It’s easy to host by yourself and install, and you can use Docker to set it up if you prefer.

You can also integrate Let’s Chat with your existing LDAP authentication server too.

Other features include:

• Desktop notifications
• Password-protected rooms
• File uploads
• Image embeds
• Transcripts and chat histories

23 – Discord

Discord is one of the most popular communication apps on the web for gamers. It’s also become an impressive option for business teams too.

The tool divides communications channels by text and voice, depending on how you prefer to stay in touch with your team members. You can create “servers” for group-based communications.

Unfortunately, Discord doesn’t offer any integrations with the apps you might enjoy using at work. But it’s still a solid free Microsoft Teams alternative if it’s basic chat and voice you’re after.

Other features include:

• Emojis and Gifs
• Voice and video communication
• Instant real-time messaging
• Push-to-talk features
• Instant invite links

In July 2021, Discord announced threading will soon be available. The app is serving it up to other community-popular platforms like Slack.

24 – Viber for Business

Viber for Business includes messaging and APIs that help businesses communicate with customers.

Build chatbots and get direct feedback, track deliveries, and launch new products to customers.

Enjoy features like:

• Chatbots for easier customer interactions
• Extensive admin controls
• VoIP Viber Out feature
• Messaging partners like edna and link mobility help develop your bot and launch Business Messages

25 – Bitrix 24

Designed for teams who want to integrate chat tools with project management, Bitrix24 helps companies to get work done.

Bitrix24 is known as one of the most effective project management tools. But it can also be a fantastic alternative to Microsoft Teams, with features like chat and web-based calling.

Other features include:

• CRM integration
• Team calendars
• Email integration
• Social media connections
• Real-time conversations

26 – nTask

Another Teams alternative that combines chat with project management is nTask.

Through the app, you can track and communicate project performance on a single platform.

Independent workspaces also mean that team members can work on many projects while keeping everyone in the loop.

Other features include:

• Meetings
• Task management
• Team calendar
• File sharing
• Tracking and analytics

Paid Microsoft Teams alternatives

These Microsoft Teams alternatives below only come in paid varieties. But, you can access a limited free trial before you adopt the platform as your chosen collaboration tool.

1 – Blink

Blink is the Microsoft Teams competitor created for frontline industries.

The Blink intranet is unique as it exists for organizations with large frontline workforces.

Employees in industries like retail and logistics often lack tech like their desk-based peers.

This is where the Blink employee app enters the scene.

It’s a branded mobile-first portal with all frontline employees needed in one place.

Features include:

• A company feed for top-down push communications
• Peer-to-peer and team chat
• Mobile-first approach for enhanced frontline experience
• Unlimited and personalized document storage (each employee only sees information relevant to them)
• Reporting functionality and polls
• Whitelabeled portal
• Admin portal with engagement analytics

2 – Workplace from Meta

Workplace from Meta is a version of the world’s most popular social media channel, adjusted to suit the needs of the modern business.

Combining news feeds with messaging and video, Workplace is an easy way to keep teams connected.

Along with standard collaboration capabilities like file sharing, Workplace also includes features like “auto-translate” for groups that span countries.

Other features include:

• GIFs and reactions in messages
• Chatbots
• Group polls
• Live webinars
• Multi-company groups

3 – Highside.io

HighSide is an alternative to Teams with a focus on E2EE collaborations and security.

Highside gives businesses a place where they can share sensitive or regulated data.

It claims to be immune to man-in-the-middle SSL attacks, spoofing, and email phishing.

Other features include:

• End-to-end encryption
• File sharing
• Custom data retention strategies
• Direct messaging
• Team collaboration through channels

4 – Moxtra

Moxtra delivers “embeddable” omnichannel collaboration features into your existing application or chat strategy.

Another app with a heavy focus on secure business messaging, Moxtra comes with access to encrypted video conferencing and real-time conversations.

There’s even a “binder” where you can find all the latest tasks, content, and information shared through the app.

Other features include:

• Intrepid response resolves emergency services
• E-signature
• Document sharing and real-time feedback
• Scheduling
• Third-party integrations with over 100 apps

5 – Crugo

Crugo is a good option when looking for alternatives to Teams, and an option for businesses that need help making the most of their workflow.

As well as standard team chat and video calling, Crugo provides calendars and task assignments.

You can even save different versions of a document for auditing purposes. It’s a useful all-around tool with workflow support built-in.

In terms of operating software for your devices, Crugo is interoperable. It’s available for iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows.

Other features include:

• Shared calendars and reminders
• Audio and video calling
• Voice notes
• Direct messaging and group chats
• File sharing

6 – Fleep

On this app, you’ll find voice and video calling, team chat, and an impressive array of tools built-in.

Fleep is intended to be the best solution for companies that work with people from outside their organization. With a focus on intercompany collaboration, the Fleep app is a Microsoft Teams alternative with a difference.

The guest experience in Teams has long been debated, with many users seeking an alternative solution.

In Fleep, there are no silos between you and guest users. Instead, you can add anyone to your team, regardless of where they come from.

Other features include:

• Screen sharing
• Pins for important messages
• Integrations with the top tools on the market
• Collaboration with any Fleep user
• Team or individual chat
• Access collaboration tools

7 – Flock

When you’re using Flock, you can highlight a specific discussion and turn it into a task.

Once you have your “to-dos,” you’ll be able to assign them to members of your team, and add due dates depending on upcoming deadlines too.

Other features include:

• Announcements
• File sharing
• Guest accounts
• Work asynchronously with shared notes, to-dos, and reminders
• Group and direct chat
• Video and audio conferencing

8 – eXo

eXo provides for businesses that want to harness company knowledge and empower their workforce.

As an open-source platform, it’s also possible to enhance and transform your strategy according to your unique employee needs.

Features include:

• Multiple tool integration
• Centralized knowledge base
• Company intranet
• File sharing
• Real-time conversations
• Integrations connect you to Office 365 personal productivity tools

9 – NextCloud Talk

NextCloud Talk is a secure collaboration platform where businesses can share screens and hold conferences in real-time.

The most impressive feature of the NextCloud environment is its security strategy. Metadata and content stay private through end-to-end encryption.

Other features include:

• 100% open source
• Mobile apps for iOS and Android
• Easy screen sharing
• Mobile calls and chat
• Individual and group calls

10 – Workzone

On the surface, Workzone is more of a project management application than a standard team collaboration tool.

But, it features capabilities like file sharing, comments, and instant notifications via email. While this may sound like you’re at risk of notification overload, Workzone has an array of customizable settings so you only get the notifications you need.

You can keep your whole team connected while accessing a tool aimed at improving workflow management too.

Features include:

• Team calendars
• To-do list
• Requests
• Real-time messages
• Work reports
• Integrations including Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.

11 – Kaleo

Kaleo’s advanced dashboard is excellent if you rely on data to keep your business running.

You get everything you need for chat and messaging, combined with an advanced knowledge management strategy.

Features include:

• Real-time messaging
• Integrations with apps through API
• Push notifications
• Analytics and reports

12 – Loop Email

Like Spike, Loop Email looks to build collaboration around emails. In case the name didn’t already give it away 🙃

Loop Email believes that email is still the preferred means of communication for modern workers.

That’s why it gives today’s employees a way to access their email and real-time chat in the same environment. All you need to do is sign up and connect your email to get started.

Features include:

• Enterprise-grade API
• Chat and email in one app
• Side chats around emails (Loops)
• Team conversations
• Archive with advanced search
• Shared Inbox
• Contact-based channels

13 – Wimi

Wimi looks nothing like a Teams alternative at first glance. But, it’s committed to helping you get more productivity out of your teams.

Wimi features independent workspaces for your teams and supports secure file sharing in a single location.

You can also invite external users to come and collaborate on your projects with bespoke access rights.

Other features include:

• A forum wall for messages
• Real-time messaging
• Video conferencing
• Email alerts
• File sharing with comments and feedback

14 – Wire

When Wire first entered the communications marketplace, it was simply a secure instant messaging app.

Since then, the addition of various extra capabilities has made Wire into a full collaboration tool.

You can enhance your group communications with an app that’s dedicated to end-to-end encryption. Wire’s selling point has to be its level of security with features like E2EE and even “self-destructing messages.” Yes, you read that right!

Other features include:

• 1:1 and group conversations (that don’t self-destruct)
• Voice and video calls
• Sketch image editing
• Team admin features

Conclusion

There are many Microsoft Teams alternatives on the market. Some might say too many.

Do try out the Teams alternative that caught your eye on this list.

But don’t forget you can use Mio to sync your current Microsoft Teams channels and DMs with people who prefer Google Chat.

With chat interoperability, colleagues on other apps can participate in Microsoft Teams conversations too.

Rather than shifting everyone onto one platform, let your team stay on their favorite platform and enjoy productive collaboration.

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