20 Best Microsoft Teams Alternatives & Competitors

Looking for the best Microsoft Teams Alternatives? You’re not alone. While Microsoft Teams is a powerful platform for collaboration, it may not be the ideal fit for every team or business. Some users seek alternatives to Microsoft Teams that offer simpler interfaces, more flexible pricing, better integrations, or enhanced privacy.

Whether you’re a startup, a growing business, or a privacy-conscious organization, there are many apps like Microsoft Teams that can meet your needs. In this blog, we’ve curated a list of 20 top Microsoft Teams competitors from enterprise solutions to open-source tools and lightweight team chat apps.

20 Best Microsoft Teams Alternatives

Explore the options below and discover the right collaboration platform for your team.

1. Slack

Slack is one of the most popular Microsoft Teams alternatives, known for its flexible team chat and deep app integrations. It offers organized channels, direct messaging, and simple video/audio calls. Unlike Microsoft Teams, Slack is platform-agnostic and integrates seamlessly with tools like Google Workspace, Zoom, and more. If you’re moving from Teams, you can also explore our handy Slack Shortcuts to speed up your workflow on this platform.

2. Google Chat (Workspace)

Google Chat, part of Google Workspace, is a streamlined Microsoft Teams competitor for team messaging and collaboration. It integrates tightly with Google Docs, Drive, and Meet, making it ideal for organizations already using Google Workspace. Google Chat offers threaded conversations, Spaces for projects, and robust search. It’s a great choice if you prefer an alternative to Teams that fits naturally within Google’s ecosystem. You may also find our Google Docs Shortcuts and Google Sheets Shortcuts useful when working with Google Workspace.

3. Zoom Workplace – Team Chat

Zoom Workplace is evolving beyond video conferencing into a full collaboration hub, including persistent team chat. It’s an appealing alternative to Microsoft Teams for organizations already using Zoom for meetings. With integrated chat, channels, file sharing, and seamless Zoom Meetings access, it simplifies collaboration. New users can explore our Zoom Shortcuts to navigate Zoom Workplace efficiently.

4. Cisco Webex App

Cisco Webex App combines messaging, calling, and video conferencing in one platform. It’s a powerful Microsoft Teams alternative for businesses that prioritize enterprise-grade security and compliance. Webex offers advanced meeting features and integrations with Cisco hardware. If your team values reliable video and secure collaboration, Webex is worth exploring as a Teams competitor.

5. Discord

Originally built for gamers, Discord has grown into a versatile app like Microsoft Teams for community and team collaboration. It offers voice, video, and text chat with minimal latency. Many startups and remote teams use Discord for its flexibility and ease of use. If you try Discord as a Teams alternative, check out our Discord Shortcuts to optimize your experience.

6. Workvivo

Workvivo is an employee experience platform that blends internal communications, social networking, and community building. It’s designed to foster engagement and connection within organizations making it a unique Microsoft Teams alternative focused on culture as much as productivity. Workvivo is ideal for HR-driven and remote-first companies seeking to enhance team cohesion.

7. Flock

Flock offers fast, lightweight team messaging with built-in productivity tools like shared to-do lists, polls, and file sharing. It’s an affordable alternative to Microsoft Teams for small businesses and startups. Flock integrates with popular tools like Google Drive and Trello, making it a good choice for teams seeking simplicity and value.

8. Zoho Cliq

Zoho Cliq is part of the larger Zoho ecosystem and provides real-time messaging, channels, and video calls. For businesses already using Zoho apps, it’s a natural Microsoft Teams competitor. Zoho Cliq is known for its customization and automation features, helping teams streamline their workflows across the Zoho suite.

9. Mattermost

Mattermost is a popular open-source alternative to Microsoft Teams, especially for organizations that require private cloud or on-premise deployment. It offers secure messaging, file sharing, and extensive customization. Mattermost is a favorite in industries like healthcare and government where data control is critical. If privacy is a top priority, Mattermost is a leading choice.

10. Rocket.Chat

Rocket.Chat is another open-source Microsoft Teams competitor with strong emphasis on security and extensibility. It allows self-hosting and deep customization through APIs. Ideal for developers and enterprises needing full control, Rocket.Chat supports messaging, voice/video calls, and integrations with various tools. It’s a solid option for teams wanting an open-source collaboration stack.

11. Chanty

Chanty is a simple and affordable alternative to Microsoft Teams aimed at small teams and startups. It offers team chat, task management, and voice/video calls in a clean interface. Chanty also includes a built-in Kanban board for task tracking. For teams seeking an easy-to-use collaboration app without the complexity of Teams, Chanty is a great choice.

12. Troop Messenger

Troop Messenger is a secure team chat platform that serves as a Microsoft Teams competitor for government, military, and enterprise sectors. It supports messaging, voice/video calls, file sharing, and remote desktop control. Troop Messenger emphasizes security and on-premise deployment, making it ideal for organizations with strict compliance needs.

13. RingCentral MVP (Glip)

RingCentral MVP, formerly known as Glip, combines messaging, video, and phone capabilities. It is a powerful Microsoft Teams alternative especially for businesses needing integrated telephony. RingCentral MVP offers team chat, video conferencing, and a cloud phone system, providing an all-in-one communication solution. It works well for distributed teams requiring both internal and external communication.

14. Spike

Spike transforms email into a real-time messaging experience, blending traditional email with team chat. As a Microsoft Teams competitor, Spike is ideal for teams that want to streamline their inbox while collaborating. It offers chat, voice/video calls, tasks, and document collaboration all within the familiar email environment.

15. Element (Matrix)

Element, built on the Matrix protocol, is a privacy-first alternative to Microsoft Teams. It supports end-to-end encrypted messaging, file sharing, voice/video calls, and federation across different servers. Element is highly customizable and often used by organizations that prioritize data sovereignty. Its open-source nature makes it an attractive choice for secure collaboration.

16. Zulip

Zulip is a unique Microsoft Teams alternative that combines real-time chat with email-style threading. This structure helps teams maintain clarity and context, especially in large or busy conversations. Zulip supports integrations with popular tools and is open-source, making it a strong option for technical teams and organizations valuing organized discussions.

17. Guilded

Guilded is a collaboration platform originally built for gaming communities but now used by various teams and creators. As an app like Microsoft Teams, it offers advanced voice channels, video calls, scheduling, forums, and document sharing. Guilded’s highly customizable spaces and community-building tools make it suitable for creative teams and online communities.

18. Bitrix24

Bitrix24 is a comprehensive business suite that goes beyond chat offering CRM, project management, and document collaboration. It is a full-featured Microsoft Teams competitor that appeals to SMBs seeking an all-in-one solution. Bitrix24 supports team messaging, video calls, and extensive business tools, making it ideal for managing both internal and customer interactions.

20 Bitrix24 Keyboard Shortcuts

19. Lark Suite

Lark Suite is an integrated alternative to Microsoft Teams that combines chat, video conferencing, cloud storage, and collaborative documents in one platform. It’s especially popular in Asia and among global teams. Lark offers a modern interface and productivity suite, providing a cohesive environment for communication and collaboration.

20. Ryver

Ryver blends team chat with task management and workflow automation, positioning itself as a Microsoft Teams alternative for productivity-focused teams. It offers threaded conversations, task boards, and integration with Zapier for automation. Ryver is an excellent choice for small to mid-sized teams looking to unify chat and project tracking in a single app.

Conclusion

Exploring these Microsoft Teams alternatives can help you find the perfect collaboration tool for your team’s needs. Whether you prioritize simplicity, privacy, deep integrations, or advanced video conferencing, the tools above offer diverse options. For those transitioning from Teams, don’t miss our detailed guide on Microsoft Teams Shortcuts to stay productive. The right collaboration tool can transform the way your team works so take time to explore and choose the best fit.

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