Looking for Microsoft Teams alternatives even though it has 145 million daily active users worldwide? Many others share your thoughts.
Microsoft Teams has been a 7-year old central player in the collaboration space, particularly within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Teams everywhere still search for other options, and with good reason too. The biggest problems include high subscription costs, a steep learning curve, limited features in the free version, and compatibility issues with non-Microsoft tools.
The silver lining? Several Microsoft Teams competitors offer free plans. Some even provide unlimited access to all messages and files that ever spread in your workspace. Slack leads the pack as the pioneer in collaboration software. Other options like FreeConference and Rocket.Chat deserve attention too. This piece will help your remote team find the perfect fit in 2025. Let's dive into eight proven alternatives that could better serve your communication needs.
FreeConference
FreeConference pioneered free conference calling and continues to help remote teams connect without spending a fortune. This Microsoft Teams alternative lets you join meetings by phone or online. You won't need to download anything unless you want to use their app.
FreeConference key features
FreeConference’s free video conferencing software comes packed with useful tools that make remote cooperation smooth:
- Download-free experience: Connect through your web browser with no software installation
- Free international dial-in: Make calls from 17+ countries including USA, UK, and Australia at zero cost
- Screen sharing: Present documents and slides to everyone in the meeting
- Document sharing: Work together on files during calls
- Automated scheduling: Create meetings with automatic invites and reminders
- Video conferencing: Connect face-to-face with your team for clearer communication
- Text chat: Send private messages during calls without interrupting the meeting
- Recording capabilities: Review meetings later with paid plans
Teams can start instant meetings without scheduling anything. The platform runs on any device so you can join from anywhere, even by the pool.
FreeConference pros and cons
Pros:
- Users consistently praise the call quality
- Remarkable selection of international freephone numbers
- Easy-to-use interface perfect for non-tech users
- Local number calls have no time restrictions
- Long-term users report excellent reliability
- Paid plans include meeting summaries
Cons:
- Recording features aren't available in free version
FreeConference pricing
FreeConference gives you three pricing options:
- Free - $0, up to 5 web participants, up to 100 call participants, document sharing, screen sharing, whiteboard
- Starter - $9.99/month, up to 15 web participants, up to 100 call participants, audio recording, meeting summaries, higher security
- Pro - $29.99/month, up to 250 web participants, up to 250 call participants, audio/video recording, transcription, custom hold music, YouTube streaming
Local number calls are unlimited in all plans. Paid plans remove "FreeConference" announcements at meeting starts and include toll-free numbers for the US, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and the UK.
FreeConference best for
FreeConference really shines for:
- Budget-conscious teams: Get core features free forever without subscription costs
- International remote teams: Connect affordably with free dial-in from 17+ countries
- Small businesses: Get professional conference features without enterprise-level expenses
- Occasional collaborators: Perfect for teams that don't meet daily
- Phone-first communicators: Great for teams who prefer voice calls over video
The platform excels at quick, hassle-free communication. A quick 10-minute video chat shows facial expressions and tone clearly, which helps avoid misunderstandings in remote work.
FreeConference offers a simpler approach than Microsoft Teams and focuses on making things easy to use. Notwithstanding that, teams needing advanced collaboration tools beyond meetings might want extra platforms in their communication stack.
Callbridge
Callbridge connects remote teams through powerful video conference calling software. This cloud-based platform competes with Microsoft Teams by offering video meetings and secure audio conferencing that professional teams need.
Callbridge key features
Callbridge offers these outstanding collaboration tools:
- HD audio and video: Crystal-clear communication quality that makes meetings productive
- No download required: You can join meetings right from your browser
- AI transcription: The system automatically creates meeting transcripts and identifies speakers
- Custom branding: Your logo can appear in your virtual meeting space
- Live streaming: Your meetings reach unlimited audiences through YouTube
- Enhanced security: 128-bit encryption protects all meetings with extra options for private calls
- Virtual backgrounds: A professional look with customizable meeting backdrops
- Annotation and whiteboard: You can illustrate your points during presentations
- Breakout rooms: Smaller discussion groups work within larger meetings
- File sharing and transfer: Teams exchange documents during conferences without interruption
Callbridge's Cue™ AI assistant makes it unique. This tool creates automatic transcripts and analyzes your meeting's emotional tone. The platform runs on various devices through iOS and Android mobile apps.
Callbridge pros and cons
Pros:
- Users praise the excellent audio and video quality
- The user-friendly setup makes getting started quick
- Your business stands out with custom branding options
- Teams can join from anywhere using mobile devices
- Resellers benefit from white-label options
- Quick access without PIN numbers
Cons:
- The platform is newer than Microsoft Teams
- Higher-priced tiers lock some advanced features
- Fewer customization choices than competitors
- The mobile app sometimes struggles with connections
- AI features continue to develop
Callbridge pricing
Teams of different sizes can choose from these pricing options:
- Free Trial - $0, 100 participants, premium audio/video, screen sharing, basic features
- Standard - $14.99/mo per host, 100 participants, breakout rooms, screen sharing, unlimited local dial-ins
- Deluxe - $24.99/mo per host, 250 participants, AI transcription, enhanced security, custom branding
- Enterprise - From $19.99/mo per host (10+ hosts), 250 participants, custom dial-in greeting, premium support with training
Every plan comes with unlimited meeting time. Deluxe and Enterprise plans add toll-free US and Canada audio conferencing. You get 1,000 included minutes plus global toll-free coverage at per-minute rates.
Callbridge best for
These organizations get the most value from Callbridge:
- Image-conscious businesses: Custom branding and white-label options maintain your professional image
- Remote teams needing documentation: AI handles the note-taking automatically
- Organizations requiring security: Your sensitive discussions stay protected with 128-bit encryption
- Growing businesses: The platform grows with your team while keeping features consistent
- Companies hosting online events: You can reach more people through live streaming
Businesses looking for professional meeting spaces without Microsoft Teams' cost love Callbridge. Teams with different tech skills find the platform easy to use.
Remote workers who find Teams complicated have a simpler choice with Callbridge. Screen sharing, file transfer, and whiteboarding tools create a natural workspace for sharing ideas.
Your team's virtual conference room stays ready for productive meetings with Callbridge. You spend more time communicating and less time configuring, unlike larger platforms that need IT support.
Callbridge stands out among Microsoft Teams competitors. Its clean interface and robust features appeal to businesses that value professional presentation and straightforward collaboration.
Zoom
Zoom has revolutionized remote collaboration through its versatile platform that serves as a powerful Microsoft Teams alternative. This cloud-based solution combines video conferencing, phone systems, and collaboration tools that connect teams of all sizes.
Zoom key features
The platform includes these powerful capabilities:
- HD audio and video meetings with dynamic layouts that adjust to active speakers and create a natural conversation flow
- AI Companion that creates meeting summaries, next steps, and helps draft chat messages based on context
- Continuous meeting chat that works before, during, and after meetings so conversations keep flowing
- Collaborative tools including whiteboards, screen sharing, and document co-editing
- Breakout rooms that enable focused discussions within larger meetings
- Translated captions in 33 different languages to remove language barriers
- Integration ecosystem with over 3,000 apps in the Zoom Marketplace that connect with Microsoft, Google, and other providers
- Cloud recording with AI-powered features like smart chapters and summaries
Zoom's power comes from its integrated approach. The platform supports meetings, webinars, phone calls, and team chat in a single application. Users don't need to switch between multiple tools.
Zoom pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface that works for users of all technical abilities
- High-quality video and audio that users love
- Free tier with unlimited 40-minute meetings
- Resilient mobile apps for both iOS and Android
- Complete marketplace with thousands of integrations
- Adaptable from small teams to enterprise organizations
- New features and improvements arrive regularly
Cons:
- Free version stops at 40-minute group meetings
- You'll need paid subscriptions for advanced collaboration features
- Video quality stays at 720p (not 1080p)
- Full functionality needs software download
- Security concerns from the past (though many are fixed now)
- Cloud recordings have storage limits
- "Zoombombing" risks if meeting security isn't set up right
Zoom pricing
These pricing options fit different team sizes and needs:
- Basic - Free, 100 participants, 40 minutes, local recording, team chat, 3 whiteboards
- Pro - $13.33/mo per user, 100 participants, 30 hours, 5GB cloud storage, AI Companion, social streaming
- Business - $18.32/mo per user, 300 participants, 30 hours, unlimited whiteboards, SSO, company branding
- Business Plus - $22.49/mo per user, 300 participants, 30 hours, 10GB storage, integrated Zoom Phone
- Enterprise - Custom price, 1,000 participants, 30 hours, unlimited cloud storage, dedicated support
All paid plans include the AI Companion at no extra cost with meeting summaries and productivity tools. Zoom Phone starts at $10/month per user or comes bundled with Zoom Workplace for complete communication capabilities.
Zoom best for
The platform shines as a Microsoft Teams alternative for:
- Remote-first organizations that need reliable, high-quality video communication
- Educational institutions that use breakout rooms and whiteboard collaboration
- Global teams that benefit from translated captions and international accessibility
- Growing businesses that need adaptable communication as their workforce expands
- Companies hosting webinars and virtual events for large audiences
- Organizations needing AI assistance to boost meeting productivity
Teams' complexity often frustrates users. Zoom offers a simpler approach. The easy-to-use design means new users can join their first meeting quickly, one click connects you.
Zoom balances simplicity with power. Advanced features are there when needed but won't overwhelm you during daily use. Think of it as your communication Swiss Army knife, simple on the surface with tools ready when you need them.
Google Meet
Google Meet ranks among the top Microsoft Teams alternatives. It provides continuous connection for virtual collaboration right from the Google ecosystem. The platform, previously known as Google Hangouts Meet, now serves everyone from casual users to enterprise clients with its simple approach to video conferencing.
Google Meet key features
Google Meet has several outstanding capabilities that remote teams love:
- HD video quality with up to 1080p resolution and AI-powered features like studio lighting that adjusts to your surroundings automatically
- No download necessary - meetings run in your browser so you can connect instantly without installing software
- Live captions in more than 65 languages make meetings available to everyone
- Integrated tools like screen sharing, chat, emoji reactions, and hand-raising features
- Noise cancelation that cuts out background sounds and distractions
- Virtual backgrounds that move smoothly without the choppy look you see on other platforms
- Security features including encryption, manual admission controls, and domain restrictions
- Whiteboarding through Jamboard integration lets teams collaborate visually
- Q&A sessions help structure input during presentations
Teams who opt for paid tiers get additional features like breakout rooms for small group discussions, AI-generated meeting summaries, attendance tracking, and YouTube live streaming.
Google Meet pros and cons
Pros:
- Video conferencing tools' easiest setup process
- Free plan offers unlimited 1:1 meeting time
- Educational institutions praise its strong security features
- Blends perfectly with Google Workspace apps
- Easy-to-use interface works well for users of all tech levels
- Google's speech recognition powers high-quality closed captioning
- Works on all types of devices
Cons:
- Group meetings on free plan stop at 60 minutes (still beats Zoom's 40-minute limit)
- No built-in whiteboard (needs separate Jamboard access)
- Some advanced features like waiting rooms aren't available
- AI features lag behind some competitors
- Limited options for customization
- Simple polling tools compared to alternatives
- Best value comes only with Google Workspace
Google Meet pricing
Google Meet's pricing fits teams of all sizes:
- Free - $0, 100 participants, 60 min (group) Unlimited (1:1) max meeting, screen sharing, virtual backgrounds
- Business Starter - $6-7/month per user, 100 participants, 24 hours max meeting, custom email, 30GB storage
- Business Standard - $12-14/month per user, 150 participants, 24 hours max meeting, recording, noise cancelation, 2TB storage
- Business Plus - $18-22/month per user, 500 participants, 24 hours max meeting, attendance tracking, 5TB storage
- Enterprise - Custom price, 1,000 participants, 24 hours max meeting, live streaming, enhanced security
Each plan comes with full access to Google Workspace suite, including Gmail, Drive, Docs, and other productivity tools.
Google Meet best for
Google Meet shines brightest for:
- Budget-conscious teams who love the free plan's generous time limits
- Google Workspace users who want everything to work together smoothly
- Educational institutions looking for secure, available virtual classrooms
- International teams who need immediate translation
- Organizations that prefer simple tools over complex feature sets
Picture Google Meet as your virtual conference room with a difference - everything just works. You click, connect, and start talking without any technical hurdles.
Teams' interface can feel overwhelming at times. Google Meet takes a simpler path. Everything you need sits right where you'd expect it, without buried menus or confusing layouts.
Many users who make the switch from Teams say using Meet feels liberating. The experience becomes lighter, simpler, and more direct.
Slack
Slack tackles remote team communication differently than Microsoft Teams as a prominent channel-based messaging platform. The platform hosts all conversations, files, and app integrations in one central location. Teams seeking smoother collaboration often choose this solution.
Slack key features
Slack provides several powerful tools for remote teams:
- Channels for hosted communication: Create dedicated spaces for projects, departments, or topics, keeping conversations structured and searchable
- Direct messaging: Send private messages to individuals or small groups for focused communication
- Huddles: Host audio and video calls with screen sharing capability directly within Slack
- File sharing: Share documents by dragging and dropping into channels or direct messages
- Powerful search: Find past messages and files with advanced search capabilities
- Slack Connect: Work with external partners and clients securely
- App integration ecosystem: Connect with over 2,600 apps including Google Drive, Trello, and Salesforce
- AI features: Get conversation summaries, daily recaps, and file summaries (available in paid plans)
Slack's strength comes from its centralized approach. Channels keep information organized and integrations reduce app-switching throughout your workday.
Slack pros and cons
Pros:
- Boosted productivity: Companies using Slack can increase productivity by 30% compared to those using email
- Time savings: Workers save an average of 32 minutes daily using Slack versus email
- Extensive integrations: Connect with thousands of tools to simplify processes
- Easy-to-use interface: Clean design praised for simple navigation
- Mobile accessibility: Fully-featured apps for iOS and Android devices
- Team culture: Promotes connection between remote team members through casual channels
Cons:
- Information overload: Messages can become overwhelming quickly
- Limited free plan: Messages older than 90 days disappear on the free tier
- Security concerns: Past incidents like the 2022 tokens leak raised security questions
- Cost considerations: Paid plans can become expensive for larger teams
- Learning curve: New users might struggle with channel organization initially
Slack pricing
Slack's pricing tiers fit different team needs:
- Free - $0, 90 days message history, up to 10 app integrations, 1:1 video calls
- Pro - $8.75/user/month (monthly) or $7.25/user/month (annually), unlimited message history, unlimited integrations, group video calls
- Business+ $15.00/user/month (monthly) or $12.50/user/month (annually), unlimited message history, AI features, advanced security, SSO
- Enterprise+ - custom pricing, unlimited message history, HIPAA compliance, enterprise security features
Slack best for
Slack excels for:
- Communication-focused teams: Groups that need quick, organized conversations rather than complex project management
- Companies with multiple tools: Organizations using various apps that benefit from Slack's integration capabilities
- Remote-first cultures: Teams building connection across distributed workforces
- Collaborative projects: Groups needing immediate discussion and file sharing
- Organizations wanting flexibility: Teams that prefer customizable communication spaces
Slack shines as a communication hub that connects your other tools, unlike Microsoft Teams' all-in-one approach. Picture a digital office where conversations flow naturally, sometimes at the water cooler (casual channels), sometimes in meeting rooms (topic-specific channels). Everything remains searchable and available when needed.
Webex
Cisco Webex stands out as a robust Microsoft Teams alternative with its enterprise-grade video collaboration. The platform brings together meetings, messaging, and calling features in one application to create a smooth workplace experience.
Webex key features
Webex comes with a powerful set of collaboration tools:
- HD audio and video meetings with AI-powered noise removal technology to ensure crystal-clear communication
- Real-time translation to over 100 languages that supports global team collaboration
- AI Assistant that captures notes, explains key points, and tracks action items
- Whiteboarding lets teams create and brainstorm together across devices
- Screen sharing with annotation enables interactive presentations
- Breakout rooms support smaller group discussions within larger meetings
- Live polling and Q&A through Slido integration
- Cloud recording provides searchable transcripts
Webex goes beyond meetings by offering team messaging with file sharing options and a cloud calling system that connects to traditional phone networks. Users can access the platform on desktop, mobile, and dedicated Webex devices without downloading software for simple functions.
Webex pros and cons
Pros:
- Superior audio quality with automatic background noise removal
- Top-tier security with end-to-end encryption and compliance certifications
- Free plan supports up to 100 participants
- Rich AI capabilities in paid plans
- Smooth integration with popular productivity tools
- Works seamlessly across different devices
Cons:
- Free meetings last only 40 minutes
- Steeper learning curve than some competitors
- Premium features limited to highest-tier plans
- Mobile app sometimes struggles with connectivity
- Large organizations face complex setup processes
- Extra costs apply for advanced features
Webex pricing
Webex pricing tiers suit different requirements:
- Free - $0, 100 participants, 40 minutes max meeting, screen sharing, noise cancellation
- Meet - $14.50/user/month, 200 participants, 24 hours max meeting, AI Assistant, 10GB cloud recording
- Suite - $25.00/user/month, 200 participants, 24 hours max meeting, business phone features, unlimited domestic calling
- Enterprise - custom price, 1,000 participants, 24 hours max meeting, FedRAMP security, unlimited cloud storage
Paid plans include advanced support options. Additional features like Real-Time Translation cost extra ($300/license/year).
Webex best for
Webex excels in serving:
- Security-focused organizations that need enterprise-grade protection for sensitive discussions
- Global teams who benefit from real-time translation in 100+ languages
- Businesses using Cisco products looking for seamless integration
- Organizations needing advanced AI features such as meeting transcription and summaries
- Companies hosting large virtual events with webcast support for up to 40,000 attendees
Moving from Microsoft Teams to Webex feels like upgrading from a multipurpose tool to a specialized kit. Webex delivers exceptional communication quality, making it perfect for customer-facing teams and organizations that need structured meeting environments.
Rocket.Chat
Rocket.Chat gives teams complete control over their communication platform with its open-source flexibility. Teams can deploy their workspace anywhere, self-hosted, cloud-based, or even air-gapped to maximize security.
Rocket.Chat key features
- Total customization: You can access and modify the entire codebase to match your needs
- End-to-end encryption: Your sensitive conversations stay protected with encryption that stops eavesdropping
- Deployment options: You can host on your servers or in isolated cloud environments
- Dedicated channels: Teams get topic-specific rooms for focused collaboration
- Thread-based messaging: Conversations stay organized by relevant topics to keep things clear
- External collaboration: You can work safely with contractors, clients, and partners
- Omnichannel support: Connect with website visitors and WhatsApp users from one platform
- Federation capabilities: Teams can communicate across organizations without multiple sign-ups
Rocket.Chat pros and cons
Pros:
- Full code access lets you customize everything
- Meets top security standards (GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, LGPD)
- Free plan includes unlimited message history
- Works great for both internal and external communication
- Chat channels support teams of any size
Cons:
- New users without technical background might need time to adjust
- Updates can cause brief connection drops
- You need to pick video chat before making voice calls
- Finding old messages can be tricky
- You can't send audio messages directly
Rocket.Chat pricing
- Starter - Free, up to 25 max users, self-managed hosting, unlimited history
- Pro - $4/user/month, up to 500 max users, Pro for growing teams looking to exchange data and information securely.
- Enterprise - custom price, custom max users, custom roles, device management
Rocket.Chat best for
Organizations with strict security requirements will find Rocket.Chat extremely valuable. Government agencies, healthcare providers handling patient data, and companies in regulated industries get the most benefit. Teams who want full control over their communication setup without depending on third-party services also love this platform.
Security-conscious teams often pick Rocket.Chat because they can verify all security practices thanks to its open-source nature. This transparency gives them peace of mind that closed-source alternatives can't match.
Chanty
Need a Microsoft Teams alternative that won't hurt your wallet? Chanty brings team messaging and task management together in a user-friendly platform at a great price.
Chanty key features
Chanty makes remote collaboration easier with these practical tools:
- Team chat: Create public and private conversations with unlimited searchable history, even in the free plan
- Audio and video calls: Connect through one-on-one calls in free plan and unlimited group calls in paid plans
- Task management: Turn any message into a task, set deadlines, and track progress without switching apps
- Kanban board view: See all tasks in columns just like popular project management tools
- Zapier integration: Link with tools like Google Calendar, Gmail, MailChimp, and Salesforce
- File sharing: Share documents with simple drag-and-drop and get 20GB storage per team in free plan
- Voice messages: Record audio replies on the go without typing
- Powerful search: Quickly find old messages and content
The Teambook sits at Chanty's core. This central hub organizes your conversations, files, and tasks in one spot for easy access.
Chanty pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly platform that's quick to learn
- Free plan gives you unlimited message history, unlike Slack's 90-day limit
- Built-in task management saves you from buying separate project tools
- Better prices than Slack and Microsoft Teams
- Simple design that non-technical users love
Cons:
- Free plan only supports 5 team members
- Some uptime issues show up, but they're getting better
- Status message options like "In a meeting" aren't available yet
- Video calls aren't as stable as dedicated platforms
- Mobile app doesn't let you mute channels
Chanty pricing
- Free - €0 forever, up to 5 members, 20GB storage per team, unlimited history, 1:1 calls, 10 integrations
- Business - €3/user/month (annual) or €4/user/month (monthly), unlimited team size, 20GB storage per user, group calls, screen sharing, unlimited integrations
- Enterprise - custom pricing, custom team size, custom storage, white labeling, advanced permissions, dedicated support
Nonprofits and educational institutions can get a 50% discount.
Chanty best for
Chanty shines especially when you have:
- Small businesses looking for capable communication tools at good prices
- Teams who want chat and task management in one package
- Budget-conscious organizations that need unlimited message history
- Non-technical users who want simple, straightforward tools
- Organizations searching for cheaper Slack alternatives
Teams tired of Microsoft Teams' complexity will find Chanty refreshingly simple. It focuses on what matters - helping people communicate effectively without technical hassles.
Conclusion
These eight Microsoft Teams alternatives give you a clearer picture of what each platform can do for remote collaboration. Teams boasts 145 million daily active users, but these alternatives handle common issues better - like high costs, difficult learning curves, and limited free features.
Each platform excels in its own way. FreeConference and Callbridge work great for teams that need basic meeting tools on a budget. Zoom hits the sweet spot between simplicity and features, making it ideal for remote-first teams. Google Meet sets up quickly and comes with great free options. Slack changes how teams communicate with its channel-based system.
Webex stands out for enterprises that need top-tier security with its enterprise-grade protection and AI features. Rocket.Chat's open-source nature gives teams full control over their communication setup. Small businesses watching costs will love Chanty's mix of chat and task management at affordable prices.
Your best pick depends on what you need. Think about your team size, budget limits, security needs, and must-have features for daily work. Would you work better with Zoom's accessible interface? Or would Slack's huge integration ecosystem help connect your tools better?
The switch to a new platform can be gradual. Many teams try alternatives with smaller groups first. You might find that using multiple tools works best - like Slack for everyday chats and Zoom for client meetings.
Finding the right Teams alternative is like buying new shoes - what's perfect for one team might not work for another. Test these options with your actual workflows. The right platform won't feel like another tool you have to learn. Instead, it will feel like a natural part of your team's work style.
Which Teams alternative catches your eye? Drop us a comment below!
