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Comparison · Team chat software

Mattermost vs Microsoft Teams: which is better in 2026?

Mattermost88.5#4 in best team chat softwareMicrosoft Teams89.0#3 in best team chat software

Microsoft Teams ranks higher in our list of team chat software (#3 against #4, score 89.0 against 88.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

  • 88.5
    Editorial score
    89.0
  • 2
    Platforms
    5
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • Yes
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

Choose Mattermost if you want

Regulated teams that must keep chat on their own servers.

Self-hosted team chat for private cloud and air-gapped networks, with source published under AGPL-3.0. It asks more of an IT team than Slack, and its Enterprise features sit in paid editions.

Choose Microsoft Teams if you want

Organizations already standardized on Microsoft 365.

Chat, meetings and shared files in one app, tied into Microsoft 365 and Outlook, which is why many organizations use it by default. It is hosted only and heavier than Slack or Zulip.

The main differences

  • Only Microsoft Teams runs on Windows.
  • Only Microsoft Teams runs on macOS.
  • Only Microsoft Teams runs on iOS.
  • Only Microsoft Teams runs on Android.
  • Mattermost is open source; Microsoft Teams is not.

Side by side

MattermostMicrosoft Teams
Score88.589.0
Rank in list#4 of 10#3 of 10
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesSource is open; paid Enterprise editions for organizationsFree plan, paid upgradesFree version with limits; included in Microsoft 365 business plans
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceYesNo
PlatformsWebSelf-hostedWeb, Self-hostedWindowsmacOSiOSAndroidWebWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web
Made byMattermost, Inc.Microsoft
HostingSelf-hosted or private cloudHosted by Microsoft
Best forRegulated teams that must keep chat on their own serversOrganizations already standardized on Microsoft 365
Strengths
  • Open source with self-hosting on your own servers
  • Works in private cloud and air-gapped networks
  • Source published under AGPL-3.0
  • Chat, meetings and files in one app
  • Deep integration with Microsoft 365 and Outlook
  • Free version available
Limits
  • Running the server needs an IT team
  • Enterprise features are only in paid editions
  • Hosted only, with no self-hosting
  • Heavier than dedicated chat tools
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Mattermost vs Microsoft Teams

Is Microsoft Teams better than Mattermost?
Microsoft Teams ranks higher in our list of team chat software (#3 against #4, score 89.0 against 88.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Mattermost is best for: regulated teams that must keep chat on their own servers. Microsoft Teams is best for: organizations already standardized on Microsoft 365.
Which is cheaper, Mattermost or Microsoft Teams?
Mattermost: Source is open; paid Enterprise editions for organizations. Microsoft Teams: Free version with limits; included in Microsoft 365 business plans.
Do Mattermost and Microsoft Teams run on the same platforms?
Mattermost supports Web, Self-hosted. Microsoft Teams supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web.

Choosing between the two

Learning Center
1:17Beginner · 4 min readHow to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.1:20Beginner · 6 min readHow to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.

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