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Comparison · Team chat software

Microsoft Teams vs Slack: which is better in 2026?

Microsoft Teams89.0#3 in best team chat softwareSlack93.0#1 in best team chat software

Slack ranks higher in our list of team chat software (#1 against #3, score 93.0 against 89.0).

  • 89.0
    Editorial score
    93.0
  • 5
    Platforms
    6
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

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.

Choose Slack if you want

Teams that want the largest app ecosystem.

The widest app and integration catalog here, with huddles, Slack Connect and a free plan that never expires. Its code is closed, and cost rises per user as a team grows.

The main differences

  • Only Slack runs on Linux.

Side by side

Microsoft TeamsSlack
Score89.093.0
Rank in list#3 of 7#1 of 7
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree version with limits; included in Microsoft 365 business plansFree plan, paid upgradesFree plan with 90 days of message history; paid plans per user
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWindowsmacOSiOSAndroidWebWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, WebWebWindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Made byMicrosoftNot stated
HostingHosted by MicrosoftHosted by Slack
Best forOrganizations already standardized on Microsoft 365Teams that want the largest app ecosystem
Strengths
  • Chat, meetings and files in one app
  • Deep integration with Microsoft 365 and Outlook
  • Free version available
  • Large catalog of apps and integrations
  • Huddles, clips and canvases in one workspace
  • Slack Connect works with outside partners
Limits
  • Hosted only, with no self-hosting
  • Heavier than dedicated chat tools
  • Free plan keeps only 90 days of message history
  • Costs rise per user as a team grows
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Microsoft Teams vs Slack

Is Slack better than Microsoft Teams?
Slack ranks higher in our list of team chat software (#1 against #3, score 93.0 against 89.0). Microsoft Teams is best for: organizations already standardized on Microsoft 365. Slack is best for: teams that want the largest app ecosystem.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft Teams or Slack?
Microsoft Teams: Free version with limits; included in Microsoft 365 business plans. Slack: Free plan with 90 days of message history; paid plans per user.
Do Microsoft Teams and Slack run on the same platforms?
Microsoft Teams supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web. Slack supports Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.