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Comparison · Team chat software

Microsoft Teams vs Zoho Cliq: which is better in 2026?

Microsoft Teams89.0#3 in best team chat softwareZoho Cliq85.0#5 in best team chat software

Microsoft Teams ranks higher in our list of team chat software (#3 against #5, score 89.0 against 85.0).

How we rank Share

  • 89.0
    Editorial score
    85.0
  • 5
    Platforms
    3
  • 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 Zoho Cliq if you want

Small teams already using Zoho business apps.

A free chat plan for teams of any size, with meetings and iOS and Android apps. External channels and call recording need the paid Standard plan, and its catalog is smaller than Slack's.

The main differences

  • Only Microsoft Teams runs on Windows.
  • Only Microsoft Teams runs on macOS.

Side by side

Microsoft TeamsZoho Cliq
Score89.085.0
Rank in list#3 of 10#5 of 10
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree version with limits; included in Microsoft 365 business plansFree plan, paid upgradesFree chat plan for teams of any size; paid Standard plan
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWindowsmacOSiOSAndroidWebWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, WebWebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, Android
Made byMicrosoftNot stated
HostingHosted by MicrosoftHosted by Zoho
Best forOrganizations already standardized on Microsoft 365Small teams already using Zoho business apps
Strengths
  • Chat, meetings and files in one app
  • Deep integration with Microsoft 365 and Outlook
  • Free version available
  • Free chat plan offered to teams of any size
  • Integrates with other Zoho business apps
  • Meetings with screen share included
Limits
  • Hosted only, with no self-hosting
  • Heavier than dedicated chat tools
  • External channels and call recording need a paid plan
  • Smaller third-party app catalog than Slack
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Microsoft Teams vs Zoho Cliq

Is Microsoft Teams better than Zoho Cliq?
Microsoft Teams ranks higher in our list of team chat software (#3 against #5, score 89.0 against 85.0). Microsoft Teams is best for: organizations already standardized on Microsoft 365. Zoho Cliq is best for: small teams already using Zoho business apps.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft Teams or Zoho Cliq?
Microsoft Teams: Free version with limits; included in Microsoft 365 business plans. Zoho Cliq: Free chat plan for teams of any size; paid Standard plan.
Do Microsoft Teams and Zoho Cliq run on the same platforms?
Microsoft Teams supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web. Zoho Cliq supports Web, iOS, Android.

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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