Slack Pro costs $7.25/user/month. Microsoft Teams is included in Microsoft 365 Business Basic at $6/user/month. Both are leading team communication platforms but with different strengths. The right choice often depends on whether your organisation already uses Microsoft 365. For a detailed comparison, see our guide to Zoom pricing 2026. For a detailed comparison, see our guide to Toggl vs Harvest.
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | Slack | Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | Yes — 90-day message history, 10 integrations | Yes — Teams Essentials $4/user/mo |
| Entry paid | Pro: $7.25/user/mo (annual) | Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $6/user/mo — includes Teams + Office apps |
| Mid tier | Business+: $12.50/user/mo | Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50/user/mo — includes full Office suite |
| Enterprise | Enterprise Grid: Custom | Microsoft 365 Business Premium: $22/user/mo |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Slack | Microsoft Teams | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Messaging experience | Excellent — focused, clean | Good — can feel cluttered | Slack |
| Video calling | Good | Excellent — enterprise-grade | Teams |
| File sharing | Good | Excellent — SharePoint integration | Teams |
| Third-party integrations | 2,400+ apps | 700+ apps | Slack |
| Microsoft Office integration | Basic | Native — Word, Excel, PowerPoint | Teams |
| Search functionality | Excellent | Good | Slack |
| Channels/threads | Excellent | Good | Slack |
| Value if using Microsoft 365 | Additional cost | Included — zero extra cost | Teams |
When to Choose Slack
- Your team does not use Microsoft 365 and wants a dedicated communication tool
- You need extensive third-party app integrations (2,400+ available)
- Your team values interface quality and messaging experience above all
- You are a tech or startup team used to Slack’s workflow-focused approach
When to Choose Microsoft Teams
- Your organisation already pays for Microsoft 365 — Teams is included at no extra cost
- You need enterprise-grade video conferencing alongside messaging
- Your team heavily uses Word, Excel, and PowerPoint — native integration is seamless
- You need SharePoint for document management alongside communication
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Slack better than Microsoft Teams?
For messaging experience, third-party integrations, and interface quality, Slack wins. For organisations using Microsoft 365, Teams wins on value — it is included in Microsoft 365 subscriptions from $6/user/month, making Slack an additional cost. For video conferencing and Microsoft Office integration, Teams is stronger. The right choice depends on your existing software stack.
Is Microsoft Teams free?
Microsoft Teams Essentials costs $4/user/month for standalone access. Teams is included in Microsoft 365 Business Basic at $6/user/month, which also includes Exchange email, SharePoint, and OneDrive. A limited free version of Teams exists for personal use. For business use, a paid Microsoft 365 subscription is typically required for full functionality.
How much does Slack cost per month?
Slack Pro costs $7.25/user/month on annual billing ($8.75/user/month monthly). Business+ costs $12.50/user/month annually. The free plan includes 90-day message history, 1:1 video calls, and 10 third-party integrations. Enterprise Grid pricing is custom for large organisations.
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Who It’s Best For
When deciding between Slack and Microsoft Teams, it’s essential to consider the unique needs of your team or organization. Slack is particularly well-suited for startups and smaller teams that prioritize flexibility and a user-friendly interface. Its extensive integration capabilities with third-party applications make it a favorite among tech-savvy teams that rely heavily on tools like Google Drive, Trello, or Asana. Additionally, Slack’s vibrant community and robust app ecosystem provide a wealth of resources for teams looking to enhance their productivity.
On the other hand, Microsoft Teams is often favored by larger organizations or those already embedded within the Microsoft ecosystem. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 applications, making it an ideal choice for businesses that rely on tools like Word, Excel, and SharePoint. Teams also offers additional security features and compliance options, which are critical for industries such as finance and healthcare. If your organization requires advanced collaboration tools and has a significant number of employees working remotely, Microsoft Teams may be the better option.
Key Things to Consider
When comparing Slack and Microsoft Teams, several key factors should influence your decision. Firstly, assess your team’s communication style. If your team thrives on real-time messaging and quick interactions, Slack’s interface may provide a more engaging experience. Its channels and threads facilitate organized discussions, making it easy for team members to follow conversations based on specific topics.
Conversely, if your organization values structured meetings and collaborative document editing, Microsoft Teams shines in these areas. With built-in video conferencing and document sharing capabilities, Teams allows for a more streamlined workflow, especially in hybrid work environments. Consider the level of integration you require, as both platforms offer different tools and app integrations that can enhance productivity.
Another critical aspect to evaluate is pricing. While both platforms have free tiers, their premium offerings differ significantly. Slack’s pricing model is based on the number of active users and the features required, whereas Microsoft Teams is often bundled with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, potentially offering better value for organizations already using those tools. Be sure to weigh the overall cost against the features necessary for your team’s success.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, the choice between Slack and Microsoft Teams in 2026 hinges on your organization’s specific needs, culture, and existing tools. For teams that prioritize flexibility, a user-friendly interface, and a vibrant integration ecosystem, Slack remains a strong competitor. Its focus on messaging and community engagement can foster a collaborative environment, especially in smaller teams or startups.
In contrast, Microsoft Teams is the clear winner for larger organizations or those already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. Its robust collaboration features, security options, and seamless integration with Microsoft 365 applications provide a comprehensive solution for organizations that require more structured communication and document management capabilities.
Ultimately, consider conducting a trial of both platforms to gather feedback from your team. This hands-on experience will provide valuable insights into which tool aligns best with your organizational goals, leading to a more informed decision that can enhance your team’s productivity and collaboration in the long run.
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