Microsoft Teams review
Chat, meetings and files built into Microsoft 365
- Microsoft
- Free + paid plans
- iPhone & iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, Web
Does it deserve #8?
The verdict
Microsoft Teams makes sense if your company runs on Microsoft 365. Chat, meetings, calling and shared files live together, and Word, Excel and SharePoint plug straight in. Copilot can recap meetings on eligible plans. The catch is the experience: Teams is heavier and more cluttered than Slack or Zoom. The free personal version replaced Skype and works fine for family calls.
- Chat, meetings and calling
- Office and SharePoint integration
- Copilot meeting recaps
- Free personal version
Score breakdown
Overall = features 30% · design 20% · speed 20% · value 15% · privacy 15%. Why these weights?
What we like
- Included with many Microsoft 365 business plans
- Tight integration with Word, Excel and SharePoint
- Strong admin, security and compliance controls
What could be better
- Cluttered interface with a steep learning curve
- Feels heavier and slower than Slack or Zoom
Organizations already paying for Microsoft 365 that want chat and meetings in one place
you want a light, fast chat app or your team uses Google Workspace
Questions about Microsoft Teams
Is Microsoft Teams free?
Yes, the free personal version covers chat and video calls, with a time limit on group meetings. Business features come with Microsoft 365 plans or a standalone Teams subscription.
What happened to Skype?
Microsoft retired Skype in 2025 and moved its users to the free version of Microsoft Teams, where they could sign in with their Skype account and keep their chats and contacts.
What are the best alternatives to Microsoft Teams?
The closest alternatives are Slack, Zoom Workplace and Signal. See all of them ranked on our Microsoft Teams alternatives page.
Where does Microsoft Teams rank?
Microsoft Teams ranks #8 of 8 in our Messaging & Calls ranking, with an overall score of 8.0 out of 10.