Microsoft Teams Alternatives
8 Tools Like Microsoft Teams
Quick answer: Top Microsoft Teams alternatives include Slack, Google Chat and Zoom. For open source, look at Mattermost and Rocket.Chat. Slack and Zoom are free or have free plans.
Microsoft Teams is chat, meetings and calls for organisations using Microsoft 365.
Teams can feel heavy and slow, and many teams prefer a lighter chat tool, an open-source option, or something that works well outside Microsoft 365.
- 8 alternatives
- 4 with a free plan
- 4 open source
- 3 self-hostable
The best Microsoft Teams alternatives
#1Slack
slack.com
Team messaging with channels, threads, huddles and thousands of integrations.
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In Slack’s own words: “Boost productivity and save time with Slack – the AI work platform for managing projects, automating workflows and connecting teams securely. Start working smarter today.”
Slack has a free plan.
People switching from Discord and Microsoft Teams often consider Slack.
#2Google Chat
workspace.google.com
Messaging and spaces built into Google Workspace.
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In Google Chat’s own words: “Learn how Google Chat helps individuals, groups, and businesses to connect and collaborate online with secure messaging and powerful features from Google Workspace.”
People switching from Slack and Microsoft Teams often consider Google Chat.
#3Zoom
zoom.us
Video meetings, webinars and team chat.
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In Zoom’s own words: “Modernize workflows with Zoom's trusted collaboration tools: including video meetings, Zoom Chat, VoIP phone, webinars, whiteboard, contact center, and events.”
Zoom has a free plan.
People switching from Skype and Microsoft Teams often consider Zoom.
#4Discord
discord.com
Voice, video and text communities with servers, roles and bots.
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In Discord’s own words: “Discord is great for playing games and chilling with friends, or even building a worldwide community. Customize your own space to talk, play, and hang out.”
Discord is free to use.
People switching from Slack, Zoom, Reddit, Telegram and Skype often consider Discord, along with 2 other tools.
#5Mattermost
mattermost.com
Open-source team messaging for secure, self-hosted environments.
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In Mattermost’s own words: “Zero-trust collaboration, automation and AI in private cloud, self-hosted, and air-gapped environments. Built for national security, critical infrastructure, and regulated enterprises.”
Mattermost is open source and can be self-hosted.
People switching from Slack, Discord and Microsoft Teams often consider Mattermost.
#6Rocket.Chat
rocket.chat
Open-source communication platform with full data control.
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In Rocket.Chat’s own words: “Messaging, voice, video, apps, and AI that connect you with allies and partners on any system. Deployed anywhere, entirely under your control.”
Rocket.Chat is open source and can be self-hosted.
People switching from Slack, Discord and Microsoft Teams often consider Rocket.Chat.
#7Element
element.io
Secure, decentralised chat and calls built on the open Matrix protocol.
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In Element’s own words: “Element is a Matrix-based end-to-end encrypted messenger and secure collaboration app. It’s decentralised for digital sovereign self-hosting, or through a hosting service such as Element Matrix Services. Element operates on the open Matrix network to provide interoperability and easy connections.”
Element is open source and is built with privacy in mind.
People switching from Slack, Discord, WhatsApp, Telegram and Microsoft Teams often consider Element.
#8Zulip
zulip.com
Open-source team chat organised by topic-based threads.
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In Zulip’s own words: “Zulip is an organized team chat app for distributed teams of all sizes.”
Zulip is open source, has a free plan and can be self-hosted.
People switching from Slack, Discord and Microsoft Teams often consider Zulip.
Listed for information; LaunchStall isn’t affiliated with these companies. Features and plans change — check each site for current details.
How these Microsoft Teams alternatives compare
| Tool | Best for | Where it beats Microsoft Teams | The trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slack | A focused chat tool | A nicer messaging experience and huge app directory. | Another subscription on top of Office. |
| Google Chat | Google Workspace users | Included with Workspace. | Fewer integrations. |
| Zoom | Meetings first | Often preferred for video quality and reliability. | Chat is secondary. |
| Discord | Communities | Great voice channels with a free plan. | Less suited to compliance. |
| Mattermost | Self-hosted security | Open source and self-hosted. | You run it. |
| Rocket.Chat | Self-hosting plus customer chat | Open source, with omnichannel features. | More to manage. |
| Element | Encrypted federated chat | Open source, encrypted, on Matrix. | Less polished for typical offices. |
| Zulip | Async topic-based chat | Threads by topic that are easy to catch up on. | A different model to adjust to. |
Which should you choose?
- You want better chat: Slack
- You must self-host: Mattermost or Rocket.Chat
- You want strong privacy: Element
Our editorial summary of each tool’s focus, written November 2026. Tools change quickly, so check the details on each site.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best Microsoft Teams alternatives?
Popular Microsoft Teams alternatives include Slack, Google Chat and Zoom. The best choice depends on whether you need a free plan, open-source software or specific features.
Is there a free alternative to Microsoft Teams?
Yes. Slack, Zoom, Discord and Zulip are free or have free plans.
Is there an open-source alternative to Microsoft Teams?
Yes — Mattermost, Rocket.Chat, Element and Zulip are open source.
Why do people look for Microsoft Teams alternatives?
Teams can feel heavy and slow, and many teams prefer a lighter chat tool, an open-source option, or something that works well outside Microsoft 365.
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