Slack vs Microsoft Teams
Last updated July 6, 2026
Deciding between Slack and Microsoft Teams? Here's how they stack up on price, fit and migration effort — so you can pick the right team communication tool without second-guessing.
Pricing disclaimer: All prices are list prices in USD, shown for general information only as of July 6, 2026, and may have changed since. Plans, tiers and features vary by region and are frequently updated by each vendor. Nothing here is financial, legal or purchasing advice — always confirm current pricing and terms on the provider's official website before you buy.
| Slack | Microsoft Teams | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free (Pro $8.75/user/mo) | $4/mo |
| Free tier | — | Yes |
| Best for | Established users on its plans | Organizations already paying for Microsoft 365. |
| Migration effort | — | Moderate |
| Rating | — | 4.1 ★ |
Why teams switch from Slack
- ✕The free plan now hides messages older than 90 days, pushing teams to pay to keep history.
- ✕Per-seat pricing ($8.75–$18/user/mo) gets expensive for larger teams.
- ✕No self-hosting or data ownership — everything lives on Slack's cloud.
- ✕Price increases and feature gating into higher tiers.
Where Microsoft Teams wins
- ✓Effectively free if you already pay for Microsoft 365
- ✓Strong video meetings included
- ✓Enterprise-grade
…and where it doesn't
- ✕Clunkier UX than Slack
- ✕Best value only in the Microsoft ecosystem
- ✕Heavier and more complex
The verdict on Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is the pragmatic Slack alternative for any organization already paying for Microsoft 365 — because Teams is bundled in, the switch can be effectively free, which is a powerful argument against Slack's per-seat bill. It combines chat, video meetings and calling with deep Office integration and enterprise-grade scale. The trade-offs are well documented: the UX is clunkier and heavier than Slack's, and the value really only makes sense inside the Microsoft ecosystem. But for a company weighing Slack's cost against a Microsoft 365 subscription it already owns, Teams is the obvious, budget-driven choice, with migration tooling for channels and history.
Try Microsoft Teams freeWhat real users say: Slack vs Microsoft Teams
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Frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft Teams cheaper than Slack?
Microsoft Teams starts at $4/mo, including a free tier, compared with Slack from Free (Pro $8.75/user/mo). Free tier exists. Teams Essentials $4/user/mo; bundled in Microsoft 365 Business Basic $7/user/mo, Business Standard ~$12.50/user/mo (verified Jul 6, 2026).
Is it hard to migrate from Slack to Microsoft Teams?
Migration difficulty is rated Moderate. But for a company weighing Slack's cost against a Microsoft 365 subscription it already owns, Teams is the obvious, budget-driven choice, with migration tooling for channels and history.
Who should choose Microsoft Teams over Slack?
Microsoft Teams is best for: Organizations already paying for Microsoft 365. If that describes your situation, it's a strong Slack alternative.
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