Zoom vs Microsoft Teams
Last updated July 6, 2026
Deciding between Zoom and Microsoft Teams? Here's how they stack up on price, fit and migration effort — so you can pick the right video conferencing 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.
| Zoom | Microsoft Teams | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free (Pro from ~$14/mo) | Free |
| 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 Zoom
- ✕The free plan caps group meetings at 40 minutes, nudging you to pay.
- ✕Per-host (per-license) pricing adds up as your team grows.
- ✕Many features — cloud recording, webinars, larger rooms — are paid add-ons on top of the license.
- ✕Teams already paying for Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 get video included, making a separate Zoom bill hard to justify.
Where Microsoft Teams wins
- ✓Effectively free if you already pay for Microsoft 365
- ✓Combines meetings with chat and Office
- ✓Enterprise-grade
…and where it doesn't
- ✕Heavier and clunkier than Zoom for pure video
- ✕Best value only in the Microsoft ecosystem
- ✕Steeper learning curve
The verdict on Microsoft Teams
If your organization runs on Microsoft 365, Teams makes a separate Zoom bill hard to justify — video meetings, chat and Office are all bundled together, so the switch can be effectively free. It handles meetings, webinars and calling at enterprise scale. The trade-off is that Teams is heavier and clunkier than Zoom for pure video calls, and its value really only makes sense inside the Microsoft ecosystem. But for a company weighing Zoom licenses against a Microsoft 365 subscription it already owns, Teams is the pragmatic, budget-driven choice.
Try Microsoft Teams freeWhat real users say: Zoom vs Microsoft Teams
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Frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft Teams cheaper than Zoom?
Microsoft Teams starts at Free, including a free tier, compared with Zoom from Free (Pro from ~$14/mo). Free tier available. Teams Essentials $4/user/mo; bundled in Microsoft 365 Business Basic $7/user/mo and higher (verified Jul 6, 2026).
Is it hard to migrate from Zoom to Microsoft Teams?
Migration difficulty is rated Moderate. But for a company weighing Zoom licenses against a Microsoft 365 subscription it already owns, Teams is the pragmatic, budget-driven choice.
Who should choose Microsoft Teams over Zoom?
Microsoft Teams is best for: Organizations already paying for Microsoft 365. If that describes your situation, it's a strong Zoom alternative.
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