Microsoft Teams vs Slack · 2026
What's the difference between Microsoft Teams and Slack?
Short answer
Microsoft Teams is bundled with Microsoft 365—chat, video meetings, and calling all in one license. Slack is the standalone leader with the deepest integration marketplace and best search, preferred by software-first companies and developer teams.
Vendors update features and pricing often. For the most accurate, up-to-date details, always check Microsoft Teams's site and Slack's site directly.
Microsoft Teams and Slack are the two dominant team chat platforms, and the choice is usually decided by which suite your company already runs.
Teams is bundled with Microsoft 365—chat, video meetings, and calling all included in your existing licenses. Slack is the standalone leader with the best app ecosystem, search, and developer integrations, and is the cultural default at most modern software companies.
Microsoft Teams vs Slack: at-a-glance
Side-by-side capability comparison.
| Capability | Microsoft Teams | Slack |
|---|---|---|
| Persistent channels | Best in class | Best in class |
| Video meetings included | Best in class | Yes |
| Native to Microsoft 365 | Best in class | No |
| App / integration marketplace | Yes | Best in class |
| Search depth | Yes | Best in class |
| Developer-friendly APIs | Yes | Best in class |
| Bundled in existing licenses | Best in class | No |
- Persistent channelsBest in class
- Video meetings includedBest in class
- Native to Microsoft 365Best in class
- App / integration marketplaceYes
- Search depthYes
- Developer-friendly APIsYes
- Bundled in existing licensesBest in class
- Persistent channelsBest in class
- Video meetings includedYes
- Native to Microsoft 365No
- App / integration marketplaceBest in class
- Search depthBest in class
- Developer-friendly APIsBest in class
- Bundled in existing licensesNo
Features and pricing tiers change frequently. Always confirm the latest details on each vendor's official website before making a buying decision.
Why is Microsoft Teams right for my business?
Teams is the right pick if you're already running Microsoft 365. You get chat, video meetings, calling, and deep Office and SharePoint integration without paying for a second SaaS product. IT governance, compliance, and SSO are all native.
- You're already on Microsoft 365 and want chat + meetings included.
- Your IT team standardises on Microsoft for governance and compliance.
- Video calls and phone integration matter as much as chat.
Why is Slack right for my business?
Slack is the right pick if developer experience and integration depth matter more than bundled pricing. The Slack app marketplace is unmatched, search is best-in-class, and the cultural fit for software-first teams is hard to overstate.
- You're a software-first company and developers live in Slack.
- You want the deepest integration marketplace and the best search.
- Culture and developer experience matter more than license bundling.
Which is better, Microsoft Teams or Slack?
Teams wins when you're a Microsoft 365 shop and value integrated meetings, calling, and IT governance. Slack wins for software-first companies that want the best chat UX and deepest integration ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
Is Teams cheaper than Slack?
If you already have Microsoft 365, Teams is effectively free. Slack is paid per seat. For Microsoft 365 customers, Teams is almost always cheaper on paper—but cultural fit may justify Slack's standalone cost.
Which has better video meetings?
Teams has more polished video bundled in. Slack supports video and screen-share but most Slack-native shops layer Zoom on top.
Can both run side by side?
Yes—many enterprises run Teams for company-wide compliance and Slack for product / engineering teams. Cross-posting bots help bridge the two.
Which is better for guest / external collaboration?
Both support guests; Slack Connect is widely considered the smoother experience for cross-company channels with vendors and partners.
Still deciding between Microsoft Teams and Slack?
Our consultants can evaluate both tools against your specific stack, budget, and go-to-market motion.