What is the difference between Microsoft Teams and Google Chat?

Microsoft Teams is best for Organizations already using Microsoft 365, while Google Chat is best for Teams already using Google Workspace. Microsoft Teams starts at $4/user/mo and Google Chat starts at $6/user/mo.

Is Microsoft Teams or Google Chat cheaper?

Microsoft Teams starts at $4/user/mo with a free tier. Google Chat starts at $6/user/mo.

Is there a free alternative to Google Chat?

Yes, Microsoft Teams offers a free tier (Free basic chat and video meetings).

Microsoft Teams vs Google Chat

Microsoft Teams is all-in-one communication platform with chat, video meetings, and Office 365 integration, while Google Chat is team messaging built into Google Workspace with Spaces, threads, and deep Google app integration. Microsoft Teams comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. Microsoft Teams is built for organizations already using microsoft 365, whereas Google Chat targets teams already using google workspace.

At a glance

	Microsoft Teams	Google Chat
Best for	Organizations already using Microsoft 365	Teams already using Google Workspace
Starting price	$4/user/mo	$6/user/mo
Free tier	✓	—
Open source	—	—
Free tier available	✓	—
Open source	—	—
Bots	—	✓
Channels	✓	—
File Sharing	✓	✓
Google Workspace	—	✓
Office 365 Integration	✓	—
Spaces	—	✓
Threads	—	✓
Video Meetings	✓	—
Webinars	✓	—

Microsoft Teams

Strengths

Included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions
Deep integration with Office apps (Word, Excel, SharePoint)
Strong video conferencing with large meeting support
Enterprise-grade security and compliance

Weaknesses

Interface can feel cluttered and confusing
Heavy on system resources
Navigation between chats, teams, and channels is unintuitive
Notifications management is frustrating

Try Microsoft Teams → Full review

Google Chat

Strengths

Seamless integration with Google Workspace
Clean, simple interface
Included with Google Workspace subscription
Good mobile experience

Weaknesses

Limited features compared to Slack
Fewer third-party integrations
Not available as a standalone product
Threading can be confusing

Try Google Chat → Full review

The bottom line

Pricing: Microsoft Teams starts at $4/user/mo. Google Chat starts at $6/user/mo. Microsoft Teams is the more affordable option.

Feature gaps: Microsoft Teams offers Channels, Office 365 Integration and Video Meetings that Google Chat lacks. Google Chat brings Bots, Google Workspace and Spaces that Microsoft Teams does not have. Both share File Sharing.

Team fit: Microsoft Teams is geared toward enterprise teams, while Google Chat is aimed at any size teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.

Where each tool shines: Microsoft Teams's biggest strengths are: included with microsoft 365 subscriptions. deep integration with office apps (word, excel, sharepoint). Google Chat's biggest strengths are: seamless integration with google workspace. clean, simple interface.

Watch out for: With Microsoft Teams, users commonly note that interface can feel cluttered and confusing. With Google Chat, the main complaint is that limited features compared to slack.