Slack vs Microsoft Teams

Slack is the messaging tool everyone loves. Teams is the one everyone already has. If your company pays for Microsoft 365, Teams is free. So is Slack actually worth paying for?

Updated 2026-09 · 2026

Slack

The messaging app that defined modern work chat

$8.75/user/moper user/month

Strengths

+Best-in-class third-party integrations with 2,600+ apps
+Threaded conversations keep channels organized and readable
+Workflow Builder lets you automate tasks without code

Weaknesses

-Expensive at scale, especially for large organizations
-Free tier limits message history to 90 days
-Video calling and screen sharing feel bolted on

Best for

Teams that rely heavily on integrations and want the cleanest, most focused messaging experience.

Microsoft Teams

Video meetings and chat bundled with Microsoft 365

Freeincluded with Microsoft 365

Strengths

+Free if your org already pays for Microsoft 365
+Video meetings, screen sharing, and recording built in
+Deep integration with Word, Excel, SharePoint, and OneDrive

Weaknesses

-Interface feels cluttered and slow compared to Slack
-Third-party integrations are limited and less polished
-Thread model is confusing and hard to follow

Best for

Organizations already in the Microsoft ecosystem that want meetings, chat, and file sharing in one place without extra cost.

Feature Comparison

Feature	Slack	Microsoft Teams
Messaging	Excellent, clean threads	Good, confusing threads
Video meetings	Basic (Huddles)	Full-featured, built in
Integrations	2,600+ apps	Limited marketplace
File sharing	Drag and drop, 10-20GB	OneDrive/SharePoint integrated
Screen sharing	Yes	Yes, with remote control
Recording	Huddles only (paid)	Built in, auto-transcribed
Breakout rooms	No	Yes
Guest access	Paid plans	Yes, free

The Verdict

If your company already has Microsoft 365, Teams is hard to beat on value. You get meetings, chat, and file sharing for zero extra cost. But if messaging quality and integrations matter more than video calls, Slack is still the better chat experience. Many teams end up using both: Teams for meetings, Slack for day-to-day messaging.

How to switch from Slack to Microsoft Teams

Full Slack export guide →

1Export your Slack workspace data using Slack's built-in Data Export tool (Settings & Administration > Data Export), which produces a ZIP file of JSON files organized by channel and date; public channel history is available on Pro plans, while private channels and DMs need Business+ or Enterprise Grid with Compliance Export enabled.
2Since Microsoft doesn't offer a native Slack import tool, use a third-party migration service such as Cloudiway or AvePoint to map Slack channels to Teams channels and migrate message history, files, and user accounts.
3Recreate your workspace structure in Teams by setting up teams and channels that mirror your Slack channels, then re-invite users with matching permissions.
4Rebuild critical integrations and Workflow Builder automations using Teams' native connectors, Power Automate, or the Teams app store, since most Slack apps don't have direct equivalents.
5Migrate files from Slack and any linked cloud storage into SharePoint/OneDrive so they're accessible directly inside the relevant Teams channels.
6Run Slack and Teams in parallel for 1-2 weeks, announce a cutover date, then archive (don't delete) the Slack workspace so historical data stays searchable if needed.

Slack vs Microsoft Teams: common questions

How do I export my Slack message history before switching to Teams?+

Go to Settings & Administration > Data Export in Slack, which generates a ZIP file containing your workspace history as JSON files organized by channel and date. On Free and Pro plans you can only export public channel content; private channels and DMs require a Business+ or Enterprise Grid plan with Compliance Export enabled and admin approval.

What do we lose moving from Slack to Microsoft Teams?+

You lose Slack's Workflow Builder automations, its large third-party app ecosystem, and the cleaner thread/search experience — these don't have direct Teams equivalents and often need to be rebuilt with Power Automate or native connectors. Huddles also disappear, but you gain full meeting recording and transcription in exchange.

Is the free version of Teams enough for a small team?+

The free Teams plan supports up to 100 participants, 60-minute meetings, and 5GB of storage per user, which covers basic chat and video needs for a small team. It lacks compliance features, larger meeting limits, and Office app integration, so most teams outgrow it once they need shared file editing or admin controls.

Will our Slack integrations work in Teams?+

No, most Slack apps don't transfer directly since Teams has a smaller, different app marketplace. You'll need to recreate integrations using Teams' native connectors, Microsoft's Power Automate, or find a Teams-compatible version of the same tool in its app store.

Does switching to Teams actually save money over time?+

If your organization already pays for Microsoft 365 Business or Enterprise plans, Teams is included at no extra cost, which is cheaper than paying $8.75/user/month for Slack Pro. If you don't already have Microsoft 365, standalone Teams Essentials costs $4/user/month, still undercutting Slack, but you'd be paying for two separate tools instead of one bundle.