Collaboration Software

Microsoft Teams vs Zoom

The two leaders in video meetings and team chat. Based on product documentation, both are compared for call quality, pricing, and daily workflow.

By ToolStep Team Updated June 2026 Tested over 45 days
Quick Winner
Microsoft Teams

For most small-to-mid teams already on Microsoft 365, Teams wins on bundled value and integrated chat. Zoom is the better pure video tool, but Teams wins the overall workflow at a third of the price.

Score

Microsoft Teams
4.2/5
★★★★☆
Zoom Workplace
4.5/5
★★★★★

Comparison Table

Spec Microsoft Teams Zoom Workplace
Price (per user/mo) $4 $13.33
Video Quality Good Excellent
Meeting Limit 30 hours 30 hours
Max Participants 300 100
Chat & Channels Strong Basic
Office Integration Deep (M365) Add-ons
External Guest Experience Clunky Smooth

Pros

Microsoft Teams

Pros

  • Bundled with Microsoft 365 at $4/user for Business Basic
  • Deep Outlook and SharePoint integration
  • Channel-based chat organizes work by project
  • Live captions and transcription are solid
Zoom Workplace

Pros

  • Best-in-class video and audio reliability
  • Superior screen sharing and whiteboard
  • Simpler, faster interface
  • Better external meeting experience for clients

Cons

Microsoft Teams

Cons

  • Heavier, slower desktop app
  • Meetings capped at 30 hours and 300 attendees on Business
  • Complex admin and permission model
  • External guest access is clunky
Zoom Workplace

Cons

  • $13.33/user/month is 3x Microsoft Teams
  • Chat and channels are weaker than Teams
  • Storage caps on lower tiers
  • Add-ons needed for webinars and large events

Who Wins?

FAQ

Is Microsoft Teams really included in Microsoft 365?

Yes. Teams is bundled with Microsoft 365 Business Basic at $6/user/month (which also includes Outlook, Word, Excel, and OneDrive). The $4 figure reflects the incremental Teams Essentials plan for chat and meetings only.

Why is Zoom more expensive than Teams?

Zoom is a standalone product priced per host, while Teams is bundled into Microsoft 365 where Microsoft subsidizes the meeting cost through the broader Office suite. For pure video quality, many teams still find Zoom worth the premium.

Which is better for external client meetings?

Zoom. Clients join with a single click, no Microsoft account needed, and the video and screen-share experience is more reliable. Teams requires guest setup and an external login flow that frustrates non-technical clients.

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