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Microsoft Teams

Freemium

Team collaboration and communication

#zapier#make
Inputs: text, audio, video, fileOutputs: text, audio, video, file
Starting Price
$4/mo
Type
Saas
Founded
2017
Company
Microsoft

About Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a comprehensive team collaboration and communication platform developed by Microsoft. It integrates chat, video conferencing, file storage, and application integration into a single workspace, designed to facilitate teamwork within organizations. The platform is part of the broader Microsoft 365 suite and supports both internal and external collaboration through channels, direct messaging, and meetings. Based on available information, Microsoft Teams offers a freemium pricing model, with a free tier that provides basic features such as unlimited chat, file sharing, and group video calls for up to 60 minutes. Paid plans, such as Microsoft 365 Business Basic and Enterprise subscriptions, unlock additional capabilities like extended meeting durations, advanced security, and compliance features. The platform is accessible via desktop apps (Windows, Mac), mobile apps (iOS, Android), and web browsers, with the website noting support for the latest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.

Key Features

Persistent chat with channels and direct messaging
Video and audio conferencing with screen sharing
File storage and sharing integrated with OneDrive and SharePoint
Integration with Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
Customizable workspaces with tabs and connectors
Guest access for external collaboration

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Deep integration with Microsoft 365 ecosystem
  • Free tier offers basic collaboration features
  • Supports large meetings with paid plans
  • Cross-platform availability (desktop, mobile, web)
  • Enterprise-grade security and compliance options
Cons
  • Free tier limits group video calls to 60 minutes
  • Can be resource-intensive on older hardware
  • Interface may feel cluttered with many channels and tabs
  • Some advanced features require paid subscriptions

Best For

Remote team communication and daily stand-upsProject management with shared files and task trackingVirtual meetings and webinars for internal or external audiencesCross-departmental collaboration through channelsIntegration of third-party apps for workflow automation

Alternatives to Microsoft Teams

FAQ

Is Microsoft Teams free to use?
Microsoft Teams appears to offer a free tier with basic features such as unlimited chat and file sharing. Group video calls on the free plan are reportedly limited to 60 minutes. For extended capabilities, paid Microsoft 365 subscriptions are available.
What browsers are supported for Microsoft Teams?
Based on the website, Microsoft Teams supports the latest three versions of Edge, Chrome, and Firefox, as well as the latest two versions of Safari. Users with unsupported browsers are encouraged to download the desktop app.
Can I use Microsoft Teams without a Microsoft account?
Accessing Microsoft Teams typically requires a Microsoft account. For organizational use, a work or school account is common, but personal Microsoft accounts can also be used for the free version. Specifics should be verified on the official sign-up page.
Does Microsoft Teams support external guests?
Yes, Microsoft Teams appears to support guest access, allowing external users to join channels and participate in conversations. This feature may have configuration requirements set by the organization's admin.
What is the maximum number of participants in a Teams meeting?
The free tier of Microsoft Teams reportedly supports up to 100 participants for group video calls. Paid plans, such as Microsoft 365 Business Basic, may support up to 300 participants. Exact limits should be checked on the official pricing page.