Microsoft Teams is a great business communication platform for meetings, calls, file sharing, and collaboration. It is an all-in-one space that facilitates teamwork.
But, is it all a team needs to be successful?
Though Microsoft Teams has unquestionably reshaped the way teams exchange information, it lacks a few essential features required for optimal communication and collaboration. The realm of features expands when we step outside the familiar ones MS Teams provides. Organizations can access cutting-edge features, improve user experiences, and find seamless integrations tailored to their needs.
Let’s take a look at five Microsoft Teams alternatives that include various features in addition to just video conferencing and file sharing.
What is Microsoft Teams? And why are organizations looking for an alternative?
Microsoft Teams is a collaboration app designed to keep managers and their teams informed, organized, and connected. It is part of the Microsoft 365 suite of applications.
Organizations are looking for alternatives to Microsoft Teams for multiple reasons. While Microsoft Teams is a platform for business communication that offers teams a digital workspace, its key features revolve around video conferencing and chat. It does have other functions, like document sharing and a calendar, but its tight integration with the Microsoft ecosystem can present challenges when trying to connect with competitors. For instance, syncing a Teams calendar with Google Calendar is a daunting task. Additionally, some features that are freely available in alternative applications might require Microsoft Teams plugins or upgrades. These elements play a part in the growing demand for Microsoft Teams alternatives.
Here are the five best alternatives to Microsoft Teams:
- Zoho Cliq
Zoho Cliq is the best option if you’re looking for a platform that seamlessly brings all your organization’s communications to one place. The Remote Work feature provides a comprehensive overview of team availability and scheduled meetings, and it enables users to update their status quickly. It also simplifies the check-in and check-out process, resembling the experience of going to and leaving the office in this hybrid work culture. Cliq promotes team collaboration through organization-wide video broadcasting, including interactive features like the “raise hand” option. Another unique feature that Cliq offers is the ability to convert messages into events or reminders, fork chats for contextualization, create and assign tasks, and collaborate seamlessly within the app. Notably, Cliq also offers a multi-chat view, a feature unavailable in Microsoft Teams.
Pros:
- Intuitive interface
- Uses less hard drive space
- Options to delete chat history
- Works well even on low bandwidth
- Multi-chat view
Cons:
- Doesn’t integrate well with Microsoft applications
- Slack
Slack is an early competitor of Microsoft Teams and one of the first popular business communication apps (Slack was launched four years before Microsoft Teams). Apart from its significant third-party integrations, Slack has earned recognition over the years for its user-friendly interface and intuitive user experience, both of which have been key factors to its success.
Similar to Microsoft Teams, Slack enables users to make voice and video calls right from the app. But what sets Slack apart is how easily it integrates with third-party applications like Zoom. Slack also allows users to share files and enables collaboration with third-party applications, extending its use beyond internal communication.
Pros:
- Not reliant on a specific ecosystem
- Simple and intuitive
Cons:
- No integrated calendar
- For functions like task creation, third-party apps are required
- File storage is limited
- Zoom
Zoom, the well-known video conferencing platform that rocketed to fame during the pandemic, is also a worthy option to look at if you’re thinking about switching from Microsoft Teams. Users of Zoom can create channels and groups, similar to how they do with Microsoft Teams. Additionally, Zoom provides a personal space where you can send instant messages, share images, or upload files for future reference. Zoom is also known for its intuitive user interface, great audio and video quality, and a wide range of features including screen sharing, virtual backdrops, and breakout rooms.
Pros:
- Simple to use
- Flawless audio and video quality
- Has a free version
- Offers virtual backgrounds for user customization and privacy
Cons:
- Many advanced features require a paid plan
- Google Workspace
Google Workspace is a solid alternative to Microsoft Teams for organizations that require flexibility and want access to a range of communication and collaboration tools like Gmail, Google Meet, Google Calendar, and Google Docs. Google Workspace’s primary objectives are to boost productivity and enhance collaboration within teams and organizations. This is done by providing a unified platform that integrates project management, file sharing, and communication capabilities. The privacy and confidentiality of user data are further assured by Google Workspace’s security features, like two-factor authentication.
Pros:
- Integrates with third-party software
Cons:
- Falls short when it comes to online meetings
- Spike
Spike stands out from Microsoft Teams in several ways. Spike is known for its seamless integration with multiple calendars and email features, enabling both internal and external collaboration. It also has a clean user interface. Spike is unquestionably an effective choice if you’re looking for an email-focused alternative to Microsoft Teams with powerful collaboration features.
Pros:
- Offers email integration for both internal and external communication
- Multiple-calendar integration
Cons:
- Currently no Linux app available
- Doesn’t integrate as well with Microsoft apps
Key takeaways
Though Microsoft Teams provides features like texting and video conferencing, it might not entirely meet all of your needs. We have listed five business communication tools that can serve as powerful replacements for Microsoft Teams. Though we listed some great free alternatives, none of them equal Zoho Cliq’s cutting-edge features. Zoho Cliq offers a variety of advanced team collaboration features in addition to all the key features found in other apps, like a multi-chat view, an intuitive user interface, and a remote work option.
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