4 Great Alternatives to Microsoft Teams
Those of us who worked from home during the COVID lockdown of 2022 developed a deep hatred of Microsoft Teams. What was, for most of us, a highly unpleasant experience, has become part of a collective World psyche; the accidentally muted co-worker became the butt of many a joke, as did the manager wearing a shirt & tie with pyjama bottoms and slippers combo.
Yes, we are all completely disillusioned with Microsoft Teams, so rather than struggling with it, let’s look at the available alternatives:
1. Zoom
2. Google Meet
3. Prezi Video
4. Slack
1. Zoom
Zoom is known for its strong, stable video connection. Lately, it has transitioned into offering chat, file sharing, and even phone services. While it’s primarily a video-first platform, Zoom has matured into a decent alternative for those who want more than just online meetings.
Advantages
Video Quality
Whether you have a 1:1 call or a town hall with 1,000 people, Zoom makes it feel like everyone’s in the room with you.
Breakout Rooms
Perfect for training, workshops, or keeping those side conversations going during a large meeting.
Disadvantages
Limited Chat Features
Zoom’s messaging functionality is nowhere near as extensive as Microsoft Teams or Slack.
Price Point
For companies looking for more than just basic functionality (like webinars or recording), Zoom can be pretty expensive.
2. Google Meet
Google Meet is great for collaborative meetings with solid integration into Google’s ecosystem, making it ideal for teams that already use Google Workspace.
Advantages
Integration with Google Workspace
Seamlessly integrates with Google Workspace tools like Gmail, Calendar, and Google Drive, allowing for quick meeting setup and file sharing.
Real-Time Collaboration
Offers features like screen sharing, document collaboration, and real-time chat, enhancing teamwork during meetings.
Disadvantages
Limited Features in the Free Version
The free version is limited to 60-minute meetings and has fewer participants compared to Zoom.
Dependence on Google Account
Requires a Google account to set up meetings, which may be inconvenient for people who prefer different email services.
3. Prezi Video
Prezi Video stands out for its creative and engaging video presentations, making it ideal for people who want to create visually dynamic content.
Advantages
Dynamic Presentations
Allows you to present alongside your visual content, overlaying you on the screen next to your slides or graphics, making presentations more engaging and visually appealing.
No Technical Expertise Required
Easy to use for both beginners and professionals, with drag-and-drop features that don't require advanced technical skills.
Disadvantages
Internet Dependency
Most of Prezi's features require a strong internet connection.
Performance Issues
Prezi Video might struggle with very large, complex files, leading to lags or longer processing times, which could disrupt the presentation.
4. Slack
Slack has been around for a while and tends to be popular with startups and smaller businesses. Slacks best feature is the way it organises its conversations into channels.
Advantages
Integration
Slack works with over 2,000 apps, including Google Drive, Asana, and, yes, even Teams, if you need to mix and match.
Channel Organisation
Create dedicated channels for teams, projects, or even just for sharing cat photos.
Disadvantages
Missing Native Video Calling Features
Video calls in Slack aren't as robust as they are in Teams, though they’re improving.
Price Point
If you need more features, the paid plans can get expensive compared to competitors.
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to collaboration tools. Each platform brings something unique to the table, so think about what makes sense for your team. Who knows? Maybe you'll find yourself leaving Teams behind and trialing a few new platforms.
Blog Image - Karolina Kaboompics