Google Chat vs Microsoft Teams
Last updated July 2026
Google Chat
Team messaging bundled inside Google Workspace
Advantages
- Bundled with Google Workspace ($6/user/mo Business Starter and up)
- Deep integration with Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Meet
- Spaces provide threaded discussions and file sharing
- Gemini AI features integrated across Workspace
- Enterprise-grade admin controls via Google Workspace
Drawbacks
- Messaging UX less refined than Slack
- Smaller third-party integration ecosystem than Slack
- External guest collaboration less fluid than Slack Connect
- Search less powerful than Slack's
Microsoft Teams
Team communication bundled inside Microsoft 365
Advantages
- Included with Microsoft 365 Business Basic ($6/user/mo) and up
- Deep integration with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and SharePoint
- Full video meeting platform (rivals Zoom) built in
- Live captions, transcription, and Copilot AI features
- Enterprise-grade compliance and admin controls
Drawbacks
- UX is notoriously heavier and less snappy than Slack
- External collaboration (guests) is clunkier than Slack Connect
- Chat organization feels cluttered vs Slack's channel model
Google Chat and Microsoft Teams both play in team communication, but they're aimed at different buyers. Google Chat is built for teams already standardized on Google Workspace who want bundled chat. Microsoft Teams is built for organizations already standardized on Microsoft 365 that want communication bundled. Which one fits depends on which of those descriptions sounds more like you.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Google Chat | Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Bundled with Google Workspace ($6/user/mo Business Starter) | Bundled with Microsoft 365 ($6/user/mo Business Basic) |
| Messaging UX | Spaces + DMs; less refined than Slack | Channel + chat; heavier than Slack |
| Integrations | 300+ apps (Google ecosystem strongest) | 1,500+ apps (Microsoft ecosystem strongest) |
| AI Features | Gemini for Google Workspace (add-on) | Copilot for Microsoft 365 ($30/user/mo add-on) |
| External Collaboration | Guest access; less fluid than Slack Connect | Guest access; less fluid than Slack Connect |
| Productivity Bundle | Bundled with Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Meet) | -- |
| File Storage | 30GB-2TB via Drive (bundled) | 1TB/user via OneDrive (bundled) |
| Admin Controls | Enterprise-grade via Google Workspace admin | -- |
| Video Conferencing | -- | Full-featured meetings (rivals Zoom) |
| Offline Support | -- | Solid via desktop apps |
Microsoft Teams Wins
Microsoft Teams takes it overall (8/10 vs 7/10), but Google Chat is still the sharper pick for teams already standardized on Google Workspace who want bundled chat.
Microsoft Teams's standout strength: Included with Microsoft 365 Business Basic ($6/user/mo) and up. Its biggest drawback (uX is notoriously heavier and less snappy than Slack) is easier to live with than Google Chat's (messaging UX less refined than Slack). Google Chat isn't out of the running though — its own standout strength is bundled with Google Workspace ($6/user/mo Business Starter and up). If you fit the profile of teams already standardized on Google Workspace who want bundled chat, that alone can flip the decision.
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