Microsoft Teams
Chat, channels, video meetings and shared files for work groups, communities and former Skype users
by Microsoft Corporation · listed Oct 19, 2026
Quick verdict
Essential if your organisation uses Microsoft 365, and a workable free option for groups and former Skype users, as long as you can tolerate a busy interface.
Best for People whose workplace or school runs on Microsoft 365, and Skype users who need a new home for their chats
Reviewed by AppsPicks on Oct 19, 2026. How we review
Microsoft Teams review
Microsoft Teams combines group chat, topic-based channels, audio and video meetings, file storage, tasks and calendars in one app. It is built mainly for workplaces and schools that already run on Microsoft 365, but the free personal tier also covers families, clubs and community groups. Skype has been folded into it, so former Skype users can pick up their old chats and contacts in Teams Free.
Day to day, you live in chats and channels: message one person or a whole group, @mention someone to get their attention, or turn a group chat into a call with a tap. Meetings can be started quickly and shared with a link, and people outside your organisation can join. Files and photos shared in conversations are kept in the built-in cloud storage. The mobile app handles most tasks well, though it packs in a lot, and switching between work and personal accounts takes some getting used to.
Why we picked it: If your employer or school uses Microsoft 365, this is the app you need on your phone, and the free tier is a reasonable home for ex-Skype users.
Watch out for: The interface is busy, and many features, such as longer meetings and more storage, depend on a paid Microsoft 365 plan.
What we like
- Chat, channels, meetings and files together in one app
- Built into Microsoft 365, with Office document collaboration
- Meeting links can be shared with people outside your organisation
- Former Skype users can carry over their chats and contacts
- Available on iOS, Android, desktop and web
What could be better
- Crowded interface with a lot of menus to learn
- Free tier has limits that paid Microsoft 365 plans remove
- Switching between work and personal accounts can be confusing
- Some features depend on what your organisation's admin enables
Questions about Microsoft Teams
Is Microsoft Teams free?
The app is free to download and there is a free personal tier. Extra storage and business features come with paid Microsoft 365 plans or in-app purchases.
What happened to Skype?
Microsoft has merged Skype into Teams. You can sign in to Teams Free with your Skype account and continue your existing chats, calls and contacts.
Can I use it for personal use, not just work?
Yes. Teams Free supports chats, calls and communities with family, friends and groups. Work and school accounts are managed by your organisation.
Which platforms does it run on?
Teams is available on iPhone, iPad and Android, plus Windows, Mac and a web browser, so conversations follow you between devices.
What are the alternatives?
Slack is the main rival for workplace chat, Zoom and Google Meet are common choices for video calls, and WhatsApp or Discord suit casual groups.
From the developer: how Microsoft Teams describes itself
Whether you’re connecting with your community for an upcoming activity or working with teammates on a project, Microsoft Teams helps bring people together so that they can get things done. It’s the only app that has communities, events, chats, channels, meetings, storage, tasks, and calendars in one place—so you can easily connect and manage access to information. Get your community, family, friends, or workmates together to accomplish tasks, share ideas, and make plans. Join audio and video calls in a secure setting, collaborate in documents, and store files and photos with built-in cloud storage. You can do it all in Microsoft Teams.
Easily connect with anyone: • Skype is now part of Teams. Continue where you left off with your chats, calls and contacts in Microsoft Teams Free. • Meet securely with communities, teammates, family, or friends. • Set up a meeting within seconds and invite anyone by sharing a link or calendar invite. • Chat 1-1 or to your entire community, @mention people in chats to get their attention. • Create a dedicated community to discuss specific topics and make plans*. • Work closely and collaborate by keeping conversations organized by specific topics and projects with teams and channels. • Video or audio call anyone directly in Teams or instantly convert a group chat to a call. • Use GIFs, emojis, and message animations to express yourself when words aren’t enough. Accomplish plans and projects together: • Send photos and videos in chats to quickly and easily share important moments. • Use cloud storage to access shared documents and files on the go. • Organize shared content in a community — events, photos, links, files —so you don’t have to waste time searching*. • Get the most out of your meetings by using screen share, whiteboard, or breakout in virtual rooms. • Manage access to information and ensure the right people have access to the right info, even when people join and leave projects. • Use task lists to stay on top of projects and plans - assign tasks, set due dates, and cross off items to keep everyone on the same page.
Designed to give you peace of mind: • Securely collaborate with others while maintaining control over your data. • Keep communities safe by allowing owners to remove inappropriate content or members*. • Enterprise-level security and compliance you expect from Microsoft 365**.
*Available when using Microsoft Teams with your Microsoft account.
**Commercial features of this app require a paid Microsoft 365 commercial subscription or a trial subscription of Microsoft Teams for work. If you’re not sure about your company’s subscription or the services you have access to, visit Office.com/Teams to learn more or contact your IT department.
By downloading Teams, you agree to the license (see aka.ms/eulateamsmobile) and privacy terms (see aka.ms/privacy). For support or feedback, email us at [email protected]. EU Contract Summary: aka.ms/EUContractSummary
Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2259814
Text from the app store listing, quoted for reference. Our own take is above.
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