Microsoft Teams features: tier-by-tier list (2026)
Bundled video and chat that pulls you into the Microsoft 365 stack and unlocks Phone, Premium and Copilot only as paid add-ons.
Core capabilities (20)
Telephone replacement
[ edit ] A feature on one of the higher cost licencing tiers allows connectivity to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) telephone system.
Source · core
Protocols
[ edit ] Microsoft Teams is based on a number of Microsoft-specific protocols. [ 65 ] Video conferences are realized over the protocol MNP24 , known from the Skype consumer version.
Source · core
Integrations
[ edit ] Microsoft Teams has integrations through Microsoft AppSource, its integration marketplace. [ 63 ] In 2020, Microsoft partnered with KUDO, a cloud-based solution with language interpretation, to allow integrated language meeting controls. [
Source · core integrations
Anti-trust controversy
[ edit ] In July 2023, the European Commission opened an anti-trust investigation into the possibility that Microsoft unfairly used its office suite market power to increase sales of Teams and hurt its competitors.
Source · core
Microsoft Teams is a team collaboration platform developed
Microsoft Teams is a team collaboration platform developed by Microsoft as part of the Microsoft 365 suite.
Source · core
The platform saw significant growth during the COVID-19
The platform saw significant growth during the COVID-19 pandemic , alongside competitors such as Zoom , Slack , and Google Meet , as organizations shifted to remote work and virtual meetings.
Source · core
Microsoft Teams, as part of the Microsoft 365
Microsoft Teams, as part of the Microsoft 365 suite, utilizes SharePoint and Exchange Online .
Source · core
Microsoft Teams client is a web-based desktop app
Microsoft Teams client is a web-based desktop app, originally developed on top of the Electron framework which combines the Chromium rendering engine and the Node.js JavaScript platform.
Source · core
A feature on one of the higher cost
A feature on one of the higher cost licencing tiers allows connectivity to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) telephone system.
Source · core
Microsoft Teams for Education allows teachers to distribute
Microsoft Teams for Education allows teachers to distribute, provide feedback, and grade student assignments turned in via Teams using the Assignments tab through Office 365 for Education subscribers.
Source · core
Make the everyday easier with Windows 11
When there's a lot to do, Windows 11 helps you get it done. Meet Windows 11 Welcome to all things Windows Prepare for Windows 11
Source · core
Stay current
Find out how to use Windows Update to keep your PC up to date, on your terms. Learn more about updates
Source · core
Improve performance
We have some suggestions to help make your Windows 10 PC run better. Improve PC performance
Source · core
Be safe
Windows Security provides the latest antivirus protection for your PC, and we'll show you how to use it.
Source · core
Trending topics
Windows 11 Windows 10 Windows 11 System Requirements Get connected when setting up Windows 11 Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows How to use the PC Health Check app Install Quick Assist All about PC gaming with Xbox Update Windows Back up your BitLocker r
Source · core
If you're a small business owner
Find the information you need to build, run, and grow your small business with Microsoft 365.
Source · core
Looking for specific training content
Learn new skills and discover the power of Microsoft products with step-by-step guidance. Start your journey today by exploring our learning paths, modules, and courses.
Source · core
Working towards a career goal
There are over 700 K job listings seeking candidates with Microsoft technical skills. Explore training and credentials aligned with your career goals.
Source · core
Student resources
The home for students to explore how to jumpstart a career in technology and stay connected with the Microsoft student developer community. Learn new skills through interactive learning paths and modules and find out about skilling events and resources.
Source · core
Whether you're just starting in a career, or
Whether you're just starting in a career, or you're an experienced professional, our self-directed approach helps you arrive at your goals faster, with more confidence and at your own pace.
Source · core
AI features (1)
Achieve more with AI in Windows
Windows is the first PC platform to provide centralized AI assistance. Learn More about Copilot on Windows Turn ideas into art with Paint Cocreator Turn on Live Captions Add video filters with Studio Effects Learn all about NPUs
Source · ai
Automation and workflows (1)
Master core concepts at your speed and on your schedule
Master core concepts at your speed and on your schedule. Whether you've got 15 minutes or an hour, you can develop practical skills through interactive modules and paths. You can also register to learn from an instructor.
Source · automation
Collaboration (5)
Underlying software
[ edit ] Microsoft Teams, as part of the Microsoft 365 suite, utilizes SharePoint and Exchange Online . [ 49 ] Each Team, Shared Channel, and Private Channel has its own Microsoft 365 Group and SharePoint Site used for file storage. [ 49 ] Mess
Source · collab
Channels
[ edit ] Channels allow team members to communicate without the use of email or group SMS (texting). Users can reply to posts with text, images, GIFs , and image macros . Direct messages send private messages to designated users rather than the entire channel.
Source · collab
Group conversations
[ edit ] Ad-hoc groups can be created to share instant messaging , audio calls (VoIP), and video calls inside the client software.
Source · collab
Channels allow team members to communicate without the
Channels allow team members to communicate without the use of email or group SMS (texting). Users can reply to posts with text, images, GIFs , and image macros . Direct messages send private messages to designated users rather than the entire channel.
Source · collab
Ad-hoc groups can be created to share instant
Ad-hoc groups can be created to share instant messaging , audio calls (VoIP), and video calls inside the client software.
Source · collab
See Microsoft Teams pricing in detail
This page lists what Microsoft Teams does. For per-seat math, tier comparison, and the full hidden-fee list, see the Microsoft Teams pricing breakdown.
Closest alternatives
Other video conferencing and collaboration tools buyers shortlist when they evaluate Microsoft Teams.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Teams
- https://www.microsoft.com/help
- https://www.microsoft.com/learn
Features evolve. Confirm directly with the vendor before purchase decisions. This list was last refreshed on 2026-05-27.
Frequently asked questions
What features does Microsoft Teams include?
This page tracks 27 verified Microsoft Teams features across 4 categories, sourced from Microsoft Teams's official site and Wikipedia.
Which tier do I need for Microsoft Teams?
Microsoft Teams's feature availability varies by plan. Compare the public Microsoft Teams tiers, calculator, and hidden fees on the Microsoft Teams pricing page.
How does Microsoft Teams compare on features to alternatives?
Buyers commonly compare Microsoft Teams against Zoom, Google Meet, Webex. Each alternative's feature page is linked below where we cover it.