Microsoft Teams vs Around: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Microsoft Teams and Around comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Microsoft Teams
Chat, meet, call, collaborate
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 8.3/10)
- • You need team chat features specifically
- • Enterprise communication hub deeply integrated with Microsoft 365
- • Chat, meetings, files, and apps in one platform
Around
Video calls that don't suck
Best for you if:
- • You need video conferencing features specifically
- • Floating bubble interface
- • Less fatiguing calls
| At a Glance |  Microsoft Teams | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Team Chat | Video Conferencing |
Rating | 87/100 | 83/100 |
| Feature | Microsoft Teams | Around |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 83 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Team ChatVideo Conferencing | Video ConferencingTeam Chat |
Understanding the Differences
Both Microsoft Teams and Around solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Microsoft Teams positions itself as "chat, meet, call, collaborate" while Aroundfocuses on "video calls that don't suck". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 87/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Around
Around is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Microsoft Teams lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Microsoft Teams
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Microsoft Teams handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Microsoft Teams
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Microsoft Teams
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Microsoft Teams, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Microsoft Teams higher (87/100). But the community has upvoted Around more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Microsoft Teams Does Better
- Higher overall score (87/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Around If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Microsoft Teams (87/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Microsoft Teams scores higher in our analysis, but Around might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Teams or Around better?
Based on our analysis, Microsoft Teams scores higher with 87/100. Microsoft Teams isfreemium while Around is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Microsoft Teams to Around easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Microsoft Teams and Around offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Microsoft Teams is freemium with a free tier.Around is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.