RingCentral vs Microsoft Teams: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between RingCentral and Microsoft Teams 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:
RingCentral
Cloud communications and contact center solutions
Best for you if:
- • You need communication features specifically
- • You need cloud communications and contact center solutions
- • You need professional-grade features
Microsoft Teams
Chat, meet, call, collaborate
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need team chat features specifically
- • Enterprise communication hub deeply integrated with Microsoft 365
- • Chat, meetings, files, and apps in one platform
| At a Glance |  Microsoft Teams | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Communication | Team Chat |
Rating | —/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | RingCentral | Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 94 | 0 |
| Categories | Communication | Team ChatVideo Conferencing |
Understanding the Differences
Both RingCentral and Microsoft Teams solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.RingCentral positions itself as "cloud communications and contact center solutions" while Microsoft Teamsfocuses on "chat, meet, call, collaborate". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose RingCentral
RingCentral makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 87/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Microsoft Teams won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
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 is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Microsoft Teams
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. RingCentral is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: RingCentral
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Microsoft Teams has a free tier to get you started.
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 RingCentral more (94 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 RingCentral If
- 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 RingCentral 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 RingCentral or Microsoft Teams better?
Based on our analysis, Microsoft Teams scores higher with 87/100. RingCentral ispaid while Microsoft Teams 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 RingCentral to Microsoft Teams 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 RingCentral and Microsoft Teams offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. RingCentral is paid with potential trial.Microsoft Teams is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.