Zulip vs Microsoft Teams: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Zulip 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Zulip
Open-source team chat with threads
Best for you if:
- • Zulip is an open-source team chat with threaded conversations
- • It organizes discussions by topic for better context and search
Microsoft Teams
Chat, meet, call, collaborate
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • Enterprise communication hub deeply integrated with Microsoft 365
- • Chat, meetings, files, and apps in one platform
| At a Glance |  Zulip |  Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Team Chat | Team Chat |
Rating | 82/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | Zulip | Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Team ChatCommunity Platforms | Team ChatVideo Conferencing |
How Zulip and Microsoft Teams Compare
Zulip
Open-source team chat with threads
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Microsoft Teams
Chat, meet, call, collaborate
Free tier available · 87/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Zulip
Want the highest-rated option?
Zulip: 82/100. Microsoft Teams: 87/100.
Go with: Microsoft Teams
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Microsoft Teams
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are team chat tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Microsoft Teams scores higher: 87/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Microsoft Teams
- Higher score: 87/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Zulip
The Bottom Line
Microsoft Teams (87/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zulip or Microsoft Teams better?
Microsoft Teams scores 87/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Zulip and Microsoft Teams used for?
Zulip: Open-source team chat with threads. Microsoft Teams: Chat, meet, call, collaborate.
What does Zulip cost vs Microsoft Teams?
Zulip is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Microsoft Teams is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.