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Head-to-head · Instant Messaging Software

Discord vs Microsoft Teams

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Discord #4 in Instant Messaging Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Discord
Microsoft Teams #5 in Instant Messaging Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Try Microsoft Teams

Discord leads on 0 checks, Microsoft Teams on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreDiscord · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresMicrosoft Teams · 1 of 2

Discord scores higher on our rubric for instant messaging software: 9.1 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #5.

Discord is the better fit for community chat, voice and streaming. Microsoft Teams is the better fit for organizations needing integrated team chat.

  • Discord fits best

    Community chat, voice and streaming

  • Microsoft Teams fits best

    Organizations needing integrated team chat

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Side by side

Feature Discord 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Microsoft Teams 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 9.0
Ranking #4 in Instant Messaging Software #5 in Instant Messaging Software
Best for Community chat, voice and streaming Organizations needing integrated team chat
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $29.99/user/yr —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Email, Phone, Tickets, Docs Phone, Docs, Community
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Discord 0/2 · Microsoft Teams 1/2
End-to-end encryption Not checked yet Not checked yet
Guest access Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Message history Not checked yet Unlimited
Max group size Not checked yet Not checked yet
File size limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free voice, video, text chat, and community servers
  • Screen sharing, game streaming, and Krisp noise suppression
  • Web, desktop, and mobile apps with roles and permissions
  • Combines chat, channels, meetings, calling, files, and collaborative apps
  • Deep Microsoft 365 integration with SharePoint, OneDrive, Outlook, and Power Platform
  • Supports guest access, recordings, transcripts, compliance controls, and Linux
Cons
  • Nitro Basic file uploads are limited to 50 MB
  • Nitro supports up to 200 servers
  • HD video streaming requires the Nitro tier
  • Broad scope may exceed the needs of teams seeking simple chat
  • Business capabilities are spread across multiple Microsoft licensing plans
  • Teams Free is primarily positioned for personal use
Our verdict

Discord combines voice channels, video calls, text chat, direct messages, screen sharing, game streaming, and community servers. It is designed for gaming communities and online groups, while its listed company-size fit spans solo users…

Read the review →

Microsoft Teams brings private and group chat, organized channels, audio and video meetings, cloud calling, file sharing, collaborative editing, workflows, and app integrations into one service. It suits solo users, small and mid-market…

Read the review →
  1. DiscordInstant Messaging Software 9.1Free plan
  2. Microsoft TeamsInstant Messaging Software 9.0Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Discord — where it wins

    • Free voice, video, text chat, and community servers
    • Screen sharing, game streaming, and Krisp noise suppression
    • Web, desktop, and mobile apps with roles and permissions

    Where it doesn't

    • Nitro Basic file uploads are limited to 50 MB
    • Nitro supports up to 200 servers
    • HD video streaming requires the Nitro tier

  • Microsoft Teams — where it wins

    • Combines chat, channels, meetings, calling, files, and collaborative apps
    • Deep Microsoft 365 integration with SharePoint, OneDrive, Outlook, and Power Platform
    • Supports guest access, recordings, transcripts, compliance controls, and Linux

    Where it doesn't

    • Broad scope may exceed the needs of teams seeking simple chat
    • Business capabilities are spread across multiple Microsoft licensing plans
    • Teams Free is primarily positioned for personal use

More comparisons

All instant messaging software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update