Microsoft Outlook vs Microsoft Teams

Two Tech stack tools side by side: what each does, what it costs and who it suits.

The verdict Side by side Plans and pricing Who each is for Other options

The verdict

On the data we hold, it's close: neither pulls ahead on features, a free plan or AI access. The choice comes down to how you work.

What the data says

Both have a free plan, so you can try each before you pay.
Microsoft Outlook starts lower, at $1.67/mo against $4/mo.
Both have an API and an MCP server, so either works with AI employees.
In our Tech stack ranking, Microsoft Outlook places 29 and Microsoft Teams 30 of 72.

Side by side

Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams compared
At a glance	Microsoft Outlook	Microsoft Teams
Starts at	$1.67/mo	$4/mo
Free plan	Yes	Yes
API	Yes	Yes
MCP server	Yes	Yes
Links	Visit	Visit

Plans and pricing

Microsoft Outlook

Outlook (free)Free account for one person with 15 GB mailbox storage.Free
Microsoft 365 BasicAd-free Outlook for one person with 100 GB mailbox storage.$19.99/yr
Microsoft 365 PersonalFor one person, with desktop apps and Copilot features.$99.99/yr
Microsoft 365 FamilyFor one to six people, with desktop apps and Copilot features.$129.99/yr
Microsoft 365 Business BasicWeb and mobile Outlook with custom business email, paid yearly.$84/yr/seat
Microsoft 365 Business Standard with CopilotDesktop apps with Copilot built in, paid yearly.$282/yr/seat
Microsoft 365 Business Premium with CopilotAdds advanced security and device management, with Copilot built in, paid yearly.$384/yr/seat

Microsoft Teams

Teams (free)Free version of Teams for chat, files and meetings; meeting links work up to 60 minutes.Free
Microsoft Teams EssentialsMeetings up to 30 hours with 300 participants and 10 GB storage per user; 4 per user per month paid yearly.$48/yr/seat
Microsoft 365 Business BasicWeb and mobile Microsoft 365 apps with Teams and 1 TB storage; 7 per user per month paid yearly.$84/yr/seat
Microsoft 365 Business Standard with CopilotDesktop Microsoft 365 apps with Teams and Copilot; 23.50 per user per month paid yearly.$282/yr/seat

Prices as the vendors list them. They change often; the final price is on their sites.

Who each is for

Choose Microsoft Outlook if…

Businesses and teams that work in Microsoft 365 and want email, calendar and contacts in the same place as Teams, Word and Excel.

Visit Read the review

Choose Microsoft Teams if…

Companies on Microsoft 365 that want chat, video meetings, calling and file collaboration in one app, from small teams on the free version to larger organisations.

Visit Read the review

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