Communication Tool Pricing 2026
Slack raised prices twice in three years. Microsoft Teams is now free with M365 subscriptions millions of companies already pay for. Discord is free but targets communities. Zoom pivoted to an everything platform. Here's what you actually pay.
⚠️ Watch out: Teams is often "free" but hidden
Microsoft Teams is included in Microsoft 365 Business Basic with Teams ($7/user/mo annually) — but many teams pay for it without realizing, since it's bundled. Meanwhile, Slack charges $7.25–$12.50/user/mo on top of your other tools.
Quick Price Comparison
| Tool | Free Plan | Entry Paid | Business/Pro | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slack | 90-day history limit Limited | $7.25/user/mo | $12.50/user/mo | Custom |
| Microsoft Teams | Free (limited) Free | $7/user/mo (M365 Basic with Teams, annual) | $14/user/mo (M365 Standard with Teams, annual) | Custom |
| Discord | Unlimited Free | $2.99/mo (Nitro Basic) | $9.99/mo (Nitro) | N/A (no enterprise) |
| Zoom | 40-min limit Limited | $13.32/user/mo (Pro) | $18.32/user/mo (Business) | Custom |
| Google Meet | 60-min free meetings Free | $6/user/mo (Workspace Starter) | $12/user/mo (Business Standard) | Custom |
| Loom | 25 videos limit Limited | $12.50/user/mo (Starter) | $16.67/user/mo (Business) | Custom |
* Prices shown are billed annually. Monthly billing costs 15–30% more.
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Head-to-Head Comparisons
→
Comparison
Slack vs Microsoft Teams
The classic business messaging battle. Full feature and cost breakdown.
→Comparison
Slack vs Discord
Business communication vs community platform — where does the line blur?
→3-Way Comparison
Slack vs Teams vs Discord
Full 3-way battle: messaging, pricing, and which team type each suits best.
→Comparison
Zoom vs Google Meet
Video conferencing pricing: Zoom's full feature set vs Meet's simplicity.
Individual Pricing Pages
→
Individual
Slack Pricing
Pro ($7.25), Business+ ($12.50), Enterprise Grid — full breakdown and team cost calculator.
→Individual
Zoom Pricing
Pro, Business, and add-ons (webinars, phone). What you actually pay for video.
→Individual
Loom Pricing
Async video messaging — Starter, Business, and Business+ plans explained.
Which Tool for Which Team
Slack
Best for: Tech startups, product teams, integrations-heavy workflows. Worth the cost if you live in it all day.
Microsoft Teams
Best for: Enterprises already on M365, companies needing deep Office integration, regulated industries.
Discord
Best for: Developer communities, gaming, creator communities, open-source projects. Basically free.
Zoom
Best for: Video-first teams, webinars, external client calls, teams without an existing video solution.
Google Meet
Best for: Teams already on Google Workspace — Meet is included, no extra cost.
Loom
Best for: Async-first teams, remote teams avoiding unnecessary meetings, code review videos.
Real Cost for a 25-Person Team (Annual)
| Tool | Plan | Cost/Year (25 seats) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slack Pro | $7.25/user/mo | $2,175/yr | Annual billing required for this rate |
| Slack Business+ | $12.50/user/mo | $3,750/yr | For SSO, compliance exports |
| Microsoft Teams | Included in M365 | $0 extra | If already paying for M365 Business Basic ($6/seat) |
| Zoom Business | $18.32/user/mo | $5,496/yr | Includes Zoom Phone add-ons |
| Discord | Free server | $0/yr | Individuals pay Nitro optionally |
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Prices verified May 2026. All prices in USD. Actual costs may vary based on billing cycle, region, add-ons, or negotiated enterprise agreements. PricePulse monitors these tools for pricing changes.
Related Reading
- Why SaaS Companies Are Raising Prices in 2026 — the 4 forces behind the wave: AI infrastructure costs, free tier squeeze, investor pressure, and market consolidation
- How to Budget for SaaS Price Hikes in 2026 — practical guide: the 15–20% buffer rule, renewal calendar, negotiation scripts, and when to switch
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