Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is Microsoft's hub for chat, channels, meetings, file collaboration and app integrations. For most Microsoft 365 organizations it is now the default workplace client. On Mac in August 2026 the new Teams client is the standard, classic Teams has been retired. You can install the desktop app from Microsoft's Teams download page or use Teams on the web in a supported browser. On macOS the minimums are clear: dual-core processor, 4GB RAM, 1.5GB disk, 1200x800 display and one of the three most recent macOS versions. When Apple ships a new macOS, Teams supports that release and the two before it. Microsoft says the modern client is up to 2x faster and uses about 50% less memory than previous generations, which is true on paper, but Mac users still feel the Electron and WebView cost on long meeting days. Business pricing on Microsoft's compare page (verified August 2026) lists Teams Essentials at $4.00/user/month paid yearly, Microsoft 365 Business Basic at $7.00/user/month paid yearly (includes Teams), Microsoft 365 Business Standard with Copilot at $23.50/user/month paid yearly and Teams Premium at $10.00/user/month paid yearly as an add-on. Microsoft 365 Copilot Business is available as an add-on and enterprise Microsoft 365 Copilot is about $30/user/month. A free personal version still exists with limits but treat it as light personal use, not a business SKU. Core capabilities include chat and channels, meetings with up to 30 hours and 300 participants on business plans, webinars on Standard-class plans, recordings and transcripts, live captions, Loop, an apps marketplace and Copilot in Teams when licensed. On Mac people compare it with Slack, Zoom, Google Meet, Discord, Webex and FaceTime for simpler calls.