Around vs Microsoft Teams — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Around and Microsoft Teams to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Microsoft Teams takes the lead with a 4.1 rating and is best for organizations using microsoft 365 who want integrated chat, meetings, and collaboration.. Around (4.0) is the better pick if you need remote teams who want lightweight, camera-on meetings that reduce video fatigue..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Around | Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.0(45) | ★★★★ 4.1(445) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | freemium |
| Starter Price | $10.99/user/mo (Pro) | $6/user/mo (with Microsoft 365 Business Basic) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, mac | web, ios, android, mac, windows, linux |
| Learning Curve | easy | medium |
| API Available | No | Yes |
| Best For | Remote teams who want lightweight, camera-on meetings that reduce video fatigue. | Organizations using Microsoft 365 who want integrated chat, meetings, and collaboration. |
| Verdict | situational | situational |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Around | Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|
| [object Object] | ✓ | ✓ |
Around
Pros
- ✓Floating video bubbles reduce meeting fatigue
- ✓Excellent echo cancellation for co-located teams
- ✓Minimal interface encourages quick, focused calls
Cons
- ✕Limited to Mac and web — no Windows or mobile
- ✕Not suitable for formal meetings or webinars
- ✕Smaller feature set than Zoom and Google Meet
Microsoft Teams
Pros
- ✓Included with Microsoft 365 — no additional cost
- ✓Deep integration with Office apps and SharePoint
- ✓Copilot AI adds genuine productivity features
Cons
- ✕Can feel bloated and slow compared to Slack
- ✕Meeting experience is less polished than Zoom
- ✕Microsoft ecosystem dependency limits flexibility
The Bottom Line
Both Around and Microsoft Teams are solid tools in the Video & Meetings space. Microsoft Teams edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.1 vs 4.0) and is the better choice for organizations using microsoft 365 who want integrated chat, meetings, and collaboration.. However, if you prioritize remote teams who want lightweight, camera-on meetings that reduce video fatigue., Around is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.