Microsoft 365 vs Rocket.Chat
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Open-source communications platform.
The verdict
Both Microsoft 365 and Rocket.Chat are credible docs collaboration tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Microsoft 365 if you want a longer free trial (30 days) and a higher overall rating (4.6/5). Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Choose Rocket.Chat if you'd rather have a lower starting price (free – $4/user/mo), a free plan to start on and broader platform coverage. Open-source communications platform.
Microsoft 365 vs Rocket.Chat: side by side
| Dimension | Microsoft 365 | Rocket.Chat |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $6/user/mo | Free – $4/user/moWinner |
| Free plan | No | YesWinner |
| Free trial | 30 daysWinner | — |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Best for | Enterprise, Smb | Enterprise, Privacy Conscious |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, Mac, Ios, Android | Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android, Self HostedWinner |
| Rating | 4.6/5Winner | 4.2/5 |
Microsoft 365 key facts
- Vendor
- Microsoft
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $6/user/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (30 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Windows, Mac, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Enterprise, Smb
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2011
- Headquarters
- Redmond, WA, USA
Rocket.Chat key facts
- Vendor
- Rocket.Chat
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $4/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android, Self Hosted
- Best for
- Enterprise, Privacy Conscious
- Editor rating
- 4.2 / 5
- Founded
- 2015
- Headquarters
- Wilmington, DE, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft 365 better than Rocket.Chat?
Neither is universally better — Microsoft 365 edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Microsoft 365 or Rocket.Chat cheaper?
Rocket.Chat is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $4/user/mo. Microsoft 365 starts at from $6/user/mo; Rocket.Chat starts at free – $4/user/mo.
Can Microsoft 365 replace Rocket.Chat?
Yes for most teams — both are docs collaboration tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.