Best Microsoft Teams Alternatives for Small Groups
Looking for a simpler, faster way for a small team to call, meet, and reach real phone numbers from the browser? Compare lightweight alternatives and discover a web-first solution that lets you call phones directly from Chrome, Safari, or Firefox without installs.
- Make and receive PSTN calls from your browser
- Purchase virtual numbers in 190+ countries
- AI agents and real-time copilot for live calls
- Admin-friendly for small teams and agencies
Why small groups choose alternatives to Teams
Small teams and agencies often need speed, simplicity, and direct phone connectivity. Teams is powerful, but lighter options provide faster onboarding, lower admin overhead, and browser-first calling.
No installs
Start or join calls directly from Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. Perfect for distributed small teams and clients who do not want to install apps.
Privacy and control
Simple permission models and admin controls make it easy to manage a handful of users and shared phone lines.
Faster workflow
Lightweight UX, direct PSTN calling, and AI copilots reduce time spent switching tools and hunting for context.
Popular Teams alternatives for small groups
Below is a concise comparison to help you choose the right option depending on your needs for calling, phone number access, and collaboration.
StartACall - Browser-first calling
Make and receive calls from the browser, buy virtual numbers in 190+ countries, and use AI agents for autonomous or assisted calls. Built for teams who need direct PSTN access without installs.
- Browser-based PSTN calls
- Virtual numbers and inbound calls
- AI Copilot and autonomous agents
Zoom - Meetings focused
Excellent for video meetings and webinar-style gatherings. Works for small groups but often centers around meetings rather than direct PSTN phone numbers unless combined with a phone plan.
Google Meet - Integrated in Workspace
Good for teams already using Google Workspace. Lightweight and reliable for meetings and screen sharing, but not optimized for outbound/inbound PSTN calling without add-ons.
Discord - Lightweight voice channels
Great for always-on voice channels and informal collaboration. Lacks native PSTN phone number support and business telephony features.
Slack - Chat-first with huddles
Ideal for teams whose work centers on messaging. Huddles offer quick voice chats, but phone line features and global PSTN reach are limited or require integrations.
Jitsi - Open-source meetings
Self-host or use hosted instances for private, open-source calling. Strong on privacy, but requires setup to connect to the PSTN or add advanced telephony features.
Use cases where Teams alternatives shine for small groups
Small teams and agencies often need focused telephony, fast client calls, and simple admin. Here are common scenarios and the features that matter.
Client calls from browser
Call clients directly from your browser and route inbound calls to team members or an IVR. No app installs for clients.
Local presence with virtual numbers
Buy local numbers in key markets so customers see a familiar caller ID and can call you back to a local line.
AI assistance during live calls
Use AI copilots to transcribe, suggest responses, or let autonomous agents handle routine outbound or inbound flows so your team focuses on higher-value work.
Frequently asked questions
Can a small team use browser calling to reach regular phone numbers?
Yes. Browser-based VoIP platforms bridge WebRTC to the PSTN so you can call mobile and landline numbers directly from your browser and receive inbound calls on a virtual number.
Do I need to install anything to use StartACall?
No. StartACall runs in modern browsers. Sign up, log in, and start calling without downloads or mobile apps.
What is an AI copilot for calls?
An AI copilot transcribes the conversation and offers real-time suggestions, notes, and next steps. It can also power autonomous voice agents for common tasks.
Can I buy a local phone number for my small team?
Yes. Many browser-first telephony platforms let you purchase virtual numbers in dozens or hundreds of countries so you can present a local caller ID and accept inbound calls.
Ready to replace Teams for your small group?
Sign up and test browser calling, virtual numbers, and AI copilots in minutes. No installs required for your team or clients.