Our verdict: TeamSpeak is a long-standing choice for clans and communities that want voice chat on a server they control. The client is free, and a self-hosted server is free for non-commercial groups up to 32 slots. TeamSpeak 6 with screen sharing is still in beta, so the stable client is the older TeamSpeak 3.
About TeamSpeak
TeamSpeak is developed by TeamSpeak Systems, Inc. in the USA. It uses a client-server model: everyone installs the free client and connects to a TeamSpeak server, which you rent from a host, create on TeamSpeak's own community platform or run on your own hardware.
Running your own TeamSpeak 3 server costs nothing for consumers and non-commercial groups, limited to one virtual server with 32 slots. Bigger servers need a yearly license, starting at $55 for 64 slots, and companies need a commercial license. The download page offers both the stable TeamSpeak 3 client and the TeamSpeak 6 beta, which adds screen sharing.
What it does well
- Channels and sub-channels. Organize a server into channels with passwords, talk power and limits.
- Permission system. Server and channel groups decide who can talk, join, move users or share files.
- Encrypted voice. Voice traffic is encrypted with AES, configurable per server or channel.
- Self-hosted servers. Free server software for one virtual server with up to 32 slots, for non-commercial use.
- File transfer. Upload and share files inside channels on the server.
Who it is for
Good fit
Gaming clans, guilds and communities that want voice chat on their own or a rented server.
Look elsewhere
People who want a free all-in-one chat app with video calls and communities hosted for them, like Discord.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free client with low-latency voice
- Free self-hosted server up to 32 slots
- Fine-grained permissions
- Works with many rented server hosts
Cons
- Stable client is the dated TeamSpeak 3; TeamSpeak 6 is still beta
- Larger or commercial servers need a paid license
- Closed source
How to install TeamSpeak
The button downloads the stable 64-bit TeamSpeak 3 client; the TeamSpeak 6 client on the same page is a beta. On first launch you can sign in with a myTeamSpeak account to sync bookmarks, but connecting to a server by address works without one.
Questions about TeamSpeak
Is TeamSpeak free?
Yes. The TeamSpeak client is free. Self-hosting a server is free for consumers and non-commercial groups with one virtual server and 32 slots; larger servers need a paid license, starting at $55 per year for 64 slots.
Do I need my own server to use TeamSpeak?
No. You can join any server you get an address for, rent one from a host, or create one on TeamSpeak's community platform.
What is the difference between TeamSpeak 3 and TeamSpeak 6?
TeamSpeak 3 is the current stable client. TeamSpeak 6 is the new client with a redesigned interface and screen sharing, offered as a beta on the official download page.
