SharePoint Team Site vs Communication Site: Which One is Best?

When it comes to using Microsoft SharePoint for working together and sharing information, it’s essential to know the SharePoint Team Site vs Communication Site difference. Team Sites are like hubs where small groups or departments can collaborate on projects and share documents. On the other hand, Communication Sites are more about broadcasting information to a wider audience and engaging people with news and updates. This article breaks down what makes each type unique and helps you figure out which one is right for your needs.

An Overview: Difference Between SharePoint Team Site and Communication Site

SharePoint Team Sites and Communication Sites are both important tools in Microsoft SharePoint, but they serve different purposes. Team Sites are like digital hubs where smaller groups or departments can work together, share documents, and manage projects. They’re great for collaboration within a team. On the other hand, Communication Sites are more about sharing information with a broader audience. 

They’re designed to engage people with news, updates, and important announcements. So, while Team Sites are for teamwork and project management, Communication Sites are for spreading information and keeping everyone in the loop. Understanding the distinction between these two types of sites can help you choose the right one for your specific needs.

How to Setup SharePoint Team & Communication Site?

Before starting with the clear SharePoint Team Site vs Communication Site comparison, it is essential to know how to create these sites with dependable instructions which are as follows: 

#Create SharePoint Team Site

1. Go to your SharePoint landing page.
2. Log in with your Office 365 or SharePoint credentials.
3. Look for an option like “Create site” or “Create site +” depending on your SharePoint version > Select “Team site”. 
4. Give your site a name, and description & select whether you want to make it a private or public site.
5. Specify who you want to add as members or owners of the site.
6. Click “Finish” or “Create”:

#Create Communication Site

1. Access your SharePoint platform using your credentials.
2. Look for an option like “Create site” or “Create site +” usually in the top-right corner.
3. Choose the “Communication site” option. It’s designed for broadcasting information and news.
4. Provide a name, and description, and select the layout you prefer.
5. Select the design that fits your needs. You can choose from various layouts and designs.
6. Define who can view and edit the site by adding members or groups.
7. Once you’ve filled in all the details, click on the button to create your communication site.
8. After the site is created, customize it by adding web parts, content, branding, and navigation to make it visually appealing and functional.

SharePoint Team Site vs Communication Site

Feature	Team Site	Communication Site
Purpose	Collaboration and document management for a specific team or project.	Broadcasting news, reports, and other information to a broad audience.
Layout & Design	Standard layout with options for customization. Typically organized around lists and libraries.	Modern and visually appealing layout with a focus on communication and engagement.
Home Page	Emphasizes content and tools for team collaboration, such as recent documents, team calendars, and news.	Emphasizes content consumption with news, announcements, and featured content.
Audience	Intended for a specific team, department, or project group. Members have edit permissions.	Intended for a broader audience within the organization or even external stakeholders. Members typically have read-only permissions.
Integration	Integrates closely with Microsoft Teams for real-time collaboration.	Integrates with Yammer, Power BI, and other Office 365 services for communication and analytics.
Features	Document libraries, lists, calendars, discussion boards, and integration with Microsoft 365 apps.	News posts, events, quick links, Yammer feeds, and integration with Power Apps and Power BI.
Customization	Offers extensive customization options through web parts, site designs, and SharePoint Framework (SPFx) solutions.	Limited customization options compared to Team Sites. Focuses more on branding and layout customization.
Use Cases	Project collaboration, team document management, task tracking, and workflow automation.	Corporate announcements, departmental communications, organizational news portals, and knowledge centers.
Security	Typically limited to members of the team or project, with permissions managed at the site level.	Generally open to a wider audience but can have restricted access if needed. Permissions can be managed at the site level.

Bring it All Together

Deciding between a SharePoint Team Site and a Communication Site depends on what you need. Communication Sites are good for sharing info widely, while Team Sites give you more control over who sees what. Before making a choice of SharePoint Team Site vs Communication Site, think about what you’ll use it for. If you’re moving data around in SharePoint, try the SysTools SharePoint Migration Tool. It helps move data between platforms smoothly and securely, making the whole process easy and reliable. One can acquire this for free, so what are you waiting for? Just download this solution and initiate the transition hassle-free.