The right workplace communications tool like slack can greatly enhance your team’s productivity, especially when working across multiple time zones.
In fact, 45% of workers feel more connected to their team thanks to a good communication platform.
However, the wrong platform can have the opposite effect, with nearly half of employees saying ineffective communication systems reduce productivity.
This can lead to burnout, as two-thirds of workers report feeling more stressed with digital communication tools.
While Slack is a popular choice, many businesses both business and non-business organizations, are exploring slack alternatives for better team collaboration.
We have tested several communication solutions to help you choose the best platform for your company’s needs.
Worldwide Rank and SEO Metrics of Slack
- Domain Authority: 92
- SEMrush Global Rank: 1,212
- SimilarWeb Global Rank: 314
- SimilarWeb Country Rank: #157 (United States)
- Total Traffic: Over 100 million monthly visits
- Bounce Rate: 25%
- Average Visit Duration: Approximately 8 minutes
What Can You Do With Slack?
- Create channels for organized team communication by topic or project.
- Send direct messages for private conversations with team members.
- Share files, documents, and multimedia directly within chats.
- Integrate with tools like Google Drive, Trello, and Zoom to streamline workflows.
- Conduct voice and video calls for real-time collaboration.
- Utilize Slack Connect to collaborate securely with external teams or clients.
- Search and archive conversations for future reference.
- Automate repetitive tasks with Slack bots and workflows.
Why Do You Need Alternatives to Slack?
- Cost Concerns: Slack’s pricing can be prohibitive for large teams or startups.
- Limited Free Plan: The free version has restrictions on message history and storage.
- Performance: Users sometimes experience lag or delays in large organizations.
- Security: Some teams prefer alternatives with on-premise hosting for added control.
- Features: Teams may seek alternatives with advanced task management or unique integrations.
- User Interface: Slack’s interface may not suit every team’s preferences or workflows.
- Scalability: Some businesses require platforms with additional features for large-scale collaboration.
List of Top 10 Best Alternatives to Slack
Microsoft Teams
Website: https://www.microsoft.com/
Launched: 2017
Core Features: Text chat, video conferencing, file sharing, integrations, and calendar synchronization.
Is it free?: Yes, with a robust free tier; advanced features require a paid subscription.
Microsoft Teams is a leading Slack alternative that seamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365, making it an ideal choice for organizations already using Office tools. It offers strong collaboration features, including threaded chats, file sharing, and real-time co-authoring. Its video conferencing capabilities are top-notch, supporting large meetings and webinars. This Slack alternative excels in enterprise environments.
Discord
Website: https://discord.com
Launched: 2015
Core Features: Text, voice, and video chat, custom servers, and role-based permissions.
Is it free?: Yes, with optional Nitro subscriptions for premium features.
Initially designed for gamers, Discord has evolved into a versatile communication tool for teams and communities. Its customizable servers and seamless voice channels make it ideal for both casual and professional use. This Slack alternative is especially popular among startups and creative teams seeking free, reliable communication.
Rocket.Chat
Website: https://rocket.chat
Launched: 2015
Core Features: Open-source, real-time messaging, file sharing, and integrations.
Is it free?: Yes, with free self-hosting; enterprise features require payment.
Rocket.Chat is a powerful open-source Slack alternative ideal for teams seeking complete control over their communication platform. It supports on-premise hosting and allows customization to fit specific workflows. It’s particularly suitable for industries with stringent compliance requirements.
Mattermost
Website: https://mattermost.com
Launched: 2016
Core Features: Self-hosting, team chat, file sharing, and integration options.
Is it free?: Yes, with open-source plans available; premium plans for enterprise features.
Mattermost is an open-source Slack alternative that prioritizes security and customization. It’s perfect for developers or organizations looking for a self-hosted solution. Its strong integration capabilities make it a great choice for DevOps and Agile teams.
Flock
Website: https://www.flock.com
Launched: 2014
Core Features: Team chat, video calls, task management, and app integrations.
Is it free?: Yes, with paid plans for advanced features.
Flock combines team messaging with lightweight project management tools, making it a great Slack alternative for smaller teams. It also offers a user-friendly interface and seamless integration with popular tools like Google Drive and Asana.
Zoho
Website: https://cliq.zoho.com
Launched: 2017
Core Features: Chat channels, video calls, file sharing, and workflow automation.
Is it free?: Yes, with optional paid plans for more features.
Zoho Cliq is part of the Zoho ecosystem, providing excellent integrations with Zoho’s suite of productivity apps. This Slack alternative is well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses that use Zoho products.
Twist
Website: https://www.twist.com
Launched: 2017
Core Features: Threaded messaging, focused communication, and task organization.
Is it free?: Yes, with a free tier; premium plans offer advanced features.
Twist focuses on asynchronous communication, helping teams reduce the noise of constant notifications. This Slack alternative is ideal for remote teams prioritizing focused, distraction-free collaboration.
RingCentral
Website: https://www.ringcentral.com/
Launched: 2014
Core Features: Messaging, video calls, task management, and file sharing.
Is it free?: Yes, with paid plans for enhanced features.
RingCentral Video, integrates messaging and video conferencing into one platform. This Slack alternative is perfect for teams looking for a straightforward, unified communication solution.
Chanty
Website: https://chanty.com
Launched: 2018
Core Features: Team chat, task management, and AI-powered search.
Is it free?: Yes, with paid plans for premium features.
Chanty is an easy-to-use Slack alternative that combines team chat with task management. Its AI-powered features and intuitive design make it a strong choice for small teams or startups.
Troop Messenger
Website: https://www.troopmessenger.com
Launched: 2018
Core Features: Secure messaging, file sharing, video calls, and analytics.
Is it free?: No, but it offers a free trial.
Troop Messenger is a secure Slack alternative designed for teams requiring stringent data privacy. Its robust feature set includes detailed analytics, making it suitable for enterprises with complex communication needs.
Conclusion
Slack is a powerful team communication platform, but it may not fit every team’s needs due to pricing, scalability, or feature limitations. Whether you prioritize cost-effectiveness, customization, or enterprise-level security, there’s a solution tailored to your workflow. Evaluate these options based on your team size, budget, and specific collaboration requirements to enhance productivity and foster seamless communication. Choosing the right platform can also benefit SEO by improving content creation speed, boosting collaboration for better quality output, and streamlining workflows, all of which contribute to higher efficiency and stronger online presence.
FAQs
1. Why should I consider a Slack alternative?
You might need a Slack alternative if you’re looking for a more cost-effective solution, better integration with specific tools, or unique features like self-hosting or advanced task management.
2. Are Slack alternatives free?
Many Slack alternatives, like Discord, Mattermost, and Rocket.Chat, offer free versions. However, paid plans often provide additional features and scalability.
3. What’s the best free alternative to Slack?
Discord and Rocket.Chat are among the best free Slack alternatives, offering robust communication features for teams and communities.
4. Can Slack alternatives integrate with popular tools like Trello or Google Drive?
Yes, most Slack alternatives, such as Microsoft Teams and Zoho Cliq, offer seamless integrations with popular tools for enhanced workflows.
5. Which Slack alternative is best for large organizations?
Microsoft Teams is an excellent choice for large organizations, thanks to its integration with Office 365 and robust enterprise features.
