Effective team communication tools are essential for maintaining productivity, collaboration, and a cohesive work environment, especially in remote and hybrid work settings. These tools help streamline communication, project management, and file sharing, making it easier for teams to stay connected and organized. While Slack is a well-known platform, exploring other options can provide additional features and potentially better suit your team’s unique requirements.
Criteria for Selecting Slack Alternatives
When evaluating Slack alternatives, consider the following criteria to ensure you choose the right tool for your team:
- Ease of Use: The tool should have an intuitive interface that is easy for all team members to navigate.
- Features: Look for features like direct messaging, group chats, file sharing, integrations, video conferencing, and task management.
- Pricing: Evaluate the cost of the tool and its pricing plans to ensure it fits within your budget.
- Scalability: Choose a tool that can grow with your team and accommodate increasing user numbers and features.
- Security: Ensure the tool offers robust security features to protect your data and communications.
25 Best Slack Alternatives
1. Microsoft Teams
Features:
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365
- Video conferencing and screen sharing
- File sharing and collaboration
- Customizable workspaces
- Enterprise-level security
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $5 per user/month
2. Zoom
Features:
- High-quality video conferencing
- Webinar capabilities
- Screen sharing and annotation tools
- Breakout rooms
- Integration with third-party apps
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $14.99 per user/month
3. Google Chat
Features:
- Integration with Google Workspace
- Direct messaging and group chats
- File sharing via Google Drive
- Threaded conversations
- Strong search capabilities
Pricing:
- Included with Google Workspace plans starting at $6 per user/month
4. Discord
Features:
- Voice, video, and text communication
- Customizable servers and channels
- Screen sharing
- Robust moderation tools
- Community-building features
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Nitro plans start at $9.99 per month
5. Chanty
Features:
- Unlimited messaging in free plan
- Task management features
- Voice and video calls
- Integrations with third-party apps
- Easy-to-use interface
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $3 per user/month
6. Flock
Features:
- Direct and group messaging
- Video conferencing
- File sharing and collaboration
- Integrations with popular apps
- Customizable workflows
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $4.50 per user/month
7. Rocket.Chat
Features:
- Open-source platform
- Unlimited messaging and users
- Video conferencing
- Customizable interface
- High-level security features
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $3 per user/month
8. Mattermost
Features:
- Open-source and self-hosted options
- Customizable workspaces
- File sharing and integrations
- Strong security and compliance features
- Scalable for large teams
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $10 per user/month
9. Ryver
Features:
- Team messaging and collaboration
- Task and project management
- Voice and video calls
- Integrations with popular tools
- Customizable workflows
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $49 per month for up to 12 users
10. Zoho Cliq
Features:
- Integration with Zoho suite
- Direct and group messaging
- File sharing and storage
- Video conferencing
- Automation and workflows
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $3 per user/month
11. Twist
Features:
- Threaded conversations for focused discussions
- Direct messaging
- Integration with popular tools
- File sharing
- Asynchronous communication
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $5 per user/month
12. Flowdock
Features:
- Team messaging and threads
- Integration with popular tools
- File sharing
- Video calls
- Customizable workflows
Pricing:
- Paid plans start at $3 per user/month
13. Glip by RingCentral
Features:
- Team messaging and collaboration
- Video conferencing and screen sharing
- File sharing and storage
- Task management
- Integrations with popular tools
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $11.99 per user/month
14. Workplace by Facebook
Features:
- Social media-like interface
- Team messaging and collaboration
- Video conferencing
- File sharing
- Integration with popular tools
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $4 per user/month
15. Spike
Features:
- Conversational email
- Team messaging and collaboration
- File sharing
- Video calls
- Integrations with popular tools
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $5 per user/month
16. Troop Messenger
Features:
- Direct and group messaging
- Voice and video calls
- File sharing
- Screen sharing
- Integrations with popular tools
Pricing:
- Paid plans start at $2.50 per user/month
17. Brosix
Features:
- Team messaging and collaboration
- Voice and video calls
- File sharing
- Screen sharing
- High-level security features
Pricing:
- Paid plans start at $4 per user/month
18. Wire
Features:
- End-to-end encryption
- Team messaging and collaboration
- Voice and video calls
- File sharing
- Integrations with popular tools
Pricing:
- Paid plans start at $5.83 per user/month
19. Jitsi
Features:
- Free and open-source platform
- Video conferencing
- Screen sharing
- Customizable interface
- Integrations with popular tools
Pricing:
- Free
20. Pumble
Features:
- Team messaging and collaboration
- File sharing
- Integrations with popular tools
- Task management
- User-friendly interface
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $2.50 per user/month
21. ClickUp
Features:
- Task and project management
- Team messaging
- File sharing and storage
- Integration with popular tools
- Customizable workflows
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $5 per user/month
22. Asana
Features:
- Task and project management
- Team messaging
- File sharing and storage
- Integration with popular tools
- Customizable workflows
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $10.99 per user/month
23. Trello
Features:
- Task and project management
- Team messaging
- File sharing and storage
- Integration with popular tools
- Customizable workflows
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $5 per user/month
24. Basecamp
Features:
- Task and project management
- Team messaging
- File sharing and storage
- Integration with popular tools
- Customizable workflows
Pricing:
- Paid plans start at $99 per month for unlimited users
25. Podio
Features:
- Task and project management
- Team messaging
- File sharing and storage
- Integration with popular tools
- Customizable workflows
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $7.20 per user/month
Feature Comparison Table
| Tool | Messaging | Video Conferencing | File Sharing | Integrations | Price Starting at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Teams | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $5/user/month |
| Zoom | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | $14.99/user/month |
| Google Chat | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | $6/user/month |
| Discord | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $9.99/month |
| Chanty | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $3/user/month |
| Flock | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $4.50/user/month |
| Rocket.Chat | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $3/user/month |
| Mattermost | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $10/user/month |
| Ryver | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $49/month |
| Zoho Cliq | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $3/user/month |
| Twist | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | $5/user/month |
| Flowdock | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $3/user/month |
| Glip by RingCentral | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $11.99/user/month |
| Workplace by Facebook | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $4/user/month |
| Spike | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $5/user/month |
| Troop Messenger | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $2.50/user/month |
| Brosix | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $4/user/month |
| Wire | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $5.83/user/month |
| Jitsi | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Free |
| Pumble | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $2.50/user/month |
| ClickUp | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $5/user/month |
| Asana | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $10.99/user/month |
| Trello | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $5/user/month |
| Basecamp | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $99/month |
| Podio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $7.20/user/month |
Pricing and Plans Overview
When considering the cost of these communication tools, it’s important to look at not just the starting price but also what features are included at each tier. Here’s an overview of the pricing structures for some of the top Slack alternatives:
- Microsoft Teams: Starts at $5 per user/month, with higher tiers offering more storage, advanced security, and additional features.
- Zoom: Free plan with limited features; paid plans start at $14.99 per user/month, offering longer meeting durations, cloud recording, and webinar capabilities.
- Google Chat: Included with Google Workspace plans, starting at $6 per user/month. Higher tiers offer more storage and advanced administrative controls.
- Discord: Free plan available with Nitro plans starting at $9.99 per month, offering higher-quality video and increased upload limits.
- Chanty: Free plan available with paid plans starting at $3 per user/month, offering unlimited message history and more integrations.
FAQs About Team Communication Tools
Q1: What are the benefits of using VoIP phones for small businesses?
A1: VoIP phones offer cost savings, flexibility, and advanced features such as call forwarding, voicemail-to-email transcription, conferencing capabilities, and integration with business applications.
Q2: Can these communication tools integrate with existing business applications?
A2: Yes, many of these tools support integration with CRM software, project management tools, and other business applications to streamline communication and data management.
Q3: What should small businesses consider when selecting a VoIP service provider?
A3: Factors to consider include the provider’s reliability, service uptime, customer support responsiveness, security features, and the scalability of their services.
Q4: How can small businesses ensure the security of VoIP phone systems?
A4: Implementing encryption protocols, using strong passwords, regularly updating software, and choosing providers with robust security measures can enhance the security of VoIP phone systems.
Q5: Are there free versions available for these communication tools?
A5: Yes, many of these tools offer free versions with limited features. Paid plans typically offer additional features, increased storage, and better support.
Conclusion
Choosing the right communication tool for your small business is crucial for maintaining efficient workflows, seamless collaboration, and secure communication. While Slack is a popular choice, these 25 alternatives offer a range of features and pricing plans to suit different business needs. By evaluating the key features, pricing, and integration capabilities of each tool, you can find the best solution to enhance your team’s productivity and collaboration.