For greater than 32 million folks, Slack has change into the device they open very first thing within the morning to get the workday began. And it’s change into the chief of the crew collaboration trade, simplifying folks’s work and boosting their productiveness.
However not everybody is totally elated with Slack. And in the event you’re involved by among the platform’s downsides, like limiting free plans, safety issues, or restricted customization choices, you will have many selections.
I’ve used dozens of messaging instruments that supply capabilities much like Slack and work nicely for several types of groups. On this roundup, I’ve listed down the 25 finest Slack alternate options to make distant collaboration a breeze.
The Greatest Slack Options
- Google Chat
- Chanty
- Microsoft Groups
- ClickUp
- Pumble
- Rocket.Chat
- Discord
- Brosix
- Mattermost
- Flock
- Ryver
- Glip
- Flowdock
- Fleep
- Twist
- HighSide
- Troop Messenger
- Wire
- Cisco Webex Groups
- Zoho Cliq
- Office by Meta
- Hive
- Basecamp
- Connecteam
- SmartSuite
1. Google Chat
- Accessible on: Android, iOS, macOS, Home windows, and internet
- Worth: Free for Gmail Customers. Beginning at $7.20 a person monthly for Google Workspace.
Google Chat is a Slack various constructed into Gmail, and you’ll chat with anybody who additionally has a Gmail account, whether or not that account is paid or free.
I’ve typically used Google Chat to share undertaking updates with purchasers, and its neat interface has been fairly seamless.
Professional tip: You may additionally have the ability to use Google Meet with Google Chat to host audio and video calls together with your crew. Mixed with Google’s suite of instruments, Google Chat is a feature-packed Slack various for Gmail customers.
2. Chanty
- Accessible on: Mac, Home windows, Android, iOS
- Worth: Free model. Paid plans begin at $3 a person monthly
Chanty is a straightforward crew chat device for small and medium-sized groups.
Like Slack, you may talk in private and non-private channels and thru one-to-one conversations. I like how Chanty organizes all of your recordsdata, hyperlinks, duties, and conversations into folders in a characteristic referred to as Teambook.
Generally, Chanty’s built-in job supervisor and intuitive interface make the chat device a stable Slack various for much less tech-savvy customers.
However that stated, in the event you’re a techie and love establishing automated workflows like I do, you may join Chanty with many apps by means of Zapier with out an excessive amount of problem.
3. Microsoft Groups
- Accessible on: iOS, Android, Home windows, macOS, and Internet
- Worth: Free for as much as 100 video contributors. Paid plans begin at $4 a person monthly.
Microsoft Groups is primarily focused in the direction of enterprise firms. It comes together with considered one of Microsoft Workplace 365 plans.
Nonetheless, in the event you don’t have considered one of these plans — like me, you can begin with the freemium model of the device.
Whereas attempting the free model, I discovered that it consists of all of the important crew chat options like instantaneous chats, audio/video calls, and integrations. It additionally provides integrations throughout all Workplace 365 merchandise and greater than 250 apps and companies.
Professional Tip: Microsoft Groups isn’t the simplest app to deploy, so make certain your crew admin is tech-savvy.
4. ClickUp
- Accessible on: Android, Pc, iPhone & iPad, and Internet
- Worth: Free Perpetually plan. Paid plans begin at $7 a member monthly
ClickUp is an all-in-one undertaking administration device providing a wide range of instruments and customization options to assist customers collaborate and talk. I’ve typically used ClickUp to collaborate with purchasers and share real-time updates with its Chat view.
I notably like how customers can embed pages and movies, in addition to format messages, to incorporate code blocks and bulleted lists for a transparent and concise message. ClickUp’s Chat view is tremendous useful to remain organized and immediately chat with anybody.
5. Pumble
- Accessible on: iOS, Android, Home windows, macOS, Linux, and Internet
- Worth: Free with limitless customers. Paid plans begin at $2.49 a month.
Pumble is a enterprise communication device with a various set of options comparable to channels, direct messages, threads, voice and video messages, and 1:1 voice and video conferences.
I additionally observed that Pumble has a useful visitor entry characteristic that enables groups to incorporate third events like contractors, distributors, freelancers, and purchasers of their workspaces.
It provides two further perks that give it an edge over Slack: every person on the free plan has limitless entry to message historical past and 10GB of storage per workspace with no deadlines.
6. Rocket.Chat
- Accessible on: iOS, Android, Home windows, macOS, Linux, and Internet
- Worth: Free as much as 1K customers. Paid plans begin at $7 a person monthly
Rocket.Chat is a free, open-source Slack various that allows you to tailor the feel and appear of your crew communication setup to your personal model. One among Rocket.Chat’s finest options is the convenience of migration. All you should do is export your recordsdata from Slack and add them to Rocket.Chat.
Professional tip: I additionally discovered a number of helpful options on this device, like real-time translation, reside chat consumer, and E2E encryption, making it a Slack various that’s undoubtedly price a glance.
7. Discord
- Accessible on: iOS, Android, Home windows, macOS, Linux, and Internet
- Worth: Free. Paid plans begin at $9.99 monthly.
Whereas Discord has conventionally been a go-to app for players, it could additionally assist groups collaborate successfully—due to its wealthy performance and limitless message historical past.
Once I first began utilizing Discord for work, I figured that you may simply implement the idea of Slack’s non-public and public channels utilizing channel settings. It’s additionally the one app on this checklist that gives push-to-talk options.
Professional tip: Understand that Discord could not have integrations finest fitted to work. However in the event you want a free area to speak by way of textual content, voice, or video, Discord may very well be choice for you.
8. Brosix
- Accessible on: Home windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Internet
- Worth: Free for as much as 3 customers. Paid plans begin at $4 a person monthly.
Brosix is a user-friendly messaging platform with a safe non-public crew community, enabling exact person administration. I attempted a bunch of options in its On the spot Messenger, together with end-to-end encryption to make sure information safety, environment friendly peer-to-peer (P2P) file switch capabilities, and safe instantaneous messaging.
What’s extra, it provides chat rooms for collaboration, real-time communication, and assist for each cellular and internet purposes.
9. Mattermost
- Accessible on: iOS, Android, Home windows, macOS, Linux, Internet
- Worth: Free for as much as 10 customers. Paid plans begin at $10 a person monthly.
Mattermost is one other fashionable Slack various. This open-source resolution is absolutely customizable to fulfill your organization’s wants. You can too implement Mattermost with non-public cloud internet hosting or a self-managed server.
What impressed me probably the most was how this resolution is deployed by main organizations like NASA due to its safety features and uptime.
It’s purpose-built for technical and operational groups with particular performance for maximizing effectivity, like id and entry controls, compliance auditing & reporting, and information management.
Professional tip: Mattermost helps greater than a dozen languages, making it an excellent match for international groups.
10. Flock
- Accessible on: iOS, Android, Home windows, macOS, Linux, and Internet
- Worth: Free for as much as 20 customers. Paid plans begin at $4.50 a person monthly.
Flock is a office chat software program that claims to run sooner than Slack. In addition to all of the common communication options like instantaneous chat, audio, and video calls, I found that Flock provides built-in polls, reminders, notes, and to-do snippets.
Flock’s freemium model is restricted to 10,000 searchable messages. Paid plans unlock useful options like display screen sharing and limitless message historical past. I believe its interface is far simpler to navigate than Slack’s.
11. Ryver
- Accessible on: iOS, Android, Home windows, macOS, and Internet
- Worth: Beginning at $69 monthly for as much as 12 customers.
Ryver is a crew communication device identified for its built-in job supervisor that turns messages into duties, and you’ll handle them with Kanban boards.
Like Slack, Ryver enables you to talk by means of open boards, non-public teams, and direct messages. I additionally tried its characteristic to make voice and video requires as much as 5 customers per name. And when you have a Zapier account, you may as well combine Ryver into your favourite apps in a snap.
12. Glip
- Accessible on: iOS, Android, Home windows, macOS, and Internet
- Worth: Free as much as 100 contributors, Paid plans beginning at $30 a person monthly.
Glip is a crew collaboration device developed by RingCentral. Whereas Slack has configurable options, making it a one-size-fits-all crew chat app, Glip has built-in options like duties, calendars, and notes.
You may join Glip to different apps by means of Zapier or considered one of its greater than 20 customized integrations.
I used to be impressed to see how Glip provides a set of instruments for particular use instances, like clever telephone options. You get a enterprise SMS platform and a cloud telephone system — good for gross sales groups.
13. Flowdock
- Accessible on: iOS, Android, Home windows, macOS, Linux, and Internet
- Worth: Paid plans begin at $3 per person monthly.
Flowdock is one other Slack various that organizes dialog by threads.
All threads are color-coded so you may simply navigate between matters and set up your crew’s communication. I discovered their interface to be extra cluttered than Slack, however the choice to color-code threads is useful in sorting conversations.
Flowdock additionally options open, invite-only, and one-to-one chats. That is nice for internet hosting several types of conferences, like each day stand-ups, weekly syncs, or month-to-month opinions. What’s extra, you may join Flowdock to greater than 100 of your favourite apps.
14. Fleep
- Accessible On: Home windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
- Worth: Free as much as 10GB of file storage. Paid plans begin at €5 per person monthly billed yearly.
Fleep is designed across the thought of “conversations” the place customers can take part in a dialogue on a particular subject.
To make these conversations extra actionable, Fleep provides a characteristic referred to as “Activity” for assigning and coordinating work. Mix this with the “Pinboard” characteristic to let customers pin important messages, particulars, or bulletins to the aspect for straightforward entry.
Whereas 1:1 conversations are limitless throughout the board, I experimented with the freemium model. It provides restricted storage capability and might solely assist three group conversations. For limitless group conversations, you will have to replace the Marketing strategy.
15. Twist
- Accessible on: MacOS, Home windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Internet
- Worth: Free. Paid plans begin at $6 per person monthly.
Twist is a perfect communication software program for asynchronous groups.
Its mannequin strikes away from real-time conversations into “deeper, structured communication” by way of their “Threads” characteristic. As an alternative of a bunch chat, customers should designate a particular ”thread” for conversations associated to a subject.
One-on-one and small group chat can be accessible for conversations that do not require threads.
After signing up for the freemium model, I discovered that you simply get a one-month restrict on search historical past and 5GB most file storage — much like Slack’s free model.
16. HighSide
- Accessible On: Home windows, MacOS, Ubuntu, iPhone, Android
- Worth: Paid plans begin at $12 a person monthly.
HighSide is a good alternative for crew communication for organizations with superior safety wants. This device provides end-to-end encryption, authentication, and safe cloud storage.
Its infrastructure may even assist you guarantee compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, and extra. I additionally discovered a Microsoft Groups extension to assist in working securely throughout apps.
Professional tip: In addition to securing your communications, this device provides all important capabilities to work together with your crew, like file-sharing, audio + video messaging, information analytics, and compliance regulation.
17. Troop Messenger
- Accessible On: Home windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS
- Worth: Paid plans begin at $2.5 per person monthly.
One other nice Slack various is Troop Messenger, which has chat, audio and video calling, and screen-sharing capabilities.
However this app takes a lead over Slack with two distinctive options: audio messaging and distant desktop management, which permits your crew to get pleasure from a variety of use instances inside one resolution.
I additionally discovered some fascinating options within the premium model, like “Burnout.” It permits customers to collaborate confidentially for a specified period of time earlier than the historical past is eliminated.
One other one is “Reply Later” that will help you prioritize your communication with out forgetting something.
18. Wire
- Accessible on: Home windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS
- Worth: Not accessible.
Wire is a non-public messaging app with a core concentrate on safety. I discovered this to be the perfect Slack various in case your major concern is information privateness and safe communications.
This app is predicated on the world’s first open protocol designed for end-to-end encrypted communication. It additionally encrypts cross-platform messages throughout iOS, Mac, Android, and PC.
Professional tip: This is a perfect resolution for firms working within the public sector and enterprises. You’ll have higher choices to guard all info, not simply the confidential bits.
19. Cisco Webex Groups
- Accessible on: Home windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- Worth: Free. Paid plans begin at $7 a license monthly.
Webex Groups is an enterprise-focused device for crew collaboration and video conferencing. Whereas Slack is extra fitted to small-mid-sized groups and startups, Webex caters to the wants of worldwide groups distributed throughout areas.
This Slack various integrates with OneDrive and SharePoint to make file-sharing simpler. Actually, you may as well get gear just like the Cisco Webex Board to host board conferences and video calls.
20. Zoho Cliq
- Accessible on: Home windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
- Worth: Free. Paid plans beginning at $8 for as much as 25 customers a month.
Zoho Cliq is one other one of many many instruments by Zoho. This real-time messaging software program is a less complicated, extra built-in various to Slack. Whereas its interface is fairly much like Slack, it leaps forward within the precise performance.
The device integrates nicely with different Zoho apps — CRM, HRM, monetary administration, and extra. So, you may just about management your total enterprise operations from one place.
Professional tip: Cliq’s model 5.0 has enterprise-grade safety choices with extra crew collaboration capabilities for video + audio conferences. It additionally consists of AI-powered automation to reasonable all channels concurrently.
21. Office by Meta
- Accessible on: Home windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- Worth: Not accessible.
A Slack various by Meta, the social media big? I had the identical doubts as you once I found this device.
However on giving it a trial run, I spotted that is an superior crew collaboration platform with the interface of a social media app — enjoyable.
Throughout my trial, I discovered that Office is full of options related for distant/distributed groups, like a information library, group chats, analytics, and integrations. It additionally has cool capabilities you gained’t discover on Slack, like a reside video broadcast (not a gathering) to make firm bulletins.
I additionally suppose the Information Feed, similar to a Fb or Instagram feed, is ideal for sharing newest updates and wins throughout the board.
22. Hive
- Accessible on: Home windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- Worth: Free. Paid plans begin at $12 a person monthly.
Hive is a undertaking administration platform with superior capabilities for groups to work collectively. I signed up for this app to see the way it fares in opposition to Slack and found it’s an all-in-one platform for crew collaboration.
From time monitoring to automated workflows and analytics, Hive provides every little thing you should succeed with a big crew.
I notably preferred the power to customise undertaking views and arrange automation guidelines for issues to maneuver rapidly, even in my absence. Its built-in chat characteristic is simply pretty much as good as (if not higher than) Slack.
23. Basecamp
- Accessible on: Home windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- Worth: Paid plans beginning at $4.50 a person monthly.
Basecamp is one other platform I’ve used as a Slack various whereas working with a consumer. Whereas the device is purpose-built for undertaking administration, it additionally provides crew collaboration capabilities much like Slack.
Basecamp reduces pointless notifications and noise you see on Slack. As an alternative, it enables you to create extra centered discussions with Message Boards. You may maintain all of the conversations and updates a couple of subject on a single web page.
Professional tip: I believe this app does a significantly better job at organizing details about tasks than Slack, serving to to keep away from any information loss or repeated effort.
24. Connecteam
- Accessible on: Home windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- Worth: Free. Paid plans begin at $29 a month for as much as 30 customers.
Connecteam is an excellent Slack various for non-desk workers. Its intuitive cellular app permits groups to attach with all workers in actual time with chat, bulletins, surveys, occasions, and a information base — discuss all-in-one!
I additionally discovered Connecteam a extra versatile various to Slack because it consists of three essential hubs: Operations, Communications, and HR/L&D. So, groups can flexibly run their total enterprise from a single app or use it completely for crew collaboration.
25. SmartSuite
- Accessible on: Home windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- Worth: Free, Paid plans beginning at $10 a person monthly.
Like all different instruments on this checklist, I additionally began a free trial of SmartSuite. This can be a versatile resolution that mixes every little thing groups have to collaborate successfully — spreadsheets, undertaking dashboards, file sharing, calendars, and extra.
Professional tip: What amazed me probably the most is how SmartSuite isn’t only a crew communication and undertaking administration device.
It consolidates real-time information for varied capabilities like advertising and marketing, gross sales, HR, and enterprise operations. You can too arrange customized workflows to decide on the metrics that matter probably the most to you and the way they need to be visualized.
Take Management Over Your Work with Slack Options
Regardless of its reputation for crew collaboration, Slack has its flaws. It may be costly for bigger groups and never customizable for smaller groups. There’s additionally a good bit of a studying curve to undertake its interface and lots of options absolutely.
I’ve personally tried and reviewed these instruments to make the choice simpler for you. Should you’re on the lookout for one thing extra seamless, strive considered one of these Slack alternate options which will give you the results you want and your crew.
Editor’s word: This submit was initially printed in September 2018 and has been up to date for comprehensiveness.
