Slack is undoubtedly one of the leading collaboration tools in the world right now.
But if you are a start-up or a small business, there are a few Slack alternatives you may want to consider that offer great features but come with a more economical price tag.
Team communication apps have taken over the world. According to Statista, at least 85% of global working professionals use collaboration tools and messenger services to communicate at work.
Image via Statista
Why this widespread popularity, you may ask?
As teams connect and collaborate remotely, business communication apps like Slack help to make the entire workflow clear and smooth. Slack is undoubtedly the leader among the world’s best team messengers.
But for a start-up or small business, the plethora of features offered by Slack may be more than what they actually need. Slack also might prove to be too expensive for their limited budget.
If these are the reasons you are looking for Slack alternatives as well, then you have arrived at the right post.
As we compare and analyze the top 25 Slack alternatives, we aim to give you a clear understanding of what each tool has on offer for you.
So without further ado, let's get started.
How We Choose the Best Slack Alternatives
We consider the following factors when compiling this list of the best Slack alternatives.
- Features: We assessed the features offered by each tool in this list. This is to ensure we only include tools that meet most of your team’s communication needs. Most tools here excel at team communication but others also offer additional capabilities such as task management and document collaboration.
- Pricing: Our compilation of the best Slack alternatives contains tools at different price points to cater to the needs of different team budgets. There are some affordable tools with decent team communication capabilities. We also have some premium tools with advanced features tailored for larger enterprises seeking comprehensive communication solutions.
- Customer reviews: To ensure we only give you the best, we checked online reviews to see what current users are saying about the tools. We paid close attention to the challenges users face when using the tools and avoided those with significant issues.
- Customer support: It’s not enough for a Slack alternative to have great features. It must also offer users excellent support to help them use the tool effectively. We checked review sites to see how the tools are rated when it comes to customer support.
Leading Slack Alternatives for Your Team Members
To bring all of your professional communication to one place, you need an effective communication tool.
With so many team chat tools out there, however, it could be a real challenge to find the right Slack alternative for you.
To help you select among the alternatives to Slack, we compare the features, pros, cons, and pricing of 25 leading team messaging tools.
Let's get started.
1. Chanty
Image via Chanty
Chanty is our top choice among Slack alternatives in the market today. Founded in 2016, Chanty is a simple and intuitive team chat app that comes with a built-in task manager.
As one of the leading Slack alternatives, Chanty brings you voice calls, video calls, and third-party integrations along with seamless real-time chat.
Leaders from different business streams like Oracle, Tata, Nasa, and others depend on Chanty for flawless team communication.
Key Features
- Chanty’s Teambook is a hub to organize your tasks, conversations, flagged chats, shared documents, and more
- Offers audio and video team calls. You can leave a voice message, too!
- Allows you to share multiple content types like files, social media content, GIFs, and much more
- Lets you create, assign, and manage tasks with ease
- Allows you to set control roles to manage your teamspace better
Pros
- Onboarding across various devices and platforms is easy with Chanty
- As one of the top alternatives to Slack, Chanty offers unlimited message history
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices
- Voice messages help speed up the conversations
- Can be integrated with a variety of apps for higher productivity
Cons
- Does not offer customer support via phone
Price
- Free Plan: Free forever
- Business: $4 user/month
Image via Chanty
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- It’s one of the easier-to-use Slack alternatives out there for ‘non-techy’ users
2. Rocket.Chat
Image via Rocket.Chat
Next up on our list of Slack alternatives is Rocket.Chat. With this one tool, you can manage communication with your team members, clients, vendors, and even customers, regardless of the way they connect with you.
This customer-centric tool allows you to integrate chatbots, CRM tools, and machine learning apps to scale up your customer service.
Rocket.Chat says that more than 12 million users in 150 countries use this Slack alternative as a secure collaboration platform.
Key Features
- Collaborate with team members via chat, audio, and video calls
- The instant messaging translation tool helps users communicate across multiple languages
- This is one of the top Slack alternatives offering omnichannel customer support solutions
- Protects users’ data in every conversation
Pros
- Offers audio/video conferencing with screen sharing
- Suitable for businesses that handle sensitive business and customer data
- The free version is packed with features
- Offers a 30-days free trial of their Enterprise edition
Cons
- Some features seem to be only partially developed and may not be available for all plans
Price
- Community: Free
- Enterprise: $7 per user/month or $35 per month per agent
Image via Rocket.Chat
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Rocket.Chat is one of the simpler and more efficient Slack alternatives currently on the market.
3. Discord
Image via Discord
Discord is as much for gamers, artists, and people with common interests as it is for workplace communication. As one of the most popular Slack alternatives, Discord’s emphasis is on voice chat.
The tool gives you more control over every group, with both moderation tools and specific member access.
If you’ve been hoping for a Slack alternative that is fun and simple, Discord could be just the thing for you.
Key Features
- Allows you to build interest groups and communities based on your hobbies
- Low-latency voice chat allows faster conversations
- The Public Test Build allows you to try out and test new features before they are launched
- Get 2 server boosts, HD video, customizable emojis, and bigger uploads with the paid plan
Pros
- This is one of the simpler Slack alternatives, and is easy to install and setup
- Most of the text, audio, and video call features are available in the free plan
- This Slack alternative is available for iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and Linux users
- Offers text, audio and video chat
Cons
- For bigger uploads and personal profiles, you have to subscribe to the paid plan
- This Slack alternative is priced higher compared to other tools on our list
Price
- Free: Download Discord on your browser
- Nitro: $9.99 per month
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Easy to use
4. Mattermost
Image via Mattermost
Mattermost defines itself as a team communication tool built for developers. As one of the top Slack alternatives, the tool has Channels, Playbooks, and Boards that ensure that team communication is easy and organized.
European Parliament, Nasa, Nasdaq, and the United States Air Force are just a few noted customers of Mattermost.
Key Features
- An open-source tool with an interface that is easy to customize
- Mattermost Channels facilitates private and group chats with audio and video integration
- Brings you configurable playbooks with built-in task checklists
- Mattermost boards help to plan and manage projects with intuitive ease
- The tool focuses on meeting strict security, privacy, and compliance requirements
Pros
- Offers scalability and effortless customization
- Community chats and forum discussions help you stay updated
- Gives you complete control over all conversations, keeping your information safe
- You can automate repetitive tasks easily
Cons
- Integrating with other tools and services can be a complex process
- Mattermost is priced higher than the other feature-rich Slack alternatives
Price
- Starter: Free
- Professional: $10 per user/month
- Enterprise: Contact Sales
Add-ons are possible on Professional and Enterprise plans so that you can enjoy more features.
Image via Mattermost
Tool Level
- Beginner/Intermediate
Usability
- Easy to use with basic technical knowledge
5. Teamly
Image via Teamly
Next on our list of Slack alternatives is Teamly—a collaboration tool designed to keep your teams focused and organized.
With its simple and intuitive interface, Teamly allows users to break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes it easier to track progress and stay on top of deadlines.
What’s more?
Teamly’s cost-efficient pricing plans make it the perfect tool for all remote teams, regardless of size.
Key Features
- Real-time chat to improve collaboration and productivity.
- User-friendly Kanban boards to support workflow management.
- Built-in timer to create precise digital timesheets.
- Centralized platform for file sharing, team discussions, and updates.
- Integrated calendar for scheduling and tracking deadlines.
Pros
- Simple and intuitive design makes it easy to onboard and navigate.
- Designed specifically for startups and growing teams.
- Offers essential features for project management and collaboration.
- Supports team communication with direct messaging and group chats.
- Mobile app for on-the-go accessibility.
Cons
- Does not offer much customization in terms of layout or branding.
- Reporting features are limited.
Price
- Free: Forever free plan
- Starter: $47 per user per month
- Business: $97 per user per month
Image via Teamly
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Teamly is very easy to use, even if you have never worked with team collaboration software before.
6. Flock
Image via Flock
Flock is one of the leading Slack alternatives that offer you a new way to communicate and collaborate with your team members. Audio and video calls enable seamless communication on the go. Its built-in productivity tools and plug-in apps help team members to manage all their responsibilities in one place.
What's more, Flock offers integration with many third-party apps to speed up and simplify workflow.
Key Features
- Offers productivity tools like file sharing, to-dos, polls, and reminders
- Connect from any device via voice and video calls
- Streamline messaging with private and public channels
- Integrated search makes it easy to search for documents, images, links, notes, specific messages, and much more
- Multilevel user access and permission helps control all activities on Flock
Pros
- Send instant voice messages for more meaningful chats
- This team chat tool protects your data and conversations with authentication features
- To-do lists and reminders keep your team updated about tasks
- Offers around-the-clock customer support
- Offers 30 days free trial on paid plans
Cons
- Limited third-party app integration
- Mobile users may notice a lag at times
Price
- Starter: Free
- Pro: $4.5 user/month
- Enterprise: Contact Sales
Image via Flock
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Flock is one of the easier Slack alternatives to use, and has a minimal learning curve
7. Ryver
Image via Ryver
Ryver has emerged as one of the leading Slack alternatives for teams to collaborate, communicate, and automate business processes.
Founded in 2014, Ryver brings you fully integrated searchable collaboration spaces. Robust encryption and secure login methods keep your data safe.
Ryver does not offer a free plan, which may keep many start-ups from considering it as one of the possible Slack alternatives for them.
Key Features
- Organize team conversations under Forums, Teams, and People
- Ryver simplifies log in with Single Sign-On (SSO)
- News Streaming allows you to automatically receive social media posts, news updates, and RSS feed directly in Ryver
- It offers unlimited audio and video calls, file sharing, and searches
Pros
- Allows you to create custom conversation channels
- Helps you to organize topics and tasks
- Ryver is available for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac users
- Easy integration with leading third-party tools
- Offers a 14-days free trial on Starter and 30 Users Packs
Cons
- Does not offer a free plan
- UI could be simplified for easier onboarding
Price
- Starter: $69/month (up to 12 users)
- Standard: $129/month (up to 30 users)
- Medium Pack: $4 per user (30+ users)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Image via Ryver
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Easy to use
8. RingCentral MVP
Image via RingCentral
The next communication tool on our list of Slack alternatives is RingCentral MVP.
With this team chat tool, you can connect with your team via message, video, and phone calls. In fact, RingCentral brings you one of the best enterprise-capable VoIP features in this category.
Key Features
- Simplifies workflow with private and team chat, file sharing, and task management
- Unlimited one-click video calls make virtual meetings effortless
- Offers top-of-class cloud-based VoIP services with advanced calling capabilities
- Gives seven layers of security to keep your data and conversations safe
Pros
- You can easily switch calls from desktop to a mobile device so that you can stay connected on the go
- Drive team productivity with messaging, video, and phone combined into one tool
- Offers plenty of resources to get you started
- Easy integration with more than 250 third-party apps
- Free trial available on Essentials, Standard, and Premium packs
Cons
- It does not offer a free version of the tool
Price
- Core: $30 per user per month
- Advanced: $35 per user per month
- Ultra: $45 per user per month
Image via RingCentral
Tool Level
- Beginner/Intermediate
Usability
- RingCentral MVP is one of the simpler Slack alternatives to use
9. Zoho Cliq
Image via Zoho
Our roundup of Slack alternatives will not be comprehensive without talking about Zoho Cliq.
Like most Slack alternatives, Zoho offers you the tools you need to manage your remote and hybrid workforce. What’s more, you can make group video and audio calls or host live video events with ease.
Let’s see what else it has in common with other Slack alternatives.
Key Features
- Host meeting broadcasts and live video events with instant video streaming
- Switch between multi-chat and single-chat view
- You can add up to 1000 participants for a group audio call right from the platform
- Sync calendar and automate workflows
- Engage users with customizable backgrounds, GIFs, opinion polls, and gestures
- Easy to search for and find files, messages, and users
- Whiteboards and screen-sharing for improved collaboration
Pros
- Robust collaboration and communication tools
- One of the best Slack alternatives for remote and hybrid work models
- Powerful integration with Asana, Trello, and Zapier
- Allows group audio and video calls
Cons
- It does not offer dedicated rooms for webinars unlike some Slack alternatives
Price
- Free: $0
- Unlimited: $1 per user/month for 10k+ user organizations
Image via Zoho Cliq
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- One of the easiest to use Slack alternatives for beginners
10. Podio
Image via Podio
Next up in this discussion on Slack alternatives is Podio.
You can opt for this software to connect your remote workforce and streamline administrative tasks while keeping your data secure.
But, does it have all the features you expect from the best Slack alternatives?
Read on.
Key Features
- Streamlined file sharing and tracking
- View real-time modifications done on files
- Centralized document storage and workflow automation
- Built-in chat feature and social activity streams facilitate collaboration
- You can pick from hundreds of native apps to optimize project management, collaboration, sales functions, etc.
Pros
- Seamless file sharing
- Mobile apps enable remote project management
- Robust integrations with tools such as Zendesk, Evernote, and Google Calendar
- Granular admin controls
Cons
- The interface seems a bit complicated compared to other Slack alternatives
Price
- Free: $0 for up to 5 employees
- Plus: $14/month
- Premium: $24/month
Image via Podio
Tool Level
- Intermediate/Expert
Usability
- There is a learning curve involved in setting up and using the software.
11. Twist
Image via Twist
Are you looking for Slack alternatives to eliminate the ‘always on’ work culture? Twist seeks to avoid the hassles of constant messages and alerts that lead to burnout.
With asynchronous messaging that does not pressurize users to respond instantly, Twist offers a new and improved way of working.
Interested in finding out if this is one of the Slack alternatives for your business?
Read on.
Key Features
- Async messaging feature designed to help teams disconnect and focus on what matters the most
- No ‘green dots’ or notification to monitor online presence
- Asynchronous messaging threads replace real-time meetings and calls
- A unified inbox and threaded conversations help keep track of the most important messages
- Discover past conversations with organized channels
Pros
- You can easily find the key messages with organized channels, unified inbox, and threaded conversations
- Ability to share thread links
- Integrates with your favorite third-party apps
- Removes the pressure of always being online and removes the chaos linked to workspace communication
Cons
- Lacks some of the features that most Slack alternatives offer including regular chat channels and powerful integrations
Price
- Free trial: $0
- Unlimited: $8 per user/month
Image via Twist
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Easy to use
12. Proofhub
Image via Proofhub
If you want the best Slack alternatives to streamline project and task management, one of the tools to explore is Proofhub.
The platform helps you plan, organize, and track projects while giving you the tools you need to communicate with teams.
Key Features
- One-on-one and group chat features, notes, and announcements
- Organize and assign tasks based on priority
- Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and calendar views allow you to map the projects, quickly see the status of tasks, and spot bottlenecks
- Shared team calendar to set reminders, see events, and milestones
- Integrated time tracking tools allow you to add timesheets, create time reports, and set time estimates
- Generate reports based on workloads, resources, projects, and custom categories
Pros
- Easy to import, organize, and share files
- Allows you to create dedicated project workspaces
- Ability to create different types of reports
- Flat pricing model
- You can create branded domain with white-labeling tools
Cons
- Lacks certain capabilities that top Slack alternatives have such as video conferencing and resource management
Price
- Essential: $45/month
- Ultimate Control: $89/month
Image via ProofHub
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- It is one of the easiest Slack alternatives to use
13. Cisco Jabber
Image via Cisco Jabber
Cisco Jabber is one of the Slack alternatives that provide comprehensive collaboration and communication solutions.
You can host virtual conferences, share screens, chat, or send documents, all from within the platform.
If you work with Outlook, you can place a call directly from Jabber to a contact in the Outlook address book.
Explore the other features of Jabber to know if it is one of the viable Slack alternatives for your business.
Key Features
- Team messaging features, ability to create new spaces, and view activity status
- You can set video or voice calls to appear on your phone or computer in addition to forwarding calls
- Comprehensive chat features including broadcasting feature and the ability to send files and images
- Virtual conferencing support through the native Cisco Webex software
Pros
- You can easily switch between one-to-one chats, audio calls, and group video conferencing
- Dedicated rooms for ongoing projects and persistent chats
- You can call a contact in your Outlook address book with Outlook integration
- Smartwatch compatibility
Cons
- Occasional technical glitches during meetings
Price
- Contact sales for pricing information
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Easy to install and use
14. Element
Image via Element
Element is one of the top Slack alternatives with open source and flexible hosting for secure team collaboration.
It offers end-to-end encryption, powerful federation, data sovereignty, and decentralization.
Element, which is based on the Matrix protocol, offers a range of features that make it an attractive option for organizations, admins, and individuals alike.
Key Features
- End-to-end encryption keeps conversations private and secure by default
- Federation ensures seamless and secure connection with multiple networks
- Data sovereignty to retain ownership and control of your data
- Decentralization for high availability and resilience, and no single point of failure
- Bridges to integrate with other apps and services
- Spaces to organize your chat rooms into groups and assign access permissions
- Device verification allows revoking device access to prevent impersonation or data theft
- Unlimited 1:1 and group voice and video calls
Pros
- High security and privacy standards
- Interoperability and flexibility
- Scalability and reliability
- Open source and community-driven
Cons
- Learning curve for new users
- Lacks the same level of polish as other tools in its user interface and design
Price
- Starter: Free
- Business: $5/user/month (paid annually)
- Enterprise: $10/user/month (paid annually)
- Sovereign: Custom pricing
Image via Element
Tool Level
- Beginner/Intermediate
Usability
- Moderately easy to use given the initial configuration. Users may need time to adapt to its features.
15. Freedcamp
Image via Freedcamp
When it comes to Slack alternatives, you would want those that cater to the needs of high-performing teams.
This is where Freedcamp shines.
In addition to the staple features that Slack offers, Freedcamp makes it easy to manage projects, invoices, and customer relationships. Something that very few Slack alternatives offer.
What’s more, Freedcamp has a free forever plan. Check out the features of this platform to see if it is one of the suitable Slack alternatives for your business.
Key Features
- Create milestones, task and sub-task lists to organize your workflow
- Gantt chart, Calendar, and Kanban board to map and track tasks
- Discussion threads and time tracking tools
- Project templates, invoicing feature, task, and widget boards
- File system enables storing and organizing of all documents with comments and versions
Pros
- Useful integrations with Google Drive, Google Calendar, OneDrive, and Dropbox
- Offers a lot of features including CRM, task boards, and project templates
- File editing tools and unlimited storage
- Unique issue tracker
Cons
- Some features such as Gantt Charts are locked behind a paywall
Price
- Free: $0
- Pro: $2.49 per user/month
- Business: $8.99 per user/month
- Enterprise: $19.99 per user/month
Image via Freedcamp
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Like most Slack alternatives, Freedcamp is easy to use
16. Jostle
Image via Jostle
Are siloed departments, time zones, and scattered information across multiple platforms impacting your teams’ productivity and engagement?
If you want Slack alternatives that remove these barriers and contribute to employee success, you should explore Jostle.
As a unique intranet platform, Jostle goes a step beyond most Slack alternatives. It helps you to not only streamline team communication and organize tasks, but build a strong company culture.
Take a closer look at its features to decide if it is right for you.
Key Features
- A unified intranet platform to connect hybrid, remote, and in-office teams
- JostleTV enables you to stream key messages to factory floors and break rooms
- Set milestones and use the Shout-Outs feature to recognize the achievements of teams and individuals
- Tie chats to departments and teams, while ensuring data confidentiality
- Organization charts empower employees to find workflows and assignments
Pros
- Powerful third-party integrations
- Designed to connect and engage remote, in-office, and hybrid teams
- Simple collaboration tools
- Easy to organize and prioritize tasks
Cons
- Lacks the ability to archive old content automatically
Price
Unlike most Slack alternatives, Jostle offers flexible pricing based on the number of employees your company has. These are the pricing plans for 100 employees.
- Bronze: $4.56 per user/month
- Silver: $8.21 per user/month
- Gold: $10.95 per user/month
- Platinum: Custom pricing
Image via Jostle
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Like most Slack alternatives, Jostle is easy to set up and use.
17. Brosix
Image via Brosix
Top-notch data security, real-time communication tools, easy file-sharing…whatever it is that you expect the best Slack alternatives to offer, Brosix has it all.
Packed with collaboration and communication features, Brosix makes it easy for your teams to work together and maximize productivity.
How does it compare with other Slack alternatives? Take a look.
Key Features
- You can create a dedicated chat room that automatically updates when users join or leave the group
- Free and firewall-friendly VoIP enables secure voice calls
- Instant video chat, unlimited file transfer, remote desktop, and screen sharing features to conduct remote training, onboarding, or conferences
- Built-in screenshot feature and virtual whiteboards make discussions engaging
- Live Chat feature to provide responsive customer support
Pros
- End-to-end encryption
- On-the-go communication with Brosix mobile app
- Allows you to transfer files of any size
- You can specify the security levels for each data set
- Interactive communication and collaboration tools
Cons
- Deleting group conversations can be difficult
Price
Like many Slack alternatives, Brosix offers a free forever plan for limited users.
- Startup: Free for up to 3 users
- Business: $4 per user/month
- Premium: $6 per user/month
Image via Brosix
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Brosix is one of the easiest to use among Slack alternatives
18. Asana
Image via Asana
Looking for Slack alternatives that offer internal communication as well as project management tools?
Asana may be the right choice for you.
As one of the popular Slack alternatives, Asana has all the features including timelines, boards, and list view to streamline your tasks.
Key Features
- Start conversations, communicate changes, update remote workers and make status updates from a centralized platform
- Add files to any conversation or task from your Google Drive, Dropbox, or computer
- Inbox and dashboards make it easy to coordinate work, view attachments, comment on tasks, and view project updates
- Gantt, Kanban, Calendar, and timeline to track tasks
- Granular rules to automate important tasks
Pros
- Work automation features help save time
- On-the-go communication with Asana app
- Tasks can be synced across devices
- Knowledgebase to help you make the most of its features
Cons
- Unlike most Slack alternatives, Asana lacks time-tracking features
Price
- Basic: Free forever
- Premium: $10.99 per user/month
- Business: $24.99 per user/month
- Enterprise: Contact Sales
Image via Asana
Tool Level
- Intermediate/Expert
Usability
- Asana is one of the Slack alternatives have a learning curve for new users
19. Fleep
Image via Fleep
Top Slack alternatives make it easy to manage tasks, communicate, and share files and Fleep is no exception.
But, what makes Fleep different from other Slack alternatives?
While most chat applications allow conversations between the company’s employees only, Fleep allows you to initiate discussions with any Fleep user.
Read on to know more.
Key Features
- You can pin and edit important messages, links, meeting notes, contact information, etc on the side of each conversation
- Built-in email integration supports external conversation with individuals not in the organization
- Shared files and pictures are stored in File Drawer, next to conversation flows
- You can assign tasks right from the conversation flows with the built-in task board feature
- One-click video or audio call thanks to integration with Whereby
Pros
- One of the most flexible communication tool among Slack alternatives
- Supports external communication with any Fleep user
- Easy file sharing and editing
- Ability to pin notes, images, links, and messages
Cons
- You will need to upgrade to a premium plan if you need more storage
Price
Like most Slack alternatives, Fleep offers a free forever plan that gives you 1 GB of file storage. For more storage capacity, you will need to upgrade to the paid plans.
- Business: Approx $6.35* (€5) per user/month, billed annually
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
*Exchange rate: €1 = $1.06
Image via Fleep
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- It is easy to set up and use Fleep
20. Zulip
Image via Zulip
One of the stand-out features to look for in Slack alternatives is a combination of email-style threading and real-time chat.
Zulip excels in this department to bring you a unique chat experience. This also means that you can focus on the most important discussions.
Before you invest in Slack alternatives such as Zulip, evaluating its features, pros, and cons is a must.
So, let’s go.
Key Features
- Conversations are threaded based on topic allowing you to take part in any group conversations
- Extensive messaging features to express your ideas including spoilers, emojis, quote blocks, polls, etc.
- Drag-and-drop feature to preview and upload files
- In-depth analytics allow you to view how your teams collaborate and communicate
- Organization charts empower employees to find workflows and assignments
Pros
- Open-source software with free forever plans
- Advanced search features to look for threads, people, and text
- Fine-grained access controls
- Enterprise-grade security
- Automatic link, file, and tweet previews
Cons
- Lacks a built-in video calling feature
Price
Unlike most Slack alternatives, Zulip offers plans based on whether you opt for self-hosting or Zulip’s cloud hosting service.
Zulip Cloud
- Free: Up to 5 GB storage
- Standard: $6.67 per user/month
Self-hosting
- Free: $0
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Image via Zulip
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Zulip is one of the Slack alternatives that are fast and easy to set up and use.
21. Missive
Image via Missive
Are siloed departments, time zones, and scattered information across multiple platforms impacting your teams’ productivity and engagement?
If you want Slack alternatives that remove these barriers and contribute to employee success, you should explore Jostle.
As a unique intranet platform, Jostle goes a step beyond most Slack alternatives. It helps you to not only streamline team communication and organize tasks, but build a strong company culture.
Take a closer look at its features to decide if it is right for you.
Key Features
- Flexible chat features including the ability to create private, team, and general chat rooms in addition to formatting options
- Integrates with Twitter, SMS, Instagram, email, and Messenger
- Ability to assign tasks directly from chats or emails
- Templates and ‘Canned responses’ boost response time
- Team Inbox feature allows you to ‘triage’ assignments effectively
Pros
- Supports collaborative, real-time drafting of messages
- Excellent text editor
- Social media, WhatsApp, and Google Calendar syncing
- Robust email handling capabilities based on the rules you define
Cons
- New users can get overwhelmed with the array of features available
Price
Like many Slack alternatives, Missive also offers a free version.
- Free: For up to 3 users
- Starter: $14 per user/month
- Productive: $18 per user/month
- Enterprise: $26 per user/month
Image via Missive
Tool Level
- Intermediate/Expert
Usability
- Unlike most Slack alternatives, Missive involves a learning curve initially
22. JANDI
Image via JANDI
Does the ability to create chat rooms based on your team’s culture and structure interest you?
If yes, one of the Slack alternatives to try is JANDI.
The platform facilitates real-time collaboration and communication with a host of useful features. After all, this is what you would expect from the best Slack alternatives, right?
Now, let’s explore its features in detail.
Key Features
- Allows you to create private or public chat rooms tailored to each team's culture and structure
- Bulletin board feature to make company-wide announcements
- Assign and track personal and team tasks with to-do lists and task calendar
- Built-in video conferencing feature lets you add up to 300 participants
- Track metrics on Jandi usage, downloads, and topics
Pros
- JANDI Connect offers seamless integration with useful tools
- Granular personnel and member management
- Native JANDI Drive to store files
- Smart search and file management tools
Cons
- File sharing capabilities need improvement
Price
Similar to many Slack alternatives, JANDI offers a free plan with up to 5 GB of storage.
- Free: for up to 5 GB of storage
- Premium: $8 per user/month
- Enterprise: $11 per user/month
Image via JANDI
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- As expected from the best Slack alternatives, JANDI is very user-friendly
23. Google Chat
Image via Google
Formerly known as Google Hangouts, Google Chat is one of the products offered in the Google Workspace suite.
As one of the simplest Slack alternatives, Google Chat makes it easy to communicate with remote teams.
What’s more, the integration with other Google products enables seamless collaboration.
Check out its features to see if it is the right tool for your business.
Key Features
- You can use Google Chat as a standalone tool or from your Gmail account
- Dedicated Spaces allow you to organize topic-based discussions
- Collaborate on Google Sheets, Slides, or Docs with Chat and Spaces integration
- Powerful search capabilities, smart suggestions, and bots help you find files and conversations
Pros
- Powered by Google’s smart search capabilities
- Easy to share different file formats
- Fast connectivity
- Two-factor authentication
Cons
- Does not have the comprehensive features that most Slack alternatives offer
Price
- Free with Google Workspace
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Google Chat is among the easiest to use Slack alternatives.
24. Workplace by Facebook
Image via Workplace by Facebook
If you find Slack alternatives offered by Facebook, you might want to know if it has all the features that the social media giant has.
Workplace by Facebook is all that you expect, and more.
In addition to the familiar Facebook experience, Workplace is similar to most Slack alternatives when it comes to joining groups, sharing information, and team messaging.
Read on to find out how it compares with the top Slack alternatives.
Key Features
- Workplace Chat app that resembles Facebook Messenger to exchange private messages
- Create unlimited department-wise, location-wise, or companywide groups
- AI-powered, tailored News Feed based on the team interactions and past engagements
- Supports live video and audio calls
- Live Producer enables the creation of live events from your computer along with screen sharing, multiple hosts, auto-translation, polls, Q&A, etc.
Pros
- Powerful live video capabilities
- Knowledge library and live news feed to keep employees updated on company news
- One of the best Slack alternatives to boost social interaction and engagement
Cons
- Lacks the comprehensive productivity tools offered by most Slack alternatives
Price
Unlike most Slack alternatives, there is no free plan offered by Workplace. While the only paid plan offered is the ‘Core’ plan, Enterprise Live and Enhanced Admin are add-ons you can buy.
- Core: $4 per user/month
- Enhanced Admin and Support: $2 per user/month
- Enterprise Live: $2 per user/month
Image via Workplace by Facebook
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Workplace by Facebook is easy to use.
25. Troop Messenger
Image via Troop Messenger
Troop Messenger is a communication app that supports instant messaging, file sharing, and video chat for teams. It also comes with a group chat feature to make it easy for teams to collaborate and discuss work projects.
The tool has a simple interface to make it easy for users to get started. Unlike other Slack alternatives, Troop Messenger allows you to customize the app to your needs.
You can pick the features you like or have the app custom built for you.
If you don’t have time to write a message, you can send an audio message quick and easy to your team members.
Key Features:
- The app allows you to send one message or file attachment to several users to improve your team’s communication using the Forkout feature.
- Communicate privately and share confidential information with others through the Burnout feature that doesn’t leave any backup.
- Read receipts allow you to see whether the recipient has read your message or not.
- The app makes it easy to reach out to and engage remote teams using the remote screen share feature.
Pros
- The app allows you to edit chat messages you’ve already delivered
- You can see the preview of attachments sent on the app
- Recall messages you’ve sent by mistake within 10 minutes
- The app guarantees the security of your team chat and prevents unauthorized access with multi-factor authentication
Cons
- It doesn’t have a free plan
Price
- Premium: $2.50 per month
- Enterprise: $5 per month
- Superior: $9 per month
Image via Troop Messenger
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Easy to use
FAQs
Q1. Is there anything plainly better than Slack?
A. Slack is certainly one of the most widely used team chat tools. But for smaller companies looking for inexpensive yet feature-rich tools, there are alternatives to Slack.
All the Slack alternatives that we have discussed here have similar and more advanced features compared to the popular tool. You can select the best one from this list of Slack alternatives based on your requirement.
Q2. Who are competitors to Slack?
A. Here are the top Slack alternatives:
- Chanty
- Rocket.Chat
- Discord
- Mattermost
- Flock
- Ryver
- RingCentral MVP
…and others
Q3. What are the free alternatives to Slack?
A. Leading Slack alternatives like Chanty, Rocket.Chat, Element and others offer a free version of their workplace communication app. The features provided in the free plan are good enough to manage your team chats effortlessly.
If you would like to leverage some of their additional features, you’ll have to subscribe to their paid plans.
Q4. Is there a Google product similar to Slack?
A. Yes, Google Chat is one of the alternatives to Slack.
This free tool comes loaded with features that are enough to attract any Slack user. It is available for a multitude of users using iOS, Android, windows, or other platforms.
If you work specifically with Google Docs, Google Drive, and other related tools, then Google Chat could be one of the best alternatives to Slack.
So! Have You Selected Your Team Communication App Yet?
There they are, our top picks for the best Slack alternatives.
Slack can be cumbersome and expensive for smaller companies. We have given you 25 Slack alternatives that offer great features and competitive pricing, too.
Which among these alternatives to Slack do you think is best for your team? What are the most essential features a team chat tool should have? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
Support your team with a feature-rich collaboration tool and watch them deliver more with every project.
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