10 Best Slack Alternatives for Team Collaboration in 2024

Top Team Chat Apps For Work Teams

Thu Sep 05 2024
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Krish Jagirdar
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When Slack entered the market, it completely changed the way teams communicate, making instant messaging and collaboration a breeze. But as much as we love Slack, it’s not the only fish in the sea. Whether you're looking for more features, lower costs, or better integrations, several alternatives have risen to the occasion. Maybe you’re finding Slack a bit too expensive, or maybe it just doesn’t quite fit your company’s unique communication style anymore. Whatever the reason, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the best Slack alternatives in 2024 that can streamline your workflow and help your team thrive.

Want more ideas? Check out our list of The Best Virtual Office Apps for Remote Teams and The 10 Best Tried and Tested Zoom Alternatives.

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Why Look for Slack Alternatives?

You might be wondering: why bother switching from Slack? Well, let’s break it down.

  • Pricing: Slack’s free version comes with limitations, and its paid version can get pricey as your team grows.

  • Features: Some alternatives offer unique features like better file management, video calls, or specific industry-tailored tools.

  • Integrations: If your team uses a different set of tools, you might find better integration options elsewhere.

  • Customization: Other platforms might allow for more personalization, making it easier for your team to use the software in a way that suits them best.

With that said, here’s a look at the best Slack alternatives that can keep your team connected and collaborative without the headaches.

Best Slack Alternatives in 2024

1. Microsoft Teams

  • Why it’s great: If your company is already embedded in Microsoft’s ecosystem (think Office 365), Microsoft Teams is a natural choice. It integrates seamlessly with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, making file sharing a breeze. Plus, with built-in video conferencing, you get a two-in-one deal.

  • Best for: Larger enterprises or teams that need to work closely with Microsoft tools.

  • Pricing:

    • Free Plan: Yes (limited features)

    • Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $6 per user/month

    • Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50 per user/month

2. Discord

  • Why it’s great: Originally created for gamers, Discord has branched out to become a powerful tool for all kinds of team communication. It’s got voice, video, and text chat, and its server structure allows for highly customizable channels.

  • Best for: Creative teams or organizations that value real-time voice communication.

  • Pricing:

    • Free Plan: Yes

    • Discord Nitro: $9.99 per user/month or $99.99 per year (adds perks like higher quality video, larger file uploads)

3. Google Chat

  • Why it’s great: For teams already invested in Google Workspace, Google Chat is a top-notch alternative. It’s streamlined and easy to use, with full integration across Google’s suite of apps like Drive and Calendar. The simplicity of its design makes it a lightweight solution without losing functionality.

  • Best for: Small to medium teams that already use Google’s ecosystem.

  • Pricing:

    • Free Plan: Available as part of Google Workspace's free tier

    • Google Workspace Business Starter: $6 per user/month

    • Google Workspace Business Standard: $12 per user/month

    • Google Workspace Business Plus: $18 per user/month

4. Zoom Team Chat

  • Why it’s great:

    Zoom isn’t just for meetings anymore! With their chat feature, Zoom offers a reliable platform for teams looking for instant messaging combined with seamless video conferencing.

  • Best for:

    Remote teams that need strong video and chat functionalities.

  • Pricing:

    • Free Plan: Yes (limited features)

    • Zoom Pro: $14.99 per user/month

    • Zoom Business: $19.99 per user/month

5. Mattermost

  • Why it’s great: It’s open-source and offers a self-hosted option, which means total control over your data. It’s especially useful for teams that prioritize security and privacy. You can also integrate it with tons of other tools.

  • Best for: Security-conscious teams or developers who want to customize their communication platform.

  • Pricing:

    • Free Plan: Yes (self-hosted, open-source)

    • Professional Cloud Plan: $10 per user/month

    • Enterprise: Custom pricing (for larger organizations)

6. Flock

  • Why it’s great: Flock is designed to help teams collaborate better by offering features like to-do lists, reminders, and shared notes—all integrated into your chats. It’s lightweight, user-friendly, and affordable.

  • Best for: Startups and small businesses looking for a cost-effective, easy-to-use solution.

  • Pricing:

    • Free Plan: Yes (limited users and storage)

    • Pro Plan: $4.50 per user/month

7. Chanty

  • Why it’s great: This is one of the newer contenders, but Chanty brings simplicity and a clean interface to the table. It has all the basics like file sharing, task management, and integrations with other apps, all at a more affordable price point than Slack.

  • Best for: Smaller teams that need a straightforward, budget-friendly chat platform.

  • Pricing:

    • Free Plan: Yes (limited users)

    • Business Plan: $3 per user/month

8. Rocket.Chat

  • Why it’s great: Rocket.Chat is open-source, allowing teams to have complete control over how they use the platform. Its features range from messaging to video conferencing, and it integrates well with tools like Zapier and Google Drive.

  • Best for: Tech-savvy teams that want more flexibility and control.

  • Pricing:

    • Free Plan: Yes (self-hosted, open-source)

    • Rocket.Chat Cloud: $2 per user/month (basic plan)

    • Enterprise: Custom pricing

9. Ryver

  • Why it’s great: Ryver combines task management and team communication into one platform. You can assign tasks, track progress, and chat all in one place, helping teams stay focused without juggling multiple apps.

  • Best for: Teams that want built-in project management features.

  • Pricing:

    • Free Plan: No

    • Starter Plan: $49 per month for up to 12 users

    • Unlimited Plan: $99 per month for unlimited users

10. Twist

  • Why it’s great: Unlike other platforms, Twist is designed with asynchronous communication in mind. It’s less about instant messaging and more about keeping conversations organized, which can help reduce the stress of always needing to be online.

  • Best for: Remote teams working across different time zones or those who prefer fewer distractions.

  • Pricing:

    • Free Plan: Yes (limited features)

    • Unlimited Plan: $5 per user/month

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Slack Alternative

If you’re unsure which of these best Slack alternatives fits your team’s needs, consider these important factors:

  • Price: How much are you willing to spend? Some platforms offer more features at a lower price.

  • Integrations: Does it work with the tools your team already uses, like Google Drive, Trello, or Asana?

  • Security: Are you handling sensitive information? If so, you’ll want a platform with robust security and privacy features.

  • Ease of Use: Not all teams are tech-savvy. Choose a platform that everyone can use without a steep learning curve.

  • Video Conferencing: Do you need built-in video or audio calling? Some platforms specialize in this area more than others.

FAQs

1. Is Microsoft Teams better than Slack?

It depends on what your team needs. If you're heavily integrated into Microsoft 365, Teams is a no-brainer. But Slack’s simple interface and intuitive features still make it a strong competitor.

2. What’s the most affordable Slack alternative?

Chanty and Flock both offer budget-friendly pricing with features similar to Slack. It’s a great option for small teams looking to save some cash.

3. Can I migrate my Slack data to these alternatives?

Most of these platforms offer tools to import your Slack data, but the process might vary. Be sure to check the documentation for each service.

4. Are open-source platforms like Mattermost safe to use?

Yes! Open-source platforms like Mattermost and Rocket.Chat are just as secure as proprietary ones, especially if your IT team can configure the security settings properly.

5. Can I still use video calls on these platforms?

Absolutely. Many of these alternatives, such as Microsoft Teams, Discord, and Zoom, offer robust video conferencing features in addition to their chat capabilities.

Conclusion

There’s no denying that Slack is a great tool, but it’s not perfect for everyone. Depending on your team’s size, industry, and needs, one of these best Slack alternatives might be a better fit. Whether you prioritize pricing, privacy, or ease of use, you’ve got plenty of options in 2024 to choose from. It’s just a matter of finding the one that aligns with your goals.

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