11 Best Slack Alternatives To Try In 2024: Free & Paid
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, efficient communication tools are essential for businesses and teams to collaborate seamlessly. While Slack has been a popular choice for team communication and collaboration, several compelling alternatives are available in the market. These alternatives offer unique features and functionalities tailored to specific needs, ensuring teams can communicate effectively and streamline their workflows. This essay will explore some of the prominent Slack alternatives, examining their key features, benefits, and suitability for different organizational contexts.
Why Look for an Alternative to Slack?
After a remarkable release and a complicated progression due to various problems, such as a computer hack that caused a leak of user data, the company has improved its security system and implemented two-factor authentication. It found its cruising speed and experienced an extraordinary evolution: 6 million users in 2017 used this collaborative solution daily.
However, the substantial increase makes users fear that other hacking attempts will take place, which will jeopardize the company due to data theft. This is the first reason why some want to find an alternative to Slack. On the other hand, the Slack software server is based in the United States, which is a problem for some companies that want to host sensitive data.
Slack’s Strengths and Weaknesses Slack is here to make your daily tasks easier. By giving you the possibility to connect to many services such as Google Drive, Office 365, and others, this collaborative platform allows you to free yourself from certain constraints of repetitive tasks such as communication or anything that can be automated. Slack allows you to collaborate in an unlimited number of channels.
By ensuring better coordination between efforts, we can make faster decisions. Slack has all the tools you need right at your fingertips. In addition, your messages are stored in archives. There are plenty of reasons to find alternatives to Slack. Indeed, this platform has some weaknesses that are good to know before choosing.
Its main weakness is that companies cannot host their data on their personal servers. Indeed, Slack uses the Amazon server. This is not necessarily a problem in itself, except for companies that fear for some of their data.
Another element that can complicate management is that users have control over the establishment of channels. Indeed, if everyone adds channels, it takes too much time to monitor everything and keep up with your employees’ actions.
Slack has another drawback: You cannot block a user. As a collaborative work tool, the goal is to contact collaborators. This can sometimes lead to negative things like bullying. Fortunately, there are equally good and sometimes free alternatives to Slack. Discover our 11 alternatives to Slack!
Here is a List of 11 Slack Alternatives
Facebook Working Groups
The Facebook Workgroup is part of Workplace, Facebook’s business collaboration toolkit. One of the possibilities is group video calls in its free plan. It is a good solution for a small structure that does not have very high means to ensure meetings via video calls.
In its free version, they offer you 5 GB per user; Conferences/group video calls are limited to 20 people, and there is unlimited messaging and search history. The free share can be used indefinitely, but you will have restrictions on certain features.
Chanty
We use this tool in real-time. Chanty is used for video conferences or to distribute tasks. The tool also offers free access, which has the following characteristics: 20 GB of storage per team, up to 10 users, unlimited task management and messaging, and search history. You have up to 10 third-party integrations.
Attention: There are no group video or audio calls in the free part.
Bitrix24
Bitrix24 is a free marketing and communications suite with features including CRM and marketing automation, video and audio (one-to-one) calls with screen sharing, a posting schedule, basic search functions, private messages, and channels.
The free version gives access to a maximum of 12 users but is not limited in time. You have 5GB of online storage, unlimited messaging and search, one-to-one audio and video calling, and task management.
Flock
Flock is a real alternative to Slack, mainly regarding team chat, to-do lists, and productivity tools. It offers channels, private messages, message search, video and audio calls, applications for PC and smartphone, the possibility of having guests, note-taking, etc. The free version offers most of the basic features of Flock, but you only have access to the last 10,000 messages.
Advantage: You can try it without registration (without giving your email address).
Fleep
Fleep is also a cloud-based application, but its servers are in Estonia. This implies that the company is subject to the General Data Protection Regulation ( GDPR ). Its asset is a team of experienced programmers who have already worked on Skype.
Unlike Slack, this tool allows you to chat with teams from other companies. Even if your recipient does not have an account on the platform, he can still receive your messages.
Fleep allows the integration of several other applications to facilitate your marketing, sales, and customer service. Some tools that sync with Fleep include Google Drive, Dropbox, Trello, IFTTT, and even Slack! Finally, the tool also offers essential audio and video call functions. This is a must for teams that are not always together within the company.
Also read: Improve User Experience on Your Website for Engagement
Microsoft Teams
Did you dream of a professional version of Skype? Microsoft has done this with Microsoft Teams, a collaboration tool aimed at medium—to large businesses. The platform integrates all the chat and instant messaging functions that your teams need. Developed by Microsoft, it works perfectly with all Office applications and OneDrive. It is convenient for exchanging or collaborating on documents.
With Microsoft Teams, you can bring together up to 250 people for an HD video call, even if they are outside your premises. Assign a phone number to your channel and make calls to phones. Microsoft Teams provides end-to-end security for your documents and protects your identity with multi-factor authentication. All files shared in your channel are stored in a document accessible to all members.
Rocket.Chat
Rocket. Chat is constantly evolving free software. It brings together more than 850 developers constantly working to improve it. All its users can easily access new features without restriction by opting for Rocket. Chat, you only download the program and host your messaging service. You keep your sensitive data at hand and improve your chat platform.
The number of users and guests is unlimited! Do you work with international service providers? This collaboration tool automatically and instantly translates your messages into over 35 languages without installing a plugin (unlike Slack). A powerful alternative to Slack for all businesses!
Spike
Among the alternatives to Slack, you will find Spike. His particularity? Take email to the next level. Gone are the objects, signatures, and conversations lost among the dozens of messages received daily.
On Spike, email exchanges are presented as if they were in a chat. You visualize all the conversations much better, which saves you a lot of time! Is it an additional advantage? Security! Spike allows you to send encrypted emails. Finally, you do not need to register to use Spike. The tool automatically connects to your email accounts and natively offers voice and video call functions.
Quip
Reliability and an elegant interface characterize Quip. It’s no coincidence that Salesforce bought it in 2016. With no more unnecessary tabs and tasks, its design allows you to focus only on the essentials.
The platform guarantees document security and strong integration with Dropbox. Quip allows you to keep your conversations unlimited for free. This alternative to Slack is suitable for all sectors and types of businesses.
Twist
Among the alternatives to Slack is Twist. The model used is based on discussion threads for instant messaging. This feature reduces clutter and allows users to focus primarily on messages that concern them. In the characteristics, we find messages in discussion threads and channels and private messages and their search.
There’s video and audio calling, apps for computers and smartphones, and task management through Todoist. The free version of Twist limits access to messages for 30 days; however, it includes most of Twist’s features (Unlimited users and guests, unlimited messages, 5 GB of storage, and up to 5 integrations).
RingCentral Miss
RingCentral merged with Glip in 2015 to offer a team collaboration app with task management features to facilitate teamwork. Its features include private message functions, message search, channels (teams), screen sharing, video and audio calls, and guests.
In its free version, there is an unlimited number of users but only 500 minutes of shared video. There is also unlimited storage, an unlimited number of users and searches, as well as integrations, and a team calendar. This platform really offers an excellent alternative to Slack.
FAQs
What are Slack alternatives, and why should I consider them?
Slack alternatives refer to communication and collaboration tools that offer similar functionalities to Slack but with different features, pricing models, and target audiences. Considering them allows you to explore options that better suit your team’s needs, preferences, and budget constraints.
How do Slack alternatives compare in terms of features and functionalities?
Slack alternatives vary in feature sets, offering unique capabilities such as video conferencing, task management, file sharing, and integration with other tools. By comparing their features and functionalities, you can identify which alternative aligns best with your team’s communication requirements and workflow processes.
Are Slack alternatives secure for sensitive team communication?
Security is a crucial consideration when choosing a communication tool. Most Slack alternatives prioritize data encryption, access controls, and compliance with industry standards to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of your team’s communication. It’s essential to review each alternative’s security features and certifications to determine their suitability for your organization’s needs.
How scalable are Slack alternatives for growing teams?
As your team grows, you’ll need a communication tool to accommodate increased user numbers and collaboration demands. Many Slack alternatives offer scalable pricing plans and flexible features to support growing teams seamlessly. Evaluating their scalability options can help you choose a solution that can evolve alongside your organization.
What integration options do Slack alternatives offer compared to other productivity tools?
Integrations with third-party apps and services are vital in streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity. Slack alternatives often provide integration options with popular tools like project management platforms, file storage services, and productivity suites. Assessing the integration capabilities of each alternative enables you to create a cohesive ecosystem that meets your team’s diverse needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, team communication and collaboration tools extend far beyond Slack, offering a diverse range of alternatives to suit varying needs and preferences. Whether it’s prioritizing security, customization, integration capabilities, or affordability, there’s a solution available for every team. By carefully evaluating the features and benefits of these alternatives, organizations can make informed decisions to enhance their communication processes and optimize productivity. Ultimately, exploring Slack alternatives opens up new avenues for innovation and efficiency in team collaboration, empowering organizations to thrive in today’s dynamic work environment.
