Best Slack Alternatives for Team Chat [Free & Paid]

Introduction

Slack has become a ubiquitous team chat tool for remote and distributed teams around the world. However, it's not the only option available. There are many great alternatives to Slack, both free and paid, that offer unique features and benefits to meet the needs of different teams.

This article will explore the best Slack alternatives for team chat, highlighting both the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.

Free Slack Alternatives

If you're looking for a free team chat tool that can replace Slack, here are three great options to consider −

Discord

Discord is primarily known as a chat app for gamers, but it can also be a great option for teams. One of the biggest benefits of Discord is its highly customizable notification system, which allows you to fine-tune how and when you receive notifications from different channels. Discord also allows you to create multiple channels for different teams or projects, each with its own settings and permissions.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to using Discord as a team chat tool. For example, while it does offer some integrations with third-party apps, they are not as robust as Slack's integrations.

Microsoft Teams (Free Version)

Microsoft Teams offers a free version that includes many of the same features as the paid version, making it a great option for teams on a budget. One of the biggest benefits of Teams is its tight integration with other Microsoft tools, such as Office 365 and SharePoint.

Teams also includes the ability to schedule meetings and calls within the app, making it a convenient all-in-one solution for team communication and collaboration. However, the free version of Teams does come with some limitations, such as a maximum of 2GB of file storage per user and a limit of 300 users per team. Additionally, the channels in Teams can become cluttered if not well-organized.

Google Chat

Google Chat is part of the G Suite of productivity tools, making it a natural choice for teams already using Google tools like Gmail and Google Drive. One of the biggest benefits of Google Chat is the ability to collaborate on Google Docs and Sheets within the app, making it easy to keep all your team's communication and collaboration in one place.

Google Chat also integrates with Google Meet for video calls, making it a great option for teams that need to hold virtual meetings. However, some users have criticized Google Chat for its lack of customization options compared to Slack. Additionally, the app can feel overwhelming and cluttered if not managed carefully.

Paid Slack Alternatives

If you're willing to invest in a paid team chat tool, here are three options to consider −

Microsoft Teams (Paid Version)

The paid version of Microsoft Teams offers additional features and functionality, such as increased file storage limits and more advanced security options. Teams also includes built-in video conferencing tools, making it easy to hold virtual meetings and collaborate with remote team members.

Additionally, Teams offers a variety of integrations with other Microsoft tools, as well as third-party apps like Trello and Salesforce. However, the cost of the paid version of Teams can add up quickly, especially for larger teams or organizations.

Flock

Flock is a team chat tool that emphasizes productivity and collaboration, offering features like shared to-do lists and a built-in calendar. Flock also includes video conferencing tools, screen sharing, and integrations with third-party apps like Google Drive and Trello.

Additionally, Flock offers a variety of customization options, such as the ability to create custom emojis and set up custom integrations. However, some users have noted that Flock can be overwhelming and cluttered if not managed properly.

Twist

Twist is a team chat tool that emphasizes asynchronous communication, making it a great option for teams that work across different time zones or have team members who prefer to work on their own schedule. Twist also includes features like thread-based conversations, which help to keep discussions organized and reduce clutter in channels.

Additionally, Twist offers a variety of integrations with third-party tools like Trello and GitHub, as well as a robust search function that makes it easy to find past conversations and files. However, some users have noted that Twist can be less intuitive than Slack or other team chat tools, and it may take some time to get used to the unique features and workflow.

Conclusion

Overall, there are many great Slack alternatives available for teams of all sizes and budgets. When evaluating team chat tools, it's important to consider factors like cost, features, integrations, and ease of use. Whether you opt for a free tool like Discord or Google Chat, or invest in a paid tool like Microsoft Teams, Flock, or Twist, the key is to find a tool that meets the unique needs of your team and helps you work together more efficiently and effectively.