What is the first app you open when you log in for the day? Well, apart from your Outlook, it is probably your instant messaging app! Over the years, instant messaging has become the bread and butter of internal office communications. From instant chats to sharing files and links to creating a project or team-specific spaces, an internal communication system has become the norm, across various businesses.
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What is Slack?
When it comes to popular chat apps, Slack is right at the top of the list. This team collaboration tool is used by more than 65% of users, thus, making it one of the most preferred internal chat software. ‘Team communications for the 21st century is how Slack describes themselves. In simple word, Slack is an internal chat tool which enables associates to instantly interact with each other, edit messages and delete them as well. Internal communications apps such as Slack are a great alternative for emails.
How Much Does Slack Cost?
Slack offers its customers three different plans. Below are the key features of each of the plan and its pricing.
1) Free Plan – As the name suggests, you do not have to pay anything to use this plan. It comes with:
– message search limit of 10,000
– 1:1 video and audio calls
– 10 custom integrations
2) Standard Plan – The standard plan will cost you $6.67 on a monthly basis per user. It comes with:
– No search limit on messages
– Video calls with up to 15 participants
– Guest access
3) Plus Plan – The Plus plan is priced at $12.50 per user. It comes with:
– 99.99% uptime SLA
– SSO
They also offer an Enterprise Grid which is apt for large teams. To know more about the pricing and features of this plan, you can directly contact Slack’s sales team.
Why Do We Use Slack?
As mentioned above, Slack is one of the best team collaboration tools available for enhancing and maintaining internal communications between individuals and teams. Slack is considered the best for remote teams wherein the users can not just easily share their screens but also stay connected to the team by logging on to any device (phone, tablet, computer, etc.). Here are some of the top reasons why we use Slack:
– Create channels for specific projects, events, etc., and add only relevant people to them. This ensures that the communication is streamlined, and everybody involved is aware of what is happening.
– Avoid diving into your folders and sub-folders to search for documents and files. Simply attach your files to the respective channel and access them whenever you need them.
– Avoid multiple back-and-forth emails. Having discussions on Slack allows you to search for them in the future whenever required.
– Rather than just a communication tool, Slack can also be used as a complete project management tool, thanks to its various plug-ins and integrations.
Why Do You Need an Alternative for Slack?
Though Slack is considered one of the best solutions for team collaboration, it may not be the right fit for your company in terms of pricing, features, communication effectiveness, etc. This is why this article focuses on the 10 best Slack alternatives which can help you to upgrade your workplace communication.
1. Microsoft Teams
With Microsoft Teams replacing Skype for Business, it is not surprising that this impressive tool is considered Slack’s biggest competitor. If you already have access to Microsoft 365 suite, you will automatically have access to Teams as well.
Available on Platform: Web, iOS, Windows, Android, and macOS
Features:
– Teams and Channels
– Chat function
– Default document library
– Video and Audio Calls
– Screen sharing
– Online meetings
– Easy conversation tracking
– File Sharing
– Emojis, GIFs, Stickers
Pros:
– Privacy and security controls
– Centralized location for communication, eliminating the need for emails
– Accessible even when you are on the move through its mobile apps
– Multiple integrations of up to 130 apps
– Compliant with more than 90 regulatory and industry standards
Cons:
– Lack of a unified search tool
– Unnecessary storage consumption
– Lack of required notifications, such as when creating a new team with an existing team name
– Limitation on channels
Pricing: You can opt for their free plan which comes with all the necessary features such as instant messaging, calls, integrations, etc. They also offer a Basic plan which is priced at $ 5 per user per month, a Standard plan priced at $12.50 per user per month, and the Office 365 E3 plan which is priced at $20.00 per user per month.
Tech Tip: You can use the search option in Teams as a command line. So, if you wish to view any recent files, just type /files, or to find out about any new activity, type /unread.
2. Chanty
Chanty is one of the best alternatives to Slack for small and medium-sized teams. One of the key USPs of this chat tool is its unlimited chat history feature. It is also known for its clean and easy-to-use interface. This free slack alternative is AI-powered, thus, increasing productivity and saving the team.
Available on Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, and Mac
Features:
– Private messages
– 1:1 audio/video calls
– AI-powered search
– Integration with third-party apps
– @mention option
– Quick access button for searching message history
Pros:
– Easy-to-use interface
– Seamless team communication
– Built-in task manager
– Unlimited message search history
– Teambook – hub for all your files, conversations, tasks, links, etc.
Cons:
– Lack of certain custom integrations
– Not ideal for large teams
– Free plan comes with a limit of 10 users
Pricing: Chanty offers free plan, but it comes with a limitation of 10 users and 10GV storage for each team. You can also opt for their Business plan which is priced at $3 per user per month.
Tech Tip: Use notifications to stay on top of everything that is happening within the team.
3. Rocket.Chat
If you are looking for an open-source Slack alternative, then you can check out Rocket. Chat. This open-source software comes loaded with a number of features that enable effective team collaboration. It allows its user to change its look and feel as required. This is one of the best Slack alternatives for those who wish to connect to different social media channels within a single app.
Available on Platforms: Windows, Android, iOS, Web, Linux, and macOS
Features:
– Audio and video calls
– Screen sharing
– Limitless customizations
– Real-time translation to more than 50 languages
– Live chat client
– SSO and E2E encryption
Pros:
– You can easily migrate to Rocket.Chat and export your files from Slack
– You can access multiple social media channels such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.
– Admins can create chatbots that can enable them to automate regular tasks, collate feedback, etc.
Cons:
– It is highly extensive in nature which makes it unfeasible for small projects
– It has been written using the Meteor javascript and not many developers may be familiar with its framework
– Database sync issues
– Integration difficulties
Pricing: You can either opt for their free plan or their paid plan which is priced at $3 per user per month.
Tech Tip: While using Rocket.Chat on your mobile device, if you notice that your status is not updated, just click on “Clear local server cache”.
4. Google Chat
Developed by Google, Google Chat ( earlier Google Hangouts) is a communications platform that comes with features such as messaging, video chat, VOIP features, and more. You can use the Google chat option to chat and communicate with anyone who has a Gmail account. Google Chat is a part of the G Suite and is AI-powered and uses machine learning to make their user’s life easier.
Available on Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Android, and Computer
Features:
– 1:1 Chat and group chats with more than 100 participants
– Audio and video calls
– Easy synchronization on all your devices
– Screen sharing
– Live stream video meetings
– Easy integration with other Google products
Pros:
– Stay on top of all your conversations at any time and on any device with Hangout’s easy synchronization
– Video conference calls with 10 participants which is perfect for team calls
– Create free webinars for product demonstration
– Hangouts is much cheaper than Slack.
– Access shared calendars to know about team member’s availability
Cons:
– In order to benefit from all the features of Google Chat you will need to have a Google+ account
– There is no option to track whether your message has been seen and read by the recipient
– Hangouts offer only two status options – Online and Offline
Pricing: You can avail of their 14-days free trial and then buy their corporate G Suite account which is priced at $6 per user per month.
Tech Tip: Bored of your default background in Google Chat? Use the command /bikeshed to change the default white color.
5. Cisco WebEx Teams
The Cisco WebEx Teams is one of the advanced team collaboration tools available in the market today. It comes with a number of features that make conversation between individuals and teams extremely easy. One of its key features is its ability to seamlessly switch devices and continue the conversation.
Available on Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Features:
– Video conferences
– Chat tools
– Webinars
– Screen sharing
– White board
– File sharing
– Group messaging
Pros:
– The WebEx meeting center makes it extremely easy to schedule, start, and conduct meetings
– Users can change devices while the online meeting is in progress
– The screen view is automatically set up depending upon the file type
– Users can set up meeting with maximum 3,000 attendees
– Interactive events can be held which include screen sharing, Q&A, polling, etc.
Cons:
– Licensing model
– More virtual backgrounds are required
– Screen sharing needs to be more seamless
– Needs better third-party integrations
Pricing: Apart from the 30-day free trial, you can choose from their Starter plan which costs $13.50 per user per month, Plus plan which costs $17.95 per user per month, Business plan which costs $26.95 per user per month, or the Enterprise plan for which you will have to talk to their sales team to get the price quote.
Tech Tip: Overloaded by all the notifications? Go to notification settings and select among the options available that suit your need the best.
6. Troop Messenger
If you are looking for free slack alternatives, then you must check out Troop Messenger. This instant chat tool comes loaded with a number of features that truly enhance your team collaboration experience. It is a great option for teams that require a lot of external collaboration.
Availability on Platforms: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS
Features:
– Chat tool
– Audio and Video calling
– Screen sharing
– Burnout option
– Respond later option
– Audio messaging
Pros:
– You can access Troop Messenger from anywhere on any device as long as you have an active internet connection.
– In terms of security, this tool is very reliable.
– All your data remains safe as it uses a breach-proof code.
Cons:
– Some of the actions are two-step which is time-consuming.
– More integrations are required.
Pricing: Troop Messenger comes with a free trial as well as a free plan with limited features. The Premium plan is available at $1 per user per month and the Enterprise plan is available at $5 per user per month.
Tech Tip: Change your boring white wallpaper by going to Settings > Wallpaper > Category.
7. Mattermost
Mattermost is a good open source slack alternative. This self-hosted alternative allows you to keep all your data safe and secure. This communication tool is highly customizable and is perfect for enterprise companies. However, Mattermost’s free version can also be used by smaller teams of at least 10 users.
Availability on Platforms: Linux, Web, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS
Features:
– Private chats
– 1:1 and group video/audio calls
– Channels
– Role-based permissions
– Unlimited message history
– Multi-language support
Pros:
– Easy integration with other tools
– Easy-to-use
– Wide variety of plugins
– Adapts well in mobiles.
Cons:
– Better user interface is required
– Limitation on number of private channels
– Since it is self-hosting, you will need at least one technical person on board to manage Mattermost.
Pricing: You can get the Mattermost Team Edition for free while the Enterprise Edition starts from $3.25 per user per month.
Tech Tip: Shortcuts can make your life easier! So, if you are looking for a keyboard shortcut, the bets option is to access the list of shortcuts by typing CTRL + / on Windows and CMD + / on Mac.
8. Fleep
If you are looking for a simple and straightforward Slack alternative, Fleep is a good choice. One of Fleeps’ plus points is that you can communicate with anyone who is on Fleep, even if they are outside your organization. You can access Fleep from any device as all your data, messages, files, etc., are stored on the cloud.
Availability on Platforms: Linux, Android, iOS, macOS, Windows
Features:
– Task management
– Pinboard
– Teams
– Private chats
– Shared file management
– Audio and Video calls
Pros:
– Categorized to-do list format which reduces the risk of overlooking assigned tasks
– The free plan comes with unlimited message history
– The free plan includes integrations as well
– Fleep effectively integrates emails with its chat system
Cons:
– Sometimes, the interface looks a little cluttered
– Self-hosting option is not available
– Notifications don’t pop up on all devices
Pricing: Fleep is available for a 30-day free trial and also has a free version available. The Business plan starts from $5 per user per month and you can contact their sales team to know about the Enterprise plan pricing.
Tech Tip: Use the pinboard option to stay on top of all your important tasks and messages.
9. Ryver
Ryver is an effective slack alternative which is a web-based solution offering a range of features to enable faster, seamless, and secure communication between individuals and teams. It focuses not just on instant messaging but also on project management.
Availability on Platforms: Android, Windows, iOS, Web, macOS
Features:
– Teams and Channels
– Private chats
– Audio and video calls
– Task management
– Tools on workflow automation
– Extensive message search
Pros:
– A clean and intuitive dashboard with a built-in task management system
– Option to tag comments and messages
– Kanban-style dashboard overview for all your tasks
– Drag and drop comments from one column to another
Cons:
– Needs better integrations
– Loading speed needs to be improved
– The position of the call button can result in accidental calling
Pricing: Ryver offer a free trial period of 14 days. Their cheapest plan costs $49 per month for 12 users and their unlimited plan costs $79 per month for unlimited users.
Tech Tip: You can access a formatting cheat sheet within the Help section.
10. Flock
Flock is another great Slack alternative that comes with some amazing features. When you compare these features with the ones available on Slack, Flock definitely wins hands down, especially because it is priced cheaper than Slack.
Availability on Platforms: iOS, Android, Linux, web, macOS
Features:
– Instant chat
– Audio and Video calls
– Built-in polls
– To-do snippets
– Screen sharing
– Unlimited message search history
– Reminders
Pros:
– Flock costs just 1/3rd of what Slack costs
– Easily share chats and files
– Flock comes with slash commands and GUI interface
– Interface is minimalistic, thus, making it more efficient
– Easy access for creating to-do lists for teams and individuals
Cons:
– Flock needs to be more safe and secure
– Previous messages are deleted within few days
– Search functionality needs to be improved
Pricing: The free version comes with limitations such as 10,000 message search history, no screen sharing, etc. To unlock all the features, you can opt for their paid plan which is priced at $4.50 per user per month.
Tech Tip: The best way to keep your team’s tasks on track is to use the to-do list. Just type /todo command, create tasks, check when they are done, and keep the entire team in the loop.
Conclusion
These are our top 10 Slack alternatives in 2021. Each of these alternatives comes with its own set of features, pros, and cons, system compatibility, pricing plans, etc. When it comes to choosing an internal communications tool for your business, you are definitely spoilt for choices. Hence, it is important that you understand in detail what these tools are offering so that you can choose the one that matches your requirement the best. You can check out various Slack Alternatives here, and select the one that suits your requirement the best.
