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Best-Slack-Alternatives-1

15 Best Slack Alternatives for 2024: Time to Off Slack

Slack is one of the best remote communication apps on the market, but it isn’t the only one. If you have more specific features you’re looking for, here are some Slack alternatives worth checking out.

Beatrice ManuelAleksander HougenJasna Mishevska

Written by Beatrice Manuel (Writer)

Reviewed by Aleksander Hougen (Managing Editor)

Facts checked by Jasna Mishevska (Lead Fact-Checking Editor)

Last Updated: 2024-02-01T15:06:00+00:00

All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.

Slack is a wildly popular team collaboration tool used by more than 600,000 businesses worldwide for everything from messaging coworkers to sharing files and hopping on fun work meetings together. However, just because it’s right for others doesn’t make it the right fit for your business. We tested dozens of apps to present you 15 Slack alternatives for your teams.

Key Takeaways:

  • Slack is the leading remote working team communication app used by companies around the world. 
  • If you have goals outside real-time chat tool options — such as project management integrations, asynchronous and employee engagement — one of these alternatives to Slack might be your best fit. 
  • There are free alternatives to slack like Rocket.Chat and Discord available if you are comfortable with their limitations and feel the features suit your business model. 

It’s true that Slack has its perks. It makes it easy for your remote team to collaborate on projects and stay in touch with each other even when they aren’t physically present in the office. However, that doesn’t mean it’s right for every company or every person who works remotely — especially if you’re looking for something with more robust security options.

Slack’s popularity might lead you to think that it’s the only messaging app out there and that if you’re looking for something else, you’re out of luck. We’re here to tell you that there are plenty of Slack alternatives that could be right for you depending on what kind of team or situation you work with. Keep reading to find out which ones are your best bet.

  • 07/18/2022 Facts checked

    Rewrote the article to update provider information and include more alternatives to Slack.

What Do Slack Alternatives Look Like?

With the meteoric rise of Slack as a workplace chat app, it’s easy to think that team chat is the only type of company instant messaging worth having and that one service will do the job. However, there are alternatives out there for different types of work.

While looking for the best Slack alternatives, you might stumble across some sites that advertise themselves as Slack competitors but quickly send you down a rabbit hole of functions unrelated to team chat. 

Remember, you should be looking for four things, the ability to: 

  • Create channels
  • Post messages
  • Share files 
  • Integrate with other services

If an alternative doesn’t offer chat tools but instead helps you manage tasks (like Asana) or is built around private chats rather than public channels (like WhatsApp), then they aren’t actually competitors to Slack at all. 

At a base level, many of these Slack alternatives do those four things, but the “integrate with other services” part is where they start to split off from one another.

The truth is that it all depends on what the users want out of their business software. The more specific a business’ needs, the fewer options it has to choose from. While Slack is universally loved for its ease of use, access to integrations and cost-effective pricing, you might surprise yourself by finding an alternative that’s even better for you. 

The 15 Best Available Slack Alternatives

Looking for an app that’s different from Slack but is built around the same concept? Here are 15 great ones on the market you can check out — some free, some paid, but each unique in its own way.

1. Microsoft Teams

microsoft teams in use 1
In terms of functionality and features, Microsoft Teams is considered one of Slack’s best alternatives (and biggest rivals).

More information about Microsoft Teams:

Fun fact: In 2016, Microsoft considered buying out Slack. Instead, it decided to do its own thing and created its own app in-house to rival Slack’s. Microsoft Teams is now used by 270 million daily active users in businesses around the world for work chats and more — making it one of Slack’s biggest competitors for work communication tool options.

The app’s leading attraction is its group chat option, which comes packed with interactive features — such as the option to edit or delete messages at any time and start new threads (similar to Discord). It also integrates with OneDrive, if your team uses that more than Google Workspace tools. 

Teams includes a highly interactive group chat, private chat features, video chat and audio calling. You have the ability to schedule video meetings and even record them, all while sharing screens. You can leverage thread messaging for different topics and, as mentioned before, it also integrates with all Office apps.

microsoft teams slack alternative
Microsoft Teams is great for businesses that depend on Microsoft products like OneDrive for business functions. 

You can get a free account with Microsoft Teams that includes an unlimited message history with a data cap of 5GB per user and 10GB of shared storage. However, to make full use of the app’s features you’d have to go for one of the paid plans, which range from $4 to $22 per user per month. 

Tier:Price (per user, per month)
Free$0
365 Business Essentials$4
Microsoft 365 Business Basic$6
365 Business Standard$12.50
Enterprise$22

2. Rocket.Chat

rocket chat in use
If you’re looking for an alternative to Slack that comes packed with decent features and is free, Rocket.Chat is your best option.

More information about Rocket.Chat:

  • Pricing: Free plan; $7 per user per month (minimum of 25 users)
  • Website: rocket.chat

The special thing about Rocket.Chat is that it’s open source. It’s designed for businesses that want full ownership over their data and want to inject more creative control into how they use the app to transform their workspace. You’re free to alter the source code to your preference to add new features to the tool, custom designing it for your business needs.

Rocket.Chat offers the option to code and customize the app for your own needs, while also offering a full-featured and instantly deployable option similar to Slack. It supports global teams with translation of chats and conversations in over 20 languages. 

Like Slack, you get audio and video calling features, and you can even export and migrate your Slack files. Rocket.Chat also supports end-to-end encryption.

rocket chat slack alternative
Rocket.Chat is an open-source Slack alternative for teams with web dev that want specific features customized to their needs.

If you want the free option, you should opt for Rocket.Chat’s self-managed plan, which also gives you the opportunity to upgrade to the Proor Enterprise planfor more features. 

Tier:Price (per user, per month)
Community$0
Enterprise$7 per user per month (minimum 25 users)
$35 per agent per month (minimum 5 agents)
Enterprise Add-OnsCustom pricing

3. Discord

discord in use
Though mainly used by gamers, Discord provides a free option for businesses to take advantage of its intuitive platform. 

More information about Discord:

  • Pricing: Free plan; $4.99 per user per month or $49.99 per user if paid annually
  • Website: discord.com

You may have heard of Discord’s popularity among the gaming community, but Discord’s feature-rich platform can easily be used for business models too. It might feel like we’re comparing apples to oranges, but Discord is truly a viable alternative for those businesses looking for a cost-effective alternative to Slack. 

Discord’s features go beyond just its voice chat tool (what it’s most known for) and live streaming for gamers. File-sharing options make it easy to discuss projects with members, and you can also set up channels for subtopics within your company. 

Discord’s most popular feature is the voice chat with push-to-talk capability. On top of this, you get unlimited message history with an instant search function and unlimited storage with file and image-sharing options (though the free plan is limited to 8MB). 

If you’re looking to bifurcate your work chats, you can do so by creating different text and voice channels. Also, it offers live screen sharing.

discord slack alternative
Discord’s feature-rich app can suit businesses too, even on its free version.

Discord has a free plan that you can get started with. It comes packed with features, but if you want to unlock the platform’s full functionality for your business, you can opt for the Discord Nitroplan, which provides HD video and screen sharing, more customization options and larger file uploads. Read our Discord vs Slack comparison guide to learn how they compare.  

Tier:Price (per user, per month)
Free$0
Nitro Classic$4.99 monthly
$49.99 annually
Nitro$9.99 monthly
$99.99 annually

4. Flowdock

flowdock in use
Flowdock is a paid tool that’s easier on the purse strings than Slack.

More information about Flowdock:

  • Pricing: 30-day free trial; $3 per user per month 
  • Website: flowdock.com

Flowdock is a paid tool that is a great, budget-friendly alternative to Slack if you’re looking to avoid shelling out too much for a remote team collaboration app. It started out as a collaboration tool for developers, but the app quickly rose in popularity and became customized for the needs of project managers and other niche business users. 

Flowdock uses threads to organize conversations, similar to Slack’s “channel” concept, but these threads can be further organized through color-coding. It’s best for those teams that require a lot of topic-based collaboration as opposed to one-to-one talks. 

Flowdock’s main feature is its use of threads for conversation topics. Apart from this, you also get audio and video calls, plus screen sharing for collaboration. 

You have the option for one-on-one Flows with select team members for private chats, and access to a shared team inbox. Flowdock offers unlimited integrations and an open API for customizing your integrations for your use case if you want more advanced features. 

flowdock slack alternative 1
Flowdock can also be used across mobile devices.

You can give Flowdock a whirl with the 30-day free trial. After this, the most affordable plan costs $3 per user per month. If you want to unlock all the premium features, such as data encryption, Flow-level administration and SSO, you’ll have to bump up to the Enterprise plan. 

Tier:Price (per user, per month)
Stand-alone$3
Enterprise$9

5. Google Meet 

google meet in use
At Cloudwards, we use Google Meet to connect through video calls with our remote team around the world.

More information about Google Meet:

Google Meet (previously known as Google Hangouts or Google Chat) is Google’s version of Slack, specifically built and optimized for businesses that depend highly on Google Workspace. Does file sharing, setting up meetings, sending each other emails and delivering presentations sound familiar to you? Then Google Meet might work better for you than Slack. 

Sure, Slack offers integrations for various Google apps, but there’s a difference between using a third-party software versus leveraging the benefits of a proprietary platform. It also has instant audio and video call options and the ability to set up breakout rooms, virtual rooms for teleconferences. 

Regarding chat, you can have direct messages with individual team members in addition to group chat options. The platform also provides integrations with third-party apps like HubSpot and Salesforce for increased optimization. Another major plus are the enhanced security options like two-factor authentication (2FA) and single sign-on (SSO).

google meet slack alternative
Collaborate with your team across Google Workspace applications with Google Meet.

Google Meet offers a free option, and its paid tiers start at $6 per user per month and go up to $18 per user per month. If you’re a larger business requiring custom pricing, the Enterprise plan would be the best fit.  

Tier:Price (per user, per month)
Basic$6
Business$12
Businesses Plus$18
EnterpriseCustom pricing

6. Pumble

pumble in use
Pumble promotes itself as a 100% free team chat app. 

More information about Pumble:

  • Pricing: Free plan; $1.99 per user per month
  • Website: pumble.com

Pumble is one of the rare apps on this list that offers unlimited users, history and messages on its free plan. Rather than positioning itself primarily as a rival to Slack, it promotes its offering as a replacement to email, MS Teams and Discord — incorporating features from each. It’s compatible across various operating systems and is accessible on mobile apps. 

Feature-wise, it does everything that Slack does and more. You can have direct messages and create channels and mini-threads within your channels just like Slack. You can also directly collaborate with members outside your company, share files and have both voice and video call options. However, screen sharing and admin options are only available to paid users. 

pumble slack alternative
Pumble’s free plan is one of the most generous and feature-rich on this list.

Pumble has one of the best free plans of all team chat apps, but caps total storage at 10GB. It might be worth going for the Pro plan, which grants 10GB storage per user for just $1.99 each per month. You also get access to features such as guest access, screen sharing, permissions management and a customizable sidebar. Pumble also has unlimited message history for all plans, learn more in our Pumble review.

Tier:Price (per user, per month)
Free$0
Pro$1.99

7. Chanty

chanty in use
Chanty has a great chat app that rivals Slack, but it has its own unique set of features too. 

More information about Chanty:

  • Pricing: Free plan; $3 per user per month
  • Website: chanty.com

If you’re looking for a straightforward chat app with simple features and a task-based focus, Chanty might be the best for you. For companies or teams that center greatly around task management, Chanty’s AI-powered interface might be the best fit. It keeps the user experience simple and has features that enable teams to stay on the same page while working on specific projects. 

The “task” button is prominently positioned, prioritizing the assignment and completion of tasks over regular workplace conversations. You also have a “teambook,” where team activity can be organized according to tasks, messages and files. 

Communications-wise, Chanty provides public and private conversations (one-on-one and group enabled), group voice calls and video calls. It also has integrations available with third-party apps.

chanty slack alternative
Chanty provides great features for those teams focused on task management. 

Chanty’s free plan is limited to only 10 users and it doesn’t support group calls or video call features. The paid plan starts at $3 per user per month (paid annually) or $4 if you go for the monthly option.

Tier:Price (per user, per month)
Free$0
Business$4 monthly
$3 annually

8. Mattermost

mattermost in use 1
If you want an open-source alternative with more security and server control for your day-to-day conversations, Mattermost is a good fit. 

More information about Mattermost:

  • Pricing: Free plan; $10 per user per month 
  • Website: mattermost.com

Unlike other apps where the chat-based features and project management angles shine, Mattermost’s major selling point is its privacy options. You can install the app through a server-based option on any OS and the app can be accessed through a browser, desktop-based web app or mobile device. 

Since it’s open source, you have access to source code, libraries and server APIs for modification. Mattermost also offers public and private chat options with unlimited message search; however, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t offer a group video conferencing tool. 

Your file sharing is also secure, as you can opt for multi-factor authentication if you wish. Mattermost provides over 700 third-party integrations. 

mattermost slack alternative
Mattermost is compatible with Windows, iOS and Android devices.

Mattermost has a free plan available with limited file storage (10GB). The cheapest paid plan starts at $10 per user per month. If you want access to additional features like compliance reporting and more advanced integrations, you can opt for the Enterprise plan at custom rates depending on your business. 

Tier:Price (per user, per month)
Starter$0
Professional$10
EnterpriseCustom rates

9. Ryver

ryver in use
While Slack is built for chat, Ryver goes a step further and integrates both chat and task management in its interface. 

More information about Ryver:

  • Pricing: 14-day free trial; $4.67 per user per month
  • Website: ryver.com

The chat side of Ryver is quite similar to Slack. Conversations can be organized into open forums, private channels for teams to segregate topics and direct messages with individual users. 

For task management, Ryver goes a step further by creating tasks in kanban-style (similar to Trello) within the interface directly from a message, and you can even set reminders for those tasks. It has inbuilt functionality for voice and video calls, and although there’s no limit on how many people can join a call, the service works best when limited to five users. 

Apart from Ryver’s project management tool, other top features include its unlimited chat records, unlimited task and personal board creation and its ability to integrate with many popular third-party apps. Security-wise, you can use the SSO option to remain safe.

ryver slack alternative
Ryver is one of the best alternatives to Slack for task management features.

Ryver doesn’t offer a free version, but you can give it a try through the 14-day free trial for its paid plans, which don’t operate on a per-user model. It only offers this for the Medium Pack planat $4.67 per user per month, but scales up to more expensive plans for wider user bases. 

Tier:Price
Medium Pack$4.67 per user per month
Starter$69 per month for 12 users
$690 annually
Standard$129 per month for 30 users
$1,290 annually
EnterpriseCustom rates

10. RingCentral Video (Formerly: Glip)

glip in use
If you like having all your apps together in one place for easy access, give RingCentral Video a try.

More information about RingCentral Video:

With RingCentral Video (formerly Glip), you can say goodbye to switching from your chat app to your task manager app to Google Calendar to your folders — it sounds exhausting just to read it, doesn’t it? 

With RingCentral Video, all your different apps are housed in one place to avoid the headache of multitasking across platforms. It fosters collaboration with teams by reducing the time spent on different areas for managers. 

RingCentral Video’s top selling point is the centralized app management, but you also get free messaging and access to team chats and communications. With RingCentral Video, you can have group video calls/meetings on top of your task management and project management features for async collaboration, and it offers over 20 custom integrations.

glip slack alternative
RingCentral Video offers centralized app management in addition to helping you stay on top of your communications.

RingCentral Video has a number of plans available that can be customized according to your organization size and preference. The Essentials plan supports up to 20 users; the next tier scales up to 99 users. For more than 100 users, there is a slight incremental increase on each of the plans. 

Tier:Price
Essentials (up to 20 users)$29.99 per user per month
$19.99 per user per month annually 
Standard (up to 100 users)$37.99 per user per month
$27.99 per user per month annually
Premium (up to 200 users)$44.99 per user per month
$34.99 per user per month annually
Ultimate (up to 200 users)$59.99 per user per month
$49.99 per user per month annually

11. Troop Messenger

troop messenger in use
Troop Messenger offers something most business chat apps don’t: remote desktop control options.

More information about Troop Messenger:

Like any other team communication tool on this list, Troop offers the usual chat (with the addition of a read receipt feature), video and audio calling. You can also share your screen with team members to provide easier reference points, but its remote desktop control offers benefits and a different range of access for managers looking for more security. 

On the premium paid version, you can also access “burnout,” which gives users the option to work together on something in a private post for which the history is removed. Apart from this, Troop Messenger’s features include instant messaging for one-on-one conversations as well as audio and video calling. You can also have group chats and team conversations if you prefer. 

File sharing offers previews, and its remote screen sharing and desktop control is one of its top selling points. Troop Messenger is also a secure collaboration platform that supports end-to-end encryption.

troop-messenger slack alternative
Troop Messenger is another cost-effective alternative, with various customization and pricing options depending on your use case.

You can access a seven-day free trial for Troop. The pricing differs depending on the use case and organization type; however, the SaaS Premium experience is its most renowned model. If you want more storage, opt for the Enterprise plan at $5 per user per month for 1TB of storage.  

Tier:Price (per user per month)
SaaS – Premium (150GB storage)$2.50
SaaS – Enterprise (1TB storage)$5

12. Twist

twist in use
If asynchronous team communication is the goal for your remote team, Twist is an option worth considering.

More information about Twist:

  • Pricing: Free; $6 per user per month annually
  • Website: twist.com

Designed by Doist’s creators, it’s no surprise that Twist takes a different angle with team chat. While most of the apps on this list focus on integrating real-time messaging with other features, Twist’s philosophy is to focus more on structured communication forms. 

It does this through “threads,” with each one dedicated to a specific conversation topic. It’s an excellent way to structure your information and chats so people can easily find what they need. 

Twist’s features include the use of async threads. Chat-wise, you can have one-to-one chats and small group chats where you can make use of shareable link threads. You also have access to third-party integrations, as well as an inbox containing all the latest updates. 

twist slack alternative
If you already use Doist, Twist might be a great add-on to your existing workflows.

You can use the freemium version of Twist to give it a try, but note that it only provides a one-month backlog into your searches, up to 500 members, 5 integrations and a 5GB limit on file storage. The Unlimited package costs $5 per user per month and unlocks unlimited users plus other features. 

Tier:Price
Free$0
Unlimited$6 per user per month annually

13. Fleep

fleep in use
Fleep follows Twist’s philosophy but with another unique angle to it: a focus on including task management features.

More information about Twist:

  • Pricing: Freemium model; about $5 per user per month 
  • Website: fleep.io

Fleep is a minimalist messenger that can be used by teams looking for something straightforward and simple. It integrates with email, which is great if your workflows are centered around email communication for matters of importance. 

It also features an open network concept, meaning you can communicate with workspaces and organizations outside of yours, as long as they are Fleep users. 

With Fleep, you get unlimited one-on-one conversations, including read receipts for messages. You can take your project management software to the next level through assigning and following up on tasks by viewing important updates at a glance via the pinboard. Fleep enables cross-collaboration across organizations as well, with cloud storage options for documents.

fleep slack alternative
Fleep’s Business plan unlocks unlimited conversations, 100GB of file storage and other premium features. 

Fleep has a freemium version available for its users, but storage capacity is limited to 1GB and only one group conversation is supported at a time. 

The Businessplan unlocks unlimited conversations (both one-on-one and group), 100GB of file storage and other premium features. However, if you want a volume discount for a large number of users, you should give the Enterprise plan a try.

Tier:Price (per user per month)
Free$0
BusinessAround $5
EnterpriseCustom rates

14. Hive

hive in use
Hive has a limited focus on team chat, offering it as an add-on to project management, which is the primary focus.

More information about Hive:

  • Pricing: Freemium model; $12 per user per month 
  • Website: hive.com

Hive is difficult to classify as a messaging tool because it doesn’t view that as the primary function of its service. Rather, Hive’s focus is on project management tools and features that allow you to create, assign and follow up on tasks through the app (read our full Hive review). 

Users can rest assured their teams will stay on top of important projects while having real-time chats on the side through the in-app messenger. 

Its features include creating personal to-do lists, tracking project progress and assigning tasks to team members directly. You also can have one-to-one messaging and group chats, and Hive offers integration with third-party apps as well.

Hive homepage 2022
Hive prioritizes project management over messaging, offering real-time chats as an add-on feature instead. 

Hive is one of the free Slack alternatives on this list, but it only has a freemium model designed for individual users — businesses should consider opting for one of the paid plans. If you have custom project management requirements, consider Hive Enterprise. 

Tier:Price (per user per month)
Free$0
Hive Teams$12
Hive EnterpriseCustom rates

15. Jostle

jostle in use
If employee engagement, stirring conversations and keeping your team up to date on the latest news is your focus, Jostle is the app for you.

More information about Jostle:

  • Pricing: Varies according to organization size and features desired
  • Website: jostle.me

Jostle combines the messenger app concept with that of the intranet philosophy, with a focus on helping businesses stay connected with their employees and boosting morale. Think of it as a social networking app for businesses, with all the messages limited to within your organization. 

Its features include the usual audio and video calling, with support for multiple languages in messaging and updates. For engagement, you can make use of the live polling features and JostleTV for streaming. You also get access to a people directory to keep on top of your team’s productivity, and Jostle has third-party integrations available as well. 

jostle slack alternative 1
Keep your teams motivated and engaged with Jostle. 

Jostle’s pricing is unique in the sense that it doesn’t have a tiered-rate model. It varies as per the organization size (i.e. total number of employees you want in your intranet) and the features you’d like to access. There is no freemium plan available. 

Tier:Features
Bronze-News & activity feed
-Shout-outs & org values
-People directory
-Chat features
Silver-Library
-Links & HTML pages
-1 customization option
Gold-3 customization options
Platinum-All customization options

Final Thoughts: Best Alternatives to Slack for Team Communication

Slack’s popularity has a lot to do with how it works. It works better than most other team chat platforms out there and can be used by a variety of different types of teams, but like anything else there are downsides to consider as well. Larger companies might run into issues, due to its limited niche functions. 

When this happens, it’s a good idea to try out some alternatives that work similarly and may even offer specific functionalities built for your business type. You can read our extensive guide on Basecamp vs Slack, for example. We have com Slack can be hit or miss; if it’s a miss for you, you have the options from this article to consider. 

Which of these alternatives are you leaning toward? What tool do you use for team messaging or group conversations? Is there a better option for video conferencing? Are there any other options on the market with better collaboration features that we’ve missed on this list? Let us know in the comments and as always, thanks for reading.

FAQ

  • Rocket.Chat is one of the best free alternatives to Slack. However, when you factor in the number of features available, Microsoft Teams is the best Slack alternative overall.

  • Rocket.Chat has a free plan that can be used for teams that are self-managed as an alternative to Slack’s free version. However, if you need more features, you can opt for the paid plan at $7 per user per month.

  • Hangouts Chat is Google’s chat tool alternative to Slack and is great for companies that depend on Google Workspace for their operations. However, it does not offer a free plan.

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