Employees can send messages, send files, make phone calls, interact via video, and set reminders with ease thanks to Slack. It gained notoriety by making collaborative work possible for remote teams. It might not be the ideal option for every company, though. However, after the free version’s message cap is reached, small enterprises may find its subscription plans to be prohibitively expensive. Moreover, its deluge of notifications may be overwhelming, and it lacks end-to-end encryption. Thankfully, the market for team communication software has a wide range of Slack alternatives. This article will cover the 15 best, open source and free Slack alternatives.
Slack Alternatives
If Slack is not the optimal choice for your specific needs, there are other alternative options that can enhance team efficiency and communication, as previously mentioned.
Slack Pricing
Considering Slack is the best tool for collaboration in your company, think about getting a premium subscription. In 2022, Slack had 170,000 paying members and generated over $273 million in revenue during its first quarter. The 90-day message, file, and document storage of the Basic free plan includes integrations with 10 apps. It, however, has inadequate data protection, only facilitates one-on-one meetings, and offers standard customer support. Slack Pro comes next, and it costs $7.25 per user each month. The monthly and annual billing amounts are $3.50 and $2.90, respectively. Furthermore, unlimited file and message histories, app integration, safe collaboration, and round-the-clock customer service are all available to pro users. Slack Business+, the next tier, costs $12.50 per person per month. Billing costs are $5 per year and $6 per month, respectively. Because it allows for SAML-based sign-on as well as message data export, security-conscious businesses should give this some thought. Enterprise Grid is the most expensive Slack plan; pricing is available by contacting sales. It also facilitates HIPAA compliance, gives priority to customer service, and provides collaborative tools.
How to pick a fantastic Alternative for Slack
Choosing chat software has benefits beyond facilitating team communication. In addition to aggregating data and tracking productivity, it can pull reports. Thus, spend some time analyzing each product according to the following criteria before choosing which platform to use going forward:
- Range of attributes. Every tool ought to offer a single point of contact for task management, document collaboration, and communication.
- Cost structure. Every tool on our list has several price tiers to suit various team budgets.
- Compatibility across platforms. We selected only apps that work with widely used operating systems as well as web browsers.
Best Slack Alternatives
Let’s examine each item on the list while keeping the most important considerations for the best Slack substitutes in mind.
#1. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a great open source alternative to Slack and offers file sharing, group messaging, and video chat. Additionally, it includes auto-translation, which reduces language barriers while interacting with distant coworkers.
Microsoft Teams statistics:
- Accessible on: web browsers and on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
- Best suited for: groups up to 300 people
- Cost: Freemium, with $4 per user per month for premium programs.
Important Elements
- Teams Communicate: Work together easily with clients and vendors who are also Microsoft Teams members and are not affiliated with your company.
- Straightforward invitation to guests: Anyone with a working email address can participate in virtual meetings via their web browser by clicking on a special link.
- Digital backdrops: Reduce visual disturbances during video conferences by utilizing the blur effect, pre-made backdrops, or uploaded photos.
#2. Zoom.
One of the most often used platforms for video conferences is Zoom. Zoom has a Team Chat option for group communications and file sharing in addition to video calls. It’s also simple to collaborate and exchange ideas among team members thanks to the online Whiteboard feature.
Zoom Statistics:
- Accessible on: web browsers and on Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and also iOS
- Ideal for: groups consisting of up to 100 people
- Cost: Freemium, with premium options starting at $149.90 per user annually
Important Elements
- Sharing a screen: Allow other attendees to see your display in real time when giving a presentation.
- Waiting area: Set restrictions on who can enter the room and leave during the session.
- Capture of a video: Take video conferences, then save the recordings to the desktop or the Zoom cloud.
#3. Flock
This platform, one of the best 15 Slack alternatives, offers a free version plus a range of functionalities, including task management and communication capabilities. Additionally, the complimentary subscription encompasses ten publicly accessible channels, individual video conversations, and unrestricted messaging.
Flock Data:
- Accessible on: web browsers and on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
- Ideal for: groups consisting of up to 100 people
- Pricing: Pro plan charges $4.50 per user per month; freemium
Important Elements
- Automation of processes: Increase the output of your team by automating tedious chores.
- Open avenues: Make channels to exchange to-do lists, measure progress, conduct polls, and also talk about particular projects.
- Reminders: To guarantee on-time delivery, set deadline notifications for significant activities and projects.
#4. Troops Messenger
This is an application for group chat that facilitates file sharing, video conferencing, and instant messaging. Additionally, this one of the best 15 Slack alternatives also has a free version.
Stats for Troop Messenger:
- Accessible on: Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- Ideal for: groups of any size
- Price: Starting at $2.50 per user each month
Important Elements
- Fork out: To enhance team communication, send a single message to numerous individuals and groups at the same time.
- Exhaustion: Have private discussions to divulge sensitive information.
- Remote access to the desktop: Choose what information is displayed on the screen when holding virtual meetings.
#5. Google Chat
Google Chat has taken the place of Google Hangouts. It does, however, offer extra features like filtered searches, suggested replies, and emoji reactions.
Google Chat Statistics:
- Accessible on: web browsers, iOS, and Android
- Ideal for: little businesses
- Cost: $6/user/month for premium subscriptions; freemium options are available.
Important Elements
- Accurate responses: To expedite collaboration, the software offers multiple reply alternatives to messages sent by team members.
- Built-in search engine: Easily access information from previous discussions with the search engine’s filtering capabilities.
- Encryption from end to end: This app provides a secure platform for collaboration because it encrypts the data you share.
#6. Chanty
An open source alternative to Slack that offers a free version, provides voice messaging, one-on-one audio calls, and an infinite message history is Chanty.
Chanty Statistics:
- Accessible on: Online browsers and on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Ideal for: groups with no more than 300 members
- Pricing: $3/user/month for the Business plan, which is freemium.
Important Elements
- Team Guidebook: All of your shared files, pinned messages, tasks, as well as chats may be arranged in one location.
- Board of Kanban: To oversee projects and also to allocate responsibilities to individual team members, make visual boards.
- Consistent uptime: Chanty guarantees the availability of its services with a 99.9% uptime rate.
#7. Discord
Despite being initially developed for gamers, Discord has grown to be one of the most widely used team chat applications for work.
Discord Statistics:
- Accessible on: web browsers and on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
- Ideal for: all team capacities
- Price: $9.99 per month for the Nitro edition, freemium
Important Elements
- Readers on screens: This function facilitates the understanding of on-screen text by visually impaired users.
- Keyboard-based navigation: Use the desktop application without a touchpad or mouse.
- Cut commands: With just a few clicks, use Discord bot instructions to automate chores.
#8. Rocket.Chat
For efficient teamwork, vendor collaboration, and client collaboration, Rocket.Chat is among the best 15 Slack alternatives.
Rocket.Chat Statistics:
- Accessible on: iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Ideal for: little to medium-sized businesses
- Cost: $7 per user per month for the paid plan, which is freemium.
Important Elements
- Users who remain anonymous: Without creating an account, other parties can read and also send messages on public channels.
- Conversations: Using another chat window, inform team members about tasks and projects that are vital.
- Workflow personalization: Customize the UI to fit the workflow and brand identity of your team.
#9. Fleep
Task management and instant chat are combined in the team collaboration software Fleep. As an alternative to Slack, it also has a free version and enables you to start discussions around particular subjects, initiatives, or divisions.
Fleep Statistics:
- Accessible on: web browsers and on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
- Ideal for: groups of any size
- Freemium in price; the Business package costs €5 per user per month.
Important Elements
- Poster Board: All team members can view and update key messages, links, and notes from meetings by pinning them.
- Integration of email: To streamline communication, connect with individuals outside of Fleep and show email notifications in talks.
- Drawer for files: Access and obtain every picture and file from every exchange.
#10. Element
The Element platform, one of the best Slack alternatives, is an open source team collaboration tool built on the Matrix foundation. You can also use it to send and receive messages and video calls safely.
Statistics for Elements:
- Accessible on: web browsers and on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
- Ideal for: enterprises with a medium to large size
- Cost: $3/user/month for premium subscriptions; freemium options are available.
Important Elements
- Dispersion: Make sure that no one party has control over your sensitive data and personal information.
- Cross-device confirmation: Verify the identities of the people on your team to keep unauthorized people out of talks.
- Bridges: Talk to users from Discord, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Telegram, and WhatsApp without having to move between apps.
#11. Twist
Twist is a chat and project management solution that features a straightforward user interface. Each member of the team has the ability to utilize the threads to initiate a discussion, share remarks, and respond with emojis in order to encourage active participation.
Twist Statistics:
- Accessible on: web browsers and on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS
- Ideal for: teams of 500 or more people, medium-sized to large
- The price is $6 per user per month, with a one-month free trial.
Important Elements
- Simple to operate: Twist’s simple UI and easy-to-use navigation system shorten the learning curve for beginners.
- Conversations are based on threads: Create a thread to talk about initiatives, give sporadic updates, and highlight effective efforts.
- A shared email account: See all of the talks in one location and don’t miss anything crucial.
#12. Ryver
Ryver is a platform for collaboration that provides limitless group chat, file sharing, and also chat search features.
Data for Ryver:
- Accessible on: web browsers and on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
- Ideal for: groups of any size
- Cost: begins at $69 per month.
Important Elements
- Topic-based discussion: Focus the group by arranging talks according to predetermined subjects.
- Certain invite URLs provide signup links to streamline the new member onboarding process.
- Sharing of documents: Utilize Dropbox and Google Drive to arrange and also to distribute all of your files.
#13. Mattermost
Mattermost is a worthwhile option to consider if you’re searching for a web developer-focused Slack substitute.
Statistics for Mattermost:
- Accessible on iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Ideal for: sizable web development teams
- Cost: Freemium; $10 per user per month for the Professional plan
Important Elements
- Strong free plan: It has all of Mattermost’s main features and supports an infinite number of users.
- Plays: With the help of integrated task checklists, keep your team focused on the goals.
- Ownership of data: Take total control of your data and keep it private from other users.
#14. TypeTalk
Online collaboration tool TypeTalk connects to both the Backlog project management platform and the diagramming application Cacoo.
TypeTalk Statistics:
- Accessible through web browsers and on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS
- Ideal for: companies with a maximum of 1,000 users
- Cost: freemium; three people can start using the premium plans for $6 per month.
Important Elements
- Subjects: Set up group discussions around particular teams, products, or projects to promote more targeted conversation.
- Labels: To make searching easier, use hashtags to identify significant messages.
- Webhooks and APIs: Make programs and unique tools that are tailored to the requirements of your team.
#15. Hive
Using this application as an alternative to Slack, users may organize a Zoom meeting or start a group chat to share ideas, assign important tasks, and also co-edit files in real time.
Hive Statistics
- Accessible through web browsers and on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
- Ideal for: groups of any size
- Cost: Teams is a freemium option that is $12 per user each month.
Important Elements
- Task illustration: Use a table, calendar, Gantt chart, portfolio view, or Kanban board to illustrate a concept.
- Tracking progress: When setting projects, set a timer to help you avoid missing deadlines.
- Dashboard for analytics: Monitor the state of the project’s completion, the backlog of work, and the workload of your team.
Open Source Slack Alternatives
Since the Slack alternatives discussed below are open source, you can install and manage the data on your own server (self-hosting). Linux users can install Slack, although it’s not an open-source program. The following is a list of some open source Slack alternatives that you can attempt:
- Element
- Microsoft Teams
- Zulip Chat
- Rocket.Chat
- Mattermost
- Wire
- Twake
- Chanty
- Fleep
- Bitrix24
Slack Alternatives Free
Slack is currently among the most widely used collaboration applications. It refocused on enterprise clients in an effort to earn a profit after becoming public. However, for smaller businesses, the cost of Slack’s subscription plans can become prohibitive if the free version’s message limit is exceeded. That is why these 10 free Slack alternatives are worth considering if you are just starting off.
- Microsoft Teams
- Facebook Workplaces Groups
- Chanty
- Bitrix 24
- Fleep
- Troops Messenger
- Zulip
- Flock
- Twist
- Missive
Instead of a free plan, the following collection of Slack alternatives offers a time-limited free trial:
- Google Hangouts Chat
- CA Flowdock
- Ryver
- Wire
What Programs Are Similar to Slack?
Platforms for team chat, such as Slack, are utilized for corporate communication and cooperation. Here are a few instances of Slack-like software:
- Google Chat
- Microsoft Teams
- Cisco Spark
- Rocket.Chat
- Discord
- Mattermost
- Fleep
- Chanty
- Workplace by Facebook
- Cisco Jabber
- Flock
- Ryver
- Element
Is Slack Owned by Google?
Salesforce.com currently owns Slack. Salesforce acquired Slack for $27.7 billion on December 1, 2020. Slack will serve as inspiration for the redesigned user interface of Salesforce Customer 360. Despite its origins as a platform for corporate and professional communications, Slack has since found widespread usage in community interactions.
Is Slack Still the Best?
Slack is a platform for communication that provides numerous features to facilitate teamwork. Reviews of Slack, however, are divided; although some users praise the platform’s functionality and design, others have criticisms regarding its pricing, support, and recent UI overhaul. For certain teams, Slack might be a good fit, but it might not be suitable for everyone’s requirements and tastes.
What Is the Biggest Problem With Slack?
The Five Greatest Implementation Challenges with Slack:
- Platform Safety
- keeping an eye out for inappropriate behavior
- Preventing Data Loss
- Regulations Needed
- Being ready for litigation and eDiscovery
Why Is Slack Losing to Teams?
In addition to the absence of a feature in Microsoft Teams that allows external users to join a team, current users of Slack are unlikely to switch to it. While there are plans to provide this feature, the current state of the product restricts its availability to the internal team exclusively.
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