The 5 best Slack alternatives

Slack is a chat application that enables teams to communicate online. It has replaced email as the primary source for workplace interactions and has excellent third-party integrations. But Slack isn’t perfect – notifications and multiple channels can feel overwhelming. Here are five of the best Slack alternatives available today.

Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts naturally fulfills the needs of users already accustomed to Gmail and Google Drive. A popular Hangouts tool is a built-in screen share option. Video, messenger and call features have the potential to cover a company’s entire communication needs. Users can work on documents and slides offline. Google Hangouts is a proven collaborative platform with a social network feel.

Features:

• Easy-to-use interface
• Full Google app integration
• Built-in screen share

Pricing: free (basic), $30 per user monthly (business)

Rocket.Chat

Rocket.Chat is an open-source platform that helps streamline communications. Audio and visual calls make it easy for teams to collaborate in real-time. A customizable interface allows you to tailor settings to match your business needs. Rocket.Chat is a communicative hub that enables users to manage data in a creative setting.

Features:

• Real-time translations
• Customizable
• Open-source

Pricing: free (community), $30 per user monthly (professional), tiered pricing (enterprise)

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams integrates seamlessly with Office 365 subscribers. A bonus for Microsoft members is that you’ll already have access to Teams. The basic version includes chat and search options, online video calls and real-time collaboration with office applications. Public and private channels come with saving and search features. Emails can be sent directly to channels and instantly discussed among teams.

Features:

• Guest access
• Easily integrated with Office 365
• Direct email to channel capability

Pricing: free (basic), tiered annual fee ranging from $5 per user (business)

Fleep

Fleep comes with a lightweight project management tool that enables users to assign and track tasks within the chat app. Presence is a feature that shows when a user is writing, seen and was last active. Utilize Pinboard and keep your team on the same page with a digital dashboard that enables members to task in team channels.

Features:

• Pinboard
• Lightweight project management
• Conversation file drawers

Pricing: free (basic), $5 per user monthly (business), customize (enterprise)

Chanty

Chanty has a clean and simple to use interface. Threads can be created when communicating to help teams stay on topic. Teambook is a feature that organizes files, tasks and links into easy to find folders. Smart notifications and invite-only options are additional bonuses when choosing Chanty.

Features:

• Teambook
• Voice messages
• 24/7 support

Pricing: free (basic), $3 per user (business)

For businesses, Slack is still a popular option, and for good reason. Secure channels for chat app discussions and excellent integrations (like Canto for Slack) are just a couple of features that companies value. Choose a chat app that best suits your business needs and improves how your team internally communicates.