Office communication has changed drastically. Even over the past few years, we have gone from strictly in-person communication in offices to remote-only communication, chatting via chat boxes or email on the internet.

If you are in the business world, you should know about or be intimately familiar with Slack, a communication platform used to send messages, store documents, and create new projects. While Slack was not the first platform to offer these services, it has become one of the most popular chat apps due to its wide range of features.

However, while Slack is synonymous with many as the ultimate communication tool, it’s not the only tool out there. Several other team chat tools offer similar features and even some platforms that are unique.

If you’re in the market for another chat option for your business, or you are just curious about what else is out there trying to push Slack out of its number one spot on the “best chat platform,” below are some Slack alternatives that might be of interest.

Picking the right communication tool for your business

I have fond memories of using Slack. At one of my previous jobs, my boss awarded me a certificate for being the #1 person in the company who sent the most images/gifs/slacks to co-workers during the year. Productive? Not really.

But, while part of me was trying hard not to be embarrassed for getting called out for –basically sending Gifs all day– the other part of me was impressed by Slacks reporting power of Slack. It even pulled up my (essential lack of work) and put it in a tidy pie chart for all to see.

The point of this trip down memory lane is to remind you that the chat software you pick can do more than help your teams communicate. It can pull reports, aggregate data, and even track productivity (or, in this case – a lack of productivity).

So, before deciding what platform to move forward with, take time to evaluate each product based on its features. Aside from the obvious messaging features, try to get a program that includes the following:

• File sharing and collaboration
• Video and voice chat
• Integration with other tools
• Reporting and analytics
• Security and privacy

While Slack has all of the above features, there are a few competitors that compare and even others that go above and beyond the standard chat messaging features. Read on to learn about some of the top Slack alternatives on the market. 

The Top 4 Slack Alternatives

1. Hive

Hive is a popular Slack alternative for project management, as it offers chat as well as robust project management capabilities. In addition to both direct and group chats, Hive offers many collaboration features — such as in-app calendar syncing, note-taking, and task management — that allows users to streamline their workflow and manage team tasks from one interface. Plus, its integration with other third-party tools makes it an ideal choice for businesses that need to collaborate across multiple apps.

Key Features:

• Chat and messaging capabilities for direct and group communication
• Task management tools and HiveMindAI.
• File sharing and collaboration tools
• Integration with other third-party tools
• Security features, including data encryption

Pricing:

• Hive Free Plan – Available for up to 10 users
• Hive Professional – $12/user/month
• Hive Enterprise – Custom pricing is available for larger organizations.

2. Microsoft Teams

As part of the Microsoft Office suite, Teams is an all-in-one collaboration platform that allows users to share files, chat, and collaborate on projects all in one place. Teams is on-par with Slack, as it offers all of the same features but with the added bonus of Office 365 integration.

Key Features:

• Chat and messaging capabilities for direct and group communication
• File sharing and collaboration tools
• Audio and video calling and conferencing
• Integration with other Microsoft Office 365 tools and apps
• Customizable channels and workspaces
• Project management and task-tracking tools
• Data encryption and multi-factor authentication

Pricing:

• Free version available with limited features
• Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $5/user/month
• Enterprise pricing available for larger organizations

3. Zoom

Although Zoom is primarily known as a video conferencing tool, it also has a chat feature that allows users to message each other and share files. Zoom’s popularity exploded during the pandemic, making it a top choice for businesses needing video conferencing and chat capabilities. While it is less robust than Slack with its features, it’s a great option for a team that wants to run their business with videos and chat.

Key Features:

• Video and audio conferencing for remote meetings
• Chat and messaging capabilities for direct and group communication
• File sharing and collaboration tools
• Screen sharing and virtual background options
• Webinar and live streaming capabilities
• Integration with other tools and apps, including Microsoft Teams and Slack
• Security features, including end-to-end encryption and password protection

Pricing:

• Basic (Free): for personal or small team meetings, limited to 40 minutes
• Pro: $14.99/host/month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for large organizations and enterprise-level needs

4. Google Chat

Formerly known as Hangouts Chat, Google Chat is a team communication platform that integrates with other Google products like Google Drive and Google Meet. Google Chat is free as part of a Google Workspace account and is an excellent option for businesses using other Google products. What’s great about Google Chat is that you can access it from any device with a web browser, making it one of the most versatile options.

Key Features:

• Chat and messaging capabilities for direct and group communication
• File sharing and collaboration tools
• Integration with other Google products like Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Meet
• Voice-calling capabilities with up to 25 participants in a voice chat
• Robust security and privacy features, including 2-step authentication

Pricing:

• Free with a Google Workspace account
• G Suite Basic – $6/user/month
• G Suite Enterprise – Custom pricing is available for larger organizations.

To make the switch or not

Communication platforms like Slack have become essential for remote workforces to collaborate, share files, and stay connected. While Slack is a popular choice, several other chat tools offer similar or even unique features. Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Chat, and Hive are four popular Slack alternatives that offer various communication and collaboration capabilities, making it essential to assess each product’s features before choosing the right one for your business.