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When Slack emerged as a self-proclaimed "email killer" in 2013, its competition could be counted on one hand. The chat-based collaboration and communications tool borrowed heavily from the Internet Relay Chats of the late '80s to help teams discuss specific topics on channels, work within small group chats and contact colleagues via direct message. From its launch, it included integrations with third party tools like Dropbox and GitHub, so people could include work products within the context of a conversation.
Slack's capabilities have grown over the years through acquisitions and new feature launches, most recently with the introduction of Slack AI. Its gone through an IPO and an acquisition by Salesforce. But as will happen when a technology takes off, Slack's competitors now number in the double digits at least, with (relative) newcomers and technology stalwarts among their numbers.
If your company is looking at options in the enterprise communications space, you've got alternatives that drill down on some of Slack's specific features and others that provide a comparable package. Whatever your specific need is, a range of collaboration tools balance security, productivity and collaboration to meet your needs.
1. Cisco Webex: Enterprise-Grade Security and Productivity
For businesses prioritizing security and productivity, Cisco Webex is a powerful alternative to platforms like Slack. Designed with enterprise-level data protection in mind, Webex offers secure messaging, file sharing and video conferencing, all backed by encryption. This makes it a good choice for organizations with strict data privacy requirements, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, finance and government.
Beyond its security features, Webex delivers a host of productivity-enhancing tools. Interactive features like polls, Q&A sessions and in-meeting gestures foster greater engagement during virtual meetings, driving more efficient collaboration. The platform's integration with productivity apps allows teams to manage tasks, share documents and stay organized without compromising security. While Webex might lack the chat-based style of Slack, it excels in environments where regulatory compliance and secure communication are paramount.
Cisco offers a Free Plan for $0, which includes basic video meetings and a 40-minute meeting limit for up to 100 participants. The next plan is called the Meet Plan, for $144/user/year or $12/user/month with unlimited meeting time for up to 200 participants. The Enterprise Plan has custom pricing and offers advanced security, control and integration for large enterprises.
2. ClickUp: The Ultimate All-in-One Solution
For teams seeking an all-in-one solution that blends communication and project management, ClickUp offers just that. Unlike Slack, which primarily focuses on messaging with some task management integrations, ClickUp provides a fully integrated environment where teams can chat, manage projects, track goals and visualize workflows in one platform.
With productivity features like task assignments, timelines, and customizable dashboards, ClickUp is for teams that require more than just basic chat functionality. Its capabilities enable efficient collaboration, allowing team members to communicate and track project progress simultaneously. This makes ClickUp especially beneficial in project-heavy environments where staying organized and connected is crucial for success. By using ClickUp, teams can enhance their productivity, streamline their processes and ensure that everyone is aligned and informed, making it the ultimate tool for modern workplaces.
There is a range of plans from the free forever plan for $0 which includes basic task management, 100MB storage to the Business Plus Plan for $19/user/month (annually). This includes custom roles, permissions and advanced collaboration. There is also an enterprise plan, but you need to contact the company.
3. Google Chat: A Natural Fit for Google Workspace Customers
For teams already immersed in the Google Workspace ecosystem, Google Chat is a perfect alternative to Slack, offering integration with tools like Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Google Meet. This native compatibility allows users to collaborate on documents, share files, and launch video calls effortlessly, all within a unified Google interface.
Unlike Slack, which often requires additional integrations for collaboration features, Google Chat provides a streamlined experience tailored to those already familiar with Google's ecosystem. Teams can easily manage projects, communicate in real-time, and increase productivity without the need to switch between multiple apps. The transition to Google Chat is intuitive and efficient for businesses already working in Gmail and Google Docs. By using Google Chat's productivity features, such as smart suggestions, threaded conversations and integrated task management, teams can significantly improve their workflow and focus on what matters most.
As part of Google Workspace, the Business Starter offering starts at $6/user/month and comes with basic chat, video meetings (100 participants) and 30GB storage. There are other plans above that up to the Business Plus plan at $18/user/month that offers enhanced security, compliance and 5TB storage. The Enterprise Plan is custom-priced and comes with enterprise-level features, including advanced security and compliance tools.
4. Mattermost: Open Source Flexibility for Enhanced Productivity
For teams seeking control, customization and productivity, Mattermost offers an open-source alternative to Slack. Built for self-hosting, Mattermost provides companies with full flexibility to tailor the platform to their specific needs without the limitations of external cloud services. Its features, including messaging, file sharing and task management, are customizable and can integrate with third-party tools such as GitHub, Jenkins, and other DevOps platforms.
Mattermost stands out as a productivity booster for tech-savvy teams that want full control over their workflows and data. Its open-source nature allows organizations to modify the platform extensively, optimizing it for team collaboration, project tracking, and secure communication.
This makes it particularly attractive for development teams or industries that prioritize data sovereignty and need to comply with strict privacy regulations.
Mattermost also has a free plan that offers self-hosted messaging for small teams. The next level plan is the Professional Plan at $10/user/month which comes with advanced features like compliance, workflows and integrations and is for 500 users. The Enterprise Plan comes with custom pricing and is for large scale enterprises needing advanced security and support.
5. Zoho Cliq: Seamless Integration in the Zoho Suite
For businesses using the Zoho Suite of applications, Zoho Cliq serves as a communication tool that integrates seamlessly with the entire ecosystem. This platform provides a comprehensive solution for messaging, video calls, file sharing and has seamless connections to Zoho CRM, Projects and other Zoho productivity apps.
Zoho Cliq is designed for teams that prefer to operate within a unified ecosystem, significantly enhancing productivity by ensuring smooth workflows and minimizing the friction of switching between different tools. With Cliq, teams can communicate effectively and collaborate seamlessly, keeping all their important resources in one place.
For organizations already invested in Zoho products, adopting Zoho Cliq is a logical choice that maximizes efficiency and streamlines operations. By leveraging its deep integration with the Zoho Suite, teams can enhance their productivity and focus on what matters most — achieving their goals.
Zoho Cliq offers a Free Plan with basic features that offer limited file storage and message history. This is followed by the Unlimited Plan at $1.80/user/month, which offers unlimited messaging history, integrations, and file storage. Zoho Workplace (Bundle) starts at $3.60/user/month and includes Cliq and other Zoho productivity tools like Zoho Mail, Docs, and Sheets.
6. Zoom: Moving Past Its Video Meeting Foundation
For businesses where video conferencing is central to workflow, Zoom is a strong alternative to Slack. Originally known for its video and audio capabilities, Zoom has evolved to offer a comprehensive suite of features designed to enhance collaboration and streamline workflows. The platform's offerings include breakout rooms for small group discussions, screen sharing for effective presentations, and powerful integrations with popular productivity tools such as Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.
Zoom's ability to connect with project management apps like Asana and Trello underlines its position as a productivity platform. With meeting recording and transcription features, teams can easily revisit discussions and share key takeaways, ensuring no valuable information is lost. Zoom's scalability for larger meetings and superior tools for managing virtual events make it the ideal choice for businesses that prioritize both video communication and seamless collaboration across various tools.
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Zoom starts with a Free Plan at $0 for 40-minute group meetings with 100 participants. The Pro Plan costs $149.90/year/host for 30-hour meetings for up to 100 participants, 1GB cloud recording. The Business Plan cost $199.90/year/host for up to 300 participants, branding options and transcripts. Above that there is custom pricing for 500+ participants that offers advanced features and support.
7. Microsoft Teams: If Slack Had an Archnemesis ...
No list of Slack alternatives would be complete without a mention of Microsoft Teams. Upon its launch in 2016, Slack viewed Teams as a threat and took out a full-page ad in the New York Times to "welcome" the new competition. The competition has only heated up in the years since, with Slack filing a 2020 anti-competitive complaint against the company in the EU, which led Microsoft to unbundle the chat platform from its Microsoft 365 suite first in the EU, and later globally.
Microsoft Teams provides the same foundational modules in the form of video meetings, group calling, file sharing, collaborative channel spaces and chat capabilities. But when combined with the full functionalities of the Microsoft 365 platform and its out of the box integrations, Teams becomes a centralized hub for collaboration. Microsoft Copilot integrations further enhance the experience, with meeting transcriptions, intelligent recaps, action assignments and more. The company announced a number of further enhancements during its recent Ignite conference.
Microsoft licenses Teams at a number of different levels, and the prices increase further if Copilot is added. Microsoft Teams Essentials is $4 user / month with unlimited group meetings for up to 30 hours and 300 participants and up to 10 GB of storage per person. The Essentials level also provides team meeting recordings with transcripts and live captions, collaboration features and standard security. Microsoft 365 Business Basic is $6 user / month and offers all of the same functionality as Essentials, with additional storage, access and identity management, over 10 additional apps and more. Microsoft 365 Business Standard is $12.50 user / month and provides all of the above, plus video editing and design tools, collaborative workspaces and more. Microsoft 365 Business Premium is $22 user / month and includes advanced security, access and data control and Microsoft Copilot as an add on (depending on your area).
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Team
While Slack is a powerful communication platform, it's not the only options available in the market. The alternatives offer unique features tailored to different business needs, from enhanced security to project management integration and asynchronous communication. When selecting a communication tool, it's crucial to consider your team's specific requirements, workflow preferences and existing tech stack.
Whether your organization prioritizes video conferencing, need robust security measures, or seek an all-in-one solution for project management and communication, there's an option that can fit your needs. By carefully evaluating these alternatives and aligning them with your organization's goals, you can significantly boost productivity, enhance collaboration and create a more efficient work environment tailored to your team's unique dynamics.