7 Finest Slack Alternate options for 2023

Slack is a well-liked group communication app, however it lacks superior process administration and conferencing capabilities most distant groups require. For those who’re in search of Slack alternate options, the very best choices allow you to talk simply in addition to collaborate on and attain duties with out leaving the platform. On this article, we evaluated dozens of group communication apps available on the market that will help you discover the appropriate answer.

Based mostly on our analysis, these Slack different apps are those that stood out for small enterprise wants:

• Microsoft Groups: Finest total Slack different for its broad vary of messaging options
• RingCentral MVP: Nice for groups that ceaselessly collaborate on audio and video calls
• Chanty: Excellent for companies in search of an reasonably priced group messaging answer
• Bitrix24: Glorious for groups that want superior process administration instruments
• Google Chat: Stable alternative for companies wanting a chat app linked to electronic mail
• Mattermost: Good for developer groups prioritizing sturdy knowledge safety
• Rocket.Chat: Finest for companies that present omnichannel customer support

Slack & Finest Alternate options at a Look

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Microsoft Groups: Finest Total Slack Various

Microsoft Groups is the highest Slack different, providing a broad vary of messaging options, together with its channels mechanically categorized below particular groups. In Slack, all channels are below the Channels part, whereby the checklist shortly grows overwhelmingly lengthy when customers be a part of a number of teams. There’s an choice to customise the sidebar and classify group channels in response to the consumer’s desire, however with Groups, you don’t have to do this guide work.

One other standout characteristic that makes collaboration environment friendly in Groups’ chats is the power to edit a file with out leaving the messaging platform. When a colleague sends you a Phrase file, choose the “Edit in Groups” choice to allow engaged on the doc proper on the chat app. Study extra in regards to the options of this platform in our detailed Microsoft Groups evaluation.

Sadly, with all its strong options, Groups is a bit overwhelming for a lot of customers. For those who’re in search of an easier, easier-to-navigate software, Google Chat is a superb possibility. Its interface is neat and really simple.

Microsoft Groups Month-to-month Pricing at a Look*

• Microsoft Groups (Free): Most of 100 chat customers, limitless chat messages and search, 2GB file attachments in chat per consumer, 5GB file storage throughout all groups, and on-line conferences of as much as 100 individuals, and 60-minute period
• Microsoft Groups Necessities: $4 per consumer for a most of 300 chat customers, 10GB file storage, on-line conferences of as much as 300 individuals and 30-hour period, collaboration instruments, like display screen sharing, collectively mode, and English-only reside captions
• Microsoft 365 Enterprise Primary: $6 per consumer for a most of 300 chat customers, 1TB file attachments in chat per consumer, 1TB file storage, on-line conferences of as much as 300 individuals and 30-hour period, and reside captions of over 30 languages
• Microsoft 365 Enterprise Normal: $12.50 per consumer for assembly recording and transcripts, breakout rooms, and webinar internet hosting options
• Free trial: One month

*Pricing relies on annual billing.

Microsoft Groups Options

Utilizing Microsoft Groups’ multi-window characteristic, work on totally different duties: reply to chats, hearken to the dialogue in conferences, and test your subsequent convention name. (Supply: Microsoft Groups)

• Multi-window: Use the pop-out chats, conferences, calls, and paperwork each time it is advisable multitask. Even if you’re in the midst of a video convention, you get to trace conversations in your channels.
• Dialog pin: If it is advisable hold referring to a selected dialog for a undertaking, pin it to the highest of your Chats checklist. To do that, hover over the dialog to seek out the “Pin” within the submenu.
• Filters: With this, it’s straightforward to seek out various kinds of messages: unread, mentions, replies, and messages with reactions.

RingCentral MVP: Finest for Internet hosting Extremely Collaborative On-line Conferences

RingCentral MVP is likely one of the greatest Slack app alternate options available in the market, particularly for companies requiring superior audio and video conferencing options. It includes a one-tap, desktop-to-mobile assembly change, permits launching as much as two conferences at a time, and permits becoming a member of conferences from Zoom, Microsoft Groups, WebEx, GoTo Assembly, and BlueJeans.

Whereas Slack permits as much as 50 individuals in its huddles or audio calls, RingCentral MVP hosts as much as 1,000 customers. For video conferencing, Slack accommodates as much as 15 people, whereas RingCentral MVP has a 200-participant capability.

On prime of this, RingCentral MVP’s conferencing options permit customers to do extra in on-line conferences. Proper from the platform, you’re capable of schedule periods, ship messages throughout convention calls, share your display screen and permit co-annotation, and have individuals comply with the dialogue via notes and transcripts. Develop into extra aware of the platform’s options by studying our complete RingCentral evaluation.

For the reason that software packs communication and collaboration options, it comes with the next price than different Slack alternate options. For those who’re in search of a extra reasonably priced possibility, Chanty is an effective platform, costing solely $3 per consumer, monthly.

RingCentral MVP Month-to-month Pricing at a Look*

• Necessities: $19.99 per consumer for as much as 20 customers solely, group messaging, file sharing, enterprise cellphone or toll-free numbers, toll-free minutes, and limitless calls throughout the U.S. and Canada
• Normal: $27.99 per consumer for an infinite variety of customers, limitless audio and video conferencing, and video conferences for up 100 individuals
• Premium: $34.99 per consumer for video conferences with as much as 200 individuals, automated name recording, and integrations with third-party instruments
• Final: $49.99 for limitless storage
• Free trial: 21 days, together with a most of 5 customers and two desktop telephones; solely new subscribers can avail of the trial

*Pricing is for one to twenty customers, primarily based on annual billing. A month-to-month billing possibility can also be accessible.

RingCentral MVP Options

Change from a desktop to a smartphone when attending a gathering with only one faucet in your RingCentral MVP app. (Supply: RingCentral MVP)

• Name flip: Leap from laptop computer to cell if you’re in a gathering by clicking the “Change name to this system.” That is particularly helpful for group members who’re all the time on the go.
• Computerized assembly recording: You by no means have to fret about forgetting to hit the document button on video conferences. When scheduling a gathering, tick the choice “Document this assembly.”
• Superior assembly insights: The built-in synthetic intelligence (AI) in RingCentral MVP mechanically generates a abstract, transcript, and highlights after each video assembly. Even with out watching the video recording, you’ll know the essential particulars mentioned within the session.

Chanty: Finest for Groups Needing an Reasonably priced Chat App

Out of all the very best alternate options to Slack we evaluated, Chanty gives probably the most reasonably priced bundle for companies. The subscription plan, which prices $3 per consumer, is considerably decrease than Slack ($7.25). However even with its affordability, the platform boasts glorious options, together with the Teambook—a centralized hub for all of the duties, one-on-one chats, private and non-private group discussions, calls, pinned messages, shared recordsdata and hyperlinks, and historical past.

With this characteristic, it’s straightforward to check with various kinds of content material with out pointless scrolling. Furthermore, Teambook makes the platform neater and extra organized than Slack.

The issue with Chanty and Slack, nevertheless, is that they solely permit group audio and video calls on paid packages. For those who’re in search of a group communication app that provides these options at no cost, Microsoft Groups is the best choice.

Chanty Month-to-month Pricing at a Look*

• Free: As much as 10 members, 20GB file storage per group, limitless private and non-private conversations, limitless searchable historical past, limitless one-on-one audio calls, and limitless voice messages
• Enterprise: $3 per consumer for limitless integrations, limitless group audio calls, limitless group video calls, limitless display screen sharing, and three visitors per member at no cost

*Pricing relies on annual billing, however there’s a month-to-month subscription as properly.

Chanty Options

Assign a process to group members proper from the chat messages, instantly after discussing what must be finished. (Supply: Chanty)

• Process project and creation: Create and delegate duties proper off the chat messages. Hover over the message that mentions an motion to be finished and choose “Create process.” If it is advisable change the individual chargeable for the duty, hover over the identify of the initially assigned group member and choose the right identify from the choices.
• Kanban board: Monitor the progress of duties with this visible board that outlines all of the “To-Do,” “In Progress,” and “Carried out” duties. Examine extra particulars for every process by clicking the “See dialogue” possibility.
• Voice messages: As a substitute of typing lengthy messages, document your directions or suggestions to group members. Faucet the microphone icon on the chat menu to begin the recording.

Bitrix24: Finest for Its Superior Process Administration Options

Bitrix24 is the best Slack different for companies needing a group communication app with a broad vary of options for organizing duties, together with workflow visuals and automation instruments. In contrast to Slack, this platform has a built-in process administration dashboard with over 35 instruments that allow process delegation and monitoring, collaboration and dialogue, and doc storage.

In monitoring tasks, as an illustration, customers are free to decide on amongst totally different visible aids: Kanban board, Gantt chart, calendar, planner, or checklist. In the meantime, when assigning duties, you get to make use of subtasks, checklists, and undertaking templates. For repetitive duties, the automation possibility is accessible to cut back the trouble and save time. Each process ticket has fields for the beginning date and deadline so it’s straightforward to maintain observe of the assignments.

Whereas Bitrix24’s superior process administration options are helpful, they could be a bit overwhelming for some. You would possibly expertise a steep studying curve when attempting it out. In case you want a Slack different that’s simpler to make use of, Chanty and Google Chat are glorious choices. Study extra about this software program in our in-depth Bitrix24 evaluation.

Bitrix24 Month-to-month Pricing at a Look*

• Free: Limitless customers, one-on-one chats, private and non-private chats, channels, and one-on-one and group video requires as much as 48 individuals, 5GB on-line storage, limitless name period, and firm social community
• Primary: $49 for 5 customers, on-line assembly options, corresponding to display screen sharing, recording, background blur, assembly temporary, 24GB of file storage, and calendar
• Normal: $99 for 50 customers, 100GB of file storage, polls, and bulletins
• Skilled: $199 for 100 customers, 1024GB of file storage, and limitless firm information base
• Enterprise: $399 for 250 customers and 3TB of file storage
• Free trial: 30 days

*Pricing relies on annual billing. Month-to-month contracts are additionally accessible.

Bitrix24 Options

When creating duties on Bitrix24, tag totally different group members to totally different roles. (Supply: Bitrix24)

• Process roles: Assign totally different roles for every process: Accountable, Creator, Members, and Observers. This fashion, the group members tagged will know what’s anticipated of them.
• On-line doc enhancing: Work on recordsdata proper from the Bitrix cloud. The platform permits a number of group members to edit the identical file on the identical time.
• Feed: Much like a social media timeline, that is the place you discover information, updates, bulletins, and extra. Write a put up, ship appreciation to a selected worker, or share an occasion, and maximize the visible editor to make your message animated.

Google Chat: Finest Crew Communication App Related to E mail

Google Chat is the very best Slack different for companies that need to have a group communication software built-in with their electronic mail inbox. The platform makes it straightforward to speak to colleagues concerning motion factors talked about in emails. Google Chat removes the necessity to change between your inbox and chat app—a characteristic Slack doesn’t have.

There’s a seamless, uninterrupted workflow in Google Workspace. When a consumer asks for an appointment through electronic mail, you’re capable of hop on the Google Chat Area and ask in regards to the group’s availability. It’s additionally straightforward to debate what it is advisable put together earlier than seeing the consumer.

For those who want a lengthier dialogue for the preparations, click on the “New assembly” possibility below Meet on the sidebar and also you immediately meet group members. Maximize this video conferencing characteristic by testing our complete Google Meet evaluation.

Sadly, the group conversations on Google Chat are personal by default so there’s no broadcasting characteristic for essential company-wide bulletins. If that is one thing you want, Chanty and Bitrix24, that are additionally equally nice opponents to Slack, have public channels on their free plans.

Google Chat Month-to-month Pricing at a Look*

• Free: Access to one-on-one and group chats and Areas, on-line conferences through Google Meet of as much as 100 individuals, and 60-minute period
• Starter: $6 per consumer for limitless, elective message historical past, auto-accept invites, one-on-one exterior chat, entry to channels or Areas, 30GB cloud storage per consumer, and on-line conferences of as much as 100 individuals
• Normal: $12 per consumer for superior chat room options, like threaded rooms and visitor entry, 2TB per cloud storage per consumer, on-line conferences of as much as 150 individuals, and assembly recordings saved to Google Drive
• Plus: $18 per consumer for 5TB cloud storage per consumer and on-line conferences of as much as 500 individuals
• Enterprise: Customized pricing for cloud storage as a lot as a enterprise wants

*Starter and Normal plans have introductory costs of $6 and $12 for 12 months. The pricing proven above will apply after the talked about interval.

Google Chat Options

Collect groups and set up conversations in Areas, the devoted subject channels in Google Chat. (Supply: Google Chat)

• Areas: Work with numerous groups in channels devoted to totally different subjects. Share recordsdata shortly and look at the checklist of recordsdata uploaded because the group was created.
• Third-party integrations: Add apps to your Google Chat to help numerous varieties of communications. If you wish to streamline process administration, join Asana and Trello. For buyer relationship administration (CRM) instruments, Salesforce and HubSpot can be found.
• Accessibility options: Google Chat helps display screen readers, together with ChromeVox, NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver. Chrome is the beneficial browser for utilizing these instruments.

Mattermost: Finest for Growth Groups Requiring Dependable Information Safety

Mattermost is the very best different to Slack for companies with in-house improvement groups since its options permit for customizable workflows and entry to undertaking overviews. It’s a undertaking administration software as a lot as a communication app. On prime of that, the platform has sturdy knowledge safety protocols, together with built-in id and entry controls, granular admin controls, superior compliance auditing, and on-premise and safe cloud deployment choices.

Each Mattermost and Slack characteristic channels that foster collaboration: public channels, personal channels, direct messages, and group messages. However Mattermost takes its choices up a notch with Playbooks and Boards. Playbooks is a collaboration software that lets customers handle workflows utilizing checklists and templates. Automation choices are additionally accessible for enhancing welcome messages, inviting members, and streamlining different repetitive duties.

In the meantime, boards permit groups to see the standing of tasks in a visible format. The Kanban board offers an outline of all of the group’s actions, making it straightforward to identify delays and tackle inefficiencies instantly.

Take be aware that some customers discover Mattermost’s interface complicated and monotonous. For those who desire a clear interface that received’t require a lot studying, Google Chat is a superb different.

Mattermost Month-to-month Pricing at a Look

Cloud:

• Starter: Free for one workspace group, limitless variety of customers, 10GB of file storage, limitless variety of channels, playbooks, and boards, and message historical past search as much as the final 10,000 messages
• Skilled: $10 per consumer for limitless workspace groups, 250GB of file storage, and limitless message historical past search
• Enterprise: Customized pricing for limitless file storage

Self-hosted:

• Starter: Free for limitless workspace groups, limitless variety of customers, limitless channels, playbooks, and boards, limitless file storage, limitless message search and historical past, and group calls with display screen share
• Skilled: $10 for single sign-on, visitor accounts, and customized consumer teams
• Enterprise: Customized pricing for shared channels, granular permissions, customized admin roles, and customized enterprise mobility administration
• Free trial: 30 days

Mattermost Options

Mattermost’s retrospective stories allow developer groups to have documentation on releases and enhance on future tasks. (Supply: Mattermost)

• Retrospectives: This characteristic below Playbooks permits customers to report what occurred throughout the undertaking improvement. The doc serves as a reference for bettering actions sooner or later, readily accessible anytime a group member wants it.
• Board templates: Schedule content material manufacturing utilizing the content material calendar. Use the undertaking duties characteristic to watch progress and decide what must be finished first. When you have recurring conferences, the assembly agenda characteristic helps in planning discussions.
• Customized emojis: Add your individual smileys and icons onto the platform to convey out your group’s distinctive tradition. You’ll discover this feature within the emoji picker.

Rocket.Chat: Finest for Enhancing Social Media Buyer Service

Rocket.Chat emerged as a wonderful different to Slack not just for its strong messaging options but in addition for its buyer help capabilities. Whereas Slack helps exterior communications, shoppers should be on the platform to speak to you. In distinction, Rocket.Chat permits clients to achieve out to you on their most popular platform with out essentially being in your chat app.

Rocket.Chat consolidates consumer communications from totally different channels, together with Instagram, Twitter, Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram, electronic mail, LiveChat, and SMS. Different buyer help options embody templates for widespread messages, inquiry distribution and forwarding throughout groups and departments, and queue ready time show.

One downside in Rocket.Chat is that some customers discover its cell interface clunky, an enormous deal-breaker, particularly for on-the-go groups. Microsoft Groups and Google Chat are nice mobile-friendly alternate options.

Rocket.Chat Month-to-month Pricing at a Look

• Group: Free for limitless one-on-one and group messaging, full messaging historical past, as much as 10,000 push notifications a month, as much as 5 third-party integrations, and inquiry distribution for buyer help
• Enterprise: $7 per consumer for no less than 25 customers, limitless push notifications, superior id administration, video conferencing integrations, customizable consumer permissions, visitor customers, and extra omnichannel buyer help options, specifically templated messages and queue ready time show
• Free trial: 30 days

Rocket.Chat Options

With Rocket.Chat, it’s potential to configure the routing of social media inquiries to the final agent a buyer talked to. (Supply: Rocket.Chat)

• Customizable interface: Personal the group chat app you’re utilizing by together with model id parts. Rocket.Chat affords complete, easy-to-follow documentation for including theme customizations.
• Third-party integrations: Improve the capabilities of your communication platform with instruments for various wants: CRM, productiveness, customer support, and even improvement and operations.
• Final chatted agent most popular: Route returning clients to the final agent they talked to so your representatives will shortly perceive the context of the shopper’s inquiry and construct rapport with them.

Often Requested Questions (FAQs)

Why would possibly a enterprise search for a Slack different?

Though Slack is a superb communication software, it has its limitations. As an example, the platform’s channels get overwhelming and lengthy within the sidebar checklist if you be a part of a number of conversations. Its audio and video conferencing instruments even have restricted participant capability.

Slack lacks native process administration instruments, which many companies search for in chat apps since many of the to-dos are mentioned on these platforms. Essentially the most that Slack does by way of process administration is to attach you with Asana or Trello. If you wish to know whether or not or not this platform will match what you are promoting wants, learn this in-depth Slack evaluation.

What ought to I search for in a Slack different?

Your small business wants ought to affect your concerns for a collaboration software, however normally, you need to embody these components: pricing, channel group, search historical past, file storage, audio and video conferencing capabilities, process administration options, and knowledge safety. Try our prime picks for the greatest group communication apps.

Can Slack & Groups work collectively?

Sure, it’s potential to attach Slack and Microsoft Groups. One possibility is to make use of Zapier, an automation platform that integrates the apps and facilitates repetitive duties.

One other manner is to put in the Groups app from the Slack App listing. If you use the slash command “/teams-calls,” you’re capable of arrange and be a part of Microsoft Groups conferences. If you wish to know which platform is healthier for what you are promoting, check with this Microsoft Groups vs Slack evaluation.

How We Evaluated the Finest Slack Alternate options

A number of group communication apps much like Slack have emerged as nice alternate options, accommodating the wants and calls for of rising distant groups. These suppliers differ vastly in price and options. To degree the taking part in subject and make an correct analysis of the very best instruments, we thought-about these standards factors are proven within the tab beneath:

Backside Line

With the rise of distant work, many Slack alternate options have popped up available in the market, promising higher communication for organizations. Based mostly on our analysis, Microsoft Groups is the very best, given its affordable pricing, glorious collaboration options, and clear, easy interface. Streamline communications together with your colleagues with this software. Subscribe to Microsoft Groups at the moment for under $4 a month per consumer.

Go to Microsoft Groups