Slack is a communication tool that Stewart Butterfield founded in 2013. The platform’s website is available at slack.com, allowing users of the program to create chat rooms called “channels”. These channels are available for anyone within a team. In these channels, users type messages that are then broadcast to everyone in the room.
Slack is used for text-based conversations. However, it also allows the ability to send notifications from the website to specific phones and computers. Slack can be used for various purposes, including team organization, customer support, managing specific projects, or connecting with friends and family. It is an all-purpose online communication tool.
Slack is available in many different languages to be used by large groups of people anywhere in the world. It is similar to Internet Relay Chat in its features and was also compatible with its gateway. Therefore, it provides some users with a familiar online communication environment. However, that does not imply the app does not have any modern features. Apart from those features, it also provides an API for users to create applications and automate processes.
Currently, Slack operates under Salesforce, which acquired the company for an approximate value of $27.7 billion. Despite its high popularity, Slack has suffered considerably due to various controversies and attacks. Most of the platform’s features are free, which attracts more users to its services. However, it also has some paid features, which provide more facilities.
Slack had existed for a long time since 2013. However, the platform gained popularity due to COVID-19, when most communication became online. The company also faced competition from other platforms, which offered similar services. Some of the top Slack competitors and alternatives include the following names.
1. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is one of the top competitors of Slack. It is a cloud-based and real-time messaging app integrated with Office 365. This app combines chat, video meetings, calling, and file sharing into a single integrated platform. Similarly, Microsoft Teams help users focus on their work through its integrated features. It is one of the top names in the market for online collaboration and meeting tools.
Microsoft Teams gives users a centralized platform to create channels for different topics, projects and clients. This way, it helps keep the conversation organized. Within each channel, members can share documents, notes, and files and are automatically indexed. The app exists under the Microsoft banner, which brings it a significant number of users.
2. Chanty
Chanty is another Slack alternative. It is a free AI-powered app, meaning it increases productivity and helps save time. Chanty helps make an intuitive experience for the user. It is simpler, affordable, and has twice as much storage as compared to Slack. Similarly, chanty aims to improve collaboration among teams across various industries.
Chanty’s team book feature enables users to organize their tasks, conversations, pinned messages. Similarly, it allows more file sharing and storage. It is best for small and medium teams that need a simple and easy-to-use app. Chanty’s platform is free. However, it also has paid features that start at $3.00 per user.
3. Zoom
Zoom chat and meetings fall under one of the most well-known video conferencing interfaces, Zoom. It has increased its traffic after the COVID-19 pandemic due to the massive influx of users. Zoom Meetings is a web conferencing tool available on all major devices. The platform can host up to 50 webinar attendees or 25 conference room attendees. It also has paid packages to increase these limits.
Within Zoom, there are options for video chat, screen sharing, and joining meetings via dial-in phone numbers. Users may use Zoom on any device by downloading the Zoom app. Zoom chats offer file content, whiteboard meetings, and recordings in chat messages – threading, emoji reactions, custom notifications, voice notes, one on one and group messaging.
4. Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts is a free service provided by Google that allows individuals to video chat simultaneously. This type of communication is known as videoconferencing. Google also offers an audio-only version of this service called ‘Hangouts On Air.’ Users can chat and send pictures, emoticons, videos, and other forms of media on the platform.
Google Hangouts works across different devices like PCs, tablets, and smartphones. It uses a user’s Google account to allow online communications. It is also possible for users to create groups and share resources like Google Docs. Hangouts is also suitable for remote teams that have members scattered across the globe.
5. Troop Messenger
Troop Messenger is a cross-platform chat app available on devices like mobile, desktops, and modern browsers. It provides features like voice call, video call, screen sharing, read receipts, and groups. It is an affordable and high-performance app that gives smooth file previews across interfaces. Troop Messenger’s most crucial feature is its highly secure platform.
Troop Messenger is most suitable for remote teams and businesses that want to keep their conversation private. It also helps team managers who require tracking the location of a remote employee. It is a relatively inexpensive and easy way for teams to stay in touch. Troop Messenger is popular in the Defense and other industries where privacy is of paramount importance.
6. Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex is an app that lets users use their computer screen as a video phone for group chats and calls. The service initially came from the work of Wade Arnold, Steve Durbin, and Robert Delamar in 2010. The first product release happened in 2011, and Cisco Systems acquired it in 2012. Now, it is a part of Cisco’s online communications tools.
Cisco Webex is an advanced and affordable alternative to Slack that is available worldwide. It is best for teams who prioritize ease of use and businesses seeking to control posts and messages. The platform also has a moderator feature. Like most other apps on this list, Cisco Webex has a paid and free version.
7. Rocket Chat
Rocket Chat is an open-source team collaboration tool. It provides communication and collaboration with teams, chats in real-time, screen share, file sharing, and audio and video conferencing. Being an open-source tool, it allows users to add functionality as per the needs of the business. It has a free community package. However, its Pro and Enterprise plans cost per user per month.
Using Rocket Chat, users can respond to chat tools like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, email accounts, etc. It is best suited for businesses or teams that need to manage different messaging platforms and prefer customized chat tools. It can be significantly beneficial for customer support teams that need to collaborate internally and externally.
8. Brosix
Brosix is an instant messaging tool that allows organizations to control their communication through a private team network. This tool is created considering the security and privacy of communication and allows end-to-end encryption for all transmissions. It aims to reduce overheads and increase team communication and efficiency.
Brosix provides voice messaging, video calls or audio chats, secure file transfer and screen sharing. It is most suited for security-minded organizations looking to improve their internal communications and collaborations. The platform has many administration and control tools that allow better control over its features.
9. Spike
Spike is a Slack alternative that gives the best chat features. It allows users to sign up and use their existing email account, including Google, Yahoo, iCloud or Microsoft accounts. It enables features such as advanced searches, file sharing, direct messaging, voice messages, audio or video calls and collaborative notes. It provides a great alternative to Slack’s tool.
Spike’s strong Inbox keeps everything in one place and one stream instead of switching apps. It has all functions required for smooth communications. Although not the same as Slack, Spike provides a great alternative to online communications. The app is available on all major platforms, including Windows, Android, and iOS.
10. Hive
Hive is a project management software that also serves as a team chat application. Using Hive, users can put all their teams in the same place and work together. Similarly, it includes features like direct group messaging, task management, email integration, and notes. Apart from the above, it also offers file integration with platforms including Google Drive, Dropbox, and One Drive.
Hive is best for users who do not want to switch on multiple apps throughout their workday. It allows them to stay organized and on the same page. Hive doesn’t cater to the same audience as Slack and some other names on this list. Despite that, it provides similar features, which users can find beneficial for online collaboration and project management.
Conclusion
Slack is a messaging app available on all platforms. Slack claims to be “a team communication tool for the 21st century”. It aims to replace emails, text messaging, phone calls, and even purpose-built chat systems like IRC (Internet Relay Chat). However, with increased market competition, numerous competitors and alternatives to Slack are now available, including those listed above.
