You found our list of the top Slack alternatives.
The best Slack alternatives are team messaging platforms other than Slack used inside an organization for instant communication and teamwork. Examples include Zulip and Fleep. The purpose of these alternatives is to ensure efficient internal communication if your company cannot use the Slack solution.
These tools are similar to remote work software and online collaboration tools for business. If you prefer the original, then you can read about Slack apps, Slack games, and Slack channel ideas.
This article contains:
- free Slack alternatives
- self-hosted Slack alternatives
- open source Slack alternatives
- Slack client alternatives
- Slack teams alternatives
Here we go!
List of the best Slack alternatives
Slack is a hosted service, meaning you can register, set up your workspace, and start using the features. If you want Slack team alternatives that serve a similar purpose, the following are some of the best Slack teams alternatives currently available for your perusal.
1. Zulip
Zulip is one of the most Slack client alternatives with a distinct threaded conversation model. This model lets teams have focused and organized discussions by grouping messages into threads. Zulip’s interface ensures that important conversations are not lost, making it particularly effective for larger teams or projects where clear communication is crucial. With support for real-time chat, integrations, and powerful search capabilities, Zulip is a versatile solution for teams looking for structured communication.
Zulip offers multiple pricing plans, from free to enterprise. Additionally, users can access the open-source version to customize it as needed.
Learn more about Zulip.
2. Rocket.Chat
If you seek free, open source Slack alternatives, then our best bet is Rocket.Chat. Rocket.open Chat’s source nature is one of its distinguishing features. The platform is ideal for companies that value privacy and want complete creative control over their app usage. In addition, you have complete creative freedom to modify the tool’s source code to suit your business requirements.
Rocket.Chat is an instant-deployable, feature-rich alternative to Slack that allows you to develop the app to your specifications. The app is helpful for international teams since it translates chats and discussions into more than 20 other languages. You can make voice and video calls and import and export your Slack data. Rocket.Chat offers end-to-end encryption too.
If you are looking for a cost-free alternative, then consider the self-managed package, which includes an upgrade to the more robust Enterprise plan.
Learn more about Rocket.Chat.
3. RingCentral Video
If you are tired of constantly moving between chat, task management, calendar, and file management apps, then you will love RingCentral Video, previously known as Glip. With RingCentral Video, you can save the hassle of switching between platforms by keeping your applications in one central location. The app encourages teamwork by reducing managers’ workloads in several areas.
The centralized app administration is the main selling point of RingCentral Video, but the free messaging and access to team discussions and communications are nice bonuses. In addition to its task management and project management tools, RingCentral Video also allows for asynchronous collaboration with project management features and group video calls and meetings. Plus, the platform provides over 20 custom integrations.
Multiple plans are available for RingCentral Video, allowing you to choose the best fit for your business. The Essential plan allows up to 20 users, while the next tier supports up to 99. Each plan has a little price increase if you have over 100 users.
Learn more about RingCentral Video.
4. MangoApps
MangoApps offers a comprehensive platform for internal collaboration, combining team communication, file sharing, task management, and intranet features. The software provides a central hub where teams can communicate effectively, share files, manage tasks, and access company resources. MangoApps aims to improve employee engagement and streamline communication across the organization. These features make this resource it a valuable tool for companies looking to enhance their internal collaboration and knowledge sharing.
MangoApps offers a small-business plan for firms with fewer than 100 users, which costs $12 per user per month. Enterprises looking for larger-scale solutions can reach out for custom pricing plans.
Learn more about MangoApps.
5. Brosix
Brosix is a secure team communication platform focusing on privacy and data security. The platform offers features like secure messaging, file sharing, screen sharing, and voice and video calls. Brosix emphasizes protecting sensitive information and offers features like end-to-end encryption and administrative control over user access. This feature makes the platform a suitable choice for organizations that prioritize data security during efficient team communication.
Brosix’s pricing plans include Startup, Business, and Premium. Costs range from free for three users to $8 per user per year. Firms can also opt for annual billing to save a little money.
Learn more about Brosix.
6. Teamwork
Teamwork offers a suite of tools designed to streamline project management and collaboration. Teamwork Chat is a component of this suite, offering team messaging, file sharing, and integrations. Teamwork Chat seamlessly integrates with Teamwork’s project management features, allowing colleagues to communicate during task coordination and project tracking. This integration can be particularly useful for teams looking for a unified solution to manage both their communication and projects.
Teamwork offers a 30-day free trial, and then billing costs $5 per user per month billed monthly. If you are interested in annual plans, then you will save $1 per user per month.
Learn more about Teamwork.
7. Twist
Twist promotes interval communication and structured discussions through threaded conversations. By organizing conversations into threads, Twist reduces the noise and urgency often associated with real-time chat platforms. This feature is especially beneficial for remote and distributed teams, as it allows members to participate in discussions without needing to be online simultaneously. Twist’s focus on clarity and collaboration makes it ideal for teams seeking a more thoughtful and organized communication approach.
Twist offers a free plan with limited features, or companies can get an unlimited plan for $8 per user per month. Teams looking for a bit of savings can choose annual billing, which changes the price to $6 per user per month.
Learn more about Twist.
8. Chanty
Chanty is a basic, feature-limited chat software that focuses on helping complete tasks. Businesses or groups focusing mostly on task management might benefit most from using Chanty’s AI-powered interface. The app maintains a simple interface and includes tools that help teams stay in sync while they complete individual tasks.
The prominent placement of the “task” button emphasizes that task completion takes precedence over chit-chat. A “teambook” is available for coordinating team efforts across tasks, communications, and files. Chanty’s communication features include public and private chats, group phone calls, and video chats. Third-party app integrations are also available.
Neither group calls nor video capabilities are available on Chanty’s free plan, which tops out at ten users. However, for a monthly payment of $3 or $4 per user per month paid yearly, you may upgrade to the premium plan.
Learn more about Chanty.
9. Pumble
Pumble is unusual among the programs because its free subscription includes features like unlimited users, chat history, and messages. The app markets itself as an alternative to email, Microsoft Teams, and Discord, as it incorporates features from all three. Pumble works with many operating systems and is usable on mobile apps.
From a feature perspective, it is equivalent to or even superior to Slack. The app’s direct messaging, channel creation, and threaded discussions inside channels are all reminiscent of Slack’s features. In addition, you can host phone and video calls, exchange files, and work directly with users outside of your organization. Paid users, however, have access to features like screen sharing and administrative controls.
Pumble’s free plan is among the finest in the industry, but it only allows a total of 10GB of storage. The Pro plan’s per-user 10GB storage is a tempting offer for just $1.99 per month. Guest access, screen sharing, permissions control, and a tappable sidebar are also available.
Learn more about Pumble.
10. Flowdock
If you are seeking cheaper self-hosted Slack alternatives but still want all the features, Flowdock is an excellent paid option to consider. Originally intended as a means of communication among programmers, the app’s success caused the developers to tailor it to the requirements of project managers and other specialized business users.
Like Slack’s “channel” idea, Flowdock employs threads to organize discussions, with an additional color-coding option for the threads. This feature is ideal for teams that need to work together on various topics, rather than just having one-on-one conversations. In addition, you may share your screen while chatting through voice or video.
Private conversations may take place in one-on-one Flows with chosen coworkers, and every user can access a common team mailbox. If you are looking for more complex capabilities, Flowdock has an open API you may utilize to tailor your integrations to your use case.
Flowdock is also compatible with mobile devices. You can try Flowdock for free for 30 days and see whether it meets your needs. Afterward, the cheapest plan is $3 per user each month. Upgrading to the Enterprise package gives you features like data encryption, Flow-level management, and single sign-on.
Learn more about Flowdock.
11. Fleep
Fleep is a streamlined instant messaging service ideal for teams who like keeping processes simple. If your workflow relies heavily on email for communicating about critical subjects, then this integration will be a huge boon. The app has an open-network approach, so you can talk to workspaces and businesses outside your immediate area if they also use Fleep.
Fleep allows users to have endless private discussions and even provides read receipts for texts sent. Assigning tasks and keeping tabs on their progress is a breeze with the pinboard feature of this powerful project management tool. In addition, Fleep allows cloud storage for documents and cross-collaboration.
Fleep offers a freemium version. However, users are restricted to 1GB of storage and may only have one group chat at a time. When you upgrade to the Business plan, you can access services like unlimited individual or group chats and 100GB of file storage. You can try out the Enterprise package instead if you have a big team and want to save money.
Learn more about Fleep.
12. Mattermost
The main selling point of Mattermost is its privacy possibilities, in contrast to other applications where chat-based capabilities and project management perspectives dominate. The program is accessible through a browser, desktop web app, or mobile device. You can install the software via a server-based option on any operating system.
The app is open-course, meaning the code, libraries, and server APIs are all available for customization. Although Mattermost does provide both public and private chatting with limitless message searching, it does not include a group video conferencing feature.
Additionally, if you choose, you may use a more secure kind of authentication called multi-factor authentication when exchanging files. Mattermost offers over 700 third-party integrations.
The free version of Mattermost has a small storage capacity of 10GB. The monthly cost for the least paid plan begins at $10 per user. The Enterprise package comes with more complex integrations and reporting for compliance purposes, with pricing tailored to each company.
Learn more about Mattermost.
13. Ryver
Ryver’s chat features are similar to those of Slack. Open forums, private channels for teams to separate issues, and direct conversations with individual users are all excellent options for improving communication. Ryver goes beyond basic task management by allowing users to create kanban-style tasks inside the interface straight from a message and assign due dates and reminders. Although there is technically no limit on the number of participants in a call, the service is optimized for a group of five.
In addition to its usefulness as a project management tool, Ryver’s ability to connect with a wide variety of third-party programs and its infinite chat records, task creation, and personal boards are all noteworthy features. The app also offers SSO feature to keep your data safe and secure.
Despite the lack of a free tier, Ryver does provide a 14-day free trial of its premium plans. This feature is exclusive to the Medium Pack plan, which costs $4.67 per user per month. However, the price increases with the number of users.
Learn more about Ryver.
14. Troop Messenger
Like the other team communication tools on our list, Troop provides text messaging with a read-receipt option, video calling, and voice calling. Managers searching for a more secure environment may take advantage of the remote desktop control and still share their screens with employees for reference purposes.
As a bonus, “burnout” is available in the paid premium edition and allows users to collaborate in a private post that stores no message history. In addition, Troop Messenger allows for two-way audio and video calls and text-based chats for private interactions. Alternatively, you may hold group chats or talks convos. The main features previews of shared files, remote screen sharing, and desktop control. Additionally, Troop Messenger is an encrypted messaging app for teamwork.
If you want to try out Troop, then you can do so risk-free for seven days. SaaS Premium is the most well-known model. However, prices vary by use case and kind of business. The Enterprise plan offers 1TB of storage for $5 per user per month and is a good choice if you need additional space.
Learn more about Troop Messenger.
15. Hive
Hive does not see itself as primarily a communications tool, hence it is not easy to categorize. Instead, Hive revolves around project management capabilities that let you set up, allocate, and check in on assignments. Users can be sure that their teams will remain on top of critical tasks while using the app’s real-time chat feature.
Personal to-do lists, project status updates, and direct job assignments are just a few features available. Hive also allows integration with other applications and has one-on-one and group conversations.
Although Hive is a free option on our list of alternatives to Slack, its freemium approach is only suitable for single users. Organizations should probably go with a subscription service. On the other hand, hive Enterprise is an excellent option for bespoke project management needs.
Learn more about Hive.
16. Jostle
Jostle blends the idea of a messaging app with the philosophy of an intranet to help organizations maintain a connection with their staff and increase morale. You may compare the app to an internal social network that only your company’s employees can access.
Jostle has standard capabilities, including voice and video calls and the ability to send and receive messages and status updates in several languages. Streaming software like JostleTV and real-time polling tools may increase audience participation. Jostle also offers third-party integrations and a user directory to help you track your team’s output.
Jostle is unlike most other services since it does not use a tiered price structure. The price depends on the size of your company and the functionality you need. There is no zero-cost option.
Learn more about Jostle.
17. Meta Workplace Groups
Meta Workplace Groups is a free alternative to consider if your business is searching for a low-key way to facilitate communication and cooperation among employees and clients. Meta Groups works with the Workplace suite, designed for internal corporate communication and collaboration. You can communicate with an unlimited number of users at no cost. If you are working in a team and want to ensure users see your changes, utilize the Official Groups.
Comments and reactions to your articles are another way to get feedback and replies. Meta Workplace Groups offers free video and audio calls for groups of up to 20 individuals and one-on-one collaboration.
Learn more about Meta Workplace Groups.
Conclusion
The effectiveness of Slack is a significant factor in its widespread adoption. The platform is more versatile than most team chat systems and performs well in most situations, yet it is not without its drawbacks. Due to its focus on specialized usage, larger firms may experience issues. In this case, it is a good idea to explore comparable options that might provide additional features useful to your organization. Slack is only for some, but if it does not work for you, you have other choices to try.
Next, read more about collaboration at work and team building tools.
Grace He