12 Best Slack Alternatives & Competitors
Slack has become one of the most widely used team communication tools, offering channels, direct messages, file sharing, and integration with hundreds of apps. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Many teams and organizations look for Slack alternatives due to pricing limitations, missing features, or the need for more customization and control.
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Whether you’re a startup looking for a free option, a large enterprise needing better integration with your existing systems, or a developer-focused team seeking open-source flexibility, there are plenty of Slack competitors worth considering. In this guide, we’ve compiled 12 of the best Slack alternatives that are active, reliable, and suitable for teams across various industries.
Top 12 Slack Alternatives & Competitors
Let’s explore each tool to help you find the right communication platform for your needs.
1. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a comprehensive communication platform built to integrate closely with Microsoft 365 services. It offers team-based chat, video meetings, and collaboration tools that streamline workflows for organizations of all sizes. With deep integration into apps like Word, Excel, and SharePoint, it enables seamless document collaboration and communication in one place.
Key Features:
- Team and private chats with threaded conversations
- Integrated video and voice meetings
- File sharing and cloud storage via OneDrive
- Tight integration with Microsoft 365 apps
- Support for internal and external collaboration
- Enterprise-grade security and administrative controls
Related: 30 Microsoft Teams Keyboard Shortcuts
Ideal For: Businesses and enterprises that already rely on Microsoft 365 and need a scalable, all-in-one communication and collaboration hub.
2. Google Chat
Google Chat is a streamlined messaging platform from Google that’s increasingly seen as one of the more reliable Slack alternatives for teams using Google Workspace. It supports direct messaging, group conversations, and collaborative “Spaces” while integrating tightly with Gmail, Google Meet, and Google Drive. Its clean interface and productivity-focused tools position it as a solid choice among Slack competitors.
Key Features:
- Team chats and threaded conversations in Spaces
- Integrated with Gmail, Calendar, Drive, and Google Meet
- Real-time document collaboration using Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
- Smart replies and task management features
- Built-in security and admin controls for Workspace users
Ideal For: Organizations already using Google Workspace that want a simple, efficient, and cloud-based solution in place of Slack.
3. Zoom Team Chat
While Zoom is primarily known for video conferencing, Zoom Team Chat has evolved into a capable messaging platform and is now considered one of the practical Slack alternatives. It provides real-time chat, file sharing, and integration with Zoom Meetings, making it convenient for hybrid and remote teams who already rely on Zoom for communication.
Key Features:
- 1:1 and group messaging with searchable history
- Seamless integration with Zoom Meetings and Zoom Phone
- File sharing, emoji reactions, and message threading
- Calendar and app integrations
- Presence indicators and notifications across devices
Read More: 50 Zoom Keyboard Shortcuts
Ideal For: Teams that use Zoom for video communication and want to consolidate chat and meeting tools in a single workspace a compelling option among Slack competitors.
4. Webex (Webex App)
Webex by Cisco is more than just a video conferencing tool it includes a robust team messaging component via the Webex App, positioning itself as one of the enterprise-ready Slack alternatives. With secure messaging, video calling, and integrated task management, Webex is built for teams that prioritize compliance, scalability, and reliability.
Key Features:
- Secure messaging with file sharing and message threads
- Integrated calling, video meetings, and screen sharing
- Calendar integrations and meeting scheduling
- Whiteboarding and task assignment features
- Advanced security, compliance, and encryption standards
Related: 31 Cisco Webex Keyboard Shortcuts
Ideal For: Large businesses and government organizations needing a secure, all-in-one communication solution that stands strong among other Slack competitors.
5. Mattermost
Mattermost is a developer-centric platform that stands out among open-source Slack alternatives. It’s built for privacy, customization, and control allowing teams to self-host their chat environment and deeply tailor features to suit internal workflows. With support for DevOps toolchains and compliance needs, it’s a top pick for technical teams.
Key Features:
- Open-source and self-hosted team messaging
- Channels, threads, and direct messaging
- Support for workflows, playbooks, and DevOps integration
- Compliance-ready with granular security controls
- Multi-language support and custom plug-ins
Read more: 27 Mattermost Keyboard Shortcuts
Ideal For: Development, security, and operations teams looking for a highly configurable Slack competitor that prioritizes data ownership and customization.
6. Rocket.Chat
Rocket.Chat is a secure and open-source messaging platform that offers both cloud and self-hosted deployment options. It’s a standout among Slack alternatives for organizations that need full control over their data and infrastructure. With features tailored for privacy-conscious teams and government use, Rocket.Chat is a trusted option among advanced Slack competitors.
Key Features:
- Open-source with self-hosted deployment
- End-to-end encryption and role-based access control
- Omnichannel support: live chat, SMS, email, and more
- Integration with LDAP, Jira, GitHub, and over 100 tools
- Customizable UI and workflow automation options
Related: 8 Rocket Chat Keyboard Shortcuts
Ideal For: Enterprises, governments, and privacy-focused teams that need a secure and flexible alternative to Slack.
7. Zoho Cliq
Zoho Cliq is part of the broader Zoho productivity suite and offers real-time messaging, video conferencing, and task management. It’s among the more budget-friendly Slack alternatives, especially for small to mid-sized businesses that need streamlined communication without the complexity of enterprise platforms.
Key Features:
- Channels, threads, and bots for automated tasks
- Voice and video calling with screen sharing
- Integration with Zoho apps, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365
- User roles, permissions, and audit logs
- Mobile and desktop apps with cross-platform support
Ideal For: Small businesses and growing teams looking for a cost-effective Slack competitor with built-in productivity tools.
8. Zulip
Zulip combines real-time messaging with email-style threading, allowing teams to follow multiple conversations without getting overwhelmed. This unique structure makes it one of the most efficient Slack alternatives for asynchronous communication, particularly among remote and globally distributed teams.
Key Features:
- Stream + topic-based message threading
- Markdown support and emoji reactions
- Integration with GitHub, Jira, Trello, and more
- Self-hosted and cloud options available
- Open-source and developer-friendly
Ideal For: Remote teams or technical groups who need better structure and clarity than what most Slack competitors offer.
9. Element (Matrix)
Element is a decentralized, open-source messaging platform built on the Matrix protocol. It’s ideal for teams or organizations seeking a highly secure and privacy-respecting alternative to centralized tools. Among Slack alternatives, Element stands out for its decentralization and interoperability.
Key Features:
- End-to-end encrypted messaging
- Decentralized and federated communication
- Voice and video calling
- Bridges to Slack, Discord, IRC, and more
- Open-source with customizable deployment
Ideal For: Privacy-first organizations, activist groups, and tech-savvy teams that want a secure, federated Slack competitor.
10. RingCentral (Team Messaging)
RingCentral is best known for its business phone systems, but its Team Messaging feature is a capable competitor in the team collaboration space. As one of the more comprehensive Slack alternatives, it combines chat, video, and VoIP into a unified platform ideal for all-in-one communication needs.
Key Features:
- Persistent messaging with channels and direct messages
- Integrated video conferencing and cloud phone system
- Task assignment and calendar integrations
- Mobile and desktop apps for seamless access
- Enterprise-grade security and uptime SLAs
Read More: 13 RingCentral Meetings Keyboard Shortcuts
Ideal For: Businesses that need unified communications chat, calling, and meetings in one platform, making it a strong Slack competitor for enterprise users.
11. Chanty
Chanty is a simple yet effective team chat app designed for small businesses and remote teams. Unlike many Slack alternatives, Chanty focuses on ease of use, minimal configuration, and built-in task management. Its lightweight interface and straightforward feature set make it a great entry-level Slack competitor for teams looking to get started quickly.
Key Features:
- Public and private conversations with message history
- Built-in task management with Kanban board view
- File sharing and voice messaging
- Integration with apps like Trello, GitHub, Asana, and Google Drive
- AI-based suggestions for improved productivity
Ideal For: Startups, small teams, and freelancers who want a clutter-free Slack alternative with built-in task tracking.
12. Discord
Initially designed for gamers, Discord has become a popular communication platform for communities, developers, and even professional teams. Its channel-based structure, real-time voice communication, and generous free plan make it one of the most accessible Slack alternatives, especially for informal or hybrid teams.
Key Features:
- Voice, video, and text communication in organized channels
- Screen sharing and streaming support
- Role-based permissions and moderation tools
- Bots and integrations for automation
- Cross-platform access (web, desktop, mobile)
Related: 30 Discord Keyboard Shortcuts
Ideal For: Creative teams, remote workers, and online communities seeking a casual, voice-friendly Slack competitor with flexibility and strong moderation features.
Conclusion
While Slack remains a dominant force in team communication, it’s clear that it isn’t the only option available. From enterprise-ready platforms like Microsoft Teams and Webex, to open-source solutions like Mattermost and Rocket.Chat, the market is full of reliable Slack alternatives tailored to different team needs.
Some organizations prioritize privacy and self-hosting, while others need deep integration with existing productivity suites. Tools like Google Chat, Zoom Team Chat, and Zoho Cliq offer simple, cloud-based collaboration, while platforms like Element and Zulip stand out for security and asynchronous communication.
Choosing the right tool comes down to what your team values most whether it’s security, ease of use, scalability, or pricing. With this curated list of Slack competitors, you’re better equipped to evaluate your options and find the solution that fits your workflow best.
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