Slack Review 2025: Pricing, Features, Pros & Cons, Ratings & More
Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist
Slack: Top Communication Software
4.55 / 5
Featured Communication Software Alternatives for Slack
$20 per user per month paid annually
Demo available
VoIP, conferencing, file sharing
Editor's Take
RingCentral is a cloud-based communication and collaboration platform designed to support businesses in managing voice, video, messaging, and team collaboration from one unified system. Known for its flexibility and ease of use, RingCentral is ideal for businesses of all sizes, especially those with remote or hybrid workforces. The platform offers robust VoIP services, video conferencing, instant messaging, and file sharing, ensuring teams can stay connected and productive from anywhere.
RingCentral integrates seamlessly with popular business applications like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Salesforce, enabling smooth workflows across different tools. Its intuitive interface and high-quality call management features make it a powerful solution for contact centers and customer service operations. With security and compliance tools built-in, RingCentral provides reliable, secure communications, making it a top choice for businesses aiming to enhance collaboration and streamline communication in a flexible, scalable platform.
Expert Score
In evaluating SaaS software, a comprehensive and structured methodology ensures a fair and accurate comparison across key metrics. This approach focuses on the most critical aspects that affect user experience, functionality, and business value. The following metrics—general features, cost, customer service, integrations, and mobile support—are evaluated to provide a holistic view of each software solution’s strengths and weaknesses. These metrics are selected based on their direct impact on software usability, scalability, and long-term effectiveness for businesses.
1. General Features - scoring weight 40%
This metric evaluates the core functionalities and tools the software offers. It involves assessing the comprehensiveness of the features, their relevance to the target users, and the ease of use. This is important because robust and well-designed features determine the software's overall utility and efficiency in solving user problems.
2. Cost - scoring weight 15%
Cost analysis focuses on pricing models, value for money, and scalability. It's crucial to evaluate whether the software’s features justify its price, considering different plans for small and large organizations. This is vital for businesses to ensure they invest in cost-effective solutions that fit their budget.
3. Customer Service - scoring weight 15%
This evaluates the responsiveness, quality, and availability of customer support, including channels like chat, email, or phone. Good customer service is essential for troubleshooting and ensuring smooth software usage, which reduces downtime and frustration for users.
4. Integrations - scoring weight 15%
This examines how well the software integrates with third-party tools (e.g., CRM, payment systems, collaboration apps). Seamless integrations are key for creating a unified workflow and enhancing productivity by connecting multiple systems, which is crucial for operational efficiency.
5. Mobile Support - scoring weight 15%
Mobile support assesses the software’s functionality and performance on mobile devices, including apps and mobile web versions. With increasing remote work and on-the-go usage, strong mobile support is critical to ensure users can access and utilize the software effectively, regardless of location.
$29 per month billed annually, free plan available
14 days
employee scheduling, time tracking, task management
Editor's Take
Connecteam is a mobile-first workforce management platform designed to help businesses streamline communication, scheduling, training, and operations for deskless and remote teams. Ideal for industries like retail, hospitality, construction, and healthcare, Connecteam offers an intuitive, all-in-one solution for managing employees from any location, ensuring that teams stay connected, engaged, and productive.
With features for employee scheduling, time tracking, task management, and real-time communication, Connecteam enables managers to coordinate tasks and monitor progress with ease. The platform also includes tools for onboarding and training, allowing businesses to standardize knowledge-sharing and compliance while tracking employee progress. Through customizable workflows, forms, and reporting, Connecteam provides valuable insights into team performance and operational efficiency. For organizations looking to improve team coordination, enhance communication, and empower deskless employees, Connecteam delivers a flexible and user-friendly solution that supports growth and efficiency.
Expert Score
In evaluating SaaS software, a comprehensive and structured methodology ensures a fair and accurate comparison across key metrics. This approach focuses on the most critical aspects that affect user experience, functionality, and business value. The following metrics—general features, cost, customer service, integrations, and mobile support—are evaluated to provide a holistic view of each software solution’s strengths and weaknesses. These metrics are selected based on their direct impact on software usability, scalability, and long-term effectiveness for businesses.
1. General Features - scoring weight 40%
This metric evaluates the core functionalities and tools the software offers. It involves assessing the comprehensiveness of the features, their relevance to the target users, and the ease of use. This is important because robust and well-designed features determine the software’s overall utility and efficiency in solving user problems.
2. Cost - scoring weight 15%
Cost analysis focuses on pricing models, value for money, and scalability. It’s crucial to evaluate whether the software’s features justify its price, considering different plans for small and large organizations. This is vital for businesses to ensure they invest in cost-effective solutions that fit their budget.
3. Customer Service - scoring weight 15%
This evaluates the responsiveness, quality, and availability of customer support, including channels like chat, email, or phone. Good customer service is essential for troubleshooting and ensuring smooth software usage, which reduces downtime and frustration for users.
4. Integrations - scoring weight 15%
This examines how well the software integrates with third-party tools (e.g., CRM, payment systems, collaboration apps). Seamless integrations are key for creating a unified workflow and enhancing productivity by connecting multiple systems, which is crucial for operational efficiency.
5. Mobile Support - scoring weight 15%
Mobile support assesses the software’s functionality and performance on mobile devices, including apps and mobile web versions. With increasing remote work and on-the-go usage, strong mobile support is critical to ensure users can access and utilize the software effectively, regardless of location.
$9 per user per month billed annually
14 days
live webinars, automating registration, pools
Editor's Take
Zoho Webinar is a versatile platform designed to help businesses host, manage, and engage in interactive webinars with ease. Part of the Zoho suite, Zoho Webinar provides tools for creating live webinars, automating registration, and engaging participants through Q&A, polls, and chat features, making it ideal for marketing, training, and customer engagement events.
The platform’s intuitive interface simplifies the process of setting up and promoting webinars, while built-in analytics give insights into attendee engagement, helping teams understand participant behavior and improve future events. Zoho Webinar also includes features like automated email reminders, customizable registration pages, and post-webinar reports, making it a comprehensive tool for managing end-to-end webinar experiences. Seamless integration with Zoho CRM, Zoho Campaigns, and other Zoho tools allows users to streamline workflows and maximize lead generation opportunities. For organizations looking to expand their outreach and connect with audiences remotely, Zoho Webinar offers a reliable, scalable solution with all the features needed for engaging virtual events.
Expert Score
In evaluating SaaS software, a comprehensive and structured methodology ensures a fair and accurate comparison across key metrics. This approach focuses on the most critical aspects that affect user experience, functionality, and business value. The following metrics—general features, cost, customer service, integrations, and mobile support—are evaluated to provide a holistic view of each software solution’s strengths and weaknesses. These metrics are selected based on their direct impact on software usability, scalability, and long-term effectiveness for businesses.
1. General Features - scoring weight 40%
This metric evaluates the core functionalities and tools the software offers. It involves assessing the comprehensiveness of the features, their relevance to the target users, and the ease of use. This is important because robust and well-designed features determine the software’s overall utility and efficiency in solving user problems.
2. Cost - scoring weight 15%
Cost analysis focuses on pricing models, value for money, and scalability. It’s crucial to evaluate whether the software’s features justify its price, considering different plans for small and large organizations. This is vital for businesses to ensure they invest in cost-effective solutions that fit their budget.
3. Customer Service - scoring weight 15%
This evaluates the responsiveness, quality, and availability of customer support, including channels like chat, email, or phone. Good customer service is essential for troubleshooting and ensuring smooth software usage, which reduces downtime and frustration for users.
4. Integrations - scoring weight 15%
This examines how well the software integrates with third-party tools (e.g., CRM, payment systems, collaboration apps). Seamless integrations are key for creating a unified workflow and enhancing productivity by connecting multiple systems, which is crucial for operational efficiency.
5. Mobile Support - scoring weight 15%
Mobile support assesses the software’s functionality and performance on mobile devices, including apps and mobile web versions. With increasing remote work and on-the-go usage, strong mobile support is critical to ensure users can access and utilize the software effectively, regardless of location.
Slack Review
What is Slack
Slack is designed to streamline workplace communication by organizing conversations into channels focused on specific projects or teams, which helps reduce the clutter often found in email threads. This structure supports both direct and group messaging, with options to mention individuals or entire groups, making task assignments and notifications more efficient. Threaded replies within channels maintain clarity by keeping related discussions connected without overwhelming the main conversation.
File sharing is built into Slack’s core functionality, allowing users to upload and access documents, images, and videos directly in conversations. These files remain searchable inside the platform, minimizing the need to switch between apps. Slack also integrates with popular cloud storage services, which adds convenience for teams managing large volumes of shared content. Such features are critical when evaluating what is Slack used for in a collaborative environment.
The platform’s extensive integrations with third-party tools like Google Drive, Trello, Jira, and GitHub enable teams to centralize workflows and receive real-time updates without leaving the messaging interface. This ecosystem supports notifications, task updates, and command execution, substantially enhancing productivity. These Slack collaboration tool features make it a flexible hub for diverse operational needs.
Slack’s advanced search capabilities allow users to quickly find past messages, files, or channels using filters by date, user, or topic. This is especially valuable for companies handling large datasets or complex projects where retrieving specific information promptly is essential. Customizable notifications and the ability to mute channels or set alert keywords help users focus on what matters most, reducing distractions in busy work environments.
Accessible across desktop, mobile, and web platforms, Slack ensures continuous connectivity regardless of device or location. Its security measures include encryption for data both in transit and at rest, along with administrative tools for user authentication, data retention policies, and audit logs. These protect sensitive communications and support compliance with industry standards, a critical consideration for organizations prioritizing data security.
Slack supports multiple isolated workspaces for different teams or organizations, each with separate settings and members. This allows secure segregation of information and facilitates collaboration across various groups within a company. For businesses evaluating software options, understanding Slack’s workspace model is important for managing internal communication at scale.
For companies interested in integrating financial workflows, exploring the relationship between communication tools and accounting solutions can be beneficial. This is why reading about financial accounting software may provide valuable insights into aligning Slack’s capabilities with broader operational needs.
Featured Communication Software Products
$20 per user per month paid annually
Demo available
VoIP, conferencing, file sharing
Editor's Take
RingCentral is a cloud-based communication and collaboration platform designed to support businesses in managing voice, video, messaging, and team collaboration from one unified system. Known for its flexibility and ease of use, RingCentral is ideal for businesses of all sizes, especially those with remote or hybrid workforces. The platform offers robust VoIP services, video conferencing, instant messaging, and file sharing, ensuring teams can stay connected and productive from anywhere.
RingCentral integrates seamlessly with popular business applications like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Salesforce, enabling smooth workflows across different tools. Its intuitive interface and high-quality call management features make it a powerful solution for contact centers and customer service operations. With security and compliance tools built-in, RingCentral provides reliable, secure communications, making it a top choice for businesses aiming to enhance collaboration and streamline communication in a flexible, scalable platform.
Expert Score
In evaluating SaaS software, a comprehensive and structured methodology ensures a fair and accurate comparison across key metrics. This approach focuses on the most critical aspects that affect user experience, functionality, and business value. The following metrics—general features, cost, customer service, integrations, and mobile support—are evaluated to provide a holistic view of each software solution’s strengths and weaknesses. These metrics are selected based on their direct impact on software usability, scalability, and long-term effectiveness for businesses.
1. General Features - scoring weight 40%
This metric evaluates the core functionalities and tools the software offers. It involves assessing the comprehensiveness of the features, their relevance to the target users, and the ease of use. This is important because robust and well-designed features determine the software's overall utility and efficiency in solving user problems.
2. Cost - scoring weight 15%
Cost analysis focuses on pricing models, value for money, and scalability. It's crucial to evaluate whether the software’s features justify its price, considering different plans for small and large organizations. This is vital for businesses to ensure they invest in cost-effective solutions that fit their budget.
3. Customer Service - scoring weight 15%
This evaluates the responsiveness, quality, and availability of customer support, including channels like chat, email, or phone. Good customer service is essential for troubleshooting and ensuring smooth software usage, which reduces downtime and frustration for users.
4. Integrations - scoring weight 15%
This examines how well the software integrates with third-party tools (e.g., CRM, payment systems, collaboration apps). Seamless integrations are key for creating a unified workflow and enhancing productivity by connecting multiple systems, which is crucial for operational efficiency.
5. Mobile Support - scoring weight 15%
Mobile support assesses the software’s functionality and performance on mobile devices, including apps and mobile web versions. With increasing remote work and on-the-go usage, strong mobile support is critical to ensure users can access and utilize the software effectively, regardless of location.
$29 per month billed annually, free plan available
14 days
employee scheduling, time tracking, task management
Editor's Take
Connecteam is a mobile-first workforce management platform designed to help businesses streamline communication, scheduling, training, and operations for deskless and remote teams. Ideal for industries like retail, hospitality, construction, and healthcare, Connecteam offers an intuitive, all-in-one solution for managing employees from any location, ensuring that teams stay connected, engaged, and productive.
With features for employee scheduling, time tracking, task management, and real-time communication, Connecteam enables managers to coordinate tasks and monitor progress with ease. The platform also includes tools for onboarding and training, allowing businesses to standardize knowledge-sharing and compliance while tracking employee progress. Through customizable workflows, forms, and reporting, Connecteam provides valuable insights into team performance and operational efficiency. For organizations looking to improve team coordination, enhance communication, and empower deskless employees, Connecteam delivers a flexible and user-friendly solution that supports growth and efficiency.
Expert Score
In evaluating SaaS software, a comprehensive and structured methodology ensures a fair and accurate comparison across key metrics. This approach focuses on the most critical aspects that affect user experience, functionality, and business value. The following metrics—general features, cost, customer service, integrations, and mobile support—are evaluated to provide a holistic view of each software solution’s strengths and weaknesses. These metrics are selected based on their direct impact on software usability, scalability, and long-term effectiveness for businesses.
1. General Features - scoring weight 40%
This metric evaluates the core functionalities and tools the software offers. It involves assessing the comprehensiveness of the features, their relevance to the target users, and the ease of use. This is important because robust and well-designed features determine the software’s overall utility and efficiency in solving user problems.
2. Cost - scoring weight 15%
Cost analysis focuses on pricing models, value for money, and scalability. It’s crucial to evaluate whether the software’s features justify its price, considering different plans for small and large organizations. This is vital for businesses to ensure they invest in cost-effective solutions that fit their budget.
3. Customer Service - scoring weight 15%
This evaluates the responsiveness, quality, and availability of customer support, including channels like chat, email, or phone. Good customer service is essential for troubleshooting and ensuring smooth software usage, which reduces downtime and frustration for users.
4. Integrations - scoring weight 15%
This examines how well the software integrates with third-party tools (e.g., CRM, payment systems, collaboration apps). Seamless integrations are key for creating a unified workflow and enhancing productivity by connecting multiple systems, which is crucial for operational efficiency.
5. Mobile Support - scoring weight 15%
Mobile support assesses the software’s functionality and performance on mobile devices, including apps and mobile web versions. With increasing remote work and on-the-go usage, strong mobile support is critical to ensure users can access and utilize the software effectively, regardless of location.
$9 per user per month billed annually
14 days
live webinars, automating registration, pools
Editor's Take
Zoho Webinar is a versatile platform designed to help businesses host, manage, and engage in interactive webinars with ease. Part of the Zoho suite, Zoho Webinar provides tools for creating live webinars, automating registration, and engaging participants through Q&A, polls, and chat features, making it ideal for marketing, training, and customer engagement events.
The platform’s intuitive interface simplifies the process of setting up and promoting webinars, while built-in analytics give insights into attendee engagement, helping teams understand participant behavior and improve future events. Zoho Webinar also includes features like automated email reminders, customizable registration pages, and post-webinar reports, making it a comprehensive tool for managing end-to-end webinar experiences. Seamless integration with Zoho CRM, Zoho Campaigns, and other Zoho tools allows users to streamline workflows and maximize lead generation opportunities. For organizations looking to expand their outreach and connect with audiences remotely, Zoho Webinar offers a reliable, scalable solution with all the features needed for engaging virtual events.
Expert Score
In evaluating SaaS software, a comprehensive and structured methodology ensures a fair and accurate comparison across key metrics. This approach focuses on the most critical aspects that affect user experience, functionality, and business value. The following metrics—general features, cost, customer service, integrations, and mobile support—are evaluated to provide a holistic view of each software solution’s strengths and weaknesses. These metrics are selected based on their direct impact on software usability, scalability, and long-term effectiveness for businesses.
1. General Features - scoring weight 40%
This metric evaluates the core functionalities and tools the software offers. It involves assessing the comprehensiveness of the features, their relevance to the target users, and the ease of use. This is important because robust and well-designed features determine the software’s overall utility and efficiency in solving user problems.
2. Cost - scoring weight 15%
Cost analysis focuses on pricing models, value for money, and scalability. It’s crucial to evaluate whether the software’s features justify its price, considering different plans for small and large organizations. This is vital for businesses to ensure they invest in cost-effective solutions that fit their budget.
3. Customer Service - scoring weight 15%
This evaluates the responsiveness, quality, and availability of customer support, including channels like chat, email, or phone. Good customer service is essential for troubleshooting and ensuring smooth software usage, which reduces downtime and frustration for users.
4. Integrations - scoring weight 15%
This examines how well the software integrates with third-party tools (e.g., CRM, payment systems, collaboration apps). Seamless integrations are key for creating a unified workflow and enhancing productivity by connecting multiple systems, which is crucial for operational efficiency.
5. Mobile Support - scoring weight 15%
Mobile support assesses the software’s functionality and performance on mobile devices, including apps and mobile web versions. With increasing remote work and on-the-go usage, strong mobile support is critical to ensure users can access and utilize the software effectively, regardless of location.
$9 per seat per month
Zoom, Google Docs, Salesforce, Slack and more
Document collaboration and comments
Editor's Take
monday.com is a Work Operating System (Work OS) that enables teams to plan, organize, and manage tasks efficiently. Known for its customizable interface, it allows users to tailor workflows to suit specific needs, whether for task management or complex projects. The software’s automation features help reduce manual work by automating repetitive tasks based on set triggers. monday.com also fosters team collaboration through real-time updates, file sharing, and discussion threads, making it easier for teams to stay aligned and productive. Additionally, it integrates with popular tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Zoom to streamline operations across platforms.
Expert Score
In evaluating SaaS software, a comprehensive and structured methodology ensures a fair and accurate comparison across key metrics. This approach focuses on the most critical aspects that affect user experience, functionality, and business value. The following metrics—general features, cost, customer service, integrations, and mobile support—are evaluated to provide a holistic view of each software solution’s strengths and weaknesses. These metrics are selected based on their direct impact on software usability, scalability, and long-term effectiveness for businesses.
1. General Features - scoring weight 40%
This metric evaluates the core functionalities and tools the software offers. It involves assessing the comprehensiveness of the features, their relevance to the target users, and the ease of use. This is important because robust and well-designed features determine the software's overall utility and efficiency in solving user problems.
2. Cost - scoring weight 15%
Cost analysis focuses on pricing models, value for money, and scalability. It's crucial to evaluate whether the software’s features justify its price, considering different plans for small and large organizations. This is vital for businesses to ensure they invest in cost-effective solutions that fit their budget.
3. Customer Service - scoring weight 15%
This evaluates the responsiveness, quality, and availability of customer support, including channels like chat, email, or phone. Good customer service is essential for troubleshooting and ensuring smooth software usage, which reduces downtime and frustration for users.
4. Integrations - scoring weight 15%
This examines how well the software integrates with third-party tools (e.g., CRM, payment systems, collaboration apps). Seamless integrations are key for creating a unified workflow and enhancing productivity by connecting multiple systems, which is crucial for operational efficiency.
5. Mobile Support - scoring weight 15%
Mobile support assesses the software’s functionality and performance on mobile devices, including apps and mobile web versions. With increasing remote work and on-the-go usage, strong mobile support is critical to ensure users can access and utilize the software effectively, regardless of location.
$10 per user per month
Google Drive, Slack, Salesforce, and QuickBooks
Request forms and @mentions
Editor's Take
Wrike is a project management platform designed to help teams streamline their workflows and boost productivity. It offers a flexible, user-friendly interface that allows users to manage tasks, track progress, and collaborate on projects in real time. With its customizable dashboards and detailed reporting tools, Wrike provides clear visibility into project timelines and team performance. The platform also supports automation, enabling teams to automate repetitive tasks and reduce manual efforts. Collaboration is enhanced through features like task comments, file sharing, and integrations with tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace. Wrike’s scalability makes it suitable for teams of any size, from small businesses to large enterprises.
Expert Score
In evaluating SaaS software, a comprehensive and structured methodology ensures a fair and accurate comparison across key metrics. This approach focuses on the most critical aspects that affect user experience, functionality, and business value. The following metrics—general features, cost, customer service, integrations, and mobile support—are evaluated to provide a holistic view of each software solution’s strengths and weaknesses. These metrics are selected based on their direct impact on software usability, scalability, and long-term effectiveness for businesses.
1. General Features - scoring weight 40%
This metric evaluates the core functionalities and tools the software offers. It involves assessing the comprehensiveness of the features, their relevance to the target users, and the ease of use. This is important because robust and well-designed features determine the software’s overall utility and efficiency in solving user problems.
2. Cost - scoring weight 15%
Cost analysis focuses on pricing models, value for money, and scalability. It’s crucial to evaluate whether the software’s features justify its price, considering different plans for small and large organizations. This is vital for businesses to ensure they invest in cost-effective solutions that fit their budget.
3. Customer Service - scoring weight 15%
This evaluates the responsiveness, quality, and availability of customer support, including channels like chat, email, or phone. Good customer service is essential for troubleshooting and ensuring smooth software usage, which reduces downtime and frustration for users.
4. Integrations - scoring weight 15%
This examines how well the software integrates with third-party tools (e.g., CRM, payment systems, collaboration apps). Seamless integrations are key for creating a unified workflow and enhancing productivity by connecting multiple systems, which is crucial for operational efficiency.
5. Mobile Support - scoring weight 15%
Mobile support assesses the software’s functionality and performance on mobile devices, including apps and mobile web versions. With increasing remote work and on-the-go usage, strong mobile support is critical to ensure users can access and utilize the software effectively, regardless of location.
$20/month
No
Team messaging, video & audio calls, task management
Editor's Take
Glip is a collaboration and communication software designed to help teams work more efficiently by centralizing all their communication, tasks, and project management in one platform. It offers a range of tools to streamline team collaboration, including messaging, video calls, file sharing, and task management. With its intuitive interface, Glip makes it easy for teams to stay connected, share ideas, and track the progress of projects in real time. The software integrates seamlessly with various third-party applications, enhancing workflow automation and productivity. Glip is ideal for teams of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises, offering flexibility and scalability to meet the needs of diverse industries. By bringing all team communication and task management under one roof, Glip enhances productivity, reduces the need for multiple tools, and ensures teams stay aligned on their goals.
Expert Score
In evaluating SaaS software, a comprehensive and structured methodology ensures a fair and accurate comparison across key metrics. This approach focuses on the most critical aspects that affect user experience, functionality, and business value. The following metrics—general features, cost, customer service, integrations, and mobile support—are evaluated to provide a holistic view of each software solution’s strengths and weaknesses. These metrics are selected based on their direct impact on software usability, scalability, and long-term effectiveness for businesses.
1. General Features - scoring weight 40%
This metric evaluates the core functionalities and tools the software offers. It involves assessing the comprehensiveness of the features, their relevance to the target users, and the ease of use. This is important because robust and well-designed features determine the software’s overall utility and efficiency in solving user problems.
2. Cost - scoring weight 15%
Cost analysis focuses on pricing models, value for money, and scalability. It’s crucial to evaluate whether the software’s features justify its price, considering different plans for small and large organizations. This is vital for businesses to ensure they invest in cost-effective solutions that fit their budget.
3. Customer Service - scoring weight 15%
This evaluates the responsiveness, quality, and availability of customer support, including channels like chat, email, or phone. Good customer service is essential for troubleshooting and ensuring smooth software usage, which reduces downtime and frustration for users.
4. Integrations - scoring weight 15%
This examines how well the software integrates with third-party tools (e.g., CRM, payment systems, collaboration apps). Seamless integrations are key for creating a unified workflow and enhancing productivity by connecting multiple systems, which is crucial for operational efficiency.
5. Mobile Support - scoring weight 15%
Mobile support assesses the software’s functionality and performance on mobile devices, including apps and mobile web versions. With increasing remote work and on-the-go usage, strong mobile support is critical to ensure users can access and utilize the software effectively, regardless of location.
How much does Slack cost
Slack: Top Communication Software
4.55 / 5
Free
- No cost for unlimited users
- Access to 90 days of message history
- 10 integrations with other apps
- 1-to-1 video and voice calls
Pro
- $7.25 per user per month (billed annually)
- Access to full message history
- Unlimited integrations
- Group video calls with screen sharing
- Guest accounts and user groups
- Advanced search functionality
Business+
- $12.50 per user per month (billed annually)
- All Pro features included
- Advanced identity management
- Compliance and retention tools
- 24/7 priority support
- Analytics and reporting tools
Enterprise Grid
- Custom pricing based on organization size
- All Business+ features included
- Enterprise-grade security and compliance
- Centralized controls and governance
- 24/7 support and deployment assistance
Slack offers a free trial of the paid plans, allowing users to test advanced features before making a commitment.
What are the pros of Slack
- Real-time messaging across multiple devices and platforms for instant team communication
- Organized conversations via public and private channels to segment discussions by project or topic
- Integration with various third-party apps like Google Drive, Trello, and Zoom to centralize workflows
- Advanced search functions to quickly locate past messages, files, and conversations
- Customizable notifications to reduce distractions by filtering alerts based on keywords or channels
What are the cons of Slack
- Free plan limits searchable messages to the latest 10,000, restricting access to older conversations.
- Notifications can become overwhelming, causing distractions and reducing productivity.
- Thread management is unintuitive, making it hard to follow discussions in busy channels.
- Search results can be inconsistent and lack advanced filtering options.
- File storage limits on paid plans may be insufficient for heavy document or media use.
What are the core features of Slack
Slack: Top Communication Software
4.55 / 5
Slack offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline team communication and enhance collaboration within organizations. Its features support efficient messaging, file sharing, and seamless integration with other work applications, making it a versatile platform for dynamic business environments.
- Business Instant Messaging: Facilitates real-time conversations through direct messages and group channels, keeping communication organized and focused.
- File Sharing: Enables easy uploading and exchanging of various file types directly within conversations, promoting smooth collaborative efforts.
- Customizable Notifications: Allows users to tailor alert settings to stay informed on important messages without unnecessary interruptions.
- Powerful Search Functionality: Indexes messages and files to help users quickly find past discussions or shared documents.
- Mobile and Desktop Applications: Provides fully featured apps for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring accessibility and optimized performance across devices.
- Browser-Based Access: Supports all main functions through a web interface, removing the need for installation and enabling use from any internet-enabled device.
- Third-Party Integrations: Connects with tools like Google Drive, Trello, and GitHub to automate workflows and centralize communication.
- Audio and Video Conferencing: Offers built-in voice and video calls within the platform, facilitating direct verbal communication and virtual meetings.
- Screen Sharing: Allows users to present their screens during calls for real-time visual collaboration and demonstrations.
- Threaded Messaging: Organizes replies into threads within channels, keeping related conversations separate from the main chat stream.
- Emoji Reactions and Custom Emojis: Supports quick message feedback through emojis, including the option to upload custom ones for personalized team interaction.
- Workflow Automation: Includes a no-code Workflow Builder to automate routine tasks, boosting productivity without programming expertise.
- Guest Access and Shared Channels: Enables secure collaboration with external partners by restricting guest permissions and facilitating cross-organization channels.
- Message Management: Allows editing, deleting, pinning, and bookmarking messages to maintain clarity and easy reference within conversations.
- Multi-Workspace Support: Lets users switch between multiple Slack workspaces seamlessly, aiding collaboration across different teams or organizations.
- Security Measures: Employs encryption during data transmission and storage, along with compliance certifications, to safeguard communications.
- Channel Administration: Provides tools for admins to archive, rename, and set privacy levels on channels, helping maintain order and control information flow.
- Advanced Search Filters: Offers modifiers to narrow search results by parameters such as date, user, channel, or file type for efficient information retrieval.
- Notification Scheduling and Do Not Disturb: Enables users to pause notifications or set quiet periods to minimize distractions during focused work.
- Analytics and Reporting: Grants workspace administrators access to engagement metrics and activity reports for monitoring and optimizing team communication.
Benefits of using Slack
Slack offers numerous advantages that can significantly improve communication and collaboration in any organization. The following overview highlights key benefits, helping prospective customers understand how Slack’s features can address diverse business needs efficiently.
- Unified Communication Hub: Slack centralizes all conversations, eliminating scattered emails and fragmented messages. This creates a streamlined environment where teams can communicate effortlessly within one platform.
- Organized Collaboration via Channels: Teams can create dedicated channels for projects, departments, or topics, ensuring discussions remain focused and easy to follow. This structure enhances clarity and reduces noise.
- Instant Messaging with Alerts: Real-time messaging supports quick response times and up-to-date communication, keeping projects moving forward without delay.
- Seamless Integration with Essential Tools: Slack connects with popular applications like Google Drive, Trello, and Zoom. This integration consolidates workflows, allowing users to work across tools without switching platforms.
- Powerful Search Capabilities: Archived messages and files are fully searchable, enabling teams to retrieve historical data swiftly and maintain continuity in ongoing projects.
- Robust Security and Compliance: Slack employs enterprise-level encryption and adheres to industry standards, providing peace of mind for companies concerned with data protection and regulatory compliance.
- Flexible Notifications and User Control: Customizable notification settings help users avoid distractions while ensuring critical updates are never missed, catering to varied work styles and priorities.
- Enhanced Collaboration with Voice and Video: Integrated calling features allow for quick transitions from text to voice or video chats, reducing the need for external conferencing tools and improving communication flow.
- Automation and Efficiency Boosters: Slack’s automation tools, including reminders and custom workflows, reduce repetitive tasks and increase productivity, especially valuable for teams handling complex projects.
Our expert take on Slack
When considering Slack for your company, I find its ability to centralize communication particularly valuable. Organizing conversations into channels allows teams to stay focused on specific projects or departments without getting overwhelmed. This feature alone makes it easier to manage large groups working simultaneously, which I’ve seen improve overall workflow.
From my experience with a slack collaboration tool review, one of the platform’s strengths is how it supports numerous third-party integrations. You can connect project management tools, cloud storage, and calendar apps, tailoring Slack to fit your exact needs. However, it’s important to be cautious; too many integrations can clutter the workspace and distract rather than help.
Security is another critical point I consider. Slack uses industry-standard encryption methods, which should be sufficient for most business operations. Still, if your company deals with highly sensitive data, a thorough risk assessment is advisable before fully committing. The platform’s compliance with various certifications adds an extra layer of reassurance for many organizations.
One downside I often encounter is the potential for information overload. The real-time messaging can interrupt focus and reduce productivity if not managed well. Establishing clear usage guidelines becomes essential to avoid Slack becoming more of a distraction than a tool for efficiency. Also, the pricing model, especially for larger teams requiring advanced features, can sometimes be a limiting factor.
Regarding performance, Slack is generally stable and responsive across devices, which I’ve found crucial for teams working remotely or on the go. Its continuous updates show a commitment to user experience, though occasional bugs remind us that no software is perfect. For companies exploring various options, reading an appointment scheduling software ranking might offer additional insights into complementary tools that enhance workplace productivity alongside Slack.
Overall, the slack features and pricing analysis highlight its ease of use combined with powerful integrations, making it a solid choice for businesses seeking to streamline communication and collaboration.
What business types use Slack
Technology and Software Development leverage Slack for its real-time messaging and seamless integration with tools like GitHub and Jira, boosting agility in continuous integration and deployment processes. These features make Slack a preferred choice among companies seeking efficient business communication tools for teams.
Marketing and Advertising Agencies utilize Slack to coordinate multiple campaigns, enabling smooth collaboration among creative staff and clients. The platform’s channel-based organization helps prevent information overload and keeps communication focused on relevant topics.
Financial Services firms depend on Slack for secure internal messaging and swift decision-making. With enterprise-grade security and customizable permissions, investment firms and banks can share sensitive data like market updates while maintaining confidentiality.
Healthcare Organizations adopt Slack to enhance communication among medical staff and administration, improving response times and scheduling. Integration with electronic health records and secure messaging protocols ensures operational continuity in demanding environments.
Educational Institutions rely on Slack to support communication between faculty, students, and staff, aiding collaborative research and course management. Its compatibility with learning management systems and calendar tools complements academic workflows, making it a valuable collaboration software for small businesses in education. Readers interested in education may also find the article on accounting software for high school students useful for integrating financial tools in academic settings.
Retail Companies use Slack to coordinate communication across multiple locations, managing inventory updates, promotions, and customer feedback. This immediacy supports brand consistency and operational efficiency in large distributed teams.
Nonprofit Organizations benefit from Slack’s cost-effective communication platform to organize volunteers, manage campaigns, and engage stakeholders, especially when resources and staff availability are limited.
Media and Publishing companies depend on Slack for managing editorial schedules, facilitating content production, and enabling fast news sharing. Real-time collaboration is critical in meeting tight deadlines and staying competitive.
Manufacturing Firms connect plant operations, quality control, and management through Slack, which supports rapid problem resolution and the sharing of safety protocols. Integration with workflow automation tools enhances oversight.
Professional Services such as legal and consulting firms use Slack to coordinate client communications and internal collaboration while preserving confidentiality and responsiveness.
Best 5 alternatives to Slack
Glip
5 / 5
Glip stands out as a versatile collaboration platform designed to streamline teamwork through its all-in-one approach, merging messaging, task management, calendars, file sharing, and video conferencing within a single application. Its generous free plan supports unlimited chat, storage, and guest users, along with 500 minutes of shared video calls, making it an attractive choice for organizations of varying sizes without upfront costs. The platform’s real-time communication capabilities ensure team members can connect seamlessly from any device, promoting productivity across remote or distributed groups. For those needing more sophisticated options, the affordable Standard plan enhances video conferencing time and administrative controls, catering to more complex business requirements.
Zoho Webinar
4.45 / 5
Zoho Webinar is presented as a comprehensive tool engineered to facilitate seamless online events with an emphasis on streamlined interactivity and effective audience engagement. The platform appears tailored to meet the evolving demands of digital communication, allowing for both small-scale and large-scale virtual sessions. Its feature set suggests a balance between intuitive usability and robust functionality—a combination that can potentially empower organizations to elevate their webinar delivery strategies. Overall, Zoho Webinar emerges as a dynamic contender among webinar solutions, offering a versatile framework that adapts to varied event-hosting scenarios.
Connecteam
4.55 / 5
Connecteam is positioned as a comprehensive solution within the realm of workforce management software, designed to address common challenges in managing modern teams. Its overview hints at a platform that integrates multiple operational functions into one cohesive system, aiming to simplify the complexities of scheduling, communication, and task coordination. The description, though broad in its scope, suggests that Connecteam has been crafted to support organizations in optimizing their workflows without overwhelming them with unnecessary details. For those in search of a flexible and robust tool to streamline team management, Connecteam appears as a promising candidate worth exploring.
Wrike
4.15 / 5
Wrike emerges in the realm of project collaboration software as a solution designed with teams in mind, promising an environment that supports streamlined coordination and efficient project management. Although the available source details remain sparse, Wrike's brief positioning hints at an underlying framework aimed at optimizing collaborative workflows for varying project scales. Its general profile suggests that it caters to teams seeking a central hub for managing project tasks and enhancing communication. For prospective customers exploring project collaboration options, Wrike presents itself as a candidate worthy of further investigation to clarify its full range of capabilities.
monday
5 / 5
Monday.com is a highly adaptable platform designed to streamline work and project management for teams of various sizes. Its user-friendly, visually organized interface, enhanced by color-coded elements, allows users to navigate effortlessly without needing technical skills. With over 200 ready-made templates and a straightforward drag-and-drop system, teams can quickly set up workflows and begin managing tasks efficiently. Additionally, its powerful dashboard builder and no-code automation tools help users visualize data clearly and eliminate repetitive processes, boosting overall productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Slack
Slack operates across a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and web browsers, ensuring seamless access whether you’re on desktop or mobile devices.
Communication within Slack is arranged into channels, which can be either public or private. This setup enables teams to organize conversations by specific topics, projects, or departments, streamlining collaboration.
Yes, Slack supports numerous integrations with third-party applications such as Google Drive and Microsoft Office 365. These connections help automate workflows and centralize information across your existing productivity tools.
Slack caters to enterprise-level needs by offering scalable solutions equipped with advanced administrative controls, compliance capabilities, and enhanced security features suitable for complex organizational requirements.
Users can share files directly in conversations and channels, with storage capacity varying according to the subscription plan chosen, facilitating easy and efficient document exchange.
Slack ensures data protection through encryption both in transit and at rest, includes two-factor authentication, and complies with multiple industry standards to safeguard privacy and user information.
Slack incorporates built-in voice and video calling capabilities, with participant limits depending on the specific subscription plan, enabling direct real-time interactions within the platform.
While free plans limit access to a portion of past messages, paid subscriptions grant unrestricted access to the complete message archive, allowing comprehensive review of all communication.
Slack offers highly customizable alerts, letting users tailor notifications based on channels, keywords, and set do-not-disturb schedules to minimize distractions and stay focused.
Full functionality requires an internet connection; however, users can view previously loaded messages offline, though with limited interaction capabilities.
Support options differ by plan level, ranging from community forums and email assistance for free users to round-the-clock priority support for enterprise clients.
Slack follows various data privacy regulations, including GDPR, and provides tools to help organizations maintain compliance with these standards.
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