Slack is a team communication platform that provides businesses with centralized messaging, file sharing, and task management. Its virtual workspaces allow users to collaborate and share updates in real time. Based on our Slack review, it’s a good fit for businesses looking for extensive third-party integrations for team-based communications and remote collaboration. Its free plan and user-friendly features make it a popular messaging app among users.
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To write this editorial review, I used our six-part evaluation criteria, which assess each provider’s pricing, usability, and standout features. I researched product demos and websites and consulted user reviews to develop a comprehensive product overview. If you want to learn more about how I wrote this Slack review, navigate to the methodology section of this article.
Slack Review: At a Glance
Pros
- File sharing, team messaging, integrations, and 1:1 video calls on the free plan
- Multiple customization options for alerts, appearance, and applications
- Intuitive user interface for internal collaboration and external communication
- Add-on artificial intelligence features with Slack AI
Cons
- Message history deletion after 90 days on the free plan
- Maximum audio and videoconferencing capacity limited to 50 participants
- Multiple channels and conversations get buried easily, making it look disorganized and chaotic
Best For | Remote and hybrid teams wanting to increase productivity and manage workplace interactions |
Standout Features |
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Pricing & Plans (Monthly Billing |
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Annual or Volume Discounts Available |
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Free Trial |
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Customer Service |
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- Extensive third-party integrations: Slack integrates with over 2,600 applications, including popular solutions like Google Drive, Salesforce, and Trello, making it one of the best team communication apps.
- Solopreneurs and remote teams: Slack’s built-in messaging and voice and video features enable colleagues to coordinate and share files without leaving the platform. It’s our top pick for the best team chat app.
- Communication with clients: Slack allows users to invite customers, partners, and suppliers to chat and collaborate even if they’re not in the group.
- Large-scale meetings: Slack’s audio and videoconversations can only accommodate up to 50 people. Consider Zoom Workplace, a top video conferencing software, which can accommodate up to 300 participants per meeting.
- Budget-conscious startups and freelancers: Slack’s paid subscriptions start at $8.75 monthly per user. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, try the Chat app in Google Workspace.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) features: Although Slack includes the option to add AI, RingCentral includes AI features to assist with summarizing and writing messages.
Slack Alternatives
Slack is an excellent team messaging app that offers extensive third-party integrations and a unified platform for team collaboration. However, Slack’s audio and videoconferencing capabilities need improvement, and most collaborative tools are only accessible to paid users. If you’re looking for a Slack alternative, below are our top unified communication solutions with team chat features:
Providers |
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Best For | Large teams requiring video meetings and business integrations | Businesses requiring a secure platform with advanced team chat features | Solopreneurs and small teams that need affordable collaborative tools |
Monthly Starting Price (per User) | $15.99 | $20 | $7.20 |
Learn More |
Slack scored 4 out of 5 because it offers a free plan, affordable subscription packages, and annual billing discounts but doesn’t offer volume-based discounts. There are three Slack pricing plans—a free version and three premium plans, starting at $8.75 per active user monthly.
The free version includes 10 integrations and audio and video clips but is limited to 90-day message and file history, one-on-one huddles and messaging, and standard support. Additionally, messages and files on the free plan are only stored for up to a year and will be deleted, so the paid plans offer better long-term storage solutions for team collaboration.
For example, upgrading to high-tier plans offers core Slack functionality, such as customizable sections, Workflow Builder, screen sharing, and unlimited message history. While the cost of the Enterprise Grid plan depends on the organization’s size, needs, and complexity, it does include an employee directory and unlimited workspaces.
Slack Pricing & Plans | Free | Pro | Business + | Enterprise Grid |
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Best For | Small teams that need essential team chat functionality | Small to medium-sized businesses needing access to unlimited app integrations | Large companies that need to meet compliance requirements | Complex organizations looking for a custom team messaging solution |
Monthly Starting Price (per user | Free | $8.75 | $15 | Custom pricing |
Annual Pricing (per user, per month) | Free | $7.25 | $12.50 | Custom pricing |
Message & File History | 90-day access | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Workspaces | 1 | 1 | 1 | Unlimited |
Integrations | 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Support for HIPAA Compliance | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
Voice & Video Calls | One-on-one only | Up to 50 participants | Up to 50 participants | Up to 50 participants |
Single Sign-on (SSO) | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
99.99% Uptime SLA (Service Level Agreement) | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Slack comes with various team collaboration tools that help facilitate online communication. These include channels, built-in file uploads, audioconferencing, and videoconferencing. The platform also integrates with industry-leading business applications like Trello, Zendesk, and Salesforce. However, the platform lost a quarter point for an SLA uptime of 99.99%.
Click on each feature below to learn more about Slack’s top offerings:
As a team communication platform, messaging and chat are the primary reasons businesses use Slack. Start a private or public chat using the mobile and desktop app’s direct message or channels feature. Messages can also be customized with emojis, stickers, and custom formatting.
Type messages to your team members using the Slack chat app. (Source: Slack)
Slack offers a huddle feature to facilitate live conversations via audio and video meetings. While all huddles begin as audioconversations, you can quickly turn these informal meetings into video calls for face-to-face collaboration. You can also use huddles to share files and messages saved on the Slack platform after your meeting ends.
Start a huddle with your colleagues to ask questions or brainstorm. (Source: Slack)
Channels are a signature Slack feature that serves as a dedicated space where team members hold conversations about a specific project or team topic. Every Slack channel organizes messages into threads where participants share files, tag each other, and use emojis to make conversations more engaging. All the messages and files in a channel are searchable and saved, while the search function allows you to find conversations from any channel.
Each channel is hashtagged to make it easier to search. (Source: Slack)
Slack facilitates team collaboration by simplifying the information-sharing process between team members. You can send files up to 1GB in size from your device or a file-sharing platform like Box or Google Drive. Additionally, Slack enables you to record and send audio and video clips up to five minutes long, which makes communication faster and helps explain complex tasks more efficiently.
Share direct feedback with collaborators by recording an audio or video clip. (Source: Slack)
In this Slack review, the provider received a nearly perfect score because of its unlimited file and message search and robust integrations. It lost points because guest access and task management are only available on higher-tier plans. Additionally, AI features require an additional monthly fee. However, Slack’s security features, which include data encryption at rest and in transit, are available in all plans, and users on the enterprise plan get support for HIPAA compliance.
Here is a Slack features list for you to consider:
Automate repetitive tasks and processes using Slack’s Workflow Builder. It allows users to create a custom workflow for routine tasks, such as collecting time-off requests, onboarding new members, and gathering feedback. The Workflow Builder happens in channels or third-party applications and allows you to streamline processes without writing a single line of code.
Slack’s Workflow Builder includes a library of customizable templates. (Source: Slack)
Instead of using multiple platforms to manage projects, Slack includes task management features to bridge the gap between team communication and collaboration. For example, the Lists feature enables teams to track projects and record action items. Customizable templates help organize tasks, while the Slack canvas can help teams organize files and collaborate on projects.
In addition to its paid plans, Slack offers an artificial intelligence add-on called Slack AI. This add-on enhances project management and workplace communication. For $10 per person a month, you can equip your workspace with AI tools, including improved search capabilities, conversation summaries, schedule recaps, and integrations with third-party agents.
Search for previous meetings or messages with Slack AI. (Source: Slack)
Slack provides a space for communicating within a team or organization and the ability to collaborate with external partners using Slack Connect. To get started, simply create a channel and invite your collaborators via email. After they accept and receive approval, you can use Slack to send messages, share files, and use third-party integrations to create shared workflows.
Streamline workflows and processes by integrating your top business tools with Slack. The Slack Marketplace offers over 2,600 applications, including popular software like Zoom, Google Drive, Zapier, and Salesforce. If you can’t find what you need, Slack allows users to build custom apps that integrate with their solutions, with or without code.
Visit the Slack Marketplace for access to over 2,600 third-party apps. (Source: Slack)
I rated Slack 3.75 out of 5 for customer service because it offers multiple support options, including email and chat. However, the level of support varies by plan, and 24/7 support with a response time under four hours is only available on the top two tiers. Users on the free plan only have access to standard support and knowledge base resources, making receiving guidance or troubleshooting issues with the platform more complicated.
Visit the Slack Help Center to access knowledge base resources. (Source: Slack)
Slack scored 4.56 out of 5 for ease of use because it’s easy to set up and does not require technical know-how. Most users access Slack through its mobile or desktop application and consider both versions well-optimized. However, it missed a perfect score because users indicated that simultaneous conversations are sometimes difficult to keep up with, especially if you’re involved in multiple channels.
Users note that the platform can become cluttered with notifications and announcements, and it takes extra time to customize settings to make it easier to navigate and manage multiple channels. Additionally, many users struggle with the platform’s search functionality. While Slack offers a conversation history for all messages, locating specific conversations or navigating past messages can be difficult if you are not directly mentioned.
Slack AI was developed to enhance the platform’s search capabilities with artificial intelligence to address this issue. However, not everyone can pay the monthly fee required for an improved search experience, so the search issues persist for many users.
I rated Slack 4.69 out of 5 because of its affordable monthly plans, extensive integrations, customizable settings, and collaborative tools. Slack is a user-friendly workspace favorite that allows users to personalize alerts, pin important messages, and change statuses. It also offers an excellent selection of features. However, it would be beneficial for Slack AI to be included in one of the higher-tier plans instead of being offered as an add-on.
Although Slack offers a free plan, it offers limited features compared with the paid plans. Some paid plans may not be accessible to small businesses despite offering advanced features. For example, priority support is only available on the highest-tier plans, and unlimited workspaces are locked behind the Enterprise plan. As a result, it can be more challenging for solopreneurs and small teams to find a plan that suits their needs at an affordable price.
Slack Reviews From Users
Many reviews of Slack highlight that it’s an easy-to-use and reliable messaging platform for teams working remotely and in hybrid work environments. Users appreciate its ability to integrate with several workspace apps and project management platforms, eliminating the need to switch between windows. The platform’s conversational channels are also praised for keeping team communication organized and distinct.
At the time of publication, Slack earned the following scores on popular review sites:
- Capterra: 4.7 out of 5 based on 23,468 reviews
- Gartner: 4.6 out of 5 based on 6,712 reviews
- TrustRadius: 9 out of 10 based on 8,871 reviews
- GetApp: 4.7 out of 5 based on 23,400-plus reviews
- G2: 4.5 out of 5 based on 33,696 reviews
On the downside, some users complained about its storage limitations and the lack of control over the notification settings, with the 90-day message deletion on free plans being a recurring issue. Others also critiqued the lack of scheduling and meeting invitations for the Slack Huddles feature. Despite these drawbacks, many businesses continue using Slack because of its simplified messaging platform and built-in collaboration tools like file sharing and project management.
How We Evaluated Slack
To evaluate Slack, I focused on the six critical considerations of small businesses when choosing a team messaging and collaboration platform, which include pricing and general features. The feedback from verified users on third-party sites also played an essential part in my research.
Learn more about how I evaluated Slack by clicking on the tabs below:
20% of Overall Score
I checked if Slack offers a free plan and discounts for annual billing and volume-based usage. I also looked at the affordability of its subscription plans compared with other providers offering similar services.
25% of Overall Score
I previewed Slack’s team collaboration features, such as internal messaging, file storage, and video and audioconferencing. I also gave points for access to the mobile application for remote communication and increased productivity.
20% of Overall Score
The evaluation of advanced features considers the availability of file search tools, task management, and integrations. I also created a hierarchical point system for its guest access and third-party software integrations.
10% of Overall Score
I checked the customer support channels available to Slack users across plans. Standard modalities include live chat, phone, and email support. Higher points are given for 24/7 customer service to all customers.
10% of Overall Score
I reviewed how easy it is to set up the system and onboard new users, focusing on whether users need technical expertise to set up or use the platforms. I also evaluated how intuitive the mobile and desktop application interface is across devices.
15% of Overall Score
Key factors include our evaluation of the provider’s ease of use and popularity to calculate the expert score. I also included our expert opinion on its value for money, standout features, and primary drawbacks based on user reviews of Slack from third-party websites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Slack is an excellent platform for business communication, but it has some disadvantages. While the interface is easy to use, it is difficult to search. It can also become cluttered with channels and notifications, which may become more of a distraction than an effective collaborative tool. Additionally, customer support and features are limited for users on the free plan, so using a paid plan is best for small businesses.
Slack is very useful for teams that require communication and collaboration software while on the go. It offers remote or distributed teams a platform to message coworkers, stay updated on announcements and events, and track tasks and assignments. Additionally, Slack is beneficial for in-person teams and organizations that need communication software that integrates seamlessly with other workspace tools.
Slack guarantees a monthly SLA uptime of 99.99% for users on the paid Plus plan and higher. This ensures the platform provides reliable service and high availability with minimal monthly downtime. However, the free plan does not have the same guarantee.
Bottom Line
Slack is a feature-rich team communication platform that allows users to share files, collaborate with teams, and automate routine tasks. Overall, Slack is the best fit for remote work environments and large offices, helping teams stay in sync wherever they are. Its channels provide a dedicated space to check in with coworkers and people outside your company. Sign up for Slack’s free version today and see if it suits your business needs.