Nowadays, team communication platforms and applications are necessary for any project or group work, and Slack seems to be the most of popular of them all. However, there are other alternatives both free and paid that offer the same features and more, sometimes even as an open source product.
Slack’s entry level version is free to use for everyone, and it lets team leaders set up dedicated channels for communication, file-sharing, transactions using chatbots, and simply slacking off. The Enterprise Grid version caters to companies and organizations with more demanding needs.
Below, we list just some of the many options available right now for teams and businesses looking to centralize their communications, get together to work, and share insights instantly.
1. Rocket.Chat
Rocket.Chat tops several alternative lists because of its open source nature and long track record online. The platform offers several features that Slack offers too like public and private channels, direct messaging between members, and file sharing.
Its intuitive user interface is customizable for anyone who knows their code well enough. Rocket.Chat also offers screen sharing, audio and video calls and conferences, themes, and it is completely free not only to Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS users but also for Linux team members.
2. Moxtra
Moxtra is more on the project management end of the spectrum, but it also does great filling in for Slack if needed. There are Individual and Business versions that are free, and Business Pro and Enterprise solutions that start at $12 per user per month.
This platform is based on collaboration, but it also features instant messaging and sharing features. Video meetings, screen sharing, and whiteboarding are supported in all versions, and as a mobile-first product, it even offers integration with the Apple Watch through an app.
3. Bitrix24
Bitrix24 is a top-rated tool for customer relationship management (CRM), collaboration, and project management. The platform is free to use for up to 12 users of an organization or company, and from then on plans cost $39 per month.
Some of the differentiating aspects of Bitrix24 that set it apart from Slack include document management and collaboration, personalized and team calendars, email integration, built-in task management functionalities, phone call recordings, and no search history limitations.
4. Mattermost
Mattermost is one of the most head-on Slack competitors, and as such, it offers many of the same features that its rival does in an open source environment. The Team Edition is free, and the Enterprise E10 plan starts at $20 per user per year, billed annually.
The platform features multi-language translations to 13 languages, monthly updates, self-hosted and customizable user interface, file sharing, custom emoji, and “webhooks” and commands, basically, prompts to make Mattermost do something.
5. HipChat
Atlassian’s HipChat is one of the most popular Slack alternatives out there, and it has a reputation among fans of the software developer for actually being more reliable. Subscriptions consist of a free basic plan and a paid HipChat Plus subscription priced at $2 per user per month.
The team communications tool offers unlimited users and messages, unlimited integrations with other proprietary and third party add-ons, custom emoticons, and built-in guest access. It even supports ticket tracking right within the platform, and it has a web-based version like Slack as well.
Wow, really impressed how much Bitrix24 is better than Slack, despite being totally free.
As an alternative of Slack, I can suggest Brosix. It is a useful app for internal business communication, times more secured than Slack. People should be more aware when it goes to security and that is why I chose Brosix. There are also a lot of important features like video call, co-browsing, screen-sharing, whiteboard, etc. Try it!