Slack too expensive or limited for your team? Here’s a quick guide to 7 affordable alternatives that offer great features like unlimited message history, video calls, and integrations - often at a fraction of Slack's cost. Whether you're a startup, non-profit, or remote team, these tools can help streamline communication without breaking the bank.

Top Slack Alternatives:

1. Microsoft Teams (Free): Unlimited message history, 60-min video calls for up to 100 participants, and 5GB storage per user.

2. Google Workspace Chat: Integrates seamlessly with Gmail, Drive, and Meet; starts at $6/user/month.

3. Flock: Free for up to 20 users; paid plans start at $4.50/user/month with unlimited messaging and video calls.

4. Zulip: Open-source with advanced threading; self-hosted plans from $3.50/user/month.

5. Ryver: Combines messaging and task management; flat rate of $99/month for unlimited users.

6. Discord: Free plan with unlimited message history and group calls for up to 25 participants.

7. Pebb: All-in-one platform with unlimited message history, video calls, and collaboration tools; premium starts at $4/user/month.

Quick Comparison:

Key Takeaway:

For cost-conscious teams, tools like Pebb, Flock, and Microsoft Teams offer excellent value with essential features like unlimited chat history, video calls, and integrations - all significantly cheaper than Slack. Test a few to find the best fit for your needs.

8 Slack Alternatives Which One I Chose and Why

1. Microsoft Teams (Free Version)

Microsoft Teams stands out as a strong alternative to Slack, offering a robust set of tools even in its free version. Here's how it compares:

One of the key advantages of Microsoft Teams' free tier is its integration with Microsoft 365 web apps. This makes it an excellent choice for teams that need seamless document collaboration.

Lucia Fallavena, Product Marketing Manager at Rocket.Chat, highlights its strengths:

"Microsoft Teams is a powerful collaboration platform that can help teams stay organized and connected."

The free version is particularly well-suited for:

• Startups looking for unlimited message history and essential collaboration tools.

• Non-profits that benefit from built-in document collaboration features.

• Remote teams in need of reliable video conferencing for up to 100 participants.

However, keep in mind that the free version does not include phone or web support, which could be a drawback for teams that require dedicated technical assistance.

Stay tuned as we dive into another affordable alternative next.

2. Google Workspace Chat

For organizations already using Google's suite of tools, Google Workspace Chat is a natural fit. It works seamlessly with Gmail, Calendar, Drive, and Meet, offering a streamlined communication solution. Here's a quick look at its pricing and plans:

Although Google Chat doesn’t offer a standalone free version, it provides valuable tools tailored to startups, non-profits, and remote teams. Here's a breakdown of the standout features for each:

For Startups:

• Effortless integration with Gmail, Drive, and Calendar for streamlined workflows.

• Real-time collaboration on documents within persistent chat spaces.

• Built-in task management tools to stay organized.

• AI-powered Gemini integration for brainstorming and quick file discovery.

For Non-Profits:

• Announcement spaces that can accommodate up to 500,000 members.

• Advanced security measures, including anti-spam and anti-phishing protections.

• Simplified file sharing and tracking through the Files tab.

• Cross-platform access on both desktop and mobile devices.

For Remote Teams:

• Instant video meetings via Google Meet with a single click.

• Persistent chat spaces for ongoing, asynchronous discussions.

• Easy team collaboration using @mentions for direct engagement.

• Create calendar events directly from chat conversations.

Daniel Hermann, Executive Director at Zoi Consulting, shared his perspective on using Google Chat:

"Because Google Chat and Google Meet are so easy to use and can be rolled out very quickly, Kärcher employees worldwide adopted these new channels of communication overnight and with minimal training … we've noticed an increased culture of collaboration and autonomy."

Similarly, Craig Richardville, Chief Information & Digital Officer at SCL Health, highlighted its impact:

"Our reliance on email has dropped exponentially, and that's all thanks to Chat. It brings much more immediacy to our work, which is a big win for everyone at SCL Health."

Google Chat also benefits from the same robust security features that protect over 2 billion Gmail inboxes. However, since it requires a full Google Workspace subscription, organizations should consider whether the added integration and functionality align with their needs and budget. For teams seeking secure, integrated communication tools, Google Chat offers a compelling option.

3. Flock

Flock is a communication tool designed to be easy on the wallet while still packing a punch with its features. Its pricing structure makes it an attractive option for organizations keeping a close eye on their budgets:

For small teams and startups, the free tier includes handy perks like unlimited 1-on-1 messaging, up to 10 public channels, and basic video calling. Flock also features smart channels that automatically add new employees based on pre-set rules, streamlining onboarding.

Non-profits get special pricing based on their location and mission, making it easier for these organizations to stay connected without breaking the bank.

Remote teams will appreciate features like video conferencing with screen sharing, voice notes, file sharing (up to 100MB per file), smart channels, and 90-day guest access. These tools make collaboration smoother, even across different time zones.

When you compare Flock to Slack, the cost difference is striking. Slack's Pro plan is priced at $8.75 per user per month, while Flock's PRO plan costs only $6.00 - a 31% savings. However, Slack offers a much larger ecosystem of integrations, with over 2,400 options, compared to around 50 third-party integrations available with Flock.

Flock also comes with built-in tools designed to boost productivity, such as process automation for tasks like reimbursement claims, integrated to-do lists and reminders, polls for quick team decisions, a bookmarking system for saving important messages, and a company directory for easy access to team members. These features, combined with its focus on security, make Flock a solid choice.

Speaking of security, Flock offers admin controls, authentication protocols, and customizable data retention policies to meet the needs of sensitive environments. While the file-sharing cap is 100MB, Flock does allow users to add members to ongoing conversations - something Slack does not.

For organizations looking for a cost-effective communication platform without sacrificing essential features, Flock stands out as a strong alternative to pricier options. It delivers the tools teams need at a fraction of the cost, making it worth a closer look.

4. Zulip

Zulip stands out for its asynchronous communication capabilities, thanks to its unique topic-based threading model. This design ensures complex discussions remain organized, even when participants are spread across multiple time zones. Technical teams and remote organizations often commend Zulip for its ability to keep conversations structured and easy to navigate.

The platform offers flexible pricing options to accommodate teams of varying sizes and requirements:

Zulip is entirely open-source, which means users benefit from full transparency and the ability to customize the platform to their needs. With over 80,000 commits, the Zulip community is highly active and supportive. For organizations that prioritize security, the self-hosted option offers added control over data.

"Zulip lets us move faster, connect with each other better, and have interactive technical discussions that are organized, recorded, and welcoming to other people", explains Josh Triplett, Rust Language team co-lead.

Zulip's features make it a strong contender as a communication tool for diverse teams. Non-profits and educational institutions can take advantage of discounted pricing, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious organizations. The platform integrates with over 130 native apps and thousands more through services like Zapier and IFTTT, expanding its functionality for various workflows.

"Zulip's unique threading saves me over an hour daily when collaborating with our distributed team of engineers and PMs across 7+ time zones", says Jacinda Shelly, CTO of Doctor on Demand.

In addition to its communication tools, Zulip doubles as a self-documenting knowledge base. Alya Abbott, Head of Product at Zulip, highlights the platform's open-source nature: "Being open-source gives our users a lot of visibility into where we're going with the product. They can also provide input directly".

For startups focused on improving communication efficiency, Zulip's structured approach can lead to significant cost savings. Inefficient communication often costs businesses over $1,000 per employee each month, making Zulip a practical solution for addressing this challenge.

Some of Zulip's standout features include:

• Custom groups for better team organization

• Mobile push notifications for instant updates

• Integrations with tools like GitHub, Jira, and PagerDuty

• Data import options from platforms like Slack

5. Ryver

Ryver combines team messaging and task management into one platform, simplifying workflows and keeping everything organized.

For teams watching their budgets, Ryver has a straightforward pricing model:

Ryver stands out by integrating communication tools with task management features. Its Forums, Groups, and People channels, paired with built-in task boards, help teams stay on the same page. Efficio, for instance, has fully embraced Ryver for its operations.

"Ryver has quickly replaced Slack and has gone on to become the most popular tool for communicating at Efficio, with over 300 users and counting. Its task management and teleconferencing features are indispensable. New features keep on coming, and their support team are exceptionally responsive."

• Sam Thomas, Head of Data Science at Efficio

Key Features

Ryver offers a range of tools designed to enhance team collaboration:

• Voice and video calls with screen sharing (currently in beta)

• Unlimited chat capabilities and topic organization

• File sharing for seamless collaboration

• Advanced conversation search functionality

• Task management tools, including checklists and assignments

For those needing more integrations, additional options are available through Zapier. However, the free plan limits users to five app automations.

"I've used Slack and Hipchat in other environments, but really like using Ryver. It's very easy to use and has everything our team needs. The recent addition of a task app is seamless."

• Joel A., CEO and Co-founder at PressFriendly

Ryver has proven itself to be a valuable tool for teams that need both communication and task management in one place. Some organizations have reported dramatic improvements in efficiency - one even saw a 75% drop in internal email usage after switching to Ryver.

"Ryver is the best communications plus task management application I have personally used. Highly recommended!"

• Kevin Lally, Executive Manager at Crypto Valley Association

While setting up integrations through Zapier may require more effort compared to Slack, Ryver’s all-in-one design can save teams time and reduce the need for multiple tools. It’s a platform built to streamline collaboration.

6. Discord

Initially created for gamers, Discord has grown into a platform that caters to a variety of communities, including teams looking for budget-friendly communication tools. Its free plan is packed with features that can be particularly appealing to startups and non-profits seeking an alternative to Slack.

Here’s what Discord's free plan includes:

For teams that need more functionality, Discord offers two paid plans:

While Discord’s free plan is robust, it does have its drawbacks for business use. The interface, though packed with features, can feel overwhelming compared to simpler platforms. And when it comes to integrations, Discord falls short, offering far fewer options than Slack, which boasts over 2,600 app integrations.

"Although Discord and Slack share many of the core features, there is one major difference. Slack is a business software that is designed to be a workspace and a collaboration tool aimed at teams. Discord, on the other hand, is the app where gamers and other communities can get together and chat about their common interests." – Upsilon

Another notable limitation for professional teams is how Discord handles threaded conversations. Unlike Slack, where threads remain accessible indefinitely, Discord’s free plan archives threads after just three days of inactivity. This can make it harder to keep discussions organized in busy channels.

That said, Discord shines in audio and video communication. Its free plan supports group calls with up to 25 participants, which outperforms Slack’s free plan that only allows one-on-one audio calls.

For teams focused on security, it’s worth noting that Discord wasn’t originally designed with enterprise-level security in mind. Organizations managing sensitive data should carefully assess whether Discord’s security features meet their needs.

On the plus side, Discord’s apps - available on mobile, desktop, and browser - give teams flexibility and ensure they stay connected. Unlimited message history on the free plan is another standout feature.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at Pebb, an all-in-one platform that combines premium features with affordability.

7. Pebb

Pebb stands out as an affordable, all-in-one platform that combines multiple communication and collaboration tools into a single solution. It offers a feature-rich experience comparable to Slack but at a much lower cost. What sets Pebb apart is its ability to unify tools that other platforms often spread across separate apps, making it ideal for both office and frontline teams.

Even Pebb's free plan packs an impressive array of features, many of which are typically locked behind paywalls on other platforms:

Pebb blends the ease of social networking with robust business tools, creating a seamless environment for collaboration. Its Apps Wall acts as a central hub for all digital tools, eliminating the hassle of juggling multiple platforms.

For teams needing additional functionality, Pebb's premium plan costs just $4 per user per month and includes:

• Advanced analytics

• Unlimited admins

• Granular permissions control

• Enhanced Work Chat features

• Premium SLA support

• Enterprise SSO

• Integration with over 50 HR and payroll systems

This combination of free and premium options makes Pebb a cost-effective choice for workplaces seeking a unified, feature-packed solution.

The platform supports up to 1,000 employees on its free plan, with a mobile-first design that ensures smooth communication across all devices. Push notifications keep teams connected and informed about urgent updates. Dynamic Live Feeds provide real-time updates on company news and projects, while Private Clubs allow teams to create dedicated spaces for specific tasks or shared interests.

To top it off, Pebb ensures security with end-to-end encrypted messaging for both individual and group chats, offering peace of mind while maintaining seamless communication across the organization.

Platform Features and Pricing Comparison

Now that we've reviewed the core features of each platform, let's dive into how they stack up in terms of features, pricing, and user satisfaction. This breakdown will help you find the most budget-friendly Slack alternative for your team.

Feature and Pricing Overview

Storage and Message History

One of Slack's limitations is its restricted message history on free plans, but these alternatives offer more generous options:

• Pebb: Unlimited message history across all plans.

• Discord: Also provides unlimited message history.

Integration Capabilities

Each platform brings something unique to the table when it comes to integrations:

• Pebb: Works seamlessly with HR and payroll systems.

• Microsoft Teams: Deep integration with Microsoft 365.

• Google Chat: Smoothly integrates with Google Workspace.

• Flock: Offers data migration from Slack, making transitions easier.

Cost Efficiency Analysis

Here's a comparison of annual costs for a team of 50 users, showcasing how these alternatives can save you money:

Clearly, several platforms offer the features you need at a fraction of Slack's cost.

Customer Satisfaction

Here's how users have rated some of these platforms:

• Discord: 4.1/5 from 28 reviews

• Microsoft Teams: 4.1/5 from 29 reviews

• Google Workspace: 4.1/5 from 29 reviews

These ratings provide a snapshot of user satisfaction, helping you zero in on the platform that aligns with your team's needs.

Making Your Choice

Finding the right platform starts with understanding your specific needs. Here's how to approach it:

Define Your Core Requirements

Begin by outlining the must-have features for your team. Key factors to consider include:

• Team Size and Growth Plans: Think about your current team size and where you're headed. For example, platforms like Pebb offer a free plan for teams of up to 1,000 users, while others may have stricter limits on their free tiers.

• Budget Analysis: Look at the overall costs, including premium plans and potential extra fees. Some platforms, like Pebb, provide affordable premium plans starting at $4 per user per month, which include advanced features like voice calls, video meetings, and analytics.

• Essential Features: Prioritize features that directly enhance your team's productivity. Here's a quick breakdown:

  Priority Level	Feature Type
  Critical	Message History
  High	Video Conferencing
  Medium	File Storage
  High	Security

Test Drive Strategy

Before committing, try the platform with a small group - around 5–10 users - for two weeks. Focus on testing the core features and gather feedback on usability, integrations, and overall experience.

Red Flags to Watch For

Stay alert for potential drawbacks, such as:

• Hidden costs for features you consider essential

• Complicated interfaces that require extensive training

• Limited ability to integrate with your existing tools

• Poor mobile app performance, which can be a challenge for remote teams

Taking these into account can help you avoid unexpected challenges or disruptions.

Migration Considerations

When switching to a new platform, plan for data migration, team training, and integration with your existing tools to minimize downtime. A smooth transition is just as important as picking the right platform.

For startups and non-profits, platforms with robust free plans and clear upgrade paths often deliver the best value. Pebb, for instance, includes essential features in its free tier and offers an affordable premium option at $4 per user per month for advanced capabilities.

The goal is to strike the right balance between affordability and functionality, ensuring your team’s communication needs are met without overspending. Make the most of free trials and demos to confirm the platform aligns with your long-term goals before committing.

FAQs

How does Pebb compare to other Slack alternatives in terms of features and pricing?

Pebb sets itself apart from other Slack alternatives with its free all-in-one communication platform. Unlike Slack’s free plan, Pebb offers unlimited message history and no cap on the number of users. For teams looking for more advanced features, Pebb’s premium plan is priced at just $4 per user per month, making it a budget-friendly option compared to Slack’s starting rate of $8.75 per user per month.

While platforms like Microsoft Teams and Google Chat often focus on large-scale enterprise solutions, Pebb is tailored for startups, non-profits, and remote teams. It combines essential tools like work chat, a news feed, group features, a people directory, and voice/video calling into a single, cost-effective package.

How does Pebb's integration compare to platforms like Microsoft Teams and Google Chat?

Pebb stands out with its integration capabilities tailored to support both frontline workers and office teams. While Microsoft Teams offers deep connections with other Microsoft tools like Outlook and SharePoint, along with third-party apps such as Trello and Adobe Cloud, and Google Chat syncs effortlessly with Google Workspace and even Matrix servers for cross-platform communication, Pebb takes a different route.

Rather than relying heavily on external integrations, Pebb delivers an all-in-one communication platform. It combines essential tools like work chat, a news feed, groups, a people directory, and voice/video calls - all within a single solution. This streamlined approach reduces complexity and makes Pebb an affordable, efficient option for startups, non-profits, and remote teams. Even better, its premium plan starts at just $4 per user.

Why is Pebb a great choice for startups on a tight budget compared to other communication tools?

Pebb stands out as a fantastic choice for startups operating on tight budgets, offering a free, all-in-one communication platform. With unlimited message history and no cap on the number of users, your team can collaborate seamlessly without worrying about unexpected expenses or limitations.

For those ready to access additional features, Pebb’s premium plan is available for just $4 per user. This affordable option provides everything your team could need: work chat, a news feed, groups, a people directory, voice and video calls, and more. Whether your team works on the frontlines or in the office, Pebb delivers a powerful set of tools designed with growing businesses in mind - all without breaking the bank.

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