Slack too pricey or limited? Consider these free alternatives that offer powerful features without the cost.

Here’s a quick summary of the best free Slack alternatives:

• Pebb: Unlimited message history, free for up to 1,000 users, and all-in-one tools like news feeds and knowledge libraries.

• Microsoft Teams Free: Great for small teams, includes video calls (up to 100 participants), 5 GB storage, and Office app integration.

• Discord: Unlimited message history and voice channels, ideal for teams prioritizing voice/video communication.

• Chanty: Unlimited message history and task management, but limited to 5 users on the free plan.

• Mattermost: Open-source, self-hosted option for up to 50 users, with a focus on data security.

• Rocket.Chat: Secure, customizable communication with self-hosting options.

• Pumble: Unlimited users and message history, with 10 GB storage per workspace.

• Zoho Cliq: Integrated with Zoho apps, 100 GB storage, and 10,000 searchable messages.

Quick Comparison

Choose based on your team size, storage needs, and communication priorities. For startups, Pebb offers the most generous free plan for up to 1,000 users. Small teams might prefer Microsoft Teams Free or Chanty, while larger teams can explore Pumble or Rocket.Chat for unlimited users. If security and customization are key, consider Mattermost or Rocket.Chat.

8 Slack Alternatives Which One I Chose and Why

1. Pebb

Pebb is a free Slack alternative designed to bring together essential tools for communication and collaboration. Unlike many competitors, it supports up to 1,000 employees at no cost, without limiting messaging or participants.

Here’s what you get with Pebb's free plan:

Pebb bridges the gap between frontline and office teams, offering a single workspace that works smoothly on web browsers, iOS, and Android devices. Whether employees are at their desks or on the go, they can stay connected effortlessly.

The platform also includes a powerful search feature, allowing employees to locate colleagues by name, title, experience, or even shared interests. This is especially helpful for larger organizations.

"Pebb has entirely redefined our communication. It feels like Facebook, but for work." - Loren, Consulting Firm (1,000 employees)

By integrating chat, calls, news feeds, and knowledge libraries, Pebb eliminates the need for multiple standalone tools. Everything is in one place, reducing complexity and boosting efficiency.

For those looking for more features, Pebb offers a premium plan at $3.50 per user per month. This includes advanced analytics, extended admin controls, and enterprise-level security - still more affordable than Slack's premium options.

Some key highlights of Pebb's free plan include:

• Cross-Platform Access: Works seamlessly on web, iOS, and Android.

• All-in-One Tools: Combines communication, content sharing, and collaboration features.

• User-Friendly Design: Modern, social media–style interface for workplace communication.

• Generous User Limit: Free for up to 1,000 employees.

Next, we’ll take a look at other free options, starting with Microsoft Teams Free, to see how they stack up.

2. Microsoft Teams Free

Microsoft Teams Free provides core communication tools tailored for small teams and nonprofits.

Here's what you get with the free version:

In addition to these features, it includes task management, polling, and integration with Microsoft Office web apps - making it a great choice for teams already using Microsoft tools.

That said, the 60-minute limit on group meetings and the 5 GB storage cap could be challenging for teams with longer sessions or heavy file-sharing needs.

For teams that need more flexibility, Microsoft Teams Essentials is available for $5.40 per user per month (billed annually). This plan offers:

• Longer meetings (up to 30 hours)

• Support for up to 300 participants

• More cloud storage

• Access to dedicated technical support

Who benefits most from Teams Free?

• Small businesses just starting with online collaboration

• Nonprofits with straightforward communication needs

• Remote teams needing video calls and chat in one place

• Project groups working on shared documents

While Teams Free delivers a solid set of tools, its limits on meeting duration and storage may not suit every team. For those needing more robust free options, platforms like Pebb - offering a 1,000-user limit and unlimited messaging - could be worth exploring.

Next, let’s dive into how Discord approaches free team communication.

3. Discord

Discord's free plan works well for teams that prioritize voice and video communication.

Discord stands out by allowing video calls with up to 25 participants and unlimited users in voice channels, unlike Slack's free plan, which limits calls to one-on-one interactions. It also offers unlimited message history, far exceeding Slack's 90-day cap. However, the 25 MB file size limit can be a drawback for sharing larger files.

That said, Discord has some challenges for business use:

• Its gaming-focused interface might take time for teams to adjust to.

• Threaded discussions expire after 24 hours.

• It offers fewer integration options with business tools.

• Notification settings are basic compared to Slack.

For teams focused on voice communication and needing unlimited message history, Discord is a strong option. However, businesses requiring seamless integrations with apps or more advanced text collaboration might prefer platforms like Pebb, which offers an all-in-one communication toolkit at just $3.50 per user for its premium plan.

4. Chanty

Chanty provides a free plan designed for basic team communication needs. Trusted by over 75,000 companies, it consistently receives high ratings from users across different platforms.

The free plan supports up to 5 team members plus 1 guest - less than Slack's capacity - but its straightforward interface makes it easy to navigate.

"We find Chanty's user-interface to be far more user friendly than their competitors like Slack or Microsoft Teams." - Josh Arnold, Executive Director, Mission Circle Facilitator, Management Circle Operational Leader

Some standout features include:

• Task Management: Offers Kanban boards and discussions tied to tasks.

• File Organization: Combines documents, links, and conversations in one place.

• Mobile Performance: Optimized for speed and includes audio messaging capabilities.

"Slack was too slow for my phone and lacked audio messages, and Microsoft was too complex to use. Finally no more WhatsApp for communications and audio messages, which makes us extremely focused." - Amilcar De Carvalho, Creative Director at Battalion Media

Chanty also prioritizes security with features like GDPR compliance and encrypted transactions. However, teams needing advanced tools will need to upgrade to the Business plan, priced at €3 per user per month.

For teams looking for broader options, platforms such as Pebb may provide additional value.

Next, let's explore Mattermost and how it compares as a free communication tool.

5. Mattermost

Mattermost is an open-source alternative to Slack, designed with a strong focus on data security and customization. Its free self-hosted plan accommodates up to 50 users, making it a practical option for small and medium-sized teams.

The self-hosted model allows organizations to maintain full control over their data and privacy - an important feature for managing sensitive information. For instance, Wargaming uses Mattermost to support up to 180 million players simultaneously.

"Mattermost's self-hosted approach offers organizations unmatched security, privacy, complete control, and legal compliance. The teams on Mattermost get to have complete control over their data." - Troop Messenger

Mattermost has proven its scalability in real-world applications. For example, Uber relies on the platform for its internal communication needs.

Key features include:

• Collaboration through public and private channels

• Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android)

• Integration via webhooks and custom slash commands

• Search functionality for messages and files

• Support for over 18 languages, including English, Spanish, and French

However, the free version does have some limitations. Users are restricted to five integrations out of the 600+ available options, and the platform lacks built-in live document editing. This can make it less convenient compared to cloud-based tools like Pebb, which offer easier setups and additional features.

For teams without in-house technical expertise, Mattermost’s setup process may feel complex, making simpler cloud-based solutions a more appealing choice.

6. Rocket.Chat

Rocket.Chat is a platform designed for secure communication and full control over data. It offers deployment options that include self-hosted, cloud-based, and air-gapped setups - perfect for organizations with strict security requirements.

These capabilities make Rocket.Chat a reliable choice for organizations that prioritize governance and security. For example, the City of Cologne successfully implemented Rocket.Chat to meet their needs:

"We wanted to make daily work for our workers as seamless as possible and equip them with the tools they need without compromising on data security and privacy"

Other users have echoed similar satisfaction:

"Rocket.Chat met our communication needs - secure messaging, audio and video calls, and document sharing. It checked all the security and usability boxes for us"

For teams looking for a free solution that combines strong security with adaptable deployment options, Rocket.Chat serves as a practical alternative to Slack.

7. Pumble

Pumble is another free option worth exploring, especially for teams focused on improving communication and efficiency. Users have reported impressive results, like a 47% drop in emails and a 30% boost in productivity. Here's a breakdown of what Pumble offers in its free plan:

These features have earned Pumble praise from professionals. Digital Operations Manager Zee G. highlights its unlimited chat history:

"Pumble has a free chat history feature included from the start which is very important for us."

For those familiar with Slack, switching to Pumble is easy due to its similar interface. Plus, its free-tier capabilities go beyond what many competitors offer, making it a popular choice for businesses looking for robust communication tools without added costs.

Pumble consistently receives high ratings, holding a 4.7 score and a 95% customer satisfaction rate. Users often point out its organizational tools. Co-Founder Ernesto S. shares:

"I like the fact that I can create a thread in a specific message so that thing doesn't get mixed up, makes for a very clear communication tool."

On top of messaging, Pumble’s free plan supports file sharing with 10GB of storage per workspace and a file size limit of 125MB. With unlimited users, channels, and guest access, it’s a practical solution for growing teams that need a cost-effective communication platform.

8. Zoho Cliq

Zoho Cliq is a free communication tool used by nearly 500,000 people. Its free plan offers features that make it a solid choice for cost-conscious teams.

These features provide a solid foundation for team collaboration. With over 90 app integrations and seamless connections to Zoho's suite of products, Cliq is especially useful for teams already using Zoho tools.

GameVision’s IT Administrator, Hemad, shared their experience with Cliq:

"Zoho Cliq is natively integrated with all Zoho products, which makes it easier for us to use. We also rely heavily on the Zoho Desk and Zoho Projects integrations to help us with reports, task updates, etc. We use Cliq channels to discuss new projects and collaborate easily."

Another example comes from Xavier Tan, Co-Founder of Heroes of Digital, who explained:

"Zoho Cliq is not only a chat application, but also an information lifeline for the company. We can easily collaborate on multiple projects, attend meetings and screen-sharing sessions, and instantly exchange documents to bring out the best campaigns for our clients. It helps us feel that we are working together (physically) even when we are not."

Cliq’s free plan also includes features not available in Slack’s free tier, like OCR-based file search and detailed permissions for controlling access. These tools, along with the 100 GB storage capacity, make it ideal for teams managing large amounts of documents or requiring strict access controls.

However, the free plan has some limitations. Meetings are capped at 60 minutes, and you can only search up to 10,000 messages. Growing teams might need to upgrade to a paid plan, which starts at $16.20 per month for up to 25 users. The free version also lacks features like external channels, call recording, and task management.

Feature Comparison

This section outlines how different platforms stand out compared to Slack:

Key Differences

Communication Features
Microsoft Teams supports video calls for up to 100 participants in 60-minute sessions. Chanty, on the other hand, allows up to 1,000 participants, though performance may depend on bandwidth. For teams that need easy access to past conversations, Pebb and Pumble both offer unlimited message history.

Integration Options
Microsoft Teams boasts over 250 app integrations, making it a strong choice for users already using Office 365. Pebb focuses on essential integrations, particularly with HR and payroll systems, to simplify daily workflows.

Customization
Microsoft Teams includes three theme options (light, dark, and high contrast). Pebb takes a simpler approach, offering practical customization features without overwhelming users, helping them create a comfortable workspace.

Storage Availability
Pebb provides unlimited storage, making it ideal for growing teams. Other platforms have varied storage capacities:

• Microsoft Teams: 5 GB per user

• Zoho Cliq: 100 GB per user

• Pumble: 10 GB per workspace

Compare these features to decide which platform aligns with your team's size, workflow, and storage needs.

Which Platform to Choose

Picking the right Slack alternative depends on your team size, workflow, and future growth. Below are some tailored recommendations for different team sizes and integration needs.

For startups and small teams (up to 1,000 users), Pebb's free plan offers unlimited message history, storage, and a full suite of workspace features - all in one package.

For medium to large organizations, here’s a quick breakdown based on specific needs:

If you're watching your budget, Pebb Premium stands out at just $3.50/user/month. It includes:

• Advanced analytics

• Voice and video calls

• Enterprise SSO

• Premium SLA support

• HR and payroll integrations

"Pumble is easy to use - if you've used Slack, you already know everything you need to about Pumble. But, crucially, Pumble allows unlimited message history in the free version. This is a crippling restriction of Slack, and the main reason I switched from Slack to Pumble." - Ryan V., CEO | Computer Games

When comparing platforms, keep these factors in mind:

• Message history: Ensure you can easily access past conversations.

• User capacity: Make sure the platform can handle your growing team.

• Storage space: Confirm there's enough room for files and messages.

• Integrations: Check compatibility with tools your team already uses.

• Costs over time: Assess pricing as your team scales.

For teams that want secure, customizable options without breaking the bank, Pebb Premium at $3.50/user/month delivers a robust feature set at a competitive price.

FAQs

Why is Pebb the best free Slack alternative for large teams?

Pebb is the ideal free Slack alternative for large teams because it offers a comprehensive all-in-one communication platform at no cost. With features like work chat, a news feed, groups, a people directory, and voice & video calls, Pebb ensures seamless collaboration for both frontline and office employees.

For teams that need even more, Pebb's premium plan is available at just $3.50 per user, making it one of the most affordable options in the market. It’s designed to meet the needs of diverse workplaces without compromising on functionality or budget.

How does Pebb help remote and frontline employees stay connected and productive?

Pebb simplifies communication and collaboration for remote and frontline employees by combining essential tools like work chat, news feeds, groups, people directories, and voice and video calls into one seamless platform.

This all-in-one solution ensures teams can easily stay connected, share updates, and collaborate effectively, no matter where they work. With Pebb, both frontline and office-based employees have everything they need to stay engaged and productive in one place.

Why should businesses choose Pebb's premium plan over other communication platforms?

Pebb's premium plan stands out as an affordable, all-in-one communication solution tailored for both frontline and office employees. Unlike other platforms with limitations, Pebb includes essential features like work chat, news feeds, groups, a people directory, and voice and video calls - all in one place.

At just $3.50 per user per month, Pebb is more cost-effective than competitors like Slack, whose free plan restricts message history, file storage, and app integrations. With Pebb, teams can streamline collaboration and engagement without breaking the budget, making it the ideal choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive yet affordable solution.

Related posts

• The Best Chat apps for work in 2025

• How to choose a chat app for staff employees in 2025

• Chat apps for staff - 2025 list

• best communication tools for business