Best Slack Alternatives (2026)
Slack is business communication platform, starting at $7.25/mo. Here are the best alternatives — whether you need something cheaper, simpler, or with different features.
Why people switch from Slack
- →Free plan limits message history
- →Can become noisy
- →Video calls less featured than Teams/Zoom
Chat, calls, and collaboration in Microsoft 365
Microsoft Teams
Chat, calls, and collaboration in Microsoft 365
Microsoft Teams is a unified communication and collaboration platform bundled with Microsoft 365. It combines persistent chat, video meetings, file sharing, and deep integration with Office apps — dominant in enterprise and education.
Discord
Chat, voice, and community platform
Discord started as a gaming chat platform but has evolved into a powerful community and team communication tool. Popular with developer communities, startups, and online communities who want channels, voice rooms, and bot integrations.
Slack vs alternatives: quick comparison
| Tool | Starting price | Free plan | Pricing model | G2 score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slack (current) | $7.25 | ✓ | freemium | 4.5/5 |
| Microsoft Teams | $4 | ✓ | freemium | 4.3/5 |
| Discord | Free | ✓ | freemium | 4.5/5 |
How to switch from Slack
- 1. Export your data first
Before cancelling, export everything from Slack — contacts, projects, records, or reports. Most tools offer a CSV export under Settings → Data Export. Download and store it as a backup even if you don't need it immediately.
- 2. Trial the alternative with a real project
Microsoft Teams and Discord both offer free plans — sign up and run a live project in parallel before committing. Most paid alternatives also offer 14–30 day trials.
- 3. Import and run both tools briefly
Use the import wizard in your chosen alternative to bring across your exported data. Run both tools in parallel for 2–4 weeks so your team can adapt without losing continuity. Most migrations take less than a day for small teams.
- 4. Cancel before the next billing cycle
Cancel Slack before renewal to avoid being charged for another month or year. Check whether you're on a monthly or annual plan — annual plans often have no mid-cycle refunds. Keep your final data export on file.
Our verdict
If you are switching from Slack, Microsoft Teams is our top pick — chat, calls, and collaboration in microsoft 365, with a G2 score of 4.3/5. For a free option, Microsoft Teams is worth considering. Use the comparison links above to do a side-by-side before committing.
Slack alternatives: frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Slack?
Microsoft Teams is our top-ranked alternative. It starts at $4/mo with a free plan and scores 4.3/5 on G2.
Is there a free alternative to Slack?
Yes — Microsoft Teams, Discord all offer free plans.
What is the cheapest alternative to Slack?
Discord offers the lowest entry point with a free plan. Paid plans start at Free/mo.
Not sure which tool to pick?
See a detailed breakdown of Slack pricing before you decide.
See Slack pricing →