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SlackFree / $7.25/mo Pro / $15/mo Business+

Slack is the leading team messaging platform. Channels, threads, and deep integrations with 2,400+ apps make it the default communication layer for tech companies.

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6 Slack Alternatives in 2026

Considerations for Slack

  • Pro at $7.25/seat/mo adds up fast for growing teams
  • Free plan deletes message history after 90 days
  • Notification overload and constant distraction is a real productivity killer
6 alternatives comparedConfirm current terms with providers
Microsoft Teams
Best for: Microsoft 365 organisations
Free
Microsoft Teams combines chat, video meetings, file storage, and app integrations in one platform. It's deeply integrated with Microsoft 365 and widely deployed in enterprises.
  • Combines chat, video meetings, file storage
  • It's deeply integrated with Microsoft 365 and widely deployed
  • Free tier available
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free / $4/mo Essentials / $6/mo Business Basic
Visit Microsoft Teams →View 6 Alternatives
Mattermost
Best for: Mattermost is an open-source Slack alternative built
FreeOpen SourceBest Value
Mattermost is an open-source Slack alternative built for teams that need full data control. Deploy on your own servers with enterprise-grade security and compliance.
  • Self-host on your infrastructure — complete data ownership
  • Slash commands, bots, and integrations similar to Slack
  • SOC 2 and FedRAMP-compatible for regulated industries
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free (self-host) / $10/seat/mo Professional
Visit Mattermost →View 2 Alternatives
Rocket.Chat
Best for: Open-source team messaging
FreeOpen SourceBest Value
Rocket.Chat is a fully open-source communications platform with messaging, video calls, live chat, and omnichannel support. Self-host or use their cloud.
  • Omnichannel — handle team chat and customer support in one app
  • Built-in video conferencing with no third-party required
  • 800+ community apps and integrations
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free (open source) / Cloud from $7/seat/mo
Visit Rocket.Chat →View 2 Alternatives
Zulip
Best for: Open-source team chat organised by topic threads
FreeOpen SourceBest Value
Zulip is open-source team chat that organises every conversation into a stream and topic, so long discussions stay readable and can be caught up on later. It can be self-hosted for free or used on Zulip Cloud, whose free plan keeps 10,000 messages of search history.
  • Topic-based threading keeps conversations separate
  • Self-host for free with all features
  • Cloud Standard adds unlimited history for $6.67 per user per month
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free (self-host or Cloud Free) / $6.67/user/mo Cloud Standard
Visit Zulip →View 2 Alternatives
Element
Best for: Encrypted, decentralised team chat on Matrix
FreeOpen SourceBest Value
Element is an open-source messaging app for the Matrix network, with end-to-end encryption, rooms, voice and video calls. Teams can use a public server, run their own Matrix homeserver, or pay Element for hosting and enterprise support.
  • End-to-end encrypted chat, voice and video
  • Decentralised Matrix network with optional self-hosting
  • Bridges to other chat networks
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free (app) / paid hosting for organisations
Visit Element →View 2 Alternatives
Discord
Best for: Communities and async teams
FreeBest Value
Discord started as a gaming chat platform but is now used by developer communities, open-source projects, and remote teams. Its voice channels and community features are unmatched.
  • Persistent voice channels — join anytime, like a virtual office
  • Threads, forums, and stages for structured async communication
  • Generous free tier with no message history limit
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free / $9.99/mo Nitro
Visit Discord →View 2 Alternatives