The Slack collaboration tool needs no introduction. Your team could be one of its millions of users. However, despite the many useful and powerful features to increase productivity, the platform does have some flaws.
For example, Slack is cloud-based, with its servers located in the United States. Unable to self host sensitive data about your business. This creates a security problem.
In addition, not all small businesses have the means to have a paid version of the application (which can be useful, especially for backing up conversations).
Why look for a Slack alternative?
Complicated progress followed a notable release and various problems such as computer hacks that led to the leakage of user data. The company has improved its security system and implemented two-factor authentication.
It discovered its cruising speed and experienced an extraordinary growth: 6 million users use this collaborative solution every day in 2017. However, the strong progress makes users fear that other hacking attempts are taking place and this puts the company at risk due to data theft.
Pros and Cons of Slack
Slack is supposed to make your daily tasks easier. Giving you the possibility to connect to multiple services like Google Drive, Office 365 and more. This collaborative platform allows you to free yourself from some constraints of repetitive tasks like communication or anything that needs to be automated. Slack allows you to collaborate on an unlimited number of channels.
By ensuring better coordination of efforts, we can make decisions faster. Slack has all the tools you need right at your fingertips. In addition, your messages are stored in the archive.
We have to mention that this platform has some weaknesses that you should know before making your choice.
Its main weakness is that companies cannot host their data on their personal servers. Actually, Slack uses Amazon servers. This isn’t a problem in itself, except for companies that fear for some of their data.
Another element that can complicate management is that users have control over the establishment of channels. Indeed, if everyone connects to the channel, it takes a lot longer to keep track of everything and keep up to date with the actions of your employees.
Another drawback of Slack is its inability to block users. Since this is a collaborative work tool, the goal is to be able to communicate with your colleagues. This can sometimes lead to negative things like bullying.
Fortunately, there are equally good and sometimes free alternatives. Discover our 11 alternatives to Slack!
Here is a list of 11 collaborative platforms
1. Facebook Working Groups
Facebook Workgroups is part of Workplace, Facebook’s business collaboration toolkit. One of the possibilities is group video calls in its free plan. It’s a great solution for a small structure that doesn’t have a lot of means to ensure a meeting takes place in a video call.
In its free version, they give you 5GB per user, conference/group video calls limited to 20 people, unlimited messaging and search history. Free Share can be used indefinitely, but you will have restrictions on some features.
2. Chanty
We use this tool in real time. Chanty is used for videoconferencing or to deliver tasks.
The tool also offers free access, which features: 20 GB of storage per team, up to 10 users. Unlimited task management and messaging and search history. You have up to 10 third-party integrations.
Note: There is no group video or audio call in the free part.
3. Bitrix24
Bitrix24 is a free marketing and communications suite that includes CRM and marketing automation, video and audio (one-to-one) calls, screen sharing, posting schedules, basic search functions, private messaging and channels.
The free version provides access to a maximum of 12 users, but is not limited in time. You have 5GB of online storage, unlimited messaging and search, one-to-one audio and video calling, and task management.
4. Cluster
Cluster is a real alternative. Mainly when it comes to a team chat, to-do lists and productivity tools. It offers channels, private messaging, message search, video and audio calls, applications for PC and smartphones, guest visitation, note taking, etc.
The free version provides most of the basic features of cluster. But you only have access to the last 10,000 messages.
Advantage: You can try it without registering (without providing your email address).
5. Microsoft Teams
You dreamed of the professional version of Skype? Microsoft did this with Microsoft Teams, a collaboration tool for medium to large businesses. The platform integrates all the chat and instant messaging functions that your teams need. Developed by Microsoft, it works perfectly with all Office applications and OneDrive. Convenient for exchanging or collaborating documents.
With Microsoft Teams, bring up to 250 people at once for an HD video call, even if they’re outside your premises. Assign a phone number to your channel and make a call on the phone. Microsoft Teams provides complete security for your documents and protects your identity with multi-factor authentication.
All files shared in your channel are stored in a document accessible to all members.
6. Rocket.Chat
Rocket.Chat is constantly developing free software. It brings together over 850 developers who are constantly working to improve it. All its users have easy access to new features without any restrictions.
By choosing Rocket.Chat, you simply download the program and host your own messaging service. You keep your sensitive data secure and improve your chat platform. The number of users and guests is unlimited!
Do you work with international service providers? This collaboration tool automatically and instantly translates your messages into over 35 languages without having to install a plugin (unlike Slack).
A powerful choice for all businesses!
7. Spike
You’ll find Spike in Slack’s options. His specialty? Take email to the next level. Lost objects, signatures and conversations are gone among the dozens of messages received every day.
On Spike, email exchanges are presented as chats. You better see all the conversations, which saves you a lot of time! Its added benefit? Security ! Spike allows you to send encrypted email.
Finally, know that you don’t need to register to use Spike. The tool automatically connects to your email accounts and basically provides you with its voice and video call functions.
8. Quip
Reliability and elegant interface is what characterizes Quip. It’s no coincidence that Salesforce bought it in 2016.
No more unnecessary tabs and tasks, its design allows you to focus only on the essentials. The platform guarantees document security, as well as strong integration with Dropbox. Quip allows you to keep your conversations unlimited, free. The alternative to Slack is suitable for all sectors and types of businesses.
9. Twist
The model used is based on the discussion thread for instant messaging. This feature reduces clutter and gives users the ability to focus primarily on the messages that pertain to them.
In the functions, we find discussion threads, channels, but also private messages and messages in their search. There are video and audio calls, task management through applications for computers and smartphones and to-do list,
The free version of Twist limits access to Messages for 30 days, however, it includes most of Twist’s features. ,Unlimited Users and Guests, Unlimited Messages, 5GB Memory And up to 5 integrations
10. RingCentral slip
RingCentral merged with slip In 2015 to offer a team collaboration application that provides task management functions to facilitate teamwork. Its features are private messaging functions, message search, channel (team), screen sharing, video and audio calls, guest.
In its free version, there are an unlimited number of users, but only 500 minutes of shared video in all. Unlimited Storage. Simultaneous integration with an unlimited number of users and searches. Team Calendar.
This is the platform that actually provides a very good alternative to Slack.
