Best Slack Alternatives for Small Teams 2025

Slack revolutionized team communication, but it's not the only option—and for many small teams, it's not even the best. With pricing that escalates quickly and features you might not need, exploring alternatives can save money while delivering better functionality for your specific needs.

In this guide, we'll explore the top Slack alternatives for small teams in 2025, examining their strengths, pricing, and ideal use cases.

Why Consider Slack Alternatives?

Before diving into specific tools, let's understand why teams are looking beyond Slack:

• Cost: Slack's pricing can become expensive as teams grow ($7.25-12.50/user/month)
• Feature overload: Many small teams don't need all of Slack's enterprise features
• Simplicity: Some teams prefer more straightforward, focused tools
• Integration needs: Different tools excel with different software ecosystems
• Privacy concerns: Some teams prefer self-hosted or privacy-focused options

Best Slack Alternatives for Small Teams

1. Microsoft Teams - Best for Microsoft 365 Users

Microsoft Teams has evolved from a Skype replacement into a comprehensive collaboration platform that rivals Slack.

Key Features:

• Integrated with Microsoft 365 suite (Word, Excel, SharePoint)
• Built-in video conferencing (no third-party integration needed)
• Unlimited message history on paid plans
• Advanced security and compliance features
• File collaboration with OneDrive/SharePoint

Pricing: Free tier available; Microsoft 365 Business Basic starts at $6/user/month

Best for: Teams already using Microsoft 365, enterprises requiring compliance, organizations needing integrated video

Pros: Excellent integration with Microsoft ecosystem, robust video capabilities, competitive pricing
Cons: Can feel cluttered, steeper learning curve than Slack, less intuitive for new users

2. Discord - Best for Tech Teams and Communities

Discord started as a gaming communication platform but has become incredibly popular with tech teams, startups, and online communities.

Key Features:

• Voice channels for always-on communication
• Excellent audio quality and low latency
• Thread-based conversations
• Screen sharing and video calls
• Extensive bot ecosystem for automation
• Server-based organization with roles and permissions

Pricing: Free for core features; Discord Nitro at $9.99/month for individuals (not per-user)

Best for: Tech startups, developer teams, creative communities, teams that want always-on voice

Pros: Exceptional voice quality, generous free tier, fun and engaging interface, great for community building
Cons: Less business-focused, fewer enterprise integrations, can feel informal for corporate environments

3. Mattermost - Best for Self-Hosted Teams

Mattermost is an open-source Slack alternative that you can self-host, giving you complete control over your data.

Key Features:

• Self-hosted or cloud options
• Slack-compatible (easy migration)
• End-to-end encryption available
• Extensive customization and white-labeling
• DevOps integrations (GitLab, Jenkins, Jira)

Pricing: Free self-hosted version; Cloud starts at $10/user/month

Best for: Security-conscious teams, organizations with strict compliance requirements, technical teams comfortable with self-hosting

Pros: Complete data control, highly customizable, strong security, one-time cost for self-hosted
Cons: Requires technical expertise for self-hosting, smaller app ecosystem than Slack

4. Rocket.Chat - Best Open-Source Alternative

Rocket.Chat offers another powerful open-source option with extensive customization capabilities.

Key Features:

• Fully open-source with self-hosting option
• Real-time translation in 50+ languages
• Omnichannel communication (integrate customer support)
• Video conferencing with Jitsi integration
• Extensive API for custom integrations

Pricing: Free self-hosted; Cloud starts at $7/user/month

Best for: International teams, companies wanting to white-label, teams needing customer communication tools

Pros: Very flexible, real-time translation, can serve multiple purposes, strong community
Cons: Interface less polished than competitors, can be complex to set up optimally

5. Google Chat - Best for Google Workspace Users

Google Chat (formerly Hangouts Chat) integrates seamlessly with the Google Workspace ecosystem.

Key Features:

• Native integration with Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Meet
• Spaces for organized team conversations
• Smart compose and search powered by Google AI
• Direct integration with Google Meet for video
• Included with Google Workspace (no additional cost)

Pricing: Included with Google Workspace ($6-18/user/month)

Best for: Teams already using Google Workspace, small businesses wanting simple integration

Pros: No additional cost for Workspace users, excellent Google app integration, simple interface
Cons: Limited features compared to Slack, fewer third-party integrations, less customizable

6. Chanty - Best for Simplicity

Chanty focuses on being a straightforward, easy-to-use team chat tool without overwhelming users.

Key Features:

• Unlimited message history (even on free plan)
• Built-in task management (Kanban board)
• Audio and video calls
• Simple, clean interface
• Screen sharing and file storage

Pricing: Free for up to 10 users; Business plan at $3/user/month

Best for: Small teams (under 10), teams wanting built-in task management, budget-conscious startups

Pros: Very affordable, generous free tier, combines chat and tasks, easy to learn
Cons: Limited integrations, smaller user base, fewer advanced features

7. Twist - Best for Async Communication

Twist by Doist (makers of Todoist) reimagines team communication around asynchronous, threaded conversations.

Key Features:

• Thread-first design (every conversation is a thread)
• Designed to reduce interruptions and notifications
• Built-in video messaging (Loom-style)
• Powerful search and organization
• Integrations with productivity tools

Pricing: Free for unlimited users; Unlimited plan at $6/user/month

Best for: Remote teams across time zones, teams fighting notification fatigue, companies promoting deep work

Pros: Reduces constant interruptions, excellent for async work, thoughtful design, generous free tier
Cons: Different paradigm requires adjustment, less suitable for urgent real-time coordination

Feature Comparison

Here's how these alternatives stack up on key features:

Best free tier: Discord and Chanty offer the most generous free plans
Best value: Chanty at $3/user/month and Google Chat (included with Workspace)
Best for video: Microsoft Teams and Discord
Best for privacy: Mattermost and Rocket.Chat (self-hosted options)
Best for simplicity: Chanty and Google Chat
Best for developers: Discord and Mattermost

Making Your Decision

Choose based on your team's specific situation:

Already using Microsoft 365? Microsoft Teams is the obvious choice—you're already paying for it.

Using Google Workspace? Google Chat provides seamless integration at no additional cost.

Tech startup or developer team? Discord offers the best combination of features and culture fit.

Security is paramount? Consider self-hosted Mattermost or Rocket.Chat.

Budget is tight? Chanty or Discord provide excellent value.

Fighting notification overload? Twist's async-first approach might be revolutionary for your team.

Migration Tips

If you're switching from Slack:

• Export your data: Most tools offer Slack import features
• Start with a pilot: Test with a small team or department first
• Train gradually: Give team members time to adjust to new interfaces
• Recreate essential integrations: Ensure critical workflows work in the new tool
• Set clear timelines: Define when the old system will be deprecated

Conclusion

While Slack remains popular, it's far from the only option for team communication. For small teams, alternatives often provide better value, simpler interfaces, or features more aligned with specific needs.

Microsoft Teams makes sense for Microsoft-centric organizations. Discord excels for tech teams and communities. Mattermost and Rocket.Chat serve security-conscious teams. Google Chat simplifies life for Workspace users. Chanty offers incredible value for small teams. And Twist provides a refreshing async-first approach.

The best choice depends on your existing tools, budget, team size, and communication philosophy. Take advantage of free trials to test 2-3 options with your actual team workflows before committing.