We tested 18+ team messaging platforms to find alternatives worth considering. Whether you need better pricing, specific integrations, or different workflows, these tools offer compelling options.
| Tool | Starting Price | Video Calls | Self-Host | Free History | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Teams | Included/$4/mo | Best | Unlimited | 9.0/10 | |
| Discord | Free | Good | Unlimited | 8.8/10 | |
| Slack | Free/$7.25/mo | Huddles | 90 days | 9.2/10 | |
| Google Chat | Included | Meet | Unlimited | 8.3/10 | |
| Rocket.Chat | Free/$4/mo | Good | Unlimited | 8.4/10 | |
| Mattermost | Free/$10/mo | Plugin | Unlimited | 8.5/10 | |
| Element | Free/$5/mo | Good | Unlimited | 8.2/10 | |
| Twist | Free/$6/mo | 1 month | 8.3/10 | ||
| Pumble | Free | Good | Unlimited | 8.4/10 |
Microsoft Teams combines chat, video, and file collaboration. Included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Deep SharePoint and Office integration. Channels organize conversations by topic.
Discord started for gamers but works great for communities and teams. Persistent voice channels for always-on audio. Free with unlimited history. Great for async and real-time.
Slack defined modern team chat. 2,400+ integrations connect every work tool. Huddles provide instant voice. Workflow Builder automates repetitive tasks. Canvases add docs to channels.
Google Chat is included with Google Workspace. Spaces organize conversations. Tight Meet integration for video. Works well if you live in Google ecosystem.
Rocket.Chat is open source team chat you can self-host. Full control over data and customization. Enterprise features available. Active community and development.
Mattermost is built for security-conscious organizations. Self-host for complete control. Popular with DevOps teams for integrations. Compliance-ready for regulated industries.
Element uses the Matrix protocol for decentralized, encrypted messaging. End-to-end encryption by default. Self-host or federate with other Matrix servers. True data ownership.
Twist is async-first messaging from the Todoist team. Thread-based to reduce noise. No presence indicators or read receipts to reduce pressure. Designed for calm, thoughtful communication.
Pumble offers free unlimited message history, unlike Slack. Familiar interface for Slack users. Video calls included. Great value for budget-conscious teams.
We tested each messaging platform with real team communication.
Slack justifies its price through integrations and workflows. If you use many tools, Slack connects them. For simple chat needs, free alternatives like Pumble or Discord work well.
Teams is included and integrated, making it the default choice. However, if your workflows center on non-Microsoft tools or you prefer Slack experience, switching is reasonable.
Use threads religiously. Mute channels you do not need. Set notification schedules. Consider async-first tools like Twist. Establish team norms about response expectations.
Self-hosted options like Mattermost and Rocket.Chat offer complete control. Enterprise tiers of Slack and Teams include compliance features. Element provides end-to-end encryption.
