7 Best Slack Alternatives in 2026
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Quick answer (May 2026): Switching away? The strongest 2026 alternatives are below — ranked on real pricing, ease of switch, and feature parity. Updated June 2026.
The top Slack alternatives in 2026: Microsoft Teams, Discord, Google Chat, Mattermost. All offer free trials.
Looking for a Slack alternative? Whether the pricing doesn't fit your budget or you need different features, here are the 7 best alternatives we've tested.
1. Microsoft Teams
A strong Slack alternative for teams that prioritise value. Compare pricing and features vs Slack before deciding.
- Free plan or trial available
- Competitive pricing vs Slack
2. Discord
A strong Slack alternative for teams that prioritise ease of use. Compare pricing and features vs Slack before deciding.
- Free plan or trial available
- Competitive pricing vs Slack
3. Google Chat
A strong Slack alternative for teams that prioritise integrations. Compare pricing and features vs Slack before deciding.
- Free plan or trial available
- Competitive pricing vs Slack
4. Mattermost
A strong Slack alternative for teams that prioritise scalability. Compare pricing and features vs Slack before deciding.
- Free plan or trial available
- Competitive pricing vs Slack
5. Twist
A strong Slack alternative for teams that prioritise collaboration. Compare pricing and features vs Slack before deciding.
- Free plan or trial available
- Competitive pricing vs Slack
6. Rocket.Chat
A strong Slack alternative for teams that prioritise reporting. Compare pricing and features vs Slack before deciding.
- Free plan or trial available
- Competitive pricing vs Slack
7. Chanty
A strong Slack alternative for teams that prioritise customisation. Compare pricing and features vs Slack before deciding.
- Free plan or trial available
- Competitive pricing vs Slack
How Slack Compares
Before switching, see how Slack stacks up:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free Slack alternative?
The best free alternative depends on your use case. Microsoft Teams offers a generous free plan for small teams.
Why do people look for Slack alternatives?
Common reasons: pricing (Free (90-day message history)), missing features, or wanting to consolidate tools.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Slack?
Yes — Discord and Google Chat typically have lower per-seat pricing. Compare plans before switching.
Make sure you know the full cost before evaluating alternatives.
Compare Pricing