Team communication is the process of exchanging information, ideas, and feedback among team members to achieve a common goal. Effective team communication is essential for any business. as it can improve collaboration, productivity, innovation, and morale. However, team communication can also be challenging, especially in an age of remote working and dispersed teams.
That’s why many teams rely on team communication tools to facilitate their communication and collaboration. These tools are software applications that allow groups to chat, share files, manage projects, and integrate with other apps.

In this blog post, we will compare two of the most popular team communication tools: Slack and Microsoft Teams. We will look at their features, benefits, drawbacks, and pricing and help you make an informed choice between these two platforms.

Slack vs. Microsoft Teams

Background Information

Slack and Microsoft Teams are two of the most popular team communication tools in the market. They both have a relatively recent history but have quickly gained a large and loyal user base.

Slack was launched in 2013 as a cloud-based platform that aimed to replace email as the primary mode of communication for teams. It was created by Stewart Butterfield, who also co-founded Flickr, a photo-sharing website. Slack’s name is an acronym for “Searchable Log of All Conversation and Knowledge.” Slack’s main features include chat channels, direct messages, app integrations, file sharing, and search functionality. Slack has over 20M+ million daily active users and 169,000 paid customers as of 2022.

Microsoft Teams was launched in 2016 as a chat-based workspace that integrated with Microsoft 365, formerly known as Office 365. It was created by Brian MacDonald, who also led the development of Outlook and OneNote. Microsoft Teams’ name reflects its focus on teamwork and collaboration. Microsoft Teams’ main features include chat channels, direct messages, app integrations, file sharing, video conferencing, and project management tools. Microsoft Teams has over 270 million daily active users and 300 million monthly active users as of 2023.

The surge in popularity of team communication tools can be attributed to several factors, such as:

• The rise of remote work and distributed teams requires more effective and efficient ways of communication and collaboration across different locations and time zones.
•  The need for faster and more agile workflows demands more real-time and synchronous communication and feedback among team members.
•  The desire for more engaging and fun work environments that foster more creativity and innovation through social interactions and gamification features.

Slack vs. Microsoft Teams

Features Comparison:

A. User Interface and User Experience

Slack and Microsoft Teams have different user interfaces that may appeal to other users depending on their preferences and needs. Here are some of the main aspects to compare:

• Overall user experience: Slack has a more minimalist and customizable design, while Teams has a more complex and cluttered layout. Some users may prefer Slack’s simplicity and flexibility, while others may appreciate Teams’ integration with other Microsoft products. Slack also has a more playful and fun tone, while Teams has a more formal and professional style.
•  Ease of navigation: Both platforms have similar interfaces that feature channels, direct messages, and app integrations. However, Slack has a more intuitive and user-friendly navigation, while Teams has a more hierarchical and nested navigation. For example, Slack allows users to easily switch between workspaces, channels, and direct messages from the sidebar. At the same time, Teams requires users to click on different icons and menus to access different workspaces, teams, channels, and chats.
•  Customization options: Both platforms offer some degree of customization for their users, such as changing the theme, setting notifications, and adding emojis and stickers. However, Slack has more customization options than Teams, such as creating custom statuses, changing the sidebar color, and adding custom emojis and reactions. Slack also has a more open and developer-friendly platform that allows users to create their custom integrations and workflows.

Slack vs. Microsoft Teams

The following screenshots show the differences between the user interfaces of Slack and Microsoft Teams:

Slack user interface

Teams user interface

B. Messaging and Chat Features

Slack and Microsoft Teams both offer chat-based collaboration tools that allow users to communicate and share files with their team members. However, there are some differences in the messaging features and capabilities of each platform. Here are some of the main aspects to compare:

Chat rooms: Both platforms use chat rooms to organize conversations by topic, project, or team. Slack calls them channels, while Teams calls them teams and channels. Slack allows users to create public or private channels, join or leave channels as they wish, and browse or search for channels in the workspace. Teams will enable users to create public or private teams, invite or remove members from teams, and access or create channels within teams. Slack has a more flexible and user-friendly approach to chat rooms, while Teams has a more structured and hierarchical system.

Direct messaging: Both platforms allow users to send direct messages to one or more people. Slack allows users to start a one-on-one or group chat by selecting New Chat at the top of the chat list and entering the names of the recipients. Teams will enable users to start a one-on-one or group chat by selecting New Chat at the top of the app and entering the terms of the recipients. Slack also allows users to chat with themselves to draft messages, send files, or test features. Both platforms support rich text editing, emojis, GIFs, stickers, and priority notifications for direct messages.

File sharing: Both platforms allow users to share files with their team members via chat rooms or direct messages. Slack allows users to upload files from their computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, or OneDrive. Teams will enable users to upload files from their computer or OneDrive for Business. Both platforms also allow users to view, edit, and comment on files within the app. Slack has an advantage over Teams in terms of the number and variety of file-sharing integrations available.

Some unique features that each platform offers in this category are:

• Chat translation: Teams has a built-in chat translation feature that allows users to translate messages in different languages within the app. Slack does not have this feature natively, but it can be enabled through third-party app integrations.
•  Video clip: Teams has a video clip feature that allows users to record and send short video messages within the app. Slack does not have this feature natively, but it can be enabled through third-party app integrations.
•  Chat with self: Slack has a chat with the self feature that allows users to start a conversation with themselves for drafting messages, sending files, or testing features. Teams do not have this feature natively, but it can be achieved by creating a private group with only one member.

Slack vs. Microsoft Teams

C. Integration and Compatibility

Slack and Microsoft Teams both offer a range of integrations with popular productivity and collaboration tools. However, there are some differences in the number, variety, and quality of the integrations available for each platform. Here are some of the main aspects to compare:

• Number of integrations: Slack has an edge over Teams in terms of the number of integrations available. Slack boasts over 2,400 apps in its app directory, while Teams has around 700. This means that Slack users have more options and choices when it comes to connecting their favorite tools to their chat platform.
•  Variety of integrations: Slack also has an advantage over Teams in terms of the type of integrations available. Slack supports a broader range of third-party app categories, such as analytics, design, education, gaming, health, media, travel, and more. Teams focus more on integrations with Microsoft 365 and other Microsoft and partner apps, such as Azure, Dynamics 365, Power BI, SharePoint, and Yammer.
•  Quality of integrations: Both platforms offer high-quality integrations with some of the most popular and widely used productivity and collaboration tools, such as Zoom, Google Drive, Asana, Trello, Jira, and more. However, some users may find that some integrations work better or smoother on one platform than the other. For example, some users may prefer the native integration of Teams with Outlook Calendar over the third-party integration of Slack with Google Calendar. Conversely, some users may choose the seamless integration of Slack with Zoom over the limited integration of Teams with Zoom.

Some limitations or advantages regarding third-party app compatibility are:

• Slack: One limitation of Slack is that its free plan only allows up to 10 app integrations per workspace. This means that users who want to use more than 10 apps will have to upgrade to a paid plan or switch between workspaces. One advantage of Slack is that it has a more open and developer-friendly platform that allows users to create their custom integrations and workflows using Slack APIs or Workflow Builder.
•  Teams: One limitation of Teams is that some integrations require additional licenses or subscriptions to work correctly. This means that users who want to use certain apps will have to pay extra fees or sign up for other services. One advantage of Teams is that it offers more granular control over app permissions and policies for admins and users. This means that users can manage how apps access their data and information within Teams.

Slack vs. Microsoft Teams

D. Video Conferencing and Collaboration

Slack and Microsoft Teams both offer video conferencing and collaboration features that enable users to communicate and work together more effectively. However, there are some differences in the quality, options, and tools of each platform. Here are some of the main aspects to compare:

• Quality of video calls: Both platforms support high-quality video calls with HD video and audio, noise cancellation, and background blur. However, some users may experience issues with lag, echo, or distortion depending on their internet connection, device, or settings. Some users may also prefer the native integration of Teams with Outlook Calendar over the third-party integration of Slack with Google Calendar for scheduling and joining video calls.
•  Screen sharing options: Both platforms allow users to share their screen or a specific window during a video call. However, Teams has more screen-sharing options than Slack, such as sharing a PowerPoint presentation, a whiteboard, or a system audio. Slack only allows sharing system audio through a third-party app integration.
•  Collaborative tools: Both platforms offer collaborative tools that enhance the video conferencing experience, such as chat, file sharing, live captions, polls, and reactions. However, Teams has more collaborative tools than Slack, such as breakout rooms, live events, webinars, and speaker coaches. Slack does not have these features natively, but it can be enabled through third-party app integrations.
•  Scalability of video meetings: Both platforms support large-scale video meetings for up to 1,000 participants and 10,000 viewers. However, Teams has an advantage over Slack in terms of the duration and recording of video meetings. Teams allow unlimited group meetings for up to 30 hours and endless recordings for paid plans. Slack only allows group meetings for up to 60 minutes and recordings for up to 15 minutes for free plans.

Slack vs. Microsoft Teams

Pricing Plans

Slack and Microsoft Teams have different pricing plans that may suit different budgets and needs. Here are some of the main aspects to compare:

Cost structure: Slack offers a tiered pricing structure, with plans including Free, Pro, Business Plus, and Enterprise Grid. Teams provide a hybrid pricing structure, with projects including Free, Essentials, and Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Standard, and Premium. Teams also offer personal and family plans for home use.

Free vs. paid options: Both platforms offer free plans with some basic features and limitations. Slack’s free plan allows up to 10,000 searchable messages, 10 app integrations, and 1-to-1 voice and video calls. Teams’ free plan allows unlimited messages, 250 app integrations, and group voice and video calls for up to 100 participants. Both platforms also offer free trials for their paid plans.

Limitations or restrictions: Both platforms have some regulations or conditions associated with their free plans. For example, Slack’s free plan only allows 5GB of file storage per workspace, 60 minutes of group meetings, and 15 minutes of recordings. Teams’ free plan only provides web and mobile versions of Microsoft 365 apps, 2GB of file storage per user, and no webinar hosting or attendee registration.

Slack vs. Microsoft Teams

Security and Compliance

Slack and Microsoft Teams both have security measures in place to protect their users’ data and privacy and to help them meet their compliance requirements. However, there are some differences in the level and scope of security and compliance features offered by each platform. Here are some of the main aspects to compare:

• Data encryption: Both platforms encrypt data at rest and data in transit for all of their customers. However, Teams has an advantage over Slack in terms of the certifications and regulations it meets, such as ISO 27001, ISO 27018, SSAE16 SOC 1 and SOC 2, HIPAA, and EU Model Clauses. Additionally, Teams offers more granular control over data retention policies, eDiscovery, legal hold, and auditing capabilities than Slack.
•  User access controls: Both platforms support user access controls such as single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, domain claiming, and enterprise mobility management. However, Slack has more customization options than Teams, such as creating custom statuses, changing the sidebar color, and adding custom emojis and reactions. Slack also has a more open and developer-friendly platform that allows users to create their custom integrations and workflows.
•  Compliance certifications: Both platforms have some compliance certifications that enable them to meet specific industry regulations and international security and data privacy standards. For example, both platforms are HIPAA and FINRA-compliant. However, Teams has more compliance certifications than Slack, such as FedRAMP Moderate authorization, FERPA support, TISAX assessment, IRAP assessment, and ISMAP assessment.

Some recent security incidents or vulnerabilities are:

• Slack: In December 2020, Slack suffered a major outage that affected its services worldwide for several hours. The outage was caused by an internal issue with its network infrastructure. In January 2021, Slack disclosed a critical vulnerability that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on users’ devices. The vulnerability was discovered by a security researcher and reported to Slack through its bug bounty program. Slack fixed the vulnerability within five hours of receiving the report.
•  Teams: In March 2020, Teams experienced a global outage that prevented users from logging in or sending messages. The outage was caused by an expired authentication certificate that was not renewed in time. In April 2020, Teams was found to have a subdomain takeover vulnerability that could allow attackers to send malicious links to users or steal their login credentials. The vulnerability was discovered by a security researcher and reported to Microsoft through its bug bounty program. Microsoft fixed the vulnerability within a week of receiving the report.

Slack vs. Microsoft Teams

Use Cases and Target Audience

Slack and Microsoft Teams are both versatile and powerful tools that can be used for various use cases and target audiences. However, depending on the specific needs, preferences, and goals of different industries or team sizes, one platform may be better suited than the other. Here are some examples of use cases and target audiences for each tool:

• Slack: Slack is ideal for teams that value flexibility, creativity, and innovation. Slack’s minimalist and customizable design, a wide range of app integrations, and open and developer-friendly platform allow users to create their workflows and solutions. Slack is also significant for teams that need to communicate and collaborate with external parties, such as clients, partners, or contractors. Slack’s universal channels feature enables users to chat with people on different apps, such as Webex or Teams, without leaving Slack. Some examples of companies that use Slack successfully are IBM, Airbnb, Shopify, and Medium.
•  Teams: Teams is ideal for teams that value productivity, efficiency, and security. Teams’ integration with Microsoft 365 and other Microsoft products, comprehensive video conferencing and collaboration features, and granular control over data retention and compliance policies allow users to work seamlessly and securely. Teams are also great for teams that need to scale up their communication and collaboration capabilities, such as hosting large-scale meetings, webinars, or live events. Teams’ breakout rooms, live captions, polls, and speaker coach features enhance the video conferencing experience for large groups. Some examples of companies that use Teams successfully are Accenture, L’Oreal, PepsiCo, and General Electric.

Slack vs. Microsoft Teams

Pros and Cons

Slack and Microsoft Teams both have their pros and cons that may affect your decision on which tool to use. Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of each platform:

• Slack: Slack’s main advantages are its minimalist and customizable design, its wide range of app integrations, and its open and developer-friendly platform. These features allow users to create their workflows and solutions and to communicate and collaborate with external parties. Slack’s main disadvantages are its limited features and storage for its free plan, its higher pricing for its paid plans, and its lower level of security and compliance than Teams.
•  Teams: Teams’ main advantages are its integration with Microsoft 365 and other Microsoft products, its comprehensive video conferencing and collaboration features, and its granular control over data retention and compliance policies. These features allow users to work seamlessly and securely and to scale up their communication and collaboration capabilities. Teams’ main disadvantages are its complex and cluttered layout, its fewer app integrations than Slack, and its dependency on additional licenses or subscriptions for some integrations.

Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your unique needs, preferences, and budget. Try both platforms for free before making a final decision. Alternatively, you may opt for a hybrid solution that uses both media for different purposes or teams.

Slack vs. Microsoft Teams

User Reviews and Testimonials

Slack and Microsoft Teams are both popular and widely used team communication tools, but they also have different user reviews and testimonials that reflect their strengths and weaknesses. Here are some snippets of user reviews and testimonials for both platforms:

Slack: Slack users generally praise its minimalist and customizable design, its wide range of app integrations, and its open and developer-friendly platform. However, some users also complain about its limited features and storage for its free plan, its higher pricing for its paid plans, and its lower level of security and compliance than Teams. Some examples of user reviews and testimonials are:

• “Slack is one of the easiest and most convenient applications/software to connect with anyone anywhere. Can log in as a guest account and enter the code, and here you go. Just like MS team, this is another one of the best software to connect with your buddies whether it’s official or unofficial.”
• “Slack is a great tool for communication, but it can also be a distraction. It can take a lot of work to keep track of all the messages and notifications, especially if you are in multiple channels or groups. Sometimes, I wish there was a way to mute or snooze certain channels or messages.”
• “Slack is a game-changer for remote work. It allows us to stay connected and collaborate with our team members across different locations and time zones. We can also chat with external parties, such as clients or partners, using universal channels. Slack has made our work more efficient and fun.”

Teams: Teams users generally appreciate its integration with Microsoft 365 and other Microsoft products, its comprehensive video conferencing and collaboration features, and its granular control over data retention and compliance policies. However, some users also criticize its complex and cluttered layout, its fewer app integrations than Slack, and its dependency on additional licenses or subscriptions for some integrations. Some examples of user reviews and testimonials are:

• “Teams is a great platform for video conferencing and collaboration. It has many features that enhance the meeting experience, such as breakout rooms, live captions, polls, and reactions. It also integrates well with Outlook Calendar, OneDrive, SharePoint, and other Microsoft apps.”
• “Teams is a good messaging and video calling app if your organization runs on Microsoft. However, if you use other apps or tools, Teams does not support them well or at all. For example, we use Zoom for our webinars, but Teams does not integrate with Zoom smoothly.”
• “Teams is a powerful tool for communication and collaboration, but it can also be overwhelming and confusing. It has a lot of icons, menus, tabs, and buttons that can make it hard to navigate or find what you need. Sometimes, I need a manual or a tutorial to use Teams effectively.”

These are just some of the user reviews and testimonials for Slack and Microsoft Teams.

Slack vs. Microsoft Teams

To conclude, Slack and Microsoft Teams are both excellent team communication tools that can help you improve your collaboration and productivity. However, they also have different strengths and weaknesses that may suit different needs, preferences, and budgets.

Slack is ideal for teams that value flexibility, creativity, and innovation. It has a minimalist and customizable design, a wide range of app integrations, and an open and developer-friendly platform. However, it also has limited features and storage for its free plan, higher pricing for its paid plans, and a lower level of security and compliance than Teams.

Teams are ideal for teams that value productivity, efficiency, and security. It integrates well with Microsoft 365 and other Microsoft products, has comprehensive video conferencing and collaboration features, and offers granular control over data retention and compliance policies. However, it also has a complex and cluttered layout, fewer app integrations than Slack, and requires additional licenses or subscriptions for some integrations.

Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your unique needs, preferences, and budget. Try both platforms for free before making a final decision. Alternatively, you may opt for a hybrid solution that uses both media for different purposes or teams. We hope this blog post has helped you compare Slack and Microsoft Teams and make an informed choice.

Call to Action

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog post and learned something new about Slack and Microsoft Teams. If you are interested in trying out these platforms for yourself, you can sign up or download trial versions from their official websites:

Slack	https://slack.com/get-started
Microsoft-Teams	https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/download-app

You can also compare the features and pricing of both platforms in more detail here:

Slack	https://slack.com/pricing
Microsoft-Teams	https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/compare-all-microsoft-365-products

We would love to hear your feedback and opinions on Slack and Microsoft Teams. Which one do you prefer and why? What are the pros and cons of each platform for you? How do you use them for your team communication and collaboration? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. Thank you for your time and attention!