Best Slack alternatives (2026)
By Will
Slack is the default, but it is not the only option, and its 90-day free history limit and premium pricing push a lot of teams to look elsewhere. We tested the best alternatives on the things that matter: how good the free plan is, how much paid seats cost, and how well each fits the tools you already use.
Pumble is our best pick on value, with a free plan that keeps unlimited history. If you already pay for Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, Teams and Google Chat come effectively bundled and make sense to use instead.
| # | Tool | Best for | Rating | Pricing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PumbleBest free & best value | Small teams, Budget-conscious teams | Free plan (unlimited users & message history); paid from $2.49/user/mo billed annually | Visit | |
| 2 | Microsoft TeamsBest for Microsoft 365 users | Microsoft 365 users, Larger organisations | Free plan; paid via Microsoft 365 Business plans | Visit | |
| 3 | Google ChatBest for Google Workspace users | Google Workspace users, Simple needs | Included with Google Workspace (from ~£5/user/mo) | Visit |
#1 · Best free & best value
Pumble
A Slack-like experience with unlimited users and unlimited message history for free, and paid tiers from just $2.49 per user. The obvious switch for small teams that want Slack's core without the cost or the 90-day history limit.
#2 · Best for Microsoft 365 users
Microsoft Teams
If your business already runs on Microsoft 365, Teams is effectively free and ties into Office, Outlook and SharePoint. Heavier than Pumble, but hard to argue with when you already pay for it.
#3 · Best for Google Workspace users
Google Chat
Built into Google Workspace and tied to Gmail, Meet and Drive. Simpler and less feature-rich than the others, but a sensible default if your team lives in Google.
How we picked
We weighted the quality of the free plan first (this is where Slack frustrates people), then price per seat, then how well each tool fits an existing Microsoft or Google setup.
Pumble: best value
Pumble is the standout for teams that want a standalone chat tool. Free unlimited history removes Slack's biggest free-plan annoyance, and paid seats are the cheapest here. For most small teams switching from Slack, it is the natural landing spot.
Microsoft Teams and Google Chat: best if you're already there
If you already pay for Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the maths changes: Teams or Google Chat come bundled, so using them saves a separate subscription. Neither is as pleasant as Pumble for pure chat, but the price is hard to beat when it is already included.
Our verdict
For a standalone Slack alternative, Pumble is our pick: the best free plan and the lowest paid prices. Use Microsoft Teams or Google Chat instead if your team already lives in Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. Each has a free tier, so you can try before you move.