The internal communication of a company is essential, that workers have methods in which they can be in contact at all times. The pandemic has shown the importance of tools like these. Many companies have opted for apps like Slack, while others use Microsoft Teams for their internal communication.
Many companies are considering switching or do not yet know which application to use in this regard. Therefore, below we leave you with a comparison, a kind of Slack vs Teams, so that we can see what advantages or disadvantages each app leaves us, and thus determine which one is better in this regard for a company.
Both are applications that are widely used throughout the world, both in companies and in institutions such as universities, for example. In this Slack vs Teams comparison We tell you more about the two applications, so that you know more about them and thus be able to determine which of them is the best or the one that best suits your needs.
Slack vs Teams: User Interface
One of the first and most important aspects to consider in this sense is the interface, as you are looking for something that is feature rich, yet easy to use at all times. In this case, both works well, because they leave us with interfaces that are quite easy to use. Although Teams is a criticized app that many do not fully understand or see as intuitive, therefore, Slack may be easier for most.
Slack has incorporated a step-by-step guide for new users, something that undoubtedly makes it even easier to use, since you will have a tutorial that explains how to use it in a simple way. Although the app's interface is very simple, understandable, and as it is available in many languages, no user is going to have problems using it.
Microsoft Teams also has a getting started guide, which explains how you can use the application. So it is a good help if you have never used this app, because that way you will be able to learn to take those first steps in it. The interface has some elements that are similar to Slack's, so if you've used Slack before, you won't have a problem. There are elements to polish, which should make it easier to use, so it is possible that in future updates it will happen.
Security
Security is another important aspect for users. In this case it is something similar, in both Slack and Microsoft Teams. Among the features that leave us in this field we find two-step authentication, something also available for all subscription plans. Slack is an app that has been a pioneer in this field, which has been introducing many improvements over time.
Slack complies with almost all ISO certifications, plus the admin in a group can request specifically configured workspaces that are going to be HIPAA compliant as well, for example. HIPAA is only available on business plans in Slack, so you will have to get one of these plans in case you want this.
An important aspect within Teams is security, since it offers access control, management of all information and improved security in the latest update, so there is a clear improvement in this field. The app complies with all policies and regulations, so it is a good rival for Slack in this field. Both offer a secure environment for companies, which is what is sought in these cases.
Showtimes:
Both are applications that are based on the internal communication of companies. So in a comparison of Slack vs Teams, their functions or how they are oriented in terms of productivity, for example, cannot be missing. Both are applications that are going to give us similar functions, so it is difficult to decide on one in this sense, since their functions are almost always the same. These are the functions we have in both cases:
- Individual and group calls and video calls.
- Individual and group chats.
- Private chats.
- Creation of groups and subgroups or channels.
- Integrated calendar.
- Sending files of all kinds.
- Integration with email.
- Cross-platform availability.
- Reminders.
In terms of productivity, the two apps leave us with certain tricks or shortcuts that allow a more comfortable use from the same. Teams is an app that gives us more shortcuts, as well as more customization in this regard, so if they are used properly, users will be able to get the most out of the application in all its versions.
Integration with other apps
An essential aspect to be able to get more out of them is that can be integrated with other applications. Fortunately, this is a field in which the two applications perform well. In addition, in both cases the number of applications with which it can be integrated to provide them with more functions is something that is increasing. Therefore, new functionalities or options are incorporated in the two apps.
Slack currently has more than 2.000 applications with which it is possible to extend its functionalities. In this case, they clearly outperform Microsoft Teams, which currently has some 530 integrations available in its App Source store, although it is expected that the Microsoft app will increase this amount over time, so it is they will be bringing Slack closer. Although for now the difference between the two is quite big, as you can see.
In both cases we are given quite a few options. to expand the functionalities they give us. So you can always get more out of them by being able to have additional apps with which to obtain functions that are not natively in them. It is good to check the types of apps that are available in this field, to see if they are the ones that fit what you or your companies need. But in most cases they will increase the productivity of using these two apps.
Subscription plans
The two applications have a series of subscription plans, so that its use can be adapted to companies. In addition, both also have a free plan, so we can always try the main functions that they offer us without having to pay money for it. Although in both cases this free plan is something that will give us limitations in the functions, since we will not be able to use them all, as you can imagine.
Slack offers unlimited users in the free plan, in addition, in all its plans you can send unlimited messages in it. Also, in this plan you have the option to search a total of 10.000 archived messages. This free plan is enough for a home user, but in the case of companies it will fall short, as you can imagine. Microsoft Teams also has a free version, where up to 500.000 users maximum and unlimited messages are allowed. Microsoft allows you to search through all sent messages, in case you are looking for something specific in this version.
Plans
Slack's payment plan is divided into several options, as you can see in the photo above, the basic Slack plan starts at 6,25 euros per user per month, the Plus Plan goes up to 11,75 euros per user and includes advanced options. While there is a more advanced plan still available, but for this one you have to contact Slack, to get a price then.
Microsoft Teams does not have specific plans, but we have to do with Office 365, which is where the premium version of the application is offered. The plan starts with a basic account for $5 per month per user with Teams and SharePoint tools, the Business Standard is priced at $12,50, with full versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Also, there are more expensive options where we have more advanced features available.
Conclusions
Both Slack and Microsoft Teams are good applications for the communication of workers in a company or an organization. Both fulfill similar functions. Teams seems to be more popular these days, as well as being cheaper in many cases, although it does depend on having Office 365, so as an individual user it's going to cost you more money. In terms of functions, the two fulfill the same, although Slack is easier to use.
Also, we must not forget that Slack has more options when it comes to integration with other apps, which is another aspect to take into account. But in general, it will depend on personal taste or the budget that you have to choose one or the other, since both are presented as two good tools to use in the workplace. Although it seems that currently there are more who use Teams.