Internal communication in a company is something of enormous importance. Make tools available to workers so that they can be in contact in a comfortable and simple way. The pandemic has shown the importance of tools like these, having to work remotely. Many companies have opted for apps like Slack, while others use Microsoft Teams in this field.
Many companies may be thinking of using one of these apps, but do not yet know which app they should use for this communication. Therefore, below we leave you with a comparison, an analysis of Slack vs Teams, so that we can see what each of these apps has to offer. This will make it easier for you to determine if there is one that is better for your company.
These are two apps that fulfill the same task in all cases, since they are presented as a way for the employees of a company to be in contact, or to develop projects and check how they evolve over time. They give us identical functions in both cases, so we tell you more about each one, so you can determine which one suits you best.
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Slack vs Teams: User Interface
One of the first aspects to consider when using an app is its interface. You are looking for something that is feature rich, but easy to use for all types of users. The two applications perform well in this regard, since 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 simpler for many.
Slack also has a step-by-step guide for new users., which is something that certainly makes it even easier to use. Because you have a tutorial that explains how to use all its functions in a simple way. Although the app’s interface is very simple, understandable, and since it is available in many languages, no user is going to have any problems using it.
Microsoft Teams also has a getting started guide, which explains how to use the application. So it is a good help if you have never used this app to be able to learn how to take the first steps in it. The interface has some elements that are similar to that of Slack. It doesn’t have a bad interface, but it’s less intuitive than Slack, so for many users it’s not always as easy to use.
Security
Safety is another important aspect and both in Slack and Microsoft Teams more than meet in this field. Among the features that the two apps leave us with, we find two-step authentication, something also available for all subscription plans. Slack is an app that has been a pioneer in this field, since it has been introducing a multitude of security and privacy improvements over time.
Slack complies with almost all ISO certifications. In addition, the administrator in a group can request workspaces configured specifically so that they are going to be HIPAA compliant as well, for example. The HIPAA plan is only available on business plans within Slack.
An also important aspect within Teams is security, since it offers access control, management of all information and improved security in the latest update, so it has been improving in this regard. The app also complies with all policies and regulations, making it a good rival to Slack. Both offer a secure environment for companies, which is what is sought in an app of this type.
Functions
Both Slack and Teams are apps to facilitate internal company communication. So in a comparison of Slack vs Teams, the functions that they leave us or talk about issues such as productivity cannot be missing. These are two apps that have similar functions integrated, so they can perfectly replace one another in a company. The functions that are present in both apps are the following:
- Individual and group calls and video calls.
- Individual and group chats.
- Private chat.
- Creation of groups and subgroups or channels.
- Integrated calendar.
- Sending files of all kinds.
- Integration with email.
- Integration with third party apps.
- Cross-platform availability.
- Reminders.
In terms of productivity, the two apps leave us with certain tricks or shortcuts that allow a more comfortable use. Microsoft Teams is an app that gives us more shortcuts, such as keyboard shortcuts, as well as more customization in this regard. Therefore, if they are used properly, users will be able to get the most out of the application on their devices without too many problems. It can be put to use faster.
Integration with other apps
A key aspect to be able to get more out of them is that can be integrated with other applications. The good news is that this is a field in which both perform very well, with many integration options available. In both cases, the number of applications with which it can be integrated to provide them with more functions is something that is currently on the rise. Therefore, new functionalities or options are incorporated in both, for better use.
Slack currently has over 2,000 apps with which you can integrate and increase its functions. They thus clearly surpass Microsoft Teams, in which there are currently some 530 integrations available in its App Source store. Although it is to be expected that the Microsoft app will increase this amount over time, and in this way they will get closer to Slack. Although for now the difference between the two is quite large, as you can see.
The two applications therefore give us many options to expand the functionalities they give us. This means that you will be able to get more out of both, by being able to have additional apps with which to obtain functions that are not available natively in them. The best thing is 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, depending on the sector in which you are.
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costs
The two applications have a series of subscription plans, in order to adapt its use to companies, depending on the functions that you want to use or have. Both also have a free plan, to be able to test the main functions that they offer us without having to pay money for it. Although in both apps the free plan is something that will leave us with clear limitations, because not all its functions are available in it.
Slack offers unlimited users in the free plan, in addition, in all its plans it is possible to send unlimited messages. In addition, this plan gives the option to search a total of 10,000 archived messages. This free plan is sufficient for a home user, but in the case of companies, the available functions fall somewhat short. Microsoft Teams also has a free version, where up to 500,000 users maximum and unlimited messages are allowed.
plans
Slack has several subscription plans, several of which are paid. The Slack’s basic plan is priced at 6.25 euros per user per month, the Plus Plan goes up to 11.75 euros per user and includes a series of advanced options. While there is a more advanced plan still available, but for this one you have to contact Slack, so that you then get the price. While this is a plan for larger companies.
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 tools like Teams and SharePoint, while Business Standard is priced at $12.50.
Conclusions
Both Slack and Teams are good applications for the communication of workers in a company or an organization. The two leave us with similar functions, so they can be substituted for each other. Teams is currently the most popular option, as well as being cheaper in some cases, although it depends on having Office 365, so for a home user it may not be the best option. Although it seems in many fields a somewhat better option.
But we must not forget that Slack has more options when it comes to integration with other apps, something that will undoubtedly allow it to be used more or make better or more efficient use of it. The final decision to choose one or the other is something that depends on personal taste or the available budget, since both are presented as two good tools for communication in companies.