Slack vs Teams: Feature Comparison, Security, and More

Last Updated on September 23, 2023

Which is better to use? Slack or Teams?

In this article, we will talk about Microsoft Teams vs Slack and how their basic features, pros and cons, and pricing compare.

Let’s get started.

Slack vs Microsoft Teams: How different are they from each other?

Slack and Microsoft Teams have some similarities as well as glaring differences.

Let’s kick things off with a basic description of each and a summary of their features.

What is Slack?

Even if you haven’t used it before, you must’ve heard of Slack already.

Slack is a digital hub that helps teams communicate and collaborate more effectively — a good alternative to the good old email.

With Slack, you can easily search for the information you need, access it from anywhere, and never have to send an email to a work colleague again.

What is Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft Teams is a powerful communication and collaboration platform developed by Microsoft as part of the Microsoft 365 family of products.

It provides users with a comprehensive suite of tools to help them stay connected, collaborate, and work more efficiently.

Teams offers features such as task management, project tracking, and integration with other Microsoft applications like Outlook and OneDrive.

Note: For a detailed guide on using Microsoft Teams, check this out: Microsoft Teams Tutorial: Become a Teams Expert Quickly.

Main differences between Slack and Microsoft Teams

Some may say that Slack is better because it’s simpler to use while others would say that Teams is better because it’s more robust.

My point here is that which app is better for you will depend on your actual needs, budget, and sophistication.

Here are some differences between the basic features of Microsoft Teams vs Slack:

Features	Slack	Microsoft Teams
Group and private messaging	Yes	Yes
Message and file history	90-day access for the free plan; unlimited for the paid plans	Unlimited
Audio and video clips	Yes	Yes
Integration with other apps	10 for the free plan; unlimited for the paid plans	700+ apps
Quick commands	Yes	Yes
Desktop, mobile, and web versions	Yes	Yes
Content sharing (+editing)	Drag and drop; no editing	Direct file sharing and editing with Microsoft 365 apps

Basic features in Slack and Microsoft Teams

As you can see from the table earlier, there are a lot of similarities and differences between their features.

In fact, depending on how you use them, you may end up having a similar experience.

Let’s dive more into their basic features:

1. User interface

When it comes to the user interface, the difference isn’t that big — unlike when you compare Teams with Zoom.

Both Slack and Microsoft Teams have a left-hand panel that contains that channels and teams, with a bigger right panel for the messages.

To compare, here is what the user interface looks like in Slack:

This is the interface of Microsoft Teams:

Not too different, right? Both have a search bar at the top too.

Speaking of a search bar, both have great search functionalities — though I would say Teams have the upper hand here.

That’s because even the content in Microsoft 365 apps is searchable even if you have uploaded them on a SharePoint site associated with the team.

Note: For more info on how the search work, read this: How Does SharePoint Search Work: The Beginner’s Search Guide.

2. Channels and messages

The same with the interface, both apps might offer similar features.

But there are key differences between the channels and messages in each platform.

For one, even if the key features inside channels are similar, channels in Microsoft Teams exist within a team.

There is more hierarchy in Microsoft Teams since Slack messages are all in a channel.

Another difference is that Slack supports message threading in all messages — channels and direct messages.

In Microsoft Teams, message threading isn’t available in direct messages (although you can quote a message directly).

Both apps also support emojis, reactions, and GIFs.

In the past, you can’t any emoji as a reaction in Microsoft Teams. But that’s been addressed already, so both apps are tied in this department.

Related: Microsoft Teams Best Practices Guide: Focus and Management

3. Integrations

Things get a little hairy when it comes to integrations. But hear me out first…

First off, Slack integrates with more than 2,000 apps that extend its functionality.

There is integration with popular apps including:

• Microsoft 365 apps
• Google workspace apps
• Asana
• HubSpot
• Jira Cloud
• Salesforce

When it comes to the number of app integrations, Slack is the clear winner. You can browse their app directory for more details:

Now for Microsoft Teams, you can integrate with only around 700 apps, that’s even less than half the number in Slack.

However, I dare say that app integrations in Microsoft Teams are more powerful that you won’t have to leave the Teams app.

For example, let’s say you’re using Trello. When you integrate, you can use Trello inside Microsoft Teams like it’s a native app:

Note: For more app integrations for productivity, check here: Best Microsoft Teams Add-ons: Productivity And Collaboration.

App integration with Microsoft Teams is superior since it brings data into the Teams app so you can use apps right inside it.

There are a number of apps available in Microsoft Teams such as:

• YouTube
• Jira Cloud
• Adobe Acrobat
• Trello
• Miro
• Asana
• Zoom

4. Bots and workflows

For bots and workflows, both apps support such features.

However, I will give this one to Slack because of its Slackbot that’s automatically added to every workspace.

Slackbot is a great feature to have in Slack as you can literally use it to set reminders and alerts.

It’s a great addition to Slack’s arsenal as you can use it to kickstart a workflow right away and integrate with various apps.

You can set it up to answer basic questions regarding projects like when is the due date for this or that task.

Microsoft Teams also supports bots. However, it doesn’t have its own Teams bot that functions like Slackbot.

The good news though is that there are a lot of bots available.

For example, you can add a bot that can help you with calendar functions or set up a workflow like Slack.

Note: For using bots in Microsoft Teams, check this out: Getting Started With Microsoft Teams Bots [Beginner’s Guide].

Audio and video calls in Microsoft Teams vs Slack

When talking about Slack vs Microsoft Teams, it’s important to consider video and audio calling.

Starting with Slack…

Slack’s free plan allows for unlimited audio and video calls but only one-to-one. If you need video conferencing features, you need to upgrade.

Unfortunately, even doing a video call in a paid plan limits you to up to 15 people only.

Microsoft Teams though is more generous in this aspect as the free plan itself allows for 100 participants in video calls.

The only downside though is that the free plan limits only to a max of 60 minutes of group video meetings and 30 hours for the paid plans.

One-on-one meeting though in Microsoft Teams starts at 30 hours, even with the Teams free plan.

Both Microsoft Teams and Slack offer screen-sharing capabilities. Unfortunately, you need to have a paid plan in Slack to use screen sharing.

The quality of the audio and video calls is generally excellent — though your internet connection will still matter.

Security and compliance in Slack and Microsoft Teams

Slack and Microsoft Teams have great security with data encryption and two-factor authentication.

Slack has a security page where they listed all their compliance certifications and attestations:

Many of their features are locked behind paywalls, with the enterprise grid plan as the most secure.

The free plan only supports data encryption at rest and in transit and two-factor authentication.

They also have the following features but are only available at paid plans:

• OAuth with Google
• SAML-based single sign-on
• Slack Enterprise key management
• Integration with enterprise mobility management
• Custom retention policies for messages and files
• Data exports for all messages
• Support for HIPAA compliance
• Data residency

Microsoft Teams also has great security, given its spotless record.

They support:

• Data encryption
• Single sign-on to all Microsoft 365 apps and services
• Enforce multifactor authentication
• Advanced auditing and reporting

Similar to Slack, most of the security features are only available in the paid plans except for data encryption.

Note: For the best practices in security, read this: Microsoft Teams Security Best Practices: Compliance & Governance.

Slack vs Microsoft Teams: Which is the cheaper option?

For the prices, both have free plans — while you may find the paid plans in Slack leaning more towards the more expensive side.

Let’s start with Slack:

Slack Free:

• 90-day access to message and file history
• Max of 10 integrations with other apps
• Audio and video clips
• One-on-one only video meetings
• Data encryption and two-factor authentication
• 1 Slack Workspace
• Standard support

Slack Pro ($7.25 per user per month):

• Unlimited message and file history
• Unlimited integrations with other apps
• Customizable sections
• Workflow Builder
• Unlimited external collaboration and video conferencing
• Screen sharing
• OAuth with Google
• Custom retention policies for messages and files
• Custom user groups
• 24/7 support

Slack Business+ ($12.50 per user per month)

• Everything in Slack Pro
• SAML-based single sign-on
• Data exports for all messages
• Data residency
• 24/7 support with a 4-hour first response time
• 99.99% guaranteed uptime SLA

Slack Enterprise Grid:

• Everything in Slack Business+
• Add-on Slack Enterprise Key Management
• Integration with Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM)
• Support for HIPAA compliance
• Support for integrations with Data Loss Prevention, e-Discovery, and offline backup providers
• Custom Terms of Service
• Designated account and customer success team

As for Microsoft Teams, you will notice that the monthly plans are somewhat cheaper:

Microsoft Teams (free plan)

• 100 participants
• 60 minutes maxim group meeting duration
• 30 hours maximum one-on-one meeting duration
• Screen sharing, customized backgrounds, together mode, scheduled meetings

Microsoft Teams Essential ($4 per user per month)

• Unlimited group meetings for up to 30 hours
• 300 participants
• 10 GB cloud storage per user

Microsoft 365 Business Basic ($6 per user per month)

• Similar meeting features to the essential plan
• Over 30 languages of live captions
• Meeting recordings and transcripts
• Breakout rooms

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

• Everything in the business basic plan
• Desktop versions of Microsoft 365 apps with premium features
• Webinar hosting
• Attendee registration and reporting tools

Microsoft Teams vs Slack: Which one is for you?

The following are true for Slack:

• It’s a great tool for smaller teams who need an easy-to-use platform with plenty of integrations.
• It has a simple user interface and core functionalities that make it easier to use than Microsoft Teams.

Meanwhile, the following are true for Microsoft Teams:

• It’s designed for larger enterprises and organizations, offering more features than Slack.
• It can accommodate more users per organization than Slack.

Overall, both tools offer great features for team collaboration and communication.

Depending on your business needs, either one could be the right choice for you this year.

On the other hand, your preference will always be subjective. Personally, which one do you like better — Slack or Microsoft Teams?

For business inquiries, kindly send a message using the form here and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.