Overview
Slack is a workplace messaging platform owned by Salesforce. Conversations are organized into public and private channels, alongside direct messages, threads and audio or video huddles.
It is widely used as the central communication layer for software companies and distributed teams. Its large app directory lets alerts, approvals and notifications from other tools flow into channels, and Slack Connect extends channels to external partners.
Key features
- Channels and threadsTopic-based public and private channels with threaded replies keep conversations organized.
- HuddlesLightweight audio and video calls with screen sharing can be started from any channel or DM.
- Slack ConnectShared channels let teams collaborate with people in other organizations.
- Workflow BuilderNo-code workflows automate routine requests, forms and notifications inside Slack.
- App directoryThousands of integrations and a developer platform bring other tools into conversations.
Best for
- Software and technology companies that coordinate through real-time chat
- Distributed teams that need alerts and integrations from many tools in one place
- Organizations collaborating closely with external partners through shared channels
Pricing
Freemium. Free plan with limited message history; paid plans are billed per active user.
| Plan | What you get |
|---|---|
| Free | Limited message history and integrations, one-to-one huddles. |
| Pro | Full message history, group huddles and unlimited integrations for small teams. |
| Business+ | Adds SAML SSO, data exports and stronger uptime commitments. |
| Enterprise Grid | Multiple connected workspaces with enterprise security and compliance controls. |
Prices and plan limits change often. Check the official website for current pricing. Last reviewed Oct 3, 2026.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Mature, polished messaging experience across desktop and mobile
- Very large integration ecosystem
- Slack Connect is widely adopted for cross-company collaboration
Cons
- Constant real-time messaging can fragment attention and bury decisions
- Free plan history limits make it unsuitable as a long-term record
- Per-user pricing becomes significant for large organizations
Slack alternatives
Try Slack
Free plan with limited message history; paid plans are billed per active user.