Microsoft Teams vs Slack - Which Should You Choose?

Strong organizational communication channels lead to a strong company backbone. While there are many options exist for you to choose from, two giants compete for the spotlight: Microsoft Teams and Slack. With features ever so similar and differences ever so minute, how do you decide between the two?

Well, here's a quick summary of pros and cons of both platforms to help you see which option fits you best. And as with all things, there is no right or wrong choice, only one that fits better for your current needs.

Microsoft Teams

Pros:

  • Seamless integration with Microsoft Office applications, making this a great choice for Office 365 users

  • Powerful search or command bar

  • Easier to stay on topic with the thread/post system, as opposed to group chats

  • Set up and view meetings easily

Cons:

  • Not free; requires an Office 365 subscription

  • Easily mistake starting a new post for replying to an old post

  • Notification settings can be clumsy

Slack

Pros:

  • Free!

  • Better integration with Google products

  • Simpler user interface and notification system

  • Can automate routines and have fun with the Slack Bot

Cons:

  • Awkward to use when using Office 365 products

  • No meetings function

  • Messages can get lost within channels with no option to create threads in a group (though could be bypassed by creating multiple channels)

In conclusion, most people and organizations fall under two broad categories: those using Office 365 and those who use Google Suite. I suggest you use Teams if you already have 365; otherwise, stick to Slack. This is because it doesn't make much sense to pay for a bundle of Microsoft products just to reach Teams.

If you're just starting out and would like to setup a team communication, I would suggest giving Slack a try first since it's free and is simpler to use for beginners. From there, you can learn best practices and usage and decide if you want to explore alternatives.

In any case, I hope you have a clearer idea of which platform to select. As always, if you have any questions, you can always reach out to us and we'd be happy give you our advice.

Happy chatting!

Mirai ConsultingComment