Slack vs Microsoft Teams: Deciding The Ideal Collaboration Tool For 2025

If you’re caught in the Slack vs Microsoft Teams debate, you’re not alone. Choosing the right collaboration tool is essential for you and your remote team to stay on top of projects and maintain communication. Both platforms offer deep integration with various apps, but they differ in key areas which can impact how you collaborate with colleagues.
Whether you’re looking to streamline project management or enhance internal communication, the choice between Slack and Microsoft Teams demands careful consideration. Each platform has its strengths, and the ideal option for your team will depend on a variety of factors, including the tools you already use and the way your team prefers to communicate.

Slack vs Microsoft Teams TL;DR
Both Slack and Microsoft Teams are powerful chat apps that boost your productivity, but they have different strengths. Slack shines with its app directory, offering an array of integrated apps, while Teams is deeply woven into the Microsoft Office suite. Slack’s searchable chat history is robust, allowing for granular controls to find past conversations.
Teams, on the other hand, takes a more traditional approach. It organizes chats into threads, making it easier to follow discussions. When it comes to managing notifications, Slack allows you to silence incoming alerts and set a notification schedule, while Teams’ mobile app provides options to toggle mobile notifications on and off or mute mobile notifications for specific conversations.
Ultimately, the choice between these two communication tools should be based on your business needs. If your work involves managing dozens of queries and you need quick, searchable access to information, Slack might be preferable. On the flip side, if you’re deeply entrenched in the Microsoft ecosystem and need a tool that complements that environment, Teams could be the better choice.

Comprehensive Comparison Of Slack vs Microsoft Teams Features
A detailed look at how Slack and Microsoft Teams help you work together – from changing font colors to chatting with Microsoft Teams users, we’ve got you covered!
Integration Capabilities
Both Slack and Microsoft Teams boast impressive integration capabilities, including essential project management tools and compatibility with Google Drive and Google Calendar.
Slack’s Third-party Tool Integrations
Slack shines with its extensive third-party tool integrations. You can connect Slack to popular project management apps like Asana and Trello, making it easier to track your work without leaving the chat interface. Add integrations like Dropbox for file sharing and Google Drive for document collaboration, and you’ve got a powerful hub for all your projects.
For creative teams, Slack’s integration with the design tool Figma is a boon. You can share updates and receive feedback directly within Slack channels. Similarly, developers find value in Slack’s compatibility with GitHub, keeping code commits and discussions in one place.
And if Slack’s native integrations aren’t enough, third-party apps like Zapier extend its capabilities even further. Connect Slack to CRM systems, marketing tools, and more, creating a custom toolkit tailored to your remote work needs.
Microsoft Teams and Seamless Office 365 Integration
Microsoft Teams’ deep integration with Microsoft 365 apps sets it apart. For those already embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem, this means streamlined access to familiar tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The convenience of editing documents in real-time with teammates makes Teams a powerful contender in the collaboration space.
But it’s not just about Microsoft apps. Teams also supports integrations with a range of third-party applications. Asana for project management, Trello for task organization, and even Slack itself can be connected to enhance your workflow. Plus, with OneDrive integration, file storage and sharing are as seamless as they come.
Through connectors like Zapier, Microsoft Teams can integrate with external tools such as customer support platforms and HR systems. This versatility makes it an attractive option for those who need to combine a variety of services into their daily communication tool.
User Interface and Experience
Slack and Teams have desktop apps that make chatting and working together a snap. But Slack’s interface is more visual, with a tidy sidebar that makes finding your way around a piece of cake. Custom emoji fun is also part of the Slack vibe, adding some personality to your workday.
Slack’s Streamlined Sidebar and Custom Emoji Preferences
Slack enables you to tweak your workspace just how you like it. The sidebar helps you jump to different conversations and tools fast. Plus, you can add your twist with custom emojis for some fun or to show how you’re feeling about the workday ahead.
The desktop versions of Slack are super user-friendly, too. Whether you’re on a Mac or a PC, you’ll find that versions of Slack look the same. So no matter what computer you’re using, you can hop in and get to work without missing a beat.
Microsoft Teams’ Conversation Threads and Grid View
Chats in Teams are super organized thanks to conversation threads, which are basically mini discussions inside your main chat, helping keep things tidy. And if you’re in many teams, the grid view lets you see everything at a glance, so you can switch between tasks without getting lost.
Threads are a big help when catching up on what you missed. You can follow the flow of a conversation and add your two cents right where it fits. The grid view is like a map of all your projects, so you can jump to the right spot and dive into your work.
Task and Project Management Tools
Getting your tasks in order and managing projects is key to keeping your work on track. Both tools offer ways to highlight important messages so you remember the big stuff. Starred messages in Teams and task lists in Slack help keep the front and center of your to-do.
Slack’s Task List and Automated Reminders
Slack helps you stay on top of your tasks with a list that’s easy to check off as you go. When a lot is happening, automated reminders give you a nudge so nothing slips through the cracks.
You can set reminders for yourself or your teammates, which is awesome for keeping everyone in sync. Whether it’s a deadline or a heads-up, Slack ensures the message gets through so you can all stay focused and do great work together.
Microsoft Teams’ Enhanced Webinar Management
Microsoft Teams steps up its game when it comes to webinars and big online meetings. You can manage everything from invites to follow-ups right inside Teams. It’s super handy if you’re hosting a virtual event and want to ensure it all runs like clockwork.
You get tools to see who’s coming, share your screen, and even break out into smaller groups for discussions. After the webinar, you can check out how it went and learn what to do better next time. It’s all about making your online events a hit with your team and guests.
Communication and Collaboration Options
Whether you’re brainstorming or just catching up, both Slack and Teams offer cool ways to chat and work together. Slack has a powerful search to find old messages and files, and Teams lets you call and draw together on a virtual whiteboard.
Slack’s Advanced Search and Useful Bots
Ever need to find something someone said, like, weeks ago? Slack’s search is like a magic wand for your chat history. Just type in what you’re looking for, and boom, there it is. Slack has bots that can do all sorts of tasks, from organizing your schedule to answering questions.
Bots can be real time-savers for setting up meetings or reminding you about deadlines. And when you’re searching, you can even filter by date or person to find exactly what you need fast.
Microsoft Teams’ Federated Group Calling and Whiteboard Feature
Imagine you’re working on a big project and need to chat with external partners. Microsoft Teams makes this super easy with its federated group calling. You can invite anyone, even if they’re not part of your organization, to join the conversation and share ideas just like they’re part of your team. This feature opens up a whole new world of collaboration and keeps everyone on the same page.
Now, add the ability to draw and write on a shared digital whiteboard during video calls and screen-sharing sessions and you can visualize concepts in real time, making complex ideas easier to understand and helping your team develop brilliant solutions together.
Security and Privacy Protocols
Your data’s safety is non-negotiable. Slack and Microsoft Teams understand this and offer robust security and compliance features.
Slack’s Data Protection Advances
Slack knows how important your data is, so they’ve stepped up their game. They’ve introduced tools like slash commands that let you quickly do things without clicking around too much. These commands can help you manage your data better and ensure only the right eyes see your sensitive information.
And it’s not just about keeping things private. Slack has also made it easier to control who can access what. With these new features, you can work with peace of mind, knowing your data is protected and your conversations stay just between you and your team.
Microsoft Teams’ Advanced Cyber Security Features
Microsoft Teams is like a digital fortress. It uses multi-factor authentication, which is like having a bunch of different locks on your door. You need more than just a password to get in, making it super tough for the bad guys. Teams are also certified with ISO 27001 and ssae16 soc, fancy ways of saying it meets some of the toughest security standards out there.

Evaluating Slack And Microsoft Teams In Key Categories
When figuring out if Slack or Teams is better for you, it helps to look at a few key things.
Ease of Navigation and Accessibility
Both apps are easy to navigate. In Slack, you’ll see sidebars on the left-hand side with all the bits you need, like channels and chats about different projects. The sidebar includes links to channels and direct messages, so you can hop around quickly.
Teams has a similar setup, simplifying the switch between chats, teams, and meetings.
In-Depth Feature Comparison
Now let’s dig a little deeper. Slack and Teams take your security seriously, with two-factor authentication and data loss prevention. They let you invite guests from outside your team, and they both play nice with other apps.
Teams is tight with Outlook Calendar, while Slack has a bunch of integrations with other apps. Both keep your info locked up with data encryption, too.
Slack vs Microsoft Teams on Notifications
Notifications help you keep track of what’s happening. Slack lets you customize them so you only get pinged about the important stuff. Teams does something similar, but it also has this nifty feature that lets you know if someone mentioned you, even in a different team. This way, you’re always in the loop without getting swamped by alerts.
Search Functionality and Efficiency
Do you often find yourself looking for that one message in a sea of chats? Slack’s search is super powerful. You can find messages, files, and even stuff within files. Teams also has search, but it’s extra cool because it’s tied in with all the Microsoft Office stuff. So if you’re trying to find that one Word doc, Teams can help you spot it fast.
Integration With Other Workplace Tools
Both Slack and Teams are like Swiss Army knives for work. Slack has many add-ons for project management tools, so you can keep track of tasks without leaving your chat. Teams also integrates with several tools, especially Microsoft ones, which can make life easier if you’re already using those for your projects.
Mobile and Web App Performance
You’re on the move, and so are your chats. Slack and Teams each have a desktop app and mobile apps that let you take your work convo with you. They’re always updated, so you get all the latest features, even on your phone. And the web versions of Slack are just as slick, so whether you’re on your laptop or your phone, you won’t miss a beat.
Security, Compliance, and Enterprise Management
Your data’s safety is non-negotiable. Slack and Microsoft Teams understand this and offer robust security and compliance features. They both support two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of security to your account. This ensures that even if your password is compromised, your account remains protected from unauthorized access.
Slack’s Security Measures for Enterprises
Slack takes enterprise security seriously, offering advanced features for identity and device management. You can control who accesses your Slack workspace and from which devices, ensuring that sensitive information remains in the right hands. Slack also allows you to enforce security policies such as requiring two-factor authentication for an added layer of protection.
Data protection is another cornerstone of Slack’s security strategy. The platform encrypts data at rest and in transit and offers detailed access logs and reporting. This way, you know exactly who is accessing your data and when. Slack’s tools for information governance also help you manage data retention policies to comply with legal and regulatory standards.
Compliance certifications and attestations are a testament to Slack’s commitment to security. Slack boasts compliance with standards like ISO/IEC 27018, ISO/IEC 27017, and ISO/IEC 27701. Plus, it has acquired certifications like CSA and APEC for Controllers Certification, along with a GovSlack SOC 3 report, highlighting its dedication to protecting government-related communications.
For businesses that operate in regulated industries, Slack’s compliance offerings are a boon. By meeting rigorous international standards, Slack ensures that enterprises can trust the platform with their most critical communications and data.
Microsoft Teams’ Compliance Frameworks
Microsoft Teams is designed with security at its core, adhering to the Microsoft Trustworthy Computing Security Development Lifecycle. This methodical approach ensures that security is considered at every stage of development, from initial design to final release. Before code is finalized, build-time tools detect and mitigate potential threats, safeguarding the collaboration app from vulnerabilities.
Security doesn’t stop at the development stage for Teams. All network communications within the collaboration app are encrypted by default, ensuring that your discussions, files, and data are shielded from prying eyes. Teams’ commitment to security is further reinforced by requiring servers to use certificates, which authenticate and establish secure connections.
Microsoft Teams’ comprehensive security approach extends to its compliance frameworks. The platform’s compliance offerings are robust, supporting standards such as HIPAA, SOC 1, SOC 2, and the EU’s GDPR. Teams’ compliance features are designed to meet the needs of highly regulated industries, where data protection and privacy are paramount.
Teams’ security features are integrated seamlessly into the user experience, so you can focus on your work without compromising on safety. With features like legal hold, data loss prevention, and advanced threat protection, Microsoft Teams ensures that your collaboration app is not only productive but also secure.
Innovative Additions To Slack And Microsoft Teams In 2025
This year, Slack and Microsoft Teams are bringing out some cool new stuff. Get ready for more ways to share your screen and easier ways to manage your team’s chats. Teams are upping their game too, with new ways to share files and chat with visitors.
Slack’s Latest Functional Enhancements
Slack is stepping up with new features that make working with your team even better. They’ve added neat tricks to help you share your screen and make decisions faster. This means you can get more done together, no matter where you are.
Screen Sharing and Admin Approval Automation
Sharing your screen on Slack is a breeze now. You can show your team what you’re working on, right from your chat. And if you’re on mobile, no problem. Slack’s got you covered, so you can present from your phone or tablet. It’s perfect for when you’re on the go and need to share your ideas with your team.
Also, Slack has made it easier for bosses to keep things running smoothly. They can now say yes or no to what gets added to Slack automatically. This helps keep your workspace tidy, and everyone knows what’s what.
History Sharing When Adding Channel Members
Say you’re adding a new person to your chat in Slack. Now, you can decide if they should see the old messages or not. This means they can catch up on the conversation history if need be. It’s a great way to ensure everyone’s on the same page and no one misses a beat.
When a new team member jumps in, they can see the whole story of your project. They can scroll through past chats and understand how things came together. It’s like giving them a quick tour of what’s been happening, so they can start helping right away.
Microsoft Teams’ New Feature Rollouts
Microsoft Teams is adding some amazing tools this year. There’s better file sharing, so you can work on documents together. They’ve also made it easier to chat with folks who aren’t in your company with guest access. Plus, video conferencing and productivity tools are getting even better, especially on mobile apps.
Customized Options for Webinar Management
Hosting webinars with Microsoft Teams is getting a big upgrade. Now, you can tailor how your webinar looks and feels, matching your style. You can set things up just how you like them, making your webinars stand out and keeping your audience engaged.
Teams also help you manage who’s coming to your webinar and what they see. You have control over the details, like sign-ups and the way you share your content. This makes sure your webinar runs smoothly and everyone has a good time.
Starting a Teams Meeting With Whiteboard
Kicking off a meeting in Teams can now start with a digital whiteboard. It’s like having a blank canvas where everyone can suggest their ideas. You can draw, write, and brainstorm together, making meetings more interactive and fun.
This whiteboard tool can help you visually explain your thoughts. It’s great for when words just aren’t enough. Plus, everyone in the meeting can join in and add their ideas, so it’s a real team effort.

Pricing Structures For Slack And Microsoft Teams
Regarding cost, Slack and Microsoft Teams have different plans to fit your budget. Both have free options, but if you need more features, there are paid plans too. You’ll want to weigh what you get against what you pay to find the best deal for your team.
Slack’s Subscription Tiers and Cost-Benefit Analysis
Slack offers several plans, from a free version to more advanced ones that cost money. Slack’s free plan is great for small teams, offering 10 app integrations and a 90-day chat history. You also get access to audio and video meetings, however, you can only collaborate with one person at a time and one person so no group calls.
The paid plans, one at $8.75 and the other at $15 per month come with extra benefits such as unlimited message history and app integrations, group audio and video messages with members of your organization and group messages with non-members. The two higher paid plans, Business+ and Enterprise offer even more features 99.99% guaranteed uptime and data exports for all chats.
With the highest plan, you can even configure Slack to support protected health information within uploaded files and message content, get support for data loss prevention, unlimited workspaces, and an employee directory.
Microsoft Teams’ Pricing Models and Value Proposition
Microsoft Teams has a free plan that’s good for starters. But if you’re part of a bigger business, you might need one of their paid plans going for $4, $6, and $12.50 per month. These come with extra features like more security, automatic spam and malware filtering, web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and a custom business email.
Unique Offerings And Noteworthy Differentiators
Slack and Microsoft Teams both have special things that make them cool. Slack has ways to connect with other companies, and Teams is great for helping all kinds of workers. Let’s dive in and see what makes each one stand out.
Slack’s Shared Channels and Scalability Features
Slack lets you chat with other companies in shared channels. This means you can work with people outside your team right inside Slack. It’s easy and helps you get stuff done with partners or clients without leaving your chat window.
Slack also grows with your team. Whether you’re just starting or getting bigger, Slack can handle it. You can keep adding more people, and it still works great. This means you won’t outgrow Slack as your team grows, which is awesome in the long run.
Microsoft Teams’ First-line Worker Support and Capabilities
For those on the front lines, Microsoft Teams offers tools tailored just for you. Think of it like a Swiss army knife for your workday, with chat for quick messages, teams to keep everyone on the same page, and lists to track all the tasks. Plus, video conferencing allows you to join meetings from anywhere, which is handy when you’re always on the go.
Teams also understands that your job doesn’t always happen behind a desk. That’s why it works great on mobile devices. You can connect with your team, access shared content and stay in the loop, even when you’re out on the floor or visiting different sites. It’s all about making your day easier and more connected.
Making The Final Choice: Which Platform Suits Your Business?
Choosing between Slack and Microsoft Teams can be like picking your favorite ice cream flavor—both are great, but which one makes your day?
Assessing Your Business Needs and Matching Them to the Right Tool
When you’re eyeing the perfect tool for teamwork, it’s like fitting puzzle pieces together. You’ve got to look at what your team does every day. Is project management the name of the game? Then you want a tool that’s got your back, with lists, calendars, and updates that keep everyone in sync.
Slack and Microsoft Teams both have their superpowers. Slack might win you over with its cool vibes and easy chat, while Teams could be your go-to for keeping all your projects in order. It’s like deciding between a burger and a salad—what’s going to satisfy your hunger for productivity?
Considering Long-Term Scalability and Support
Thinking about the long haul with your tools is like planning a road trip. You need something that can handle the whole journey, not just the first few miles. Scalability is key. Can your tool grow with you, from a small crew to a big team? And just as important, will it support you all the way, like a trusty travel buddy?
Tools like Slack and Teams are built to adapt. They’re ready to work with more people and tasks, keeping everyone in the loop. And for first-line workers on their feet all day, having a mobile app that’s as flexible as they are is a necessity. It’s all about ensuring your tool is a good fit for now and for the miles ahead.
In-depth Reviews And User Testimonials
Real folks using Slack and Teams have a lot to say.
Analyzing Real-World Slack User Experiences
Users often rave about how Slack’s intuitive interface makes work feel like a breeze. It’s like having a smart assistant who knows just where everything is. One user, Liam, had lots of praise for Slack. “Honestly, this software just doesn’t have competition at its level, and they have a stranglehold on this market, as they deserve. Between Spark, Skype, and Hangouts, they’re really the Nickelodeon to Disney.
Although they’ll stick around, with the ability for them to add so many integration possibilities by not only their own development but other companies wanting to allow their own software’s workflow to somehow run through Slacks platform. It’s just a simple platform with so many functionalities and possibilities.”
Others acknowledged Slack’s pros but were more vocal about its cons. “Unless you’re willing to put in significant effort to customize the way you receive notifications, the tool is essentially a distraction. As soon as your team goes beyond a certain size—say 50 members—the experience of Slack is basically hunting down the red dots in all your channels and conversations every couple of hours.
What’s worse, if you’re off for a couple days and looking to catch up with what’s been going on, you either have to a/ scroll through all the noise in hope of finding relevant updates or b/ give up all hope and mark everything as read.”
Evaluating Feedback from Microsoft Teams’ Clientele
Teams users have shared how it’s like a powerhouse for office work. With integrated apps and the whole office suite at their fingertips, it’s like having a supercharged toolbox. Others swear by Teams for its serious business feel.
One user said, “I have been using this product for three years. I have seen this product evolve. Initially, we had issues, but I think the recent versions have removed the internet connectivity issues, and it is running smoothly. All our meetings currently have been moved to Microsoft Teams.”
Another reviewer was more critical. “Microsoft Teams is a little clunky. It’s not the best user experience for those who are chatting with multiple people via Microsoft Teams.”

The Last Word
When choosing between Slack and Microsoft Teams, consider how often you use voice or video calls. Both tools let you talk and see your team, which can make working together much easier. Remember, the right choice depends on your unique remote work style and needs.
Before You Go…
Congrats on making it this far! Now, take a look at some of the BEST Remote Work Software packages out there (yes, this includes Slack AND Microsoft Teams!)