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Head-to-head · Instant Messaging Software

Discord vs Slack

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Discord #4 in Instant Messaging Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Discord
Slack #6 in Instant Messaging Software 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Slack

Discord leads on 0 checks, Slack on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreDiscord · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresSlack · 1 of 2

Discord scores higher on our rubric for instant messaging software: 9.1 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.

Discord is the better fit for community chat, voice and streaming. Slack is the better fit for teams coordinating work across connected tools.

  • Discord fits best

    Community chat, voice and streaming

  • Slack fits best

    Teams coordinating work across connected tools

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Side by side

Feature Discord 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Slack 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.9
Ranking #4 in Instant Messaging Software #6 in Instant Messaging Software
Best for Community chat, voice and streaming Teams coordinating work across connected tools
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $29.99/user/yr $7.25/user/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Email, Phone, Tickets, Docs Docs · 24/7
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Discord 0/2 · Slack 1/2
End-to-end encryption Not checked yet Not checked yet
Guest access Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Message history Not checked yet Limited
Max group size Not checked yet Not checked yet
File size limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free voice, video, text chat, and community servers
  • Screen sharing, game streaming, and Krisp noise suppression
  • Web, desktop, and mobile apps with roles and permissions
  • Public and private channels organize team conversations.
  • Slack Connect supports collaboration with external organizations.
  • Workflow Builder, huddles and AI summaries extend beyond messaging.
Cons
  • Nitro Basic file uploads are limited to 50 MB
  • Nitro supports up to 200 servers
  • HD video streaming requires the Nitro tier
  • Free includes only 90 days of message history.
  • Free limits integrations to 10 apps and meetings to 1:1.
  • Pro and Business+ charge per user; Enterprise+ pricing is not shown here.
Our verdict

Discord combines voice channels, video calls, text chat, direct messages, screen sharing, game streaming, and community servers. It is designed for gaming communities and online groups, while its listed company-size fit spans solo users…

Read the review →

Slack brings workplace conversations into channels, direct messages and huddles, with files, app connections and workflow automation alongside them. It suits teams that want a shared place to coordinate work, whether they are small…

Read the review →
  1. DiscordInstant Messaging Software 9.1Free plan
  2. SlackInstant Messaging Software 8.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Discord — where it wins

    • Free voice, video, text chat, and community servers
    • Screen sharing, game streaming, and Krisp noise suppression
    • Web, desktop, and mobile apps with roles and permissions

    Where it doesn't

    • Nitro Basic file uploads are limited to 50 MB
    • Nitro supports up to 200 servers
    • HD video streaming requires the Nitro tier

  • Slack — where it wins

    • Public and private channels organize team conversations.
    • Slack Connect supports collaboration with external organizations.
    • Workflow Builder, huddles and AI summaries extend beyond messaging.

    Where it doesn't

    • Free includes only 90 days of message history.
    • Free limits integrations to 10 apps and meetings to 1:1.
    • Pro and Business+ charge per user; Enterprise+ pricing is not shown here.
  • Discord9.1/10 · Free plan

    A flexible community chat platform with free voice, video, text, and streaming.

    Visit DiscordFull verdict →
  • Slack8.9/10 · Free plan

    Channels, messaging, huddles and integrations connect workplace collaboration in one service.

    Visit SlackFull verdict →

More comparisons

All instant messaging software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update