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Head-to-head · Google Workspace Communication Tools

Slack vs Google Chat

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Slack #2 in Google Workspace Communication Tools 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Slack
Google Chat #4 in Google Workspace Communication Tools 8.9/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Google Chat

Slack leads on 0 checks, Google Chat on 1, and 1 is 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 scoreSlack · 9.3/10
  • Lowest starting priceGoogle Chat · $7/user/mo
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Google Chat

Slack scores higher on our rubric for google workspace communication tools: 9.3 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.

Google Chat is cheaper to start at $7/user/mo against $7.25/user/mo.

Slack is the better fit for teams centered on channel-based messaging. Google Chat is the better fit for google Workspace teams wanting persistent chat spaces.

  • Slack fits best

    Teams centered on channel-based messaging

  • Google Chat fits best

    Google Workspace teams wanting persistent chat spaces

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Slack 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Google Chat 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.9
Ranking #2 in Google Workspace Communication Tools #4 in Google Workspace Communication Tools
Best for Teams centered on channel-based messaging Google Workspace teams wanting persistent chat spaces
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $7.25/user/mo $7/user/mo (best)
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 14 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Docs · 24/7 Live chat, Email, Community, Docs
Compliance SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, SSO/SAML, 2FA SSO/SAML, 2FA
Integrations 2,600+ integrations 14 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Slack 0/3 · Google Chat 0/3
Google Calendar sync Not checked yet Not checked yet
Meeting recording Not checked yet Not checked yet
SSO support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Communication modes Not checked yet Not checked yet
Max call participants Not checked yet Not checked yet
Mobile apps Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Public and private channels organize ongoing team conversations.
  • Slack Connect supports external collaboration and messaging.
  • 2,600 integrations plus Workflow Builder extend daily workflows.
  • Persistent spaces and threaded discussions keep team conversations organized.
  • Share and collaborate on Docs, Sheets, and Slides in conversations.
  • Guest access, tasks, and Gemini features extend collaboration in spaces.
Cons
  • Free includes only 90 days of searchable message history.
  • Free limits workspaces to up to 10 app integrations.
  • Advanced AI features are reserved for Business+ and Enterprise+.
  • Paid Workspace pricing is per user, and annual billing is needed for listed lower rates.
  • Message history can vary with account and administrator settings.
  • Its strongest fit is teams already working within Google Workspace.
Our verdict

Slack is a cloud-based collaboration platform for teams that organize work around channels, direct messages, files, and app-connected workflows. Public and private channels support focused discussions, while Slack Connect enables…

Read the review →

Google Chat brings direct messages, group conversations, and persistent spaces together for individuals, teams, and organizations. It suits Google Workspace teams that want ongoing discussions organized by topic, with threaded replies,…

Read the review →
  1. SlackGoogle Workspace Communication Tools 9.3Free plan
  2. Google ChatGoogle Workspace Communication Tools 8.9Free plan · 14-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Slack — where it wins

    • Public and private channels organize ongoing team conversations.
    • Slack Connect supports external collaboration and messaging.
    • 2,600 integrations plus Workflow Builder extend daily workflows.

    Where it doesn't

    • Free includes only 90 days of searchable message history.
    • Free limits workspaces to up to 10 app integrations.
    • Advanced AI features are reserved for Business+ and Enterprise+.

  • Google Chat — where it wins

    • Persistent spaces and threaded discussions keep team conversations organized.
    • Share and collaborate on Docs, Sheets, and Slides in conversations.
    • Guest access, tasks, and Gemini features extend collaboration in spaces.

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid Workspace pricing is per user, and annual billing is needed for listed lower rates.
    • Message history can vary with account and administrator settings.
    • Its strongest fit is teams already working within Google Workspace.
  • Slack9.3/10 · Free plan

    A channel-based workspace with broad integrations, huddles, automation, and a free tier.

    Visit SlackFull verdict →
  • Google Chat8.9/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A strong fit for Workspace teams that want organized spaces, threads, and shared files.

    Visit Google ChatFull verdict →

More comparisons

All google workspace communication tools comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update