Google Workspace offers a more integrated and comprehensive suite of tools for businesses, particularly those already invested in the Google ecosystem. Slack excels in real-time messaging and offers a vast app marketplace, making it a strong choice for teams prioritizing communication and flexibility. The choice depends on the specific needs and existing infrastructure of the organization.
| Attribute | Slack | Google Workspace |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time messaging | Messages are delivered in real time, recorded, indexed, and retrievable. Channels for organized discussions, direct messages, and threaded conversations. | Google Chat enhances team communication and collaboration with direct messages, chat rooms, and audio/video calls. Features include file attachments, message search, and integration with other Google Workspace apps. |
| File sharing capabilities | Users can share files, documents, photos, and videos. Almost any file type can be shared. The single file upload limit is 1GB. Free Plan: 5GB total storage for the entire workspace, 90-day access to files. Paid Plans: Unlimited access to files. Slack is not intended for use as a file or log storage repository. | Google Drive allows users to upload and synchronize files up to 5 TB in size, with a daily upload limit of 750 GB. Files can be shared with a maximum of 100 groups, and shared drives can contain up to 500,000 items. |
| Video conferencing quality and features | Video and audio conferencing via 'huddles' for quick, informal conversations. Screen sharing is available. Allows for group video calls. Google Meet, which integrates with Slack, allows up to 500 participants. Screen sharing and annotations. | Google Meet enables virtual meetings with features like screen sharing, live captions, recording, and chat. Participant limits vary by plan, with Business Starter supporting up to 100 participants, Business Standard up to 150, Business Plus more than 500, and Enterprise up to 1,000. |
| Integration with third-party apps | Over 2,600 apps in its marketplace. Examples: Google Drive, Trello & Asana, Zoom, Salesforce, Zapier. Integrations streamline workflows, boost productivity, and centralize tasks. | Integrates with many third-party applications, including Salesforce Connector, Lucidchart, Trello for Gmail, Monday.com, Jira, Slack, and Microsoft Teams. |
| Task management features | Provides features to assign tasks, set due dates, and track progress. @mention to tag team members, 'star' feature for important messages, integration with project management tools. | Google Tasks is integrated within Google Workspace, allowing users to create tasks from emails, assign due dates, and add them to specific projects. Tasks automatically appear in Google Calendar. |
| Calendar integration and scheduling | Integrates with apps like Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar, and Eventbot. Share event reminders, daily/weekly summaries, and notifications of event changes. Check personal calendars and automatically change Slack status when in a meeting. Some apps allow creating and managing events directly within Slack. Install a calendar app from the Slack App Directory and grant the necessary permissions. | Google Calendar is used to share meetings and schedule appointments, helping manage business and personal life. It allows layering multiple calendars and offers an 'Appointment Schedules' feature similar to Calendly. |
| Document collaboration features | Share files and collaborate on documents in real-time. Integrates with Google Drive, Box, Dropbox, and OneDrive for file sharing and collaboration. | Real-time editing in Docs, Sheets, and Slides allows multiple collaborators to edit files simultaneously. Version history tracks changes, and permissions control access levels. |
| Email integration | Slack can send notifications to other apps. | Gmail handles emails efficiently and allows setting up personalized corporate email addresses. Features include dynamic summary cards that update with new replies. Integrated Gmail allows access to email messages, chat, and video meetings in one place. |
| Mobile app availability and functionality | Mobile apps for iOS and Android. Designed to be easier to navigate and optimized for on-the-go use. Compose button, shortcuts to frequently used apps and workflows, quick access to set user availability and status. | Google Workspace has mobile apps, including Google Tasks, which allows team members to manage tasks on the go. |
| Search functionality for conversations and files | Allows users to find messages, files, and information across channels. Search bar, advanced search operators, search within threads and direct messages. | Advanced search features make it easy to find specific files or information within seconds. |
| Security features and compliance | Encryption of data in transit and at rest, network security, multi-factor authentication and SSO, regular third-party audits and penetration tests. GDPR compliant and approved for government use for handling moderate-level data. Integrates with DLP providers to prevent data loss and monitor data. | Google Workspace is built on a secure infrastructure with multiple layers of protection, including encryption and compliance with privacy regulations. It undergoes independent third-party audits. |
| Pricing and subscription plans | Free: $0, Pro: Around $8.75 (monthly), $7.25 (annually), Business+: Around $18 (monthly), Enterprise Grid: Contact sales for pricing. Free Plan Limitations: Limited message history (90 days), limited integrations (10 apps). | Business Starter ($8.40/user/month), Business Standard ($16.80/user/month), Business Plus ($26.40/user/month), and Enterprise (contact sales for a quote). |