Remote work platforms: Slack Huddle vs. Zoom Workplace
Quick Verdict
Slack Huddle is best for existing Slack users needing quick collaboration, while Zoom Workplace is a more comprehensive communication platform suitable for larger organizations.
- Slack Huddle is lightweight and integrates seamlessly within Slack, ideal for quick, informal discussions.
- Zoom Workplace offers a comprehensive communication platform with robust video conferencing and scalability for larger teams.
- Both platforms offer security features, but Zoom provides more extensive compliance certifications.
- Zoom Workplace provides more comprehensive project management integrations.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Slack Huddle | Zoom Workplace |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time Collaboration Features | Instant audio chats, screen sharing (desktop and mobile, up to two people simultaneously), drawing/live cursors on shared screens, threaded notes for links/notes/takeaways, designed for spontaneous discussions and brainstorming, replicates informal office discussions, live captions for accessibility. | Screen sharing, whiteboarding, annotation tools, breakout rooms, co-annotation, integrated chat, video conferencing, document sharing |
| Integrated Communication Channels | Starts in any Slack channel or direct message, integrates text-based messaging with real-time voice, dedicated Slack messaging thread within each Huddle, Slack Connect allows external collaboration (up to 20 organizations). | Team chat, video meetings, phone, mail and calendar, scheduler; transition from chat to meeting or call |
| Video Conferencing Capabilities | Defaults to audio-only with optional video, small video windows (can be expanded), background blurring, supports up to 50 participants, not a full-fledged video conferencing solution like Zoom. | HD video and audio, screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, breakout rooms, recording, gesture recognition, reactions; Meeting size: 100-1,000 participants |
| Project Management Integrations | Potential for deeper integration with project management tools, files/links saved for later reference, project management via project channels and lists, integrations with apps like Fireflies for automated meeting notes and task management, integrates with Huddle to push notifications to Slack. | Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, HubSpot, ServiceNow; Content sharing centralizes document storage and access |
| Security and Compliance Features | Traffic encrypted in transit (WebRTC), media traffic encrypted with SRTP (DTLS-SRTP), real-time data channel traffic encrypted with DTLS, compliant with ISO 27001 and SOC 2, data residency controls, encryption, access controls, audit logs, two-factor authentication, Slack AI uses self-hosted LLMs within a secure VPC. | End-to-end encryption, role-based access controls, administrative monitoring tools, data loss prevention, compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA |
| Customization and Extensibility | Integration with other Slack features and third-party apps, connect tools from Slack App Directory, automate tasks with Workflow Builder, customized apps can be created, administrators can customize workspace settings. | Customizable workflows and communication channels, integrates with over 3,000 third-party platforms, active developer platform with pre-built and custom APIs |
| User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) | Lightweight and unobtrusive interface, started with a single click, minimal interface, available on desktop, mobile, and iPad. | Intuitive and user-friendly interface; desktop client ties together contact, meetings, phone, team chat, and whiteboard capabilities |
| Mobile Accessibility and Functionality | Seamlessly compatible with desktop and mobile, start/join Huddles from mobile app, screen sharing on mobile, AI notes supported on iOS and Android. | Consistent user experiences on desktops, tablets, and smartphones; mobile app allows scheduling and joining meetings, chatting with colleagues, and placing calls |
| Scalability for Large Teams | Supports up to 50 participants, asynchronous communication via threads and scheduled messages, performance testing for reliable real-time communication. | Designed to scale for businesses of all sizes; Enterprise plan supports up to 500 participants, with an option for 1,000 in Enterprise+ |
| Meeting Transcription and Summarization | Built-in transcription via Slack AI add-on (paid), automatic summary and transcript saved in a canvas, live captions available on all plans, third-party integrations (Tactiq, VOMO), AI-driven summaries, predictive replies, and sentiment analysis. | Meeting recording with AI-powered transcription and summarization; AI Companion generates meeting summaries and highlights action items |
| Pricing | Available on paid Slack plans (Pro, Business+, Enterprise Grid). Free version limited to 1:1 conversations or two-person maximum and a 30-minute limit. | Free Plan: Limited to 40-minute meetings with up to 100 participants; Pro Plan: Around $13.33 to $16.99 per user per month; Business Plan: Around $18.32 to $21.99 per user per month; Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing, requires contacting sales; Add-ons are available for additional features. |
Overall Comparison
Collaboration: Zoom more feature-rich; Scalability: Zoom supports more participants; Pricing: Slack requires a paid plan, Zoom offers a limited free plan; Integration: Zoom has better project management integration.
Pros and Cons
Slack Huddle
Pros:
- Facilitates real-time collaboration for remote teams.
- Integrates text-based messaging and real-time voice communication seamlessly.
- Offers a lightweight and unobtrusive interface.
- Compatible with desktop and mobile versions.
- Provides security measures like encryption and compliance certifications.
- Offers customization through app integrations and workspace settings.
Cons:
- Video conferencing capabilities are primarily audio-first and not as feature-rich as dedicated video conferencing solutions.
- Specific project management tool integrations are not detailed.
- Transcription and summarization features require a paid Slack AI add-on or third-party integrations.
- Free version has limitations on the number of participants and duration.
Zoom Workplace
Pros:
- Facilitates real-time collaboration through integrated chat, video conferencing, and document sharing.
- Offers HD video and audio, supports large meetings, and includes features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and virtual backgrounds for video conferencing.
- Streamlines workflows by centralizing communication and document access through integrations with tools like Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, and Salesforce.
- Provides end-to-end encryption, role-based access controls, data loss prevention, and compliance management tools for security.
- Allows users to customize workflows and communication channels and offers a wide range of third-party integrations for customization.
- Offers AI-powered transcription and summarization features, with the AI Companion generating meeting summaries and highlighting action items.
Cons:
- No major disadvantages reported.
User Experiences and Feedback
Slack Huddle
What Users Love
- Recreates the spontaneity of in-person conversations in a digital workspace.
- Allows a smooth transition between text-based messaging and real-time voice communication.
- Easy to use for all users due to its lightweight and unobtrusive interface.
- Huddles are seamlessly compatible with both desktop and mobile versions
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
User Recommendations
- Slack Huddles are designed to recreate the spontaneity of in-person conversations in a digital workspace, making real-time collaboration seamless and efficient for remote teams.
- Huddles are integrated into Slack channels and direct messages, allowing a smooth transition between text-based messaging and real-time voice communication.
- Huddles feature a lightweight and unobtrusive interface, making them easy to use for all users.
Zoom Workplace
What Users Love
- Facilitates real-time collaboration effectively.
- Offers reliable and feature-rich video conferencing.
- Integrates well with project management tools, improving workflow.
- Provides robust security measures.
- Offers a customizable platform.
- Features an intuitive and user-friendly interface.
- Mobile app provides consistent user experiences.
- Offers accurate and useful meeting transcription and summarization features.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- Offers a range of pricing plans, including a free option.
- Paid plans offer additional features and capabilities.