Build my stackSlack vs Around
Evaluating Slack and Around requires comparing two popular options in the team communication space. While Slack is widely recognized for its ability to help teams of any size that need real time messaging with deep integrations and organized channel based communication, Around is optimized for teams that need to focus on lightweight video calls built for focus.. In this hands-on evaluation, we look at their pricing structures, feature sets, user reviews, and performance to help you decide which tool fits your daily workflow best.
When comparing Slack and Around, Slack comes out ahead with a 4.5/5 score for teams of any size that need real time messaging with deep integrations and organized channel based communication. Slack starts at $8.75/mo, while Around starts at Free. Choose Slack for teams of any size that need real time messaging with deep integrations and organized channel based communication, or Around for lightweight video calls built for focus..
Based on our comprehensive evaluation metrics, Slack emerges as the stronger overall choice for most teams, earning a score of 4.5 compared to 4.0 for Around. A key factor in this recommendation is that Slack provides channel based organization is the best model for team communication. Conversations stay focused, searchable, and organized by topic instead of devolving into chaotic group chat threads., which helps streamline workflows. However, Around remains an excellent alternative if your team is specifically looking for a tool optimized for lightweight video calls built for focus. and you value well established product with an active user base. Weigh the cost differences and feature limits carefully before making a commitment.
Slack vs Around at a glance
| Slack | Around | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Team Communication | Team Communication |
| Our rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Starts at | $8.75/mo | Free |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Best for | Teams of any size that need real time messaging with deep integrations and organized channel based communication | Lightweight video calls built for focus. |
Side-by-Side Feature Matrix
| Feature | Slack | Around | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Tier Access | Around has free tier | ||
| Native Time Tracking | Built-in timer & logging capabilities | ||
| AI Assistant & Summary | AI text generation & automated summary support | ||
| Custom Views (Board/List/Gantt) | Multiple workspace view perspectives | ||
| Mobile Apps (iOS & Android) | Native mobile app support | ||
| CSV & Workspace Export | Full data portability and CSV exports | ||
| Role-Based Permissions | Granular access controls per member | ||
| Workflow Automations | Trigger-action automation rules | ||
| External Guest Sharing | Client and guest collaboration access | ||
| Enterprise SSO & SAML | Single Sign-On enterprise security |
Where Slack shines
- Channel based organization is the best model for team communication. Conversations stay focused, searchable, and organized by topic instead of devolving into chaotic group chat threads.
- Extensive integration ecosystem with over 2,600 apps in the marketplace. Slack connects to virtually every business tool: CRM, project management, code hosting, monitoring, marketing, and support platforms.
- Search is genuinely excellent. On paid plans, you can search your entire message history with filters for channel, date, sender, and file type. Finding a discussion from two years ago takes seconds.
- Workflow Builder puts automation in reach of non technical team members. Create approval workflows, auto responses, channel management rules, and form submissions with a visual drag and drop builder.
- Cost per user is high compared with alternatives. Pro at $8.75/mo per user and Business Plus at $15/mo per user add up fast for large teams. Microsoft Teams is included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, making it effectively free for many organizations.
- Free tier message history is limited to 90 days. This makes the free tier impractical for any team that needs to reference past discussions or decisions. You feel pressure to upgrade from day one if message retention matters.
Where Around shines
- Well established product with an active user base
- Regular updates and clear roadmap
- Solid documentation and onboarding
- Our full hands-on testing is still in progress
- Pricing can climb on higher tiers
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So which should you pick?
Choose Slack if
- Built for teams of any size that need real time messaging with deep integrations and organized channel based communication
- Channel based organization is the best model for team communication. Conversations stay focused, searchable, and organized by topic instead of devolving into chaotic group chat threads.
Choose Around if
- Built for lightweight video calls built for focus.
- You want a real free tier before paying
- Budget is tight (from Free)
- Well established product with an active user base
Migrating from Around to Slack?
Estimated setup & migration time: ~14 hours for a 10-person team.
💡 Migration Tip: Export all projects from Around in CSV format before mapping custom fields into Slack. Test with a 3-person sub-team first.
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Slack (Rated 4.5/5)