Workplace collaboration now relies heavily on modern messaging platforms, with Google Chat and Slack standing out as the top choices for unified team communication. Both enable group conversations, direct messages, and rapid project updates. Whether you’re using Slack, exploring Google's communication tool, or seeking alternatives to Google Chat and Slack, choosing the right platform is essential for efficient teamwork.
It’s important to consider not only the core differences between the two platforms, but also how your choice influences daily routines, integrations with tools you love, data security, and futureproofing your team’s collaboration. This article will walk you through a side-by-side comparison of Google Chat vs. Slack, highlighting their strengths for group conversations, file sharing, and productivity.
Google Chat vs. Slack in a nutshell
At their core, both Google Chat and Slack are designed to streamline team communication, group conversations, file sharing, and project collaboration. However, they approach these goals with distinct philosophies and ecosystems.
Google Chat is part of Google Workspace, seamlessly integrated with Gmail, Drive, Calendar, and Docs, making it a natural choice for organizations already using Google Workspace apps. Often viewed as the “Google version of Slack,” Google Chat offers chat spaces, threaded conversations, and strong integration with other Google Workspace tools.
Slack, meanwhile, is known for customizable channels and robust integrations with third-party apps, allowing for highly flexible workflows. Its strength lies in flexible group conversations, file sharing, and extensive app integrations. The “Slack vs. Google Workspace” choice often comes down to flexibility versus deep native integration.
When you're comparing Slack vs. Google Workspace for a broader digital transformation, knowing each tool’s identity helps lay the groundwork for a focused comparison.
Google Chat vs. Slack: Which has the best features?
The right chat platform depends on features that drive seamless team communication, knowledge sharing, and productivity. Here’s how Google Chat and Slack compare.
Google Chat’s top features
Tight integration with Google Workspace: Google Chat lets you move between chat, files, and video calls within Gmail, Drive, Docs, and Google Meet. Group conversations can quickly become video meetings or collaborative editing sessions.
Spaces: Use Spaces for organizing topics, projects, or departments—persistent group discussions with file storage and simple project management.
Threaded conversations: Reply directly in threads to keep discussions organized and clear.
Search and smart suggestions: Easily search messages, files, and tasks using Google’s advanced search options in any chat space.
Enterprise-grade security: Google Chat inherits Google Workspace’s advanced security and compliance features.
Image source: google.com
Slack’s top features
Customizable channels: Organize conversations by topic or team using public or private channels for group discussions and direct messages.
App integrations: Connect thousands of third-party apps, including project management and file sharing tools, directly into your workflow.
Workflow builder: Automate routine tasks and build custom Slack workflows with zero code for customizable notifications, onboarding, and approvals.
Rich messaging: Share files, schedule huddles (video calls), and personalize teamwork with emojis and mentions.
Robust search: Find past messages, files, and integrations easily with advanced search tools.
Image source: slack.com
While both Google Chat and Slack are equipped with powerful communication features, organizations often seek a platform that bridges messaging, document collaboration, and workflow apps under one seamless experience. Lark stands out by combining real-time chat, video conferencing, collaborative docs, shared calendars, and native integration with cloud storage—all designed for global teams and modern flexibility.
Google Chat vs. Slack: Which is the easiest to use?
A tool’s adoption hinges on user experience. Businesses consistently rank usability and simplicity as key factors when weighing alternatives to popular platforms like Google Chat and Slack for team communication and productivity.
Google Chat offers a familiar, minimalistic user interface, especially for users acclimated to Google Workspace and Gmail. The integration within the Gmail sidebar makes it nearly seamless for teams already living inside other Google Workspace apps. Google Chat’s group conversations and direct messages are accessible from anywhere in Google Workspace, making it easy for Google Workspace users to start a chat space or manage group messaging without switching tabs. Spaces, threads, and context-aware suggestions further streamline the user journey. However, some users find Google Chat’s approach less intuitive if transitioning from messaging-centric platforms.
Slack, in contrast, crafts its experience around a customizable interface with channels and direct messages. Its onboarding is guided and designed to help teams find the features they need without feeling overwhelmed. Advanced users value Slack’s powerful search and automated workflows, though the sheer depth of customizability can require a steeper learning curve. Its users often praise the ability to assign tasks, manage group conversations, and toggle between public and private chat spaces.
Both platforms are accessible via desktop, web, and mobile—with swift synchronization across devices and support for notifications to keep everyone in the loop. Group conversations and direct messaging sync instantly, and both Slack and Google Chat support team communication on the go.
If your priority is rapid onboarding with a modern UI, Lark’s design excels at reducing friction for new users. Its all-in-one architecture helps teams of all backgrounds adapt quickly and collaborate nimbly without sacrificing depth or power. Lark allows seamless switching between chat spaces, group conversations, file sharing, and even video conferencing, all in a single workspace.
Google Chat vs. Slack: Which has the best integrations?
When selecting a workplace collaboration tool, integration capabilities are paramount. Most organizations now rely on a vast software stack for everything from file management to project tracking and automation. A robust chat platform should act as a seamless hub for these daily tools, helping teams assign tasks, share files, and launch video conferencing directly from group conversations.
Google Chat stands out by connecting natively with the Google ecosystem. It’s deeply integrated with Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Google Meet, and Google Docs. With integrations, Google Chat offers the ability to directly attach files from Google Drive, schedule meetings with Google Calendar, and start a Google Meet video call from any chat space or group conversation. You can attach files from Drive, schedule meetings instantly, or collaborate within Google Docs without ever leaving your chat window. Additionally, Google Chat provides access to extra Google Workspace applications via the Google Workspace Marketplace, including Trello, Asana, and Salesforce; however, the ecosystem of third-party apps is more limited compared to other business messaging apps like Slack. With Google Workspace tools, you can assign tasks, link shared files, and organize group conversations for any project.
Image source: google.com
Slack has long prided itself on an “integration-first” philosophy. The Slack App Directory hosts thousands of apps, from workflow automation (Zapier, Make) to analytics, ticketing (Zendesk, Jira), cloud storage (Dropbox, Box), CRM (Salesforce, HubSpot), and even developer-centric tools like GitHub. Slack’s users can connect third-party apps directly into group messaging, automate task assignments, and share files from a wide range of platforms. This wide-ranging compatibility allows organizations to build highly customized workflows. With Slack’s Workflow Builder, you can also automate notifications, approvals, and information handoffs among different Google services and other apps.
For companies comparing Slack vs. Google Workspace or searching for a Google Slack alternative, integration with both native Google Workspace tools and third party apps may play a deciding role. In highly integrated environments, Slack’s extensibility is hard to rival, while Google Chat shines for companies all in on the Google Workspace stack.
Image source: slack.com
While both solutions facilitate automated workflows and tool connectivity, businesses seeking a platform with rich, built-in integrations—spanning chat, docs, video conferencing, and cloud storage—should consider Lark. Its all-in-one suite combines messaging, video conferencing, collaborative docs, and shared drives, reducing the need to juggle separate apps and boosting cross-team productivity for organizations aiming to streamline work.
Google Chat vs. Slack: Which has the best pricing?
Budget considerations increasingly drive software decisions, especially for growing teams and startups. Here’s how the price structures of each platform stack up for Google Workspace users and Slack users alike.
Google Chat’s pricing
Google Chat comes bundled with Google Workspace, which offers a 14-day free trial but no ongoing free plan. After the trial, you choose a Google Workspace subscription that fits your needs (annual commitment, per user, per month):
Business Starter: $7/user/month (or $3.50/user/month for the first 3 months) — 30 GB storage, secure business email, 100 participant video meetings via Google Meet, Gemini AI in Gmail.
Business Standard: $14/user/month (or $7/user/month for the first 3 months) — 2 TB storage, 150 participant video meetings with recording, enhanced security, AI features in Gmail, Docs, and more.
Business Plus: $22 (or $14.67/user/month for the first 3 months) — 5 TB storage, 500 participant video meetings with attendance tracking, advanced security and compliance, and expanded access to all Google Workspace apps and tools.
Enterprise Plus: $35/user/month — 5 TB storage, 1000 participant video meetings, premium security and compliance, advanced management controls, and all available Google Workspace tools including enhanced Google Chat features.
All Google Workspace subscription plans include Google Chat, but available features scale with each tier.
Image source: google.com
Slack’s pricing
Slack offers a free plan, two standard premium plans, and custom paid plans for enterprises. (These are all cloud-hosted options.):
Free: $0 — 90 days of message history, 10 app integrations, 1:1 audio and video meetings, 1 workspace. Slack users can engage in group conversations, direct messages, and basic file sharing.
Pro: $8.75/user/month ($4.38 for first 3 months) — Unlimited message history and apps, group audio/video meetings, unlimited workflows, 1 workspace. Assign tasks, manage chat messages, and integrate third party apps for more advanced group messaging.
Business+: $15/user/month — Everything in Pro, plus SAML SSO, data exports, 99.99% uptime, enhanced admin and compliance.
Enterprise grid: Custom pricing — Unlimited workspaces, advanced compliance (HIPAA), multiple identity providers, advanced security and support, and premium file sharing options for large organizations.
Image source: slack.com
Which platform offers better value?
If you already use Google Workspace, Google Chat comes at no extra cost. Slack offers more flexibility for integrations but can get expensive as you add features or users. Consider which platform’s features and integrations fit your team’s needs best.
Google Chat vs. Slack: Which is the most secure and compliant?
Security and data compliance are front and center for businesses handling confidential communication and sensitive files. The right collaboration platform must protect information while aligning with regulations relevant to your industry or geography.
Google Chat inherits the enterprise-grade security controls of Google Workspace. This includes robust encryption in transit and at rest, built-in phishing protections, and advanced admin controls. All Google Workspace subscriptions offer secure group conversations, file sharing, and chat messages, ensuring compliance for Google Workspace users at every tier. Organizations benefit from tools like Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Vault (for eDiscovery and retention), and secure sign-on with two-factor authentication. Compliance certifications cover key standards, including SOC, ISO/IEC, and GDPR.
Slack also prioritizes security with data encryption, enterprise identity management (including SAML-based SSO and SCIM provisioning), and support for enterprise key management. With paid plans, admins gain granular policy controls, audit logs, approved apps, and enterprise-level compliance. Slack’s Enterprise Grid offers enhanced compliance options, including HIPAA-ready solutions, secure group messaging, and sophisticated data residency controls for regulated sectors.
Both tools are mature options trusted by major organizations, each providing peace of mind regarding user safety, privacy, and global compliance requirements. Whether you’re managing group conversations, direct messages, or file sharing, both Google Chat and Slack help teams stay compliant and secure in their daily operations.
Of course, organizations increasingly expect integrated, cross-border compliance, especially for distributed teams. At Lark, we take data security and compliance seriously, having passed certifications for SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, and ISO 27018. Our platform also complies with privacy regulations like GDPR, CCPA, APPI, and PDPA by default—ensuring that global teams can collaborate securely and meet regulatory requirements across multiple regions without burdening IT teams or sacrificing user experience.
Google Chat vs. Slack: Which has better customer support?
Customer support can be important for mission-critical communication. Google Chat support is part of Google Workspace, with 24/7 help for admins on paid plans and self-service resources for all users. Enterprise customers can access premium support.
Image source: google.com
Slack customer support includes an in-depth help center, user community, and ticket-based email support for all users—even on the free tier. Slack users can access resources for troubleshooting group conversations, direct messages, and integrations with third party apps. Paid Slack plans include enhanced support options: Pro users gain expedited response times, while Business+ and Enterprise Grid customers get 24/7 support with priority routing, live chat, and a dedicated customer success manager for top-tier clients. Slack’s knowledge base is praised for its clarity, but advanced support features are largely tied to higher-tier subscriptions.
Whether you value around-the-clock human support, fast issue resolution, or an educational community, examining each platform’s support model is important—especially if downtime or outages could impede your business.
Image source: slack.com
For organizations where rapid problem-solving and proactive guidance matter most, you might seek a partner rather than just a provider. Lark distinguishes itself by offering multi-language support, in-app guidance, localized resources, and dedicated customer success teams for enterprise users. This focus on personalized onboarding and fast, knowledgeable responses ensures your team never feels left alone—helping you resolve concerns quickly and maximize ROI, whether you’re using group conversations, video conferencing, or advanced collaboration tools.
Google Chat vs. Slack: Which is right for you?
Choosing between Google Chat vs. Slack isn’t just about feature checklists—it hinges on matching a platform’s philosophy and strengths to your team’s workflow, digital habits, and long-term business objectives.
Consider Google Chat if:
You’re already invested in Google Workspace, seeking seamless collaboration among Gmail, Drive, and Calendar, value security rooted in Google’s enterprise capabilities, and don’t need a wide array of third-party app integrations. Google Chat offers a streamlined environment for group conversations, direct messages, and file sharing, especially for Google Workspace users who rely on integrated chat spaces and Google Workspace tools.
Choose Slack if:
Your organization thrives on customizable workflows and requires deep integrations across a wide variety of business apps outside the Google ecosystem. Its users value the flexibility of channels, direct messages, and the ability to assign tasks and automate group messaging with numerous third-party apps. Slack is especially popular among teams that want granular control over communication, workflow automations, and cross-company collaborations.
That said, it’s wise to revisit your requirements regularly. Many organizations are now looking past traditional choices, evaluating how well each tool keeps pace with the hybrid work era. Consider questions like: Does the solution encourage real-time team communication and asynchronous team collaboration? Does it scale globally without sacrificing usability or the ability to assign tasks and share files in any chat space?
When assessing the debate of Slack vs. Google Workspace, remember that your needs today may evolve. Teams seeking integrated documents, messaging, meetings, and robust mobile support—and who value a platform’s ability to grow with them—may find themselves looking for something even more interconnected, flexible, and intuitive.
Many businesses have discovered Lark as a modern unified workspace. It’s designed to empower distributed teams with integrated chat, docs, meetings, cloud storage, and collaborative calendars—ensuring smoother communication, more organized group conversations, and project flow, regardless of scale or location. Lark’s all-in-one chat app covers direct messages, group messaging, file sharing, and video conferencing, while advanced features like assigning tasks and chat space management help teams stay organized. Evaluating such next-gen solutions could offer your team a platform that actually accelerates productivity rather than fragmenting it.
Unlocking next-level collaboration: Why Lark may be your smartest choice
While Google Chat and Slack are both industry leaders, the way teams work is changing fast. Many organizations want to move beyond the limitations of siloed apps and costly integrations. That’s where Lark’s holistic approach stands out.
Lark combines all the essentials for modern teamwork:
Integrated messenger: Real-time chat with threading, groups, voice/video calls, advanced notification controls, and built-in translation make global teamwork fluid. You can easily switch between direct messages, group conversations, and chat spaces, or launch video conferencing without leaving your workspace.
Collaborative docs and cloud drive: Create and co-edit rich documents, spreadsheets, and wikis in the same workspace as your chat and meetings—ensuring context is never lost and knowledge remains accessible. Share files and chat messages in one integrated platform.
Powerful calendar and scheduling: Unified calendar, shared team calendars, meeting links, and scheduling assistants help keep everyone on time and in sync.
HD video meetings: Launch secure meetings instantly from any chat, create on-the-fly meetings, or schedule recurring video calls—no separate app switches required. Lark’s video conferencing is built directly into every chat space.
Automations and open platform: Built-in workflow and approval bots, open APIs, and integrations with both global and regional tools enable you to tailor Lark to fit your business process. Assign tasks, automate notifications, and streamline team collaboration inside every group conversation.
Granular admin controls: Advanced security, permission settings, audit logs, and compliance support protect your organization in every market.
Reliable mobile experience: Lark’s mobile app offers full-featured collaboration, optimized for remote teams and employees on the go.
All-in-one platforms like Lark eliminate the complexity of toggling between multiple apps or dealing with patchwork integrations. This means fewer distractions, smoother onboarding, and a single source of truth—driving productivity, connection, and engagement across distributed or hybrid teams. For organizations actively searching for a compelling alternative to Google Chat or Slack, Lark delivers the next step in collaborative evolution.
Conclusion
When comparing Google Chat vs. Slack, it’s clear that both platforms deliver robust tools for team communication, group conversations, direct messages, file sharing, and video conferencing. Google Chat is a seamless choice for Google Workspace users—especially those who want integrated chat spaces and the convenience of Google Workspace tools. Slack stands out for organizations needing deeper third-party app integrations, flexible workflows, and the ability to assign tasks or manage advanced features in every channel.
However, with the rise of distributed work, teams increasingly expect more than just traditional chat apps. That’s where Lark offers a next-level alternative—combining integrated docs, built-in video conferencing, task management, file sharing, and group messaging in a single workspace. If your organization is ready to move beyond the basics and embrace a unified platform that empowers global teams, exploring Lark could be your smartest choice this year.
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