Comparison table: Google Chat vs. Slack vs. Microsoft Teams
There are some groups at Brown that are currently using the Slack chat service for group chat functionality. Google Chat may be a good alternative for you, due to its integration with the Google ecosystem, and its price (free). Here’s a comparison of some of the core functions between Google Chat, Slack, and Microsoft’s Teams service.
| Google Chat | Slack | Microsoft Teams |
USES “TWO-WAY OPT-IN” You have to add or accept contacts before being able to message. This prevents strangers from sending you unwanted messages. | x | x | |
SHOWS THAT SOMEONE IS TYPING You can see when someone is typing a reply. | x | x | |
COMPATIBILITY IOS ………………………………………………………………………………………... Android ………………………………………………………………………………….... PC ……………………………………………………………………………………….... | x x x | x x x | x x x |
ABILITY TO SEND DOCUMENTS You can send documents using the app. | x | x | x |
HAS SEARCH OPTION If you need to find something specific, you can search your data for certain keywords. | x | x | x |
HAS TWO-WAY VIDEO CHAT You can have a one-on-one conversation with video | x | x | x |
YOU CAN SWITCH OFF NOTIFICATIONS You can set specific notifications to snooze mode if you don’t want to be disturbed during a specific time frame. | x | x | x |
HAS TWO-WAY VOICE CHAT With voice chat you can communicate quickly and easily, like making a traditional phone call. | x | x | x |
HAS GROUP VOICE CHAT This is like a phone conversation with several people at once. | x | x |