Google Chat vs Slack is one of the most common comparisons businesses make when choosing a communication platform. With more teams embracing hybrid work, real-time chat tools have become essential to keeping people connected and productive.
Both are built for modern teams. Both support channels, file sharing and integrations.
In this blog, we break down Google Chat vs Slack, covering everything from key features and user experience to integration, pricing and long-term fit.
Table of Contents
How They Work
Key Features Compared
Where Slack Stands Out
User Experience and Simplicity
Google Chat vs Slack Pricing
Best Fit for Your Business
Our Take
Google Chat vs Slack | How They Work
Google Chat is part of Google Workspace, meaning it connects seamlessly with Gmail, Calendar, Drive and Meet. Conversations happen in direct messages or dedicated spaces (which are similar to Slack channels). Everything is integrated with Google’s existing apps, so you can schedule meetings, share Docs or jump into a Meet call all without leaving the chat window.
Slack (now part of Salesforce) is a platform designed specifically for team communication. It uses channels to organise conversations and supports direct messages, app integrations, and custom automations. Slack is known for its flexible setup and wide range of third-party integrations.
Key Features Compared
Feature | Google Chat | Slack |
|---|---|---|
Native integration with Google Workspace | ✅ | Partial (Drive & Calendar apps) |
Threaded conversations | ✅ | ✅ |
Direct messages and group chats | ✅ | ✅ |
Video calling | Via Google Meet | Built‑in Slack Huddles (2 participants on free, up to 50 on paid) |
File sharing | Integrated with Google Drive | Native and third-party storage |
Search across conversations | ✅ | ✅ |
Bots and workflows | Basic support | Advanced custom workflows |
External collaboration | 1:1 DMs or Spaces created as external (can’t retrofit) | Slack Connect channels require paid; free = 1:1 DMs only. |
Chat history | History unlimited by default (admin can shorten) | Free 90‑day history. Unlimited history on paid plans. |
The biggest advantage of Google Chat is how well it fits into the wider Google Workspace ecosystem. If your team is already using Gmail, Docs, Meet and Calendar, Chat works in the background without adding more tools to learn.
It is built for simplicity. You can tag people, assign tasks, comment on Docs and join meetings all from one place. And because Chat and Spaces are directly tied to your Google Drive and Calendar, everything stays in sync.
There’s also no extra cost if you already pay for Google Workspace. Chat is included in every plan, with no hidden charges or limits on message history.
Where Slack Stands Out
Slack is a great option for businesses that need more flexibility, especially those working with external partners or using a mix of tools. It supports a wider range of third-party integrations, and its Slack Connect feature allows for cross-company collaboration in shared channels.
Slack also has more advanced options for workflows and custom bots. If your team relies on internal automation or likes to tailor the chat experience in detail, Slack offers more room to build.
However, these features often require the paid versions of Slack, and it can be more expensive over time compared to the free Google Chat experience within Workspace.
User Experience and Simplicity
Google Chat is ideal for teams that prefer a clean interface and minimal training. Because it’s already linked to familiar Google tools, the learning curve is small. You can switch between email, calendar, docs and chat with just a few clicks.
Slack, while more feature-rich, can feel overwhelming for new users. With so many customisation options and notifications, it sometimes creates more noise than clarity. For teams who enjoy structure and control, it can be powerful. But it is not always straightforward.
Google Chat vs Slack Pricing
This is a key factor in the Google Chat vs Slack comparison.
Google Chat is built‑in for consumer Google accounts, and included (not extra) when you already pay for Google Workspace.
Slack offers a free tier, but it has limitations. Free plan keeps only the last 90 days of messages and allows 10 app integrations and 1:1 Huddles. To unlock full features, most teams upgrade to Slack Pro or Business+, which come at an additional cost per user per month.
If you’re already paying for Google Workspace or have a Google account, choosing Slack means paying for another platform when a good option is already available.
Best Fit for Your Business
Best for | Tool |
|---|---|
Teams already using Google Workspace | Google Chat |
Simplicity and fast setup | Google Chat |
Advanced workflows and custom bots | Slack |
Cost-effective communication | Google Chat |
Diverse video calling | Google Chat |
Google Chat vs Slack | Our Take
We work with organisations that want tools that are simple, secure and built to work together. If your business is already using Google Workspace, Google Chat is the obvious choice. It does what you need it to do, and it does it without adding complexity or extra costs.
Slack is a solid product with powerful features, but for most teams already in the Google ecosystem, Chat offers everything you need in a more streamlined experience.
If you are leaning towards Google Chat, take a look at our blog on 10 Google Chat hidden features that can help you get even more out of it. You might be surprised by what it can do!
