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Software · head to head

Google Optimize vs Slack

Google Optimize logo

Google Optimize

Software

A/B testing for Google Analytics

From
Free
Rated
-
Slack logo

Slack

Software

Where work happens

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Google Optimize google Optimize and Optimize 360 were sunset and are no longer available as of September 30, 2023; Slack 90-day message history limit on free plan results in important conversations disappearing
  • They diverge on capability: Google Optimize covers A/B testing, Slack covers Channels.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Google Optimize and Slack actually diverge.

Attributes where Google Optimize and Slack differ
AttributeGoogle OptimizeSlack
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWebWeb, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux
Founded19982009

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Google Optimize

  • A/B testing
  • Google Analytics integration
  • Visual editor
  • Real-time analytics
  • Google Analytics
  • Google Tag Manager
  • Google's security
  • Cloud deployment

Only in Slack

  • Channels
  • Direct messaging
  • Voice & video calls
  • Screen sharing
  • File sharing
  • Search
  • Workflow builder
  • Slack Connect

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Google Optimize

  • A/B and multivariate testing of web pages tied to Google Analytics goalsnot Slack
  • Personalising page content for defined audience segmentsnot Slack
  • Redirect tests between alternative landing page URLsnot Slack

Slack

  • Team communicationnot Google Optimize
  • Project coordinationnot Google Optimize
  • Customer supportnot Google Optimize
  • Remote worknot Google Optimize
  • Cross-functional collaborationnot Google Optimize

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Google Optimize

  • Google Optimize and Optimize 360 were sunset and are no longer available as of September 30, 2023
  • Any experiments and personalizations still running on that date were ended by Google
  • Google directs former users to third-party A/B testing tools, naming AB Tasty, Optimizely and VWO, rather than a replacement Google product

Slack

  • 90-day message history limit on free plan results in important conversations disappearing
  • Per-user pricing becomes expensive quickly for larger teams
  • Notification overload with 78% of employees feeling overwhelmed by notifications
  • Mobile app performance issues including lag and slow syncing
  • Huddles limited to 50 people and cannot be recorded
  • Requires dedicated video conferencing service for formal meetings and webinars

Pricing, plan by plan

Google Optimize

Free
  • FreeFree
    • A/B testing
    • Google Analytics integration
    • Visual editor

Slack

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Slack review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Google Optimize if

  • You need a/b testing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want google analytics integration.

Choose Slack if

  • You need channels.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux.
  • You also want direct messaging.

Questions people ask

Is Google Optimize or Slack better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Optimize starts at Free and Slack at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Google Optimize or Slack?
Google Optimize starts at Free and Slack at Free.
Does Google Optimize or Slack run on more platforms?
Google Optimize runs on Web. Slack runs on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux.
Can I use Google Optimize for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Google Optimize best used for?
Google Optimize is most often used for a/b and multivariate testing of web pages tied to google analytics goals, personalising page content for defined audience segments, redirect tests between alternative landing page urls. Of those, a/b and multivariate testing of web pages tied to google analytics goals and personalising page content for defined audience segments are not what Slack is typically brought in for.
What can Google Optimize do that Slack cannot?
Google Optimize covers A/B testing, Google Analytics integration, Visual editor, Real-time analytics. Slack covers Channels, Direct messaging, Voice & video calls, Screen sharing.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Slack: Does Slack have a free plan?

Yes, Slack offers a free plan indefinitely with no credit card required. Free users get 90-day message history, up to 10 app integrations, and 1:1 huddles.

Source
Slack: What are Slack's pricing plans?

Slack offers Free, Pro ($7.25/user/month with annual billing), Business+ ($12.50/user/month), and Enterprise Grid (custom pricing). Monthly billing costs approximately 20% more than annual.

Source
Slack: Does Slack support offline use?

Slack is a cloud-based platform and does not support robust offline work. Internet connectivity is required to access messages and collaborate.

Source
Slack: What integrations does Slack support?

Slack integrates with 43+ apps on average per team, including Google Drive, ChatGPT, Vercel, Asana, GitHub, and many others through their app marketplace.

Source

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