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Software · head to head

Loom vs Slack

Loom logo

Loom

Software

Record instantly, share anywhere

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Slack logo

Slack

Software

Where work happens

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Loom free tier capped at 25 total videos with 5-minute maximum recording length per video; Slack 90-day message history limit on free plan results in important conversations disappearing
  • They diverge on capability: Loom covers Screen & camera recording, Slack covers Channels.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Loom and Slack actually diverge.

Attributes where Loom and Slack differ
AttributeLoomSlack
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWebWeb, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux
Founded20152009

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 Loom

  • Screen & camera recording
  • Instant sharing
  • Video editing
  • Viewer analytics
  • Comments & reactions
  • Transcription
  • Custom CTAs
  • Drawing tools

Only in Slack

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

Both cover

  • Jira
  • GitHub
  • SOC2

What people use each for

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

Loom

  • Asynchronous video communication and screen recordingnot Slack
  • Product demonstrations and tutorialsnot Slack
  • Meeting transcription and documentationnot Slack
  • Team communication and knowledge sharingnot Slack

Slack

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

Where each one falls short

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

Loom

  • Free tier capped at 25 total videos with 5-minute maximum recording length per video
  • Free tier limited to 50 workspace members
  • AI features (auto-meeting recaps, auto-notes, auto-editing) only available on paid Business+AI and Enterprise tiers
  • Video branding (Loom logo) appears on free and Business plan videos; only removed on Business+AI tier

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

Loom

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Loom review.

Slack

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Slack review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Loom if

  • You need screen & camera recording.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want instant sharing.
Loom review

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.
Slack review

Questions people ask

Is Loom or Slack better?
Neither clearly leads. Loom 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, Loom or Slack?
Loom starts at Free and Slack at Free.
Does Loom or Slack run on more platforms?
Loom runs on Web. Slack runs on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux.
Can I use Loom for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Loom best used for?
Loom is most often used for asynchronous video communication and screen recording, product demonstrations and tutorials, meeting transcription and documentation, team communication and knowledge sharing. Of those, asynchronous video communication and screen recording and product demonstrations and tutorials are not what Slack is typically brought in for.
What can Loom do that Slack cannot?
Loom covers Screen & camera recording, Instant sharing, Video editing, Viewer analytics. Slack covers Channels, Direct messaging, Voice & video calls, Screen sharing. Both handle Jira, GitHub, SOC2.

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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Related pages

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