Software · head to head
Slack vs Zapier
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Slack 90-day message history limit on free plan results in important conversations disappearing; Zapier the free plan allows 100 tasks per month and only two-step Zaps, one trigger and one action
- They diverge on capability: Slack covers Channels, Zapier covers App integrations.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Slack and Zapier actually diverge.
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 Slack
- Channels
- Direct messaging
- Voice & video calls
- Screen sharing
- File sharing
- Search
- Workflow builder
- Slack Connect
Only in Zapier
- App integrations
- Workflow automation
- Trigger-based actions
- Multi-step Zaps
- Data formatting
- Conditional logic
- Error handling
- Team collaboration
Both cover
- Salesforce
- Trello
- SOC2
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Slack
- Team communicationnot Zapier
- Project coordinationnot Zapier
- Customer supportnot Zapier
- Remote worknot Zapier
- Cross-functional collaborationnot Zapier
Zapier
- Lead managementnot Slack
- Data synchronizationnot Slack
- Email automationnot Slack
- Social media postingnot Slack
- Customer onboardingnot Slack
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
Zapier
- The free plan allows 100 tasks per month and only two-step Zaps, one trigger and one action
- Multi-step Zaps, filters, paths, webhooks and the formatter all require a paid plan
- Premium app connectors are withheld from the free plan
- Free Zaps poll for new data every 15 minutes against 2 minutes on Professional and 1 minute on Team
- Paying monthly rather than annually costs 50 percent more, so the 2,000-task Professional plan is $73.50 a month instead of $49
Pricing, plan by plan
Slack
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Slack review.
Zapier
Free- FreeFree
- 100 tasks/month
- 5 Zaps
- Two-step Zaps
- Starter$19.99/month
- 750 tasks/month
- 20 Zaps
- Multi-step Zaps
- Professional$49/month
- 2,000 tasks/month
- Unlimited Zaps
- Custom logic
Which should you pick?
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.
Choose Zapier if
- You need app integrations.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Api.
- You also want workflow automation.
Questions people ask
- Is Slack or Zapier better?
- Neither clearly leads. Slack starts at Free and Zapier at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Slack or Zapier?
- Slack starts at Free and Zapier at Free.
- Does Slack or Zapier run on more platforms?
- Slack runs on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux. Zapier runs on Web, Api.
- Can I use Slack for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Slack best used for?
- Slack is most often used for team communication, project coordination, customer support, remote work. Of those, team communication and project coordination are not what Zapier is typically brought in for.
- What can Slack do that Zapier cannot?
- Slack covers Channels, Direct messaging, Voice & video calls, Screen sharing. Zapier covers App integrations, Workflow automation, Trigger-based actions, Multi-step Zaps. Both handle Salesforce, Trello, 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.
SourceSlack: 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.
SourceSlack: 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.
SourceSlack: 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.
SourceRelated pages
Keep looking
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