Around vs Slack: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Around and Slack comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Around
Video calls for in-the-moment collaboration and pair work
Best for you if:
- • You need video conferencing features specifically
- • Floating bubble interface
- • Less fatiguing calls
Slack
Central hub for workplace communication and collaboration
Best for you if:
- • You need communication features specifically
- • Channel-based messaging platform with 2,600+ integrations, huddles, Canvas docs, and workflow automation
- • Free plan covers basics (90-day history, 10 apps); paid plans start at $7.25/user/month with unlimited history
| At a Glance |  Around |  Slack |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Video Conferencing | Communication |
Rating | - | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Around or Slack?
Choose Around if
Video calls for in-the-moment collaboration and pair work
- Lightweight video meeting solution
- Unique floating video bubbles design
- Minimal screen real estate usage
- Your work is video conferencing-shaped, not communication-shaped
Choose Slack if
Central hub for workplace communication and collaboration
- Intuitive interface with low learning curve, most teams adopt it within days
- Deepest third-party integration ecosystem of any team chat tool (2,600+ apps)
- Slack Connect eliminates email chains with external partners via shared channels
- Your work is communication-shaped, not video conferencing-shaped
| Feature | Around | Slack |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.5/5 61,908 reviews |
| Categories | Video ConferencingCommunication | CommunicationProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Around
Video calls for in-the-moment collaboration and pair work
Strengths
- +Lightweight video meeting solution
- +Unique floating video bubbles design
- +Minimal screen real estate usage
- +Good for remote collaboration
- +Clean and distraction-free interface
Weaknesses
- -Acquired/discontinued service
- -Limited feature set compared to competitors
- -Smaller user base and ecosystem
- -May lack enterprise-grade features
- -Integration options are limited
Key features
Slack
Central hub for workplace communication and collaboration
Strengths
- +Intuitive interface with low learning curve, most teams adopt it within days
- +Deepest third-party integration ecosystem of any team chat tool (2,600+ apps)
- +Slack Connect eliminates email chains with external partners via shared channels
- +Powerful search across all messages, files, and connected apps from one bar
- +Workflow Builder lets non-technical users automate routine processes
Weaknesses
- -Free plan limits message history and allows only a limited number of app integrations
- -Notification overload in large workspaces, channels can become noisy without discipline
- -Pricing adds up quickly for large teams
- -No built-in project management, still requires separate tools like Asana or Jira
- -Slack AI features require higher-tier plans, not available on all plans
Key features
Pricing: Around vs Slack
| Plan | Around | Slack |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0 Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $7.25 /user/month (annual) Pro |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $15 /user/month (annual) Business+ |
| Tier 4 | N/A | custom Enterprise+ |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Around pricing and Slack pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Around
Want the highest-rated option?
Slack is rated 4.5/5. Around has no ratings yet.
Go with: Slack
Value user reviews?
Around: no ratings yet. Slack: 61,908 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Slack
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Around is a video conferencing tool. Slack is in communication. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Slack is rated 4.5/5; Around has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Slack
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Around
- Better fit for video conferencing
The Bottom Line
Slack is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Around or Slack better?
Slack is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Around and Slack used for?
Around: Video calls for in-the-moment collaboration and pair work. Slack: Central hub for workplace communication and collaboration.
What does Around cost vs Slack?
Around is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Slack is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.