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.
Bottom line: Slack wins this matchup. Microsoft Teams is our overall Communication pick. Microsoft Teams is our free Communication pick. Pick Around if you need video conferencing.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Around
Video calls for in-the-moment collaboration and pair work
Best for you if:
- • You want lightweight video meeting solution
Slack
Central hub for workplace communication and collaboration
Best for you if:
- • You want intuitive interface with low learning curve, most teams adopt it within days
| At a Glance | Around | Slack |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | Free Free plan |
Category | Video Conferencing Communication | Communication Productivity |
Rating | n/a | 4.2/5 G2 4.5 · Capterra 4.7 · TrustRadius 4.5 64,990 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | n/a | 90-day message history on Free: after 90 days, old messages become invisible (not deleted, they return if you upgrade). This is the most common upgrade trigger and feels coercive for teams that relied on older unlimited history |
Choose Around or Slack?
Choose Around if
- You want lightweight video meeting solution
- You want unique floating video bubbles design
- You work in video conferencing, not communication
Choose Slack if
- You want intuitive interface with low learning curve, most teams adopt it within days
- You want deepest third-party integration ecosystem of any team chat tool (2,600+ apps)
- You work in communication, not video conferencing
In-Depth Analysis
Around
Video calls for in-the-moment collaboration and pair work
Around offers a very generous Free tier, providing core video conferencing features without any cost.
Strengths
- Pro: Lightweight video meeting solution
- Pro: Unique floating video bubbles design
- Pro: Minimal screen real estate usage
- Pro: Good for remote collaboration
- Pro: Clean and distraction-free interface
Weaknesses
- Con: Acquired/discontinued service
- Con: Limited feature set compared to competitors
- Con: Smaller user base and ecosystem
- Con: May lack enterprise-grade features
- Con: Integration options are limited
Key features
Slack
Central hub for workplace communication and collaboration
Slack is the default team messaging tool, and its pricing reflects that dominance.
Watch out
90-day message history on Free: after 90 days, old messages become invisible (not deleted, they return if you upgrade). This is the most common upgrade trigger and feels coercive for teams that relied on older unlimited history
Strengths
- Pro: Intuitive interface with low learning curve, most teams adopt it within days
- Pro: Deepest third-party integration ecosystem of any team chat tool (2,600+ apps)
- Pro: Slack Connect eliminates email chains with external partners via shared channels
- Pro: Powerful search across all messages, files, and connected apps from one bar
- Pro: Workflow Builder lets non-technical users automate routine processes
Weaknesses
- Con: Free plan limits message history and allows only a limited number of app integrations
- Con: Notification overload in large workspaces, channels can become noisy without discipline
- Con: Pricing adds up quickly for large teams
- Con: No built-in project management, still requires separate tools like Asana or Jira
- Con: 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.
Key Takeaways
Slack
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Around
- Better fit for video conferencing
The Bottom Line
Slack wins this matchup. Microsoft Teams is our overall Communication pick. Microsoft Teams is our free Communication pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Around or Slack better in 2026?
Slack wins this matchup. Microsoft Teams is our overall Communication pick. Microsoft Teams is our free Communication pick. Pick Around for video conferencing workflows (main strength: lightweight video meeting solution). Pick Slack for communication workflows (main strength: intuitive interface with low learning curve, most teams adopt it within days).
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 pricing is on their site. Slack's paid plans start at Free (Pro).
What's the main difference between Around and Slack?
Around's main strength: lightweight video meeting solution. Slack's main strength: intuitive interface with low learning curve, most teams adopt it within days.