Seamless communication is essential for any team to function properly. Especially, for teams working remotely, being in contact with each other and being able to share information are of utmost importance. Every business nowadays needs a platform through which uninterrupted one-to-one or group communication is possible. It also helps in communicating with the client operating from a remote position.

However, determining the perfect application for the business to have smooth performance, requires some effort. Slack and Skype are two very popular messaging platforms widely used both for business and personal uses. While choosing between the two, some factors need to be focused on.

In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of using Slack and Skype and the comparison points which can influence the purpose of using them. So, let us start with the pros and cons of the applications.

 

Pros and Cons of Slack

Pros:

• It is a highly customizable app and can be customized according to a user’s requirements. For a developing business, it is better to have a flexible and user-friendly interface like Slack.
• Adding and removing any feature is easy in Slack. The channels’ features allow you to organize the messages better making working in various workspaces possible.
• Data security is higher in Slack compared to Skype. The chances of security breaches are low and it is almost impossible for hackers to hack through the messages. This will help the business grow in a fast and appropriate manner.
• Slack is a simple interface and thus is easy to learn. While creating a brand image, it is important to have a communication mode that can be used by one and all.

 

Cons:

• Even though Slack channels have accountable features, tracking can become difficult in it. Processes like storage and data recording turn difficult as well.
• In Slack, it is not possible to properly monitor due to the fact that multiple channels are involved in the process.
• Slack is unfit in case of handling large projects. It can be a clumsy tool while dealing with large-scale projects.

Pros and Cons of Skype

Pros:

• The primary benefit of Skype is that it is affordable for all. It is an entirely free application. Its downloading, installation and other services are absolutely free.
• Due to its integration with Facebook, Skype can be downloaded from Facebook to a user’s mobile. This means that this integration allows users to access Skype from any device and geographical location.
• It is very easy to download, install and use, without the help of anybody else. The interface is simple enough to operate single-handedly.

 

Cons:

• Though it has a market share in the instant messaging and chat category, it offers a limited number of business tools.
• Skype has a higher possibility of attracting hackers due to its popularity and lower data security.
• Some of its features such as sound quality is lower than the others.

Comparison between Slack and Skype

 

1. Interface for messaging and calls

Slack offers an excellent messaging and calling platform. It provides one-to-one and group messaging, and audio-visual calls through multiple channels. The conversations can be carried out in separate or integrated chat rooms. The user can also set a reminder using this application.

Skype also allows one-to-one and group communication through separated and integrated windows. In addition to this, Skype also allows screen-sharing for presentations and provides a call recording option.

 

2. Price and packages

Slack has a basic version that is free but comes with limitations. The user can make all kinds of calls, send messages through multiple channels and create a single channel for certain conversations, under the free version. Slack Pro starts from $6.67 billed per month on yearly basis, and $8 for each active user per month billed monthly basis. The paid plans of Slack offer group calls, access to unlimited channels, and better security measures. There is a higher plan with Slack Plus which costs $12.50 per month billed yearly and $15 per month if billed monthly. It includes more advanced features.

Skype, on the other hand, is completely free for 100 people. It can be downloaded for free and all basic communication can be carried out in the free plan. For advanced features, Skype offers a plan Skype for Business, which begins at $2 per user per month, with additional fees.

 

3. Team collaboration and integration

Collaborating and categorizing tasks is easy with Slack channels. The users can seamlessly share files just through the drag-and-drop feature and can also connect with file-sharing apps like Dropbox and Google Drive. Slack can also be integrated with calendar apps to set reminders and video meeting apps such as Zoom.

At the same time, Skype offers Microsoft features during calls. If a user buys an Office 365 plan, he will gain access to Outlook, Notes and other important apps to integrate with Skype.

Both the tools, Slack and Skype, are good collaboration tools. They allow attaching files, images, videos, voice messages, GIFs, and other such things.

 

4. Utilizing messaging apps

Both messaging tools offer advanced features that are beneficial for the users. Video conferencing and text-based communication are required in any business as a primary requirement on a daily basis. Both Skype and Slack provide excellent platforms for such necessities.

 

Conclusion

It largely depends on the size and nature of the business when choosing a communication solution. The budget behind the business is also an influential factor in this matter. Thus, if an organization is looking forward to developing the business by having smooth communication with its teams and clients, then platforms like Slack and Skype can be the ultimate solution.

Both Slack and Skype are excellent digital modes of communication that can hugely contribute to a company’s daily operations and growth.