Overview
Slack
Slack is a cloud-based collaboration tool designed to streamline workplace communication. It’s known for its user-friendly interface, robust integrations with thousands of third-party apps, and features like channels, direct messaging, and file sharing. Slack is widely used across various industries, from small startups to large enterprises, and offers both free and paid plans with advanced features.
Mattermost
Mattermost is an open-source, self-hosted communication platform primarily targeted at organizations that require high security, privacy, and control over their data. It’s particularly popular in industries with stringent compliance requirements, such as government, finance, and healthcare. Mattermost offers a similar experience to Slack but with added flexibility and customization, as it can be deployed on-premises or in private clouds.
Comparison Tables
1. Core Features
| Feature | Slack | Mattermost |
|---|---|---|
| Channels | Organized around projects or teams; public or private | Similar to Slack; channels can be public or private, customizable for specific needs |
| Direct Messaging | 1:1 and group chats outside of channels | 1:1 and group messaging with options for customization and extended control |
| Voice and Video Calls | Available for individuals and within channels, with screen sharing | Integrates with Jitsi or other video conferencing tools for voice/video calls |
| File Sharing | Supports file sharing with storage limits based on plan | Supports file sharing with flexible storage options depending on deployment |
| Search Functionality | Advanced search, filters by channels, users, and date | Powerful search, especially in self-hosted environments, customizable for enterprise needs |
| Integrations | 2,000+ integrations with apps like Google Drive, Trello, Zoom | Integrates with a wide range of DevOps and IT tools, plus custom integrations |
| Notifications | Customizable per channel or user, “Do Not Disturb” mode | Highly customizable notifications, can be fine-tuned for different teams or projects |
| Customization | High level of customization with workflows and bots | Extensive customization through plugins, API, and self-hosting options |
| Security | Enterprise-grade security, encryption, and compliance options | Self-hosted or on-premises deployment for full control, compliance-focused, encryption, and advanced security features |
2. User Experience and Interface
| Aspect | Slack | Mattermost |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Intuitive, polished interface, quick onboarding | Slightly steeper learning curve, particularly for setup, but user-friendly once deployed |
| User Interface | Clean, professional, organized around workspaces and channels | Similar interface to Slack, but can be customized more deeply depending on deployment needs |
| Customization | Extensive, including custom workflows, channel settings, and integrations | Highly customizable, especially in self-hosted setups; supports deep customization to meet specific organizational needs |
| Scalability | Scales well for businesses of all sizes, supports cross-organizational collaboration | Scales especially well for large enterprises, particularly those with strict security and compliance requirements |
3. Pricing
| Aspect | Slack | Mattermost |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Limited to 90 days of message history, 10 app integrations, 1:1 video calls | Free, open-source community edition available for self-hosted deployments |
| Paid Plans | Paid plans start at $7.25/user/month, offering more features like unlimited message history and better security | Paid plans start at $10/user/month for enterprise features, with custom pricing for large deployments |
| Value for Money | Good value for teams needing cloud-based solutions with integrations | Excellent value for organizations needing control over data and infrastructure, especially in compliance-heavy industries |
4. Integration Capabilities
| Aspect | Slack | Mattermost |
|---|---|---|
| Integration with Third-Party Apps | Extensive, integrates with 2,000+ apps including productivity, project management, and communication tools | Integrates with DevOps and IT tools like Jira, GitHub, Jenkins; custom integrations possible through API |
| API and Bot Support | Strong API support for custom bots and integrations | Robust API, especially suited for development teams; supports custom bots and workflows tailored to specific needs |
5. Security and Compliance
| Aspect | Slack | Mattermost |
|---|---|---|
| Data Control | Data stored in Slack’s cloud environment, with enterprise-grade security | Full control over data with self-hosted or on-premises options; ideal for organizations with strict data sovereignty needs |
| Compliance | Compliance with industry standards like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR | Supports compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, and other industry-specific regulations, depending on deployment setup |
| Encryption | Encryption at rest and in transit, with advanced options in enterprise plans | End-to-end encryption available, with extensive security configurations for sensitive environments |
| Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) | Available across all plans | Available and can be customized, with additional security layers possible in self-hosted environments |
Key Takeaways: When to Choose Slack or Mattermost
Choose Slack if:
- You need a cloud-based, ready-to-use communication tool. Slack’s simplicity and ease of use make it ideal for teams that want a quick setup without worrying about infrastructure. It’s especially suitable for businesses that prioritize ease of use and extensive third-party integrations.
- Your organization values integrations with popular productivity tools. Slack’s extensive marketplace offers integrations with over 2,000 apps, making it easy to connect with tools your team already uses, such as Google Workspace, Trello, and Zoom.
- You prefer a platform with polished user experience and continuous updates. Slack is known for its user-friendly design and frequent updates, ensuring a smooth and modern experience.
Choose Mattermost if:
- Your organization requires full control over its communication infrastructure. Mattermost is ideal for organizations that need on-premises deployment, especially in industries with strict data privacy and compliance requirements, such as government, healthcare, or finance.
- Security and compliance are top priorities. Mattermost’s self-hosted environment allows for complete control over data, with the ability to configure security and compliance settings to meet specific organizational needs.
- You need a customizable platform tailored to your workflows. Mattermost’s open-source nature and robust API allow for extensive customization, making it a great choice for tech-savvy teams that want to tailor their communication tool to fit unique business processes or integrate deeply with DevOps tools.
