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Why Teams Are Leaving Slack in 2026
Slack Pro costs $7.25/user/month, but the real issue is that Slack only handles messaging. Video calls require Huddles (limited) or a separate Zoom subscription. File storage is capped. And the free plan now hides messages older than 90 days.
Microsoft Teams and Google Chat include messaging, video calls, file storage, and collaboration tools in their base pricing - often at a lower per-user cost than Slack alone.
Migration Timeline
Step 1: Export Your Slack Data
Standard workspace export
- Go to your workspace Settings > Import/Export Data
- Click the "Export" tab
- Select date range or "Entire history"
- Click "Start Export" - Slack emails you when the ZIP is ready
- Download the ZIP (contains JSON files per channel, per day)
Note: Standard export includes public channels only. Private channels and DMs require Corporate Export (Business+ plan).
What to save manually
- Pinned messages - Copy important pinned content from each channel
- Bookmarks - Export channel bookmarks and shared links
- Canvas docs - Download all Slack Canvas documents
- Custom emoji - Export your workspace's custom emoji collection
- Workflow Builder flows - Document all automated workflows
Step 2: Map Your Channel Structure
Channel migration checklist
- List all active channels with their purpose descriptions
- Identify which channels map to team/project channels in the new tool
- Note channel-specific integrations (GitHub notifications, deploy alerts, etc.)
- Document user groups and their channel memberships
- Plan which channels to merge or archive during migration
Step 3: Choose Your New Platform
Microsoft Teams Best Value
Teams includes chat, video meetings (up to 300 participants), 1TB file storage per user, and deep Office 365 integration. Free with Microsoft 365 Business Basic at $6/user/month - less than Slack Pro alone.
- Migration time: 3-7 days for channels and integrations
- Cost savings: Save $1-8/user/month (Teams included with M365)
- Import: Third-party migration tools available for message history
Google Chat Best for Google Workspace
Google Chat is included with Google Workspace ($6/user/month) alongside Gmail, Drive, Meet, and Docs. If your team already uses Google Workspace, Chat is the zero-cost Slack replacement.
- Migration time: 1-3 days
- Cost savings: $7+/user/month (Chat included with Workspace)
- Import: Spaces mirror Slack channels, manual channel recreation
Discord Best Free Option
Discord is completely free for team communication with unlimited messages, voice channels, and screen sharing. Originally built for gaming but now widely adopted by developer teams and startups.
- Migration time: 1-3 days
- Cost savings: 100% - core features are free
- Import: Manual channel recreation (no import tool)
Cost Comparison: Slack vs Alternatives
| Platform | Per User/Month | 50-User Annual Cost | Includes Video |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slack Pro | $7.25 | $4,350 | Huddles only (15 min limit free) |
| Microsoft Teams (M365 Basic) | $6.00 | $3,600 | 300-person meetings, 1TB storage |
| Google Chat (Workspace) | $6.00 | $3,600 | Google Meet included |
| Discord | Free | $0 | Voice channels, screen share |
| Rocket.Chat (self-hosted) | Free | $0 | Video via Jitsi integration |
Ready to switch? Set up a test workspace and invite a pilot group before full migration.
See All Slack AlternativesFrequently Asked Questions
How do I export messages from Slack?
Workspace owners can export all public channel messages via Settings > Import/Export Data > Export. This creates a ZIP with JSON files. Private channels and DMs require a Corporate Export (Business+ plan or above).
Can I migrate Slack integrations to another platform?
Integrations must be reconnected manually. Document all active Slack apps, bots, and webhooks. Most popular tools (GitHub, Jira, Google Drive) have integrations for Microsoft Teams, Discord, and other alternatives.
Will I lose private messages when switching?
Standard Slack export only includes public channels. Private channels and DMs require a Corporate Export available on Business+ plan. If you are on a lower plan, private messages cannot be bulk exported.
What is cheaper than Slack Pro?
Microsoft Teams is included free with Microsoft 365 Business Basic ($6/user/month). Google Chat is free with Google Workspace ($6/user/month). Both include video conferencing that Slack charges extra for via Huddles.
How long does Slack migration take?
Setting up the new platform and recreating channels takes 1-3 days. Team onboarding and habit change is the real challenge - expect 2-4 weeks for full adoption. Message history import varies by platform.