Google Hangouts or Slack?
These days, there are so many different collaboration tools available on the market, that it's challenging to keep track of all your options. Today's businesses are beginning to realise that excellent communication and virtual collaboration go hand-in-hand.
For smaller businesses without a lot of cash to invest in the latest collaborative solutions, tools like Slack and Google Hangouts represent a fantastic opportunity. Both of these options come with free-to-access features that make it easy to start collaborating no matter how small or dispersed your workplace might be.
Slack is one of the best-known collaborative tools in the world today - and it was one of the first apps to introduce the world to the potential of team collaboration. On the other hand, Google Hangouts is a two-part tool available from Google's productivity stack. While Google Hangouts Chat supports instant messaging and file sharing, Hangouts Meet delivers simple and straightforward meetings at the click of a button.
Here's your guide to both options.
Slack Features
Perhaps the main advantage that Slack has in the current landscape is the fact that it's so well-known. With both a free and premium version of the tool available, depending on what you need in terms of features and functionality, anyone can start using Slack with ease. What's more, many people in the consumer environment already rely on tools similar to slack for communication, which makes adoption easy.
Another significant benefit of Slack is the fact that it comes with so many integrations available to access. Although there are only a handful of combinations possible in the free version if you upgrade to the full premium service, the options to extend your collaborative tool are practically endless. Features of Slack include:
- Channel-based conversations
- Efficient searchable history
- Tool and service customisation
- Collaboration with outside vendors and guests
- Face-to-face and face-to-screen conversations (video and content sharing)
- Integrated file-sharing with drag and drop functionality
- Private groups and messaging
- Snippets and webhooks
- Feedback and progress archives
- Notifications
Google Hangouts Features
The biggest benefit of Google Hangouts to people looking for a new collaboration tool is the fact that it's already so deeply integrated with the rest of the G Suite. If you rely on Google for other solutions like Docs, Sheets, Drive, or Slides, then joining meetings and conversations with Google Hangouts will feel like a natural step forward. What's more, there are bots integrated into the Google experience to make sure that you're always aware of what's going on with notifications from your files and your calendar service.
As part of a comprehensive solution within the G Suite, Google Hangouts gives you the freedom to converse and communicate with your colleagues in real-time, through access to document sharing, video conferencing, email, and everything else you might need in the same place. You can even launch meetings directly from your Google calendar or Gmail. Features include:
- Voice and HD video calls
- Auto screen focus
- Instant messaging
- Google application integrations
- Screen and file sharing
- Intelligent muting solutions
- Custom admin control options
- Access to various integrations
- Private or group messaging
- Searchable histories
Slack vs. Google Hangouts: Integrations
Both Slack and Google Hangouts were designed to make teamwork in the modern world easier and more intuitive. They do this by offering instant messaging solutions, real-time voice and video conversations, and even file sharing and annotation options. What's more, the two apps are both available on a range of devices so that users can access them on the go.
