Slack Alternatives for Agencies (2026)

Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. See disclosure.

Last updated: 8 Jan 2026

Slack is great — until it gets expensive, noisy, or hard to keep client work organized. These alternatives are easier to run for agency teams (and some work better for client-facing channels).

If you just want a fast answer:

  • Pumble if you want Slack-like chat with simpler pricing and built‑in voice/video.
  • Microsoft Teams if you’re already deep in Microsoft 365.
  • Discord if you want community-style channels and lightweight collaboration.
Quick path picker
Pick your workflow — we’ll highlight the best fit in the table below.
1 What’s your work mostly?

No JS? Use the quick comparison below.

2 What matters most right now?
3 How much setup can you tolerate?

Less generic, more useful:

Pick based on how you work (not “best overall”)

These fit checks are derived from the shortlists in ClickUp Alternatives for Agencies (2026) — use them to choose the fastest “good enough” tool for your agency.

If your priority is Agency delivery visibility

  • Great dashboards and easy adoption
  • Setup: 1–2 hours • Pricing: Paid

Best bet: monday.com

Avoid if: Can sprawl if you create too many boards

If your priority is Structured PM

  • Clean task management and good governance
  • Setup: 1–2 hours • Pricing: Paid

Best bet: Asana

Avoid if: Less “database” flexibility than ClickUp

If your priority is Docs + lightweight PM

  • Great for SOPs + lightweight projects
  • Setup: Half day • Pricing: Paid

Best bet: Notion

Avoid if: Not a true PM tool for complex workloads

Pick based on your constraints (not “best overall”)

For agencies, the right chat tool is the one that keeps delivery moving without turning into a firehose. Decide based on: (1) client/guest access, (2) how much structure you can enforce, and (3) whether you need meetings/voice built in.

Quick comparison

Jump to the tool sections below for details.

ToolBest forWatch out
PumbleAgencies that want Slack-like chat + built‑in voice/videoFewer enterprise add‑ons than Slack; keep channel hygiene strict
Microsoft TeamsTeams living in Microsoft 365 (Outlook/SharePoint/Meetings)Can feel heavy; permissions & guests take discipline
DiscordLightweight internal comms + communitiesNot built for compliance-heavy client work by default

Pumble

Best for: agency teams that want Slack-like channels with simpler pricing, plus built‑in voice/video so you don’t juggle tools.

  • Great fit if you want clear internal channels (ops, delivery, sales) without over-engineering.
  • Built‑in calls can reduce “tool switching” for quick syncs.
  • Works well as the default team chat, with client comms pushed to email/portal when needed.

See Pumble pricing

Prefer homepage? Visit Pumble

Microsoft Teams

Best for: agencies already paying for Microsoft 365 who want chat + meetings + files in one place.

  • Solid if your clients are also in Microsoft and expect guest access in Teams.
  • Strong calendar/meeting integration.
  • Good for “one place” comms — but you’ll need channel rules to avoid sprawl.

Discord

Best for: community-style collaboration, lightweight internal chat, and teams who like voice rooms.

  • Fast and flexible for internal use.
  • Great voice experience.
  • Use caution for client delivery where compliance, auditing, or strict permissioning matters.

Bottom line

If you want the closest “Slack feel” with simpler pricing and built‑in calls, start with Pumble. If your agency runs on Microsoft 365, Teams is the obvious default. Discord is best kept for internal or community-style collaboration.

More guides