Sign in

Browse by category

More

Comparison · Team chat software

Slack vs Zoho Cliq: which is better in 2026?

Slack93.0#1 in best team chat softwareZoho Cliq85.0#5 in best team chat software

Slack ranks higher in our list of team chat software (#1 against #5, score 93.0 against 85.0).

How we rank Share

  • 93.0
    Editorial score
    85.0
  • 6
    Platforms
    3
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

Choose Slack if you want

Teams that want the largest app ecosystem.

The widest app and integration catalog here, with huddles, Slack Connect and a free plan that never expires. Its code is closed, and cost rises per user as a team grows.

Choose Zoho Cliq if you want

Small teams already using Zoho business apps.

A free chat plan for teams of any size, with meetings and iOS and Android apps. External channels and call recording need the paid Standard plan, and its catalog is smaller than Slack's.

The main differences

  • Only Slack runs on Linux.
  • Only Slack runs on Windows.
  • Only Slack runs on macOS.

Side by side

SlackZoho Cliq
Score93.085.0
Rank in list#1 of 10#5 of 10
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree plan with 90 days of message history; paid plans per userFree plan, paid upgradesFree chat plan for teams of any size; paid Standard plan
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWebWindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, Android
Made byNot statedNot stated
HostingHosted by SlackHosted by Zoho
Best forTeams that want the largest app ecosystemSmall teams already using Zoho business apps
Strengths
  • Large catalog of apps and integrations
  • Huddles, clips and canvases in one workspace
  • Slack Connect works with outside partners
  • Free chat plan offered to teams of any size
  • Integrates with other Zoho business apps
  • Meetings with screen share included
Limits
  • Free plan keeps only 90 days of message history
  • Costs rise per user as a team grows
  • External channels and call recording need a paid plan
  • Smaller third-party app catalog than Slack
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Slack vs Zoho Cliq

Is Slack better than Zoho Cliq?
Slack ranks higher in our list of team chat software (#1 against #5, score 93.0 against 85.0). Slack is best for: teams that want the largest app ecosystem. Zoho Cliq is best for: small teams already using Zoho business apps.
Which is cheaper, Slack or Zoho Cliq?
Slack: Free plan with 90 days of message history; paid plans per user. Zoho Cliq: Free chat plan for teams of any size; paid Standard plan.
Do Slack and Zoho Cliq run on the same platforms?
Slack supports Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. Zoho Cliq supports Web, iOS, Android.

Choosing between the two

Learning Center
1:17Beginner · 4 min readHow to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.1:20Beginner · 6 min readHow to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.

Read more about Slack and Zoho Cliq

All articles