Slack vs Microsoft 365 Education

Last Updated:

Our analysts compared Slack vs Microsoft 365 Education based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Collaboration Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

Slack is a versatile software designed to enhance productivity management by facilitating seamless communication and collaboration within teams. It offers a centralized platform where users can create channels for different projects, departments, or topics, enabling organized and focused discussions. Slack is particularly well-suited for businesses and organizations that require efficient coordination and real-time communication, making it ideal for remote teams and fast-paced work environments.

Key benefits of Slack include its ability to integrate with numerous third-party applications, providing a cohesive workflow. Popular features include direct messaging, file sharing, video calls, and searchable message archives, which help streamline project management and reduce email clutter. Users appreciate its intuitive interface and the flexibility it offers in customizing notifications and channel settings.

Compared to similar products, Slack is often praised for its user-friendly design and robust integration capabilities. Pricing varies based on the number of users and selected plan, with options for monthly or annual payments. For specific pricing details, it is recommended to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote based on individual needs.

read more...

Microsoft 365 Education is a comprehensive suite of tools designed to enhance the educational experience for students, educators, and administrators. It integrates productivity applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with collaborative tools such as Teams, OneNote, and SharePoint. This platform is particularly suited for K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and educational organizations due to its robust features that support remote learning, classroom management, and administrative tasks.

One of the standout benefits of Microsoft 365 Education is its ability to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among students and teachers. Features like real-time co-authoring, virtual classrooms, and assignment tracking streamline the educational process. Additionally, the platform's security and compliance measures ensure that sensitive educational data is protected.

Compared to similar products, users often highlight the intuitive interface and integration capabilities of Microsoft 365 Education. Pricing varies based on the specific needs and size of the institution, so it is recommended to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote.

read more...
$6.67 Monthly, Freemium
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
$2.50/User, Monthly, Freemium
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Enhanced Team Collaboration: Slack centralizes communication, allowing team members to collaborate in real-time through channels, direct messages, and threads, reducing the need for lengthy email chains.
  • Streamlined Project Management: Integrations with tools like Trello, Asana, and Jira enable seamless task tracking and project updates within Slack, ensuring everyone stays on the same page.
  • Improved Transparency: Public channels make information accessible to all team members, fostering a culture of openness and reducing information silos.
  • Efficient Communication: Features like mentions, reactions, and reminders help prioritize and manage conversations, ensuring important messages are not overlooked.
  • Remote Work Facilitation: Slack supports remote work by providing a virtual workspace where team members can communicate and collaborate effectively, regardless of their physical location.
  • Customizable Notifications: Users can tailor notification settings to their preferences, ensuring they receive alerts for critical updates while minimizing distractions from less urgent messages.
  • Knowledge Retention: Slack’s searchable message history allows team members to easily retrieve past conversations and decisions, preserving organizational knowledge and reducing redundancy.
  • Enhanced Security: Slack offers enterprise-grade security features, including data encryption and compliance certifications, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected.
  • Integration with Existing Tools: Slack integrates with a wide range of third-party applications, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Zoom, streamlining workflows and reducing the need to switch between multiple platforms.
  • Scalability: Slack can scale with your organization, accommodating growing teams and evolving communication needs without compromising performance or usability.
  • Boosted Productivity: By centralizing communication and integrating with productivity tools, Slack helps teams stay organized and focused, ultimately enhancing overall productivity.
  • Real-Time Updates: Instant notifications and updates keep team members informed about project progress and changes, enabling quicker decision-making and response times.
  • Enhanced Employee Engagement: Features like custom emojis, channels for non-work topics, and recognition tools help build a positive and engaging workplace culture.
  • Cost Efficiency: By reducing the need for multiple communication and project management tools, Slack can help organizations save on software costs and streamline their tech stack.
  • Cross-Platform Accessibility: Slack is available on various devices and operating systems, ensuring team members can stay connected and productive whether they are using a desktop, laptop, or mobile device.
read more...
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Microsoft 365 Education facilitates real-time collaboration among students and teachers through tools like Microsoft Teams, enabling seamless group projects and discussions.
  • Accessibility Features: Built-in accessibility tools such as Immersive Reader and Dictation help ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, can participate fully in their education.
  • Cost-Effective: Schools can save on software and hardware costs by leveraging cloud-based applications, reducing the need for expensive infrastructure.
  • Data Security: Advanced security features protect sensitive student and staff data, ensuring compliance with educational data protection regulations.
  • Streamlined Communication: Integrated email and calendar functions help streamline communication between teachers, students, and parents, making it easier to schedule meetings and share updates.
  • Personalized Learning: Tools like OneNote and Microsoft Forms allow for personalized learning experiences, enabling teachers to tailor content to individual student needs.
  • Professional Development: Access to a wide range of training resources and professional development courses helps educators stay current with the latest teaching strategies and technologies.
  • Remote Learning Support: Comprehensive remote learning capabilities ensure that education can continue uninterrupted, regardless of physical location, through virtual classrooms and online assignments.
  • Resource Management: Efficiently manage educational resources and materials with SharePoint, making it easier to organize and distribute content to students and staff.
  • Scalability: Easily scalable to accommodate the needs of small schools to large educational institutions, ensuring that the software grows with your organization.
  • Integration with Existing Systems: Seamlessly integrates with other educational tools and platforms, reducing the learning curve and enhancing overall productivity.
  • Student Engagement: Interactive tools like Sway and PowerPoint help create engaging and dynamic presentations, capturing students' attention and enhancing learning outcomes.
  • Time Management: Tools like Planner and To-Do help students and teachers manage their time effectively, keeping track of assignments, deadlines, and tasks.
  • Environmental Impact: Reduces the need for paper-based materials, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly educational environment.
read more...
  • Channels: Organize conversations into dedicated spaces for specific teams, projects, or topics.
  • Direct Messages: Send private messages to individuals or small groups for quick, focused communication.
  • Integrations: Connect with over 2,000 apps like Google Drive, Trello, and Zoom to streamline workflows.
  • Search Functionality: Use advanced search filters to find specific messages, files, or conversations quickly.
  • File Sharing: Upload and share documents, images, and other files directly within conversations.
  • Notifications: Customize alert settings to stay informed about important updates without being overwhelmed.
  • Threaded Conversations: Keep discussions organized by replying to specific messages within a thread.
  • Pinning and Bookmarking: Pin important messages or bookmark key information for easy access later.
  • Video and Voice Calls: Initiate one-on-one or group calls directly within Slack for real-time communication.
  • Status Updates: Set custom statuses to inform colleagues of your availability or current activity.
  • Workflow Builder: Automate routine tasks and processes with a visual tool for creating custom workflows.
  • Security Features: Benefit from enterprise-grade security, including data encryption and compliance certifications.
  • Analytics and Reporting: Access detailed usage reports to monitor team activity and engagement.
  • Custom Emojis and Reactions: Personalize your communication with custom emojis and reactions to messages.
  • Guest Access: Invite external collaborators to specific channels without giving them full access to your workspace.
  • Mobile App: Stay connected on the go with a fully-featured mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
  • Slack Connect: Collaborate with partners, vendors, and clients in shared channels across different organizations.
  • App Directory: Explore and install a wide range of third-party apps to enhance your Slack experience.
  • Customizable Themes: Personalize the appearance of your Slack interface with various theme options.
  • Message Formatting: Use rich text formatting, including bold, italics, and code blocks, to enhance message clarity.
read more...
  • Microsoft Teams Integration: Facilitates virtual classrooms, enabling real-time collaboration and communication among students and educators.
  • OneNote Class Notebook: Provides a digital notebook for each student, allowing for personalized learning and easy sharing of notes and assignments.
  • Office Suite Access: Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other essential productivity tools, available both online and offline.
  • Learning Tools: Features like Immersive Reader and Dictation support diverse learning needs, enhancing accessibility and comprehension.
  • Assignments and Grades: Streamlines the creation, distribution, and grading of assignments within Microsoft Teams, offering a centralized platform for educators.
  • Forms for Quizzes and Surveys: Enables the creation of interactive quizzes and surveys to assess student understanding and gather feedback.
  • Stream for Video Content: Allows educators to upload, share, and manage video content securely, supporting flipped classroom models and remote learning.
  • Planner and To-Do: Helps students and teachers organize tasks and manage projects efficiently, promoting better time management and productivity.
  • Advanced Security Features: Includes data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and compliance with educational data protection regulations.
  • Collaboration Spaces: Facilitates group projects and peer collaboration through shared documents and workspaces in OneDrive and SharePoint.
  • Integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS): Seamlessly connects with popular LMS platforms like Moodle and Canvas, enhancing the overall learning experience.
  • Analytics and Insights: Provides educators with data-driven insights into student performance and engagement, helping to tailor instruction to individual needs.
  • Accessibility Features: Includes tools like screen readers, high contrast modes, and keyboard shortcuts to support students with disabilities.
  • Professional Development Resources: Offers training and resources for educators to enhance their teaching skills and effectively integrate technology into their classrooms.
  • Cloud Storage: Provides ample cloud storage through OneDrive, ensuring that students and educators can access their files from anywhere, at any time.
read more...

Product Ranking

#26

among all
Collaboration Software

#76

among all
Collaboration Software

Find out who the leaders are

User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 22452 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 16018 reviews
93%
of users recommend this product

Slack has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 93% when considering 22452 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

92%
of users recommend this product

Microsoft 365 Education has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 16018 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

n/a
4.6 (2295)
4.65 (22452)
n/a
n/a
4.6 (13723)

Awards

Slack stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

Microsoft 365 Education stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Real-Time Communication: Instead of playing email tag, Slack offers instant messaging to get quick answers and keep projects moving.
Centralized File Sharing: Slack allows you to share files directly in the platform rather than attaching them to emails, ensuring everyone can access the latest versions.
Task Management Integration: You can connect project management tools like Wrike or Trello to Slack, turning casual conversations into trackable tasks.
Show more
Enhanced Collaboration: Microsoft Teams and OneDrive facilitate seamless sharing of resources and communication, allowing students and educators to connect and collaborate effectively.
Personalized Learning: Tools like OneNote empower educators to tailor lesson plans in real-time, catering to individual student needs and promoting dynamic engagement.
Robust Security: Microsoft 365 Education prioritizes data protection with built-in security features and data control measures, safeguarding sensitive information.
Show more
Distracting Notifications: The constant stream of notifications, even with customization options, can disrupt focus, especially for those engaged in deep work.
Information Overload: The fast-paced, voluminous nature of Slack communication, coupled with limited customization for organization, can lead to information overload and difficulty keeping track of conversations.
Blurred Work-Life Boundaries: The casual, social-media-like environment of Slack can blur the lines between personal and professional life, making it challenging to disconnect after work hours.
Show more
Integration Challenges: Some users have reported difficulties syncing in-house applications with Microsoft 365 updates, potentially causing workflow disruptions.
Show more

How can Slack help teams avoid "slacking" on their productivity? Slack consistently receives positive reviews, with users praising its intuitive interface and ability to streamline communication. Users highlight the platform's organized channels, which effectively categorize discussions and facilitate focused conversations, as a key strength. However, a recurring concern is the potential for notification overload, especially in larger workspaces, which can hinder productivity if not managed effectively. A differentiating factor is Slack's extensive integration capabilities with other tools, a feature not always as robust in competitors like Microsoft Teams, making it a valuable asset for teams reliant on diverse software. For instance, integrating project management tools can centralize task updates within Slack, enhancing workflow visibility. While Slack offers robust communication features, some users point to limitations in its search functionality, making it challenging to locate past information. This is a notable drawback compared to alternatives like Zulip, which boasts superior search capabilities. Overall, Slack is best suited for teams prioritizing seamless communication and seeking to centralize interactions. Its intuitive design and integrations can significantly reduce email clutter and enhance collaboration. However, teams should be prepared to implement strategies for managing notifications and explore workarounds for the limitations in search functionality.

Show more

Is Microsoft 365 Education a gold star student in the digital classroom, or is it headed for detention? User reviews from the past year suggest that this software suite is a high achiever, particularly lauded for its robust features that empower educators to create dynamic and personalized learning experiences. For instance, OneNote, a standout tool within the suite, enables real-time lesson customization and student engagement, leading to improved learning outcomes. Users consistently highlight the platform's collaborative capabilities as a key strength, drawing parallels to Google Workspace. The seamless integration of applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams, particularly within Windows-based environments, facilitates a fluid workflow for both educators and students. Security is another area where Microsoft 365 Education shines, with robust measures like data encryption and multi-factor authentication providing peace of mind. However, some users have voiced concerns about the challenges of maintaining synchronization with in-house applications due to frequent updates. The sheer breadth of features can also feel overwhelming at times, particularly for educators who are less tech-savvy. Overall, Microsoft 365 Education emerges as a comprehensive and secure platform tailored for the modern educational landscape. Its strength lies in its ability to foster engaging learning experiences, streamline collaboration, and alleviate security concerns. While the learning curve and integration hiccups might pose initial hurdles, the platform's benefits far outweigh its drawbacks, making it an ideal choice for institutions seeking a future-ready solution to elevate their educational endeavors.

Show more

Screenshots

we're gathering data

Similar Products


Targetprocess

Zoho Sprints

Krock

Wellsite

ftrack

Huddle App

Coda

Empuls

Axero

Nozbe

WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more...

SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics
SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide
Compare products
Comparison Report
Just drag this link to the bookmark bar.
?
Table settings