The verdict
On the data we hold, it's close: neither pulls ahead on features, a free plan or AI access. The choice comes down to how you work.
What the data says
- Both cover 3 of the 3 features we compared.
- Both have a free plan, so you can try each before you pay.
- Google Docs starts lower, at €6.80/mo against €8.25/mo.
- Both have an API and an MCP server, so either works with AI employees.
- In our HR ranking, Google Docs places 4 and Slack 3 of 27.
Side by side
| 7 points compared | ||
|---|---|---|
| Starts at | €6.80/mo | €8.25/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| MCP server | Yes | Yes |
| AI summary + action items | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in video calls | Yes | Yes |
| Guest / external access | Yes | Yes |
| Links |
Plans and pricing
Google Docs
- FreeFree with any Google account.Free
- Google Workspace StarterBusiness plan with 30 GB per user; Docs is included.€6.80/mo/seat
Slack
- FreeFree forever: 90 days of message history, up to ten apps, 1:1 meetings.Free
- ProEUR 8.25 per user per month when paying monthly; unlimited history and apps; 50% off for the first three months.€8.25/mo/seat
- Business+EUR 18 per user per month when paying monthly; advanced AI and SAML single sign-on; 50% off for the first three months.€18/mo/seat
Prices as the vendors list them. They change often; the final price is on their sites.
Who each is for
Choose Google Docs if…
Teams and founders who want shared, real-time document editing in the browser, with comments, suggestions and version history, without installing anything.
Choose Slack if…
Teams of any size that need real-time messaging, channels and quick decisions in one place, and want chat connected to their CRM, project tools and alerts.
Other options worth a look
ToolCreates a shared workspace and wiki for team documentation, knowledge, and collaboration with built-in AI.HR
From $5.42/moFree plan
ToolBring teams together on an infinite whiteboard to brainstorm, diagram and run workshops in real time.HR
From $8/mo yearlyFree plan
ToolAutomatically transcribe and summarise meetings across Zoom, Google Meet and Teams with searchable AI chat.HR
From $8.33/mo yearlyFree plan
ToolCentralises standard operating procedures, quizzes and onboarding materials in a searchable knowledge base.HR
From $3/mo yearlyAffiliate link- ToolThe Bloom Growth Operating System: scorecard, meetings, goals and issues on one platform, the software half of the EOS/Traction category.
HR
From $299/mo
ToolAI assistant built into Zoom that generates meeting summaries, action items and automated follow-up tasks.HR
From €15.33/mo yearlyFree plan