You know the struggle—endless notifications, scattered messages, and that one teammate who still can’t find the latest update.
With remote and hybrid work now the norm, choosing the right collaboration tool isn’t just a nice to have; it’s essential for keeping remote teams productive and engaged.
Slack has long been the go-to name in team communication platforms, but newer players like Pumble are shaking things up.
So, how do you decide which platform keeps conversations seamless without adding to the chaos? In this post, we’ll break down Pumble vs. Slack—comparing features, pricing, and usability—to help you find the best fit for your team.
🌟 Spoiler alert: Stick around, and we’ll introduce an alternative that’s better than both Pumble and Slack.
Summarize this article for me please⏰ 60-Second Summary
Pumble vs. Slack—check out what sets them apart!
- Automation: Pumble offers basic messaging automation, while Slack provides a Workflow Builder for more advanced automation of tasks, reminders, and approvals
- Message retention: Pumble retains unlimited message history for free, whereas Slack limits free users to 90 days of message history
- File sharing: Both platforms allow file sharing within chats; however, Pumble offers unlimited history, while Slack’s file history is tied to the message history limitations
- Integrations: Pumble provides basic integrations with cloud storage and task management tools, but Slack boasts over 2,400 integrations, including popular services like Google Drive, Asana, and Jira.
- Pricing: Pumble is positioned as an affordable option with essential features, while Slack offers premium features at a higher cost
- If you want the benefits of both these tools at the price of one, try ClickUp, the everything app for work with integrated chat
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Is Pumble?
Pumble is a real-time communication and collaboration platform that simplifies teamwork and boosts productivity. Think of it as a central hub for all your team’s communication needs. Whether you’re managing remote employees or coordinating projects, Pumble keeps communication organized and accessible.
Pumble features
Pumble offers instant messaging, file sharing, and group video/audio calls, all within a user-friendly interface. Here’s a closer look at some of its key features:
Feature #1: File sharing and collaboration
With Pumble, you can share files of any size and type—whether documents, images, or videos—right within your conversations. This makes collaborating on projects effortless while ensuring everyone stays on the same page.
Need to involve contractors or third-party vendors? Pumble lets you grant guest access with full control over what channels or information they can see.
Plus, you can customize your notifications by choosing which channels or individuals you want to hear from, helping you reduce distractions and stay focused on what matters most.
Feature #2: Multi-channel communication
Connect face-to-face with your team through high-quality audio and video calls, complete with features like virtual backgrounds, screen-sharing, and noise cancellation for a seamless experience.
Whether you need a quick one-on-one chat or a dedicated space for team discussions, Pumble lets you stay in touch through direct text or voice messages and organized channels for specific projects, teams, or topics.
Feature #3: Easy accessibility
Work seamlessly across desktop, web, and mobile apps, keeping your team connected no matter where they are. Stay updated with real-time conversations from any device—whether in the office, working remotely, or on the go.
Moreover, Pumble integrates effortlessly with popular tools, helping you streamline your workflow and boost productivity.
Pumble pricing
- • Free
- • Pro: $2.99/month per user
- • Business: $4.99/month per user
- • Enterprise: $7.99/month per user
🧠 Fun Fact: Jeff Bezos introduced Amazon’s ‘Two-Pizza Rule,’ which suggests that if two pizzas aren’t enough to feed a team, the team is too large. This principle encourages smaller, more focused collaboration units—boosting efficiency, enhancing focus, and enabling faster decision-making.
📮ClickUp Insight: Knowledge workers send an average of 25 messages daily, searching for information and context. This indicates a fair amount of time wasted scrolling, searching, and deciphering fragmented conversations across emails and chats. 😱If only you had a smart platform that connects tasks, projects, chat, and emails (plus AI!) in one place. But you do:
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Is Slack?
Slack is a real-time communication and collaboration tool that replaces traditional emails with real-time messaging. Its intuitive, user-friendly interface and powerful integrations help teams stay connected through channels, direct messages, and file sharing.
Slack features
From advanced search capabilities to seamless app integrations, Slack provides a centralized hub for workplace communication. Here are some of its standout features:
Feature #1: Slack Huddles
Kick off quick, informal audio conversations within a channel using Huddles. Ideal for spontaneous discussions and quick check-ins, Huddles let you bypass formal meeting setups. They offer a lightweight, convenient way to connect with team members in real time.
Feature #2: Extensive app ecosystem
Tap into Slack integrations to seamlessly connect with productivity tools like Asana, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365. Collaborate securely with external partners, vendors, and clients using Slack Connect, which enables shared public channels for smoother cross-company communication.
Tailor Slack to your needs with bots and extensions that automate reports, support project management, and deliver real-time analytics directly within conversations.
Feature #3: Advanced workflow automation
Leverage Slack’s built-in Workflow Builder to automate routine tasks like onboarding messages, approval requests, and status updates—no coding needed.
Create custom workflows that integrate with external apps like Salesforce, Jira, and Zapier to simplify processes and cut down manual work. Automate reminders, notifications, and data sharing between tools, keeping teams on track without the need for constant check-ins.
Slack pricing
- • Free
- • Pro: $8.75/month per user
- • Business+: $15/month per user
- • Enterprise Grid: Contact for pricing
➡️ Also Read: Slack Hacks to Improve Communication
👀 Did You Know? As per a Wharton study on organizational collaboration, managers’ and employees’ time in collaborative activities has ballooned by at least 50 percent in the past two decades.
Summarize this article for me pleasePumble vs. Slack: Features Compared
Now that we’ve covered Pumble and Slack’s strengths, let’s see how their features stack up.
The table below highlights key differences, making it easier to compare and choose the best fit for your team.
| Feature | Pumble | Slack | Bonus: ClickUp |
| Workflow automation | Basic messaging automation | Workflow Builder for automating tasks, reminders, and approvals | Easy When-Then automation builder powered by AI |
| Message history | Unlimited message history for free | Limited to 90 days on the free plan | Integrated chat with unlimited messages on the fFree plan |
| File sharing and collaboration | Share files within chats, unlimited history | Share files, but message history is limited unless upgraded | Share files, video clips, voice notes, link chat to tasks, and more |
| Multi-channel communication | Channels, direct messages, voice calls | Channels, direct messages, Huddles, voice and video calls | Channels, calls, video calls, screen recording, voice notes, direct messages |
| Accessibility and platforms | Works on desktop, web, and mobile | Works on desktop, web, and mobile | Works on desktop and mobile |
| Integrations | Basic integrations with cloud storage and task management tools | 2,400+ integrations, including Google Drive, Asana, and Jira | 1000+ integrations, including Zapier, Slack (import messages), and more |
| Value for money | Affordable pricing with essential features | Premium features but at a higher cost | Chat is available in the free plan |
| Guest and external collaboration | Guest access for vendors and contractors | Slack Connect for secure collaboration with external partners | Granular control for guest access |
Feature #1: Unlimited message history
Pumble offers unlimited message history even on its free plan. This is a significant advantage for teams that rely on past conversations for context, onboarding, or knowledge management.
Slack limits message history on its free plan, making it challenging to access older information without upgrading to a paid subscription. For budget-conscious teams prioritizing access to their communication over the entire message history, Pumble is the more practical choice.
🏆 Winner: Pumble is a clear winner in this category with long-term access to message history.
Feature #2: Accessibility and platforms
Regarding accessibility and platform availability, both Pumble and Slack offer seamless experiences across desktop, web, and mobile applications.
This ensures teams can stay connected and productive regardless of location or device, making it a tie in this category. Whether you prefer working from your computer, browser, or smartphone, both platforms have you covered.
🏆 Winner: It’s a tie! Both offer seamless accessibility across multiple devices.
Feature #3: Integrations and workflow automation
Slack offers a broad ecosystem of integrations with various productivity tools, helping teams connect it with existing workflows to automate tasks and streamline processes.
While Pumble offers basic integrations, it doesn’t match Slack’s extensive range and advanced workflow automation capabilities like the Workflow Builder. If your team heavily relies on integrations and automation to enhance productivity, Slack is the stronger contender.
🏆 Winner: Slack, with a larger app ecosystem, makes it easier to connect with existing workflows.
To recap, Pumble wins in affordability, unlimited message history, and essential collaboration features, making it ideal for budget-conscious teams that need a simple yet effective tool.
On the other hand, Slack wins with its advanced features, such as automation, integrations, and security, making it better suited for large enterprises with complex workflows.
Summarize this article for me pleasePumble vs. Slack on Reddit
We scoured Reddit to see what users are saying about Pumble vs. Slack.
When looking at Slack alternatives on Reddit, some users highlight Pumble as a favorable option for those who can’t or don’t want to pay for Slack.
However, others point out Slack’s broader range of integrations and established presence:
Reddit discussions show that the best choice between Pumble and Slack depends heavily on individual team needs and priorities. Pricing, feature sets, and existing integrations are all key factors in the decision-making process.
Summarize this article for me pleaseMeet ClickUp—The Best Alternative to Pumble Vs Slack
If you’re looking for more options in the team collaboration and communication planning space, consider ClickUp.
The everything app for work is a compelling alternative to Pumble and Slack; we’ll tell you why in the following section.
ClickUp’s One Up #1: Real-time collaboration with ClickUp Chat
Chat is broken. Chat apps, isolated and disconnected from our other tools, are no longer effective. Enter ClickUp Chat, which is more than a messaging tool. It is fully integrated into a workspace that combines chat, tasks, and documentation in a single platform.
- More than just messaging: Unlike Slack and Pumble, where chat often exists in a silo, ClickUp Chat allows teams to communicate directly within their workflows, keeping discussions tied to tasks and projects
- No message limits—ever: Unlike Slack’s restrictive 90-day history, ClickUp offers unlimited free chat history and ensures every conversation remains accessible
- Tag tasks and link documents: Unlike Slack and Pumble, which require external integrations, ClickUp allows users to convert messages into actionable tasks directly from chat. This means less context-switching and more efficient collaboration
Why ClickUp Wins: ClickUp—with its all-in-one messaging features—eliminates the gap between communication and execution. Integrating chat with project management streamlines communication and keeps everything organized, making it more powerful than standalone messaging apps.
There’s good news if your team loves Slack but needs ClickUp’s project power to have the best of both worlds. ClickUp offers a Slack integration to connect workflows, offering another option for teams seeking combined functionality.
➡️ Also Read: Slack vs. ClickUp: Which Team Communication Tool is Best
ClickUp’s One Up #2: Actionable feedback with Assigned Comments
ClickUp’s Assigned Comments turn casual discussions into clear, trackable action items—something neither Pumble nor Slack can do as seamlessly.
- Keep feedback organized: While Pumble and Slack allow for comments, ClickUp will enable you to assign comments to specific individuals, turning feedback into actionable tasks
- Never lose action items: ClickUp ensures no comment goes unnoticed by automatically notifying assignees. No more scrolling through endless comment threads trying to figure out who needs to do what
- Faster follow-ups: Users can mark assigned comments as resolved once completed, streamlining workflows without additional tools
Why ClickUp wins: With built-in task assignments in conversations, ClickUp ensures accountability and collaborative task completion, unlike Slack and Pumble, where messages and tasks are cumbersome to trace.
ClickUp One Up #3: Instant screen recording with Clips
ClickUp Clips adds a new dimension to asynchronous communication with built-in screen recording and video messaging.
It allows you to record and share short video clips directly within ClickUp. Enhance your communication strategies by making it easy to provide visual feedback, explain complex ideas, or simply connect with your team face-to-face without scheduling a formal meeting.
- Explain visually: Imagine recording an explainer video for your product. A static screenshot or a screen share of your long page on a third-party app won’t have the same effect. Instead, a Clip with annotations can explain intricate processes and share lengthy web content without hitches
- Bridge communication gaps: ClickUp Clips enables richer communication by conveying tone and visual cues, which can be lost in text-based chats or basic video conferencing, leading to more effective and empathetic interactions
- Improve knowledge sharing: Clips allow team members to create and share video tutorials, walkthroughs, or explanations, building a library of easily accessible knowledge that surpasses the limitations of static wikis or shared documents
Why ClickUp wins: Its asynchronous video communication feature eliminates additional screen and meeting recording tools, making remote collaboration and feedback-sharing more efficient.
ClickUp One Up #4: AI-powered productivity with ClickUp Brain
You no longer need to ask a human for updates—ClickUp Brain gives instant, accurate, and contextual answers about Tasks, Docs, and People from any work within ClickUp.
- Instant AI-generated summaries: While Slack and Pumble require users to scroll through message history manually, ClickUp Brain can summarize entire conversations, meeting notes, and project updates in a few seconds
- Smart automation for productivity: Unlike Slack’s Workflow Builder (which focuses on messaging tasks), ClickUp Brain automates repetitive actions, suggests next steps, and even drafts content
- AI-powered search and recommendations: ClickUp Brain instantly finds relevant tasks, files, and conversations, eliminating the need for manually digging through old messages
Why ClickUp wins: ClickUp Brain goes beyond communication by making your entire workflow smarter and helping teams stay organized, informed, and productive—all within a single platform.
ClickUp pricing
- Free Forever
- Unlimited: $7/month per user
- Business: $12/month per user
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
- ClickUp Brain: Add to any paid plan for $7 per user per month
💡 Pro Tip: Use ClickUp AI to summarize long Slack/Pumble threads into actionable tasks. Copy-paste long Slack/Pumble chat discussions into ClickUp Brain. Ask Brain to summarize key takeaways, convert them into tasks, set due dates, and add assignees!
Summarize this article for me pleaseMoving beyond Pumble and Slack
While both Pumble and Slack offer valuable features, neither platform fully addresses the need for truly unified communication and collaboration directly integrated with project management.
By combining robust communication features like ClickUp Chat, feedback mechanisms like Assigned Comments, and innovative tools like ClickUp Clips, ClickUp enhances productivity by ensuring communication becomes an integral part of the workflow.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your team’s specific needs. However, if you’re looking for a platform that offers a powerful combination of communication, project management, and affordability, ClickUp is a compelling alternative.
Ready to experience the difference? Sign up for ClickUp today!
Everything you need to stay organized and get work done.
