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Slack and Discord are powerful tools—but not just for work and gaming. I’ve found these platforms can help you manage your personal lives, from volunteering to planning your next holiday. But which is best?
Slack: Easy to Set Up but Tough on Older Devices
A few months ago, I decided to use Slack to help organize a large volunteer project involving over 15 people. Setting up the Slack workspace was remarkably easy—it only took a few minutes to create, then set channels, invite teammates, and start discussing.
Although the term “workspace” is a dead giveaway thatSlack is meant for business collaboration, it simply refers to a hub with many channels for members to communicate. To become a member of this hub, you need to create an account that’s linked to the specific workspace.
You can be a part of as many workspaces as you like, but you need to use a separate account for each. Don’t worry, though; you can use the same email address for all of them.
Slack’s channel-based structure is simple to learn. You can easily create channels where everyone can contribute, channels where only a few can contribute, private channels with just a few members, or one-to-one channels for direct messaging.
However, we soon encountered an issue I had not anticipated: Slack’s device/browser requirements. A few of our volunteers using older hardware or out-of-date web browsers couldn’t join the workspace.
Of course, Slack still offers clear benefits for coordinating activities. Although you’re able to’t have subgroups in the channels, you can organize your conversations in threads. Say you want to create a Slack workspace as a home for your book club’s conversations. You can have all your discussions in one channel—e.g., #book-discussions—and discuss each book in the channel using threads.
Furthermore,integrations with business apps like Google Calendar and Zoombring scheduling and videoconferencing into the mix.
Discord: Many Additional Features, but a Slower Setup
In contrast to Slack, my experience using Discord has been more positive.
Some months ago, I joined a Christian dating community server—“server” is Discord’s name for what Slack calls a “workspace”—and signing up took mere seconds. I received a welcome message and could select details including my gender, age, and relationship status. Discord used these to place me in relevant channels like “womens-chat” and “ladies’s parlor.”
Like Slack,Discord lets you organize your conversations using threadsfor easier navigation. However, Discord threads become subgroups, which can lead to more organized discussions. Similarly, posts in forums become subgroups. Let’s take the book club example from above. You could have a book club channel with subgroups for each book you’ll be discussing.
Moreover, you could group your channels into categories. People on the server can collapse or expand these categories to access the channels within them. You can also set the permissions and roles for a category, and it’ll cascade to all its channels.
Additionally, Discord shines with a few social features absent from Slack. Streaming options, voice channels, andDiscord stage channelsoffer opportunities for virtual engagement that personal communities will appreciate.
Key Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Here’s a comparison of features from Slack and Discord so you can better determine which platform suits you.
Free, paid plans available.
Device Compatibility
you may use older devices or browsers.
You’ll need newer devices and browsers.
Ease of Initial Setup
More effort is required for customization.
Easy setup, clear roles/permissions.
Customization Options
Custom emojis, server subscriptions, flexible server layouts, categories.
Workflow Builder (paid feature), custom emojis, Slack channels, sidebar sections.
Discord: versatile; Slack: efficient
App Integrations
Fun: Rythm, Truth or Dare, and Twitch.
Professional: Zoom, Onboarding Bot.
User Interface
Playful, feature-rich.
Simple, clean, more serious.
Channels Available
Text, Voice, NSFW, Forum, Announcement, and Stage channels.
Public channels, Private channels, and Slack Connect.
Channel Organization
Group channels into categories with icons.
Sidebar sections (paid plans), distinctive icons.
Roles and Permissions
Flexible roles & permissions for channels & categories.
Basic roles like workspace admin & team member. Advanced permissions (paid).
Discord: flexible, customizable; Slack: simpler
File Sharing
Up to 25 MB free and 500 MB paid.
Up to 1 GB.
Voice/Video Chat
Easy continuous voice conversations or video streams.
Huddles with up to 50 people (paid) or 2 (free). Recordings and transcripts.
Mobile App Experience
Similar to the desktop version.
Both platforms have clear merits. I prefer Discord overall, but you should consider your priorities carefully before choosing one.
When You Should Use Slack to Organize Your Personal Life
Slack might be your go-to if the following apply to you:
Slack’s strength lies in its simplicity. If you’re managing a book club or a small volunteer project, its straightforward approach might be just what you need. Slack’s channel-based structure is easy to figure out, and you’re able to have your group up and running in minutes.
When Discord Is the Better Option
You should consider Discord if:
Discord excels at versatility. Whether you’re organizing a large fan community or a multi-faceted social group, its features—from voice channels to custom roles—can help create a more engaging environment.
While I’m leaning toward recommending Discord, I can’t discount Slack’s simplicity. When making your decision, consider your group’s size and technical know-how. Also bear in mind the level of customization and engagement you’re aiming for, how much you’re willing to spend, and how much time you’re willing to invest in the initial setup.
