In the era of remote work, real-time chat isn’t always the best way to stay productive. Teams now prioritize tools that support deep work, reduced distractions, and async communication.
This guide compares three top contenders — Slack, Twist, and Mattermost — to help your team pick the best tool for calm collaboration in 2025.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Slack | Twist | Mattermost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Fast-moving teams | Async, distraction-free | Self-hosted, secure teams |
| Async by Design | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Partial |
| Threads & Channels | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (thread-first) | ✅ Yes |
| Real-Time Messaging | ✅ Yes | ❌ (deliberate delay) | ✅ Yes |
| Self-Hosted Option | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| App Integrations | ✅ 2000+ | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Yes (customizable) |
| Pricing Starts At | $8.75/user/mo | $6/user/mo | Free (OSS) / $10/user/mo |
1. Slack
Overview:
The industry leader in team chat, Slack is built for speed and responsiveness — great for real-time decisions, less ideal for async workflows.
Best For:
Startups, teams with high-speed collaboration needs.
Key Features:
- 2000+ app integrations
- Real-time chat + huddles
- Channels and threads
- Workflow builder
Pros:
✔ Fast, rich UX
✔ App marketplace
✔ Deep integrations
Cons:
✖ No async features
✖ Noisy for deep work
✖ Cloud-only
Pricing:
Free plan available. Paid from $8.75/user/month
2. Twist
Overview:
Built by the creators of Todoist, Twist is purpose-built for async communication — with no online indicators, no FOMO, and calm UI.
Best For:
Remote teams who prioritize focus and async culture.
Key Features:
- Thread-based messaging
- Inbox for async updates
- Deep work-friendly interface
- Clean, minimal UI
Pros:
✔ Designed for async by default
✔ No distractions
✔ Great for remote teams
Cons:
✖ Limited integrations
✖ Not ideal for real-time chat
✖ Learning curve for Slack users
Pricing:
Free plan available. Paid from $6/user/month
3. Mattermost
Overview:
Open-source and self-hosted, Mattermost is made for privacy-first organizations that want total control over infrastructure.
Best For:
Enterprises, dev teams, and regulated industries.
Key Features:
- Self-hosted option
- Private cloud support
- Developer-friendly with CLI tools
- Plugins + integrations
Pros:
✔ Complete data ownership
✔ Developer tools included
✔ Customizable backend
Cons:
✖ Setup and maintenance required
✖ UI less polished than Slack
✖ Fewer out-of-box integrations
Pricing:
Free open-source version. Paid starts at $10/user/month
Use Case Recommendations
| Goal | Best Tool |
|---|---|
| Async-first, deep work culture | Twist |
| Fast-paced team collaboration | Slack |
| Self-hosting and privacy control | Mattermost |
| Large app/integration ecosystem | Slack |
| Budget-conscious remote teams | Twist |
Final Verdict
- Choose Slack if you’re scaling a real-time team that needs integrations and speed.
- Choose Twist if you’re building a calm company and async-first culture.
- Choose Mattermost if you need a self-hosted, secure alternative.
