What is the difference between Google Chat and Twist?

Google Chat is best for Teams already using Google Workspace, while Twist is best for Remote teams wanting async-first communication. Google Chat starts at $6/user/mo and Twist starts at $6/user/mo.

Is Google Chat or Twist cheaper?

Google Chat starts at $6/user/mo. Twist starts at $6/user/mo with a free tier.

Is there a free alternative to Google Chat?

Yes, Twist offers a free tier (Free for 1 month history).

Google Chat vs Twist

Google Chat is team messaging built into Google Workspace with Spaces, threads, and deep Google app integration, while Twist is async communication tool from Doist that organizes conversations into threads, not a firehose. Google Chat is built for teams already using google workspace, whereas Twist targets remote teams wanting async-first communication.

At a glance

	Google Chat	Twist
Best for	Teams already using Google Workspace	Remote teams wanting async-first communication
Starting price	$6/user/mo	$6/user/mo
Free tier	—	✓
Open source	—	—
Free tier available	—	✓
Open source	—	—
Async-First	—	✓
Bots	✓	—
Channels	—	✓
File Sharing	✓	—
Google Workspace	✓	—
Integrations	—	✓
Spaces	✓	—
Threads	✓	✓

Google Chat

Strengths

Seamless integration with Google Workspace
Clean, simple interface
Included with Google Workspace subscription
Good mobile experience

Weaknesses

Limited features compared to Slack
Fewer third-party integrations
Not available as a standalone product
Threading can be confusing

Try Google Chat → Full review

Twist

Strengths

Threaded replies keep side conversations from cluttering the main channel
Includes Async-First as a core feature, purpose-built for team communication workflows
Free for 1 month history — generous enough for most small teams to get real work done
Includes channels alongside the core feature set — fewer separate tools needed

Weaknesses

Free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade
Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
Notification overload is a real problem as the number of channels grows
Limited team/admin features if your organization eventually scales up

Try Twist → Full review

The bottom line

Pricing: Google Chat starts at $6/user/mo. Twist starts at $6/user/mo.

Feature gaps: Google Chat offers Bots, File Sharing and Google Workspace that Twist lacks. Twist brings Async-First, Channels and Integrations that Google Chat does not have. Both share Threads.

Team fit: Google Chat is geared toward any size teams, while Twist is aimed at small teams teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.

Where each tool shines: Google Chat's biggest strengths are: seamless integration with google workspace. clean, simple interface. Twist's biggest strengths are: threaded replies keep side conversations from cluttering the main channel. includes async-first as a core feature, purpose-built for team communication workflows.

Watch out for: With Google Chat, users commonly note that limited features compared to slack. With Twist, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.

Choose Google Chat if...

Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams already using google workspace
You specifically need Bots and File Sharing
You care about clean, simple interface
Your team size fits the any size profile Google Chat is designed for

Choose Twist if...

You need a tool built for remote teams wanting async-first communication
You specifically need Async-First and Channels
You care about includes async-first as a core feature, purpose-built for team communication workflows
Your team size fits the small teams profile Twist is designed for
The free tier works for you: free for 1 month history