A decade ago, Microsoft expanded its presence in the business collaboration space with Teams. It’s a collaboration platform that competes directly with Slack, enabling real-time communication and project collaboration. It supports threaded conversations, one-on-one chats, and team channels. Like Slack, it includes a sidebar for notifications, chats, and meetings.

Just as important as choosing the right social network for business, using the collaboration tool that best fits your team is crucial. 

Here’s a quick comparison of Teams and Slack:

Ecosystem vs. Flexibility

Microsoft’s biggest advantage over Slack is the tight integration with Microsoft 365. Excel, Word, and PowerPoint content can all be shared. The company pegged Microsoft 365 as the “broadest toolkit and platform for creation, communication, and collaboration,” with Teams adding a chat-based workspace.

Slack, meanwhile, offers more flexibility as it works better with a wide range of tools. For instance, if you’re using Google Drive or Notion in your workflow, then you may find Slack to be a better option.

Communication Style

In terms of communication, Slack feels more like a workspace chat. With the tool built around messaging, it offers a smooth user experience, with communications organized into Channels, Direct Messages, and more.

Teams, meanwhile, offers a more structured tool that offers more than messages. Aside from chat, you can also use it for meetings and file sharing.

AI Capabilities

Teams integrates deeply with Co-Pilot, which is an AI-powered assistant designed to boost productivity in Microsoft 365 applications. That means you can use it to generate meeting summaries and automate task extraction.

Slack has AI features too, but on a more limited scale. Be that as it may, it allows users to create message summaries and generate meeting notes in Huddles.

The Bottom Line

The choice between the two depends on your team’s needs and workflow. If you’re already using Microsoft 365 components for most of your process, then Teams is the obvious choice. But if you prioritize streamlined communication along with third-party tools, then Slack could be better for you.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pixels

You don’t have to search far and wide to find the best branding agency. These days, you only need to go online to compare service providers and work with them remotely to get high-quality designs that will push your brand forward.

But with a myriad of options out there, where does one start the search? We did the hard work for you and came up with our list of the best branding agency options in terms of portfolio, pricing, and turnaround time.

Here are our top picks, along with each platform’s pros and cons. You’re welcome!

1. Penji

Penji offers unlimited graphic design at a predictable monthly rate, making it a good option for ventures that need a lot of designs by professionals. Hailed by users as one of the best Superside alternatives, Penji has stellar reviews from clients, making it a great option if you’re looking for the best branding agency.

Pros:

• Top 2% designers
• 24-48-hour turnaround time
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• Not practical if you only need one or two designs per month   

2. ManyPixels

ManyPixels, meanwhile, is a good option if you’re working within a tight deadline. Its higher tiers offer same-day delivery, which is a valuable option if you don’t have a lot of wiggle room in your campaign schedule.

Pros:

• Same-day delivery available for more expensive plans
• Unlimited design requests

Cons:

• Slightly narrower project scope compared to others
• Premium services locked in higher plans

3. Design Shifu

Design Shifu could be the best branding agency if you’re working on a tight budget. With plans as cheap as $399, it’s certainly a good service for brands with limited resources that need simple dsigns.

Pros:

• One of the cheapest platforms
• 14-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• Best for simple designs
• Quality depends on assigned designer

4. Kimp

Last but not least on our best branding agency contenders is Kimp. A favorite among users who need both static and motion designs, this platform offers three simple plans: graphic design, video design, and both.

Pros:

• Simple pricing
• 24-hour turnaround

Cons:

• Higher pricing than competitors
• Not ideal if you only need branding

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Polina Zimmerman from Pexels

From the chunky consoles of the ’90s to today’s ultra-high-tech devices, handheld gaming has truly come a long way. If you’re raring to dive into AAA titles, indie gems, or retro classics, check out these 10 best handheld gaming devices today:

1. Valve Steam Deck

The Valve Steam Deck is a powerful handheld gaming device that excels at running modern PC games and emulating retro titles, with a customizable UI and sturdy build. Its drawbacks include a bulky design, limited compatibility with some Steam games without tweaks, and reliance on a single USB-C port. It supports TV and monitor connections through a dock, with current pricing starting at $549 for the OLED model and $649 for the 1TB OLED version. The original LCD model has been discontinued, though refurbished units may still be available starting at $399.

2. ASUS ROG Ally

The ASUS ROG Ally remains a powerful handheld gaming device, now led by the ROG Ally X model. It features AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processors, a 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and Windows 11 for broad game compatibility across Steam, Xbox Game Pass, and other PC platforms. It continues to impress with excellent build quality, a polished UI, and punchy speakers, though it can still run hot under heavy loads and ships without a carrying case.

Drawbacks include limited battery life—often only 2–3 hours during demanding gameplay—and concerns about button durability. Priced at $899 for the Ally X, it is more expensive than earlier versions and some competitors, but its versatility as a Windows handheld makes it one of the most flexible options available today.

3. Ayaneo 2

The Ayaneo 2 is a premium handheld gaming PC known for its high build quality, 1200p bezel-less display, and hall effect joysticks for precise control. It runs on the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor (an upgrade from the earlier 6800U) and supports eGPUs for enhanced performance. Its ergonomic design ensures comfortable play, but it remains one of the more expensive handhelds, starting at $1,099.

Despite the higher price, the Ayaneo 2 outperforms many competitors—including the Steam Deck—in raw performance, display quality, and customization options, making it a top choice for enthusiasts who want premium hardware in a portable form.

4. Nintendo Switch OLED

The Nintendo Switch OLED features a vibrant 7-inch OLED display, an extensive game library, and versatile docked/handheld modes. While it lacks the raw power of PC-based handhelds and doesn’t support native 4K output, it retains the excellent features and massive game catalog of the original Switch. Its upgraded screen and functional refinements make it appealing despite its 720p handheld resolution and aging hardware compared to newer consoles. Priced at $349.99, it continues to offer excellent value, especially for families and players invested in Nintendo’s exclusive titles.

5. Ayaneo Geek

The Ayaneo Geek offers performance close to the Ayaneo 2 but at a lower price, starting at $949. It features customizable RAM and storage options, though it uses a lower-resolution display and relies on PCIe 3.0 instead of 4.0. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor, this handheld gaming PC is designed for comfort and functionality, with hall effect triggers, configurable macro buttons, and dual USB Type-C ports—including one with USB 4 support.

6. iPad Pro

The iPad Pro now features Apple’s M3 chip, delivering even greater performance for productivity, creative work, and media consumption. Its excellent Liquid Retina XDR display and versatile functionality make it ideal for tasks beyond gaming, though it isn’t optimized for traditional gaming controls. While it supports cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now, additional accessories such as controllers and keyboards can quickly add to the overall cost.

Starting around $999, it offers laptop-level performance, ProRes video support, and capable cameras. However, its high price and the limitations of iPadOS compared to full desktop operating systems remain notable drawbacks for those seeking a dedicated gaming device.

7. Lenovo Legion Go

The Lenovo Legion Go boasts a large 8.8-inch 2K QHD+ display with up to a 144Hz refresh rate and detachable controllers, delivering a solid Windows 11 gaming experience. It excels for indie and home gaming but is larger and heavier than most handhelds, making it less portable. Additionally, its native resolution is often underutilized in demanding titles.

Priced between $749 and $799, it offers a high-quality screen, versatile gaming options, and features like dual USB-C ports and Legion Space software for streamlined access to games. Its size and weight remain trade-offs, but for players who value display quality and detachable controls, it’s one of the most distinctive handhelds available.

8. Playdate

The Playdate is a minimalist handheld gaming device with a distinctive crank controller, exclusive indie titles, and a charming retro-inspired design. Its compact yellow case features a clicky D-pad and responsive buttons, while offering decent sound and a USB-C port for charging and sideloading games. Priced at around $229, it has a limited but creative game library and niche appeal, standing out for its originality and playful approach to handheld gaming.

9. Ayaneo Air

The Ayaneo Air is a compact handheld gaming device featuring powerful AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processors and excellent AMOLED display options. Its small form factor makes it highly portable—similar in size to a Nintendo Switch Lite—and it’s comfortable and quiet to use, with extensive RAM and SSD configurations available. However, its battery life remains limited, and it comes at a premium price, starting around $599. Despite the cost, its portability and performance make it a strong contender for gamers who want a lightweight, on-the-go Windows handheld.

10. GPD Win 4

The GPD Win 4 is a pocket-sized handheld gaming PC with a distinctive slider keyboard, powered by AMD Ryzen 7 7840U or Ryzen 5 7640U processors and running Windows 11. It delivers strong performance for AAA titles, with configurations that offer up to 64GB of RAM and 4TB of SSD storage. Its compact design makes it versatile, though the small screen and layered UI can make text difficult to read in some games.

Battery life remains limited, and its intricate design may not suit everyone. Priced around $799–$849, it stands out as one of the most portable yet powerful Windows handhelds, appealing to gamers who want both performance and productivity features in a pocket form factor.

9 Factors to Look for in a Handheld Gaming Device

When looking for the right handheld gaming device, ensure you’re considering these crucial components:

• Performance: Go for devices with powerful and ample RAM and processors.
• Display: Buy a high-resolution display, at least 1080p or higher
• Battery: Ensure the battery life matches your usage
• Portability: Consider the size of the device so you can play nonstop
• Connectivity: Look for multiple connectivity options, like HDMI, Bluetooth, USB-C ports, etc.
• Software and OS: Check if the operating system and interface is user-friendly
• Storage: Find sufficient internal storage that is also expandable with microSD slots, for example
• Ergonomics: Look for devices with a reliable build and a comfortable grip
• Price: Consider your budget and select the best handheld gaming device that offers excellent features and performance

Final Words

These are the best handheld gaming devices, as chosen by gamers worldwide. When selecting the right one, ensure you’re not compromising on features or functionality for the price, and vice versa. Find that excellent balance between performance and price. Read reviews from users and check product or tutorial videos.