19 Best Team Chat Apps of 2023 for Enhanced Productivity and Collaboration

Best team chat apps for teams

Are you in need of team chat apps? In this article, I have compiled a comprehensive list of top 19 team chat apps with essential information such as key features, limitations, and pricing for each app.

Top 19 team chat apps for improved communication and collaboration

  1. ProofHub – Best all-in-one team collaboration and project management app
  2. Chanty  – Best for simple and intuitive communication
  3. Troop Messenger – Best for private messaging with advanced security features
  4. Pumble – Best for beginners and small teams to start with
  5. Brosix – Best for secured, encrypted messaging with virtual whiteboard feature
  6. Spike – Best to collaborate on email and chat at one place
  7. Connecteam – Best for mobile-first, deskless teams
  8. Rocket.Chat  – Best open source communication with high data protection
  9. Google Chat – Simple messaging app integrated with Google Workspace
  10. Slack – Best messaging app to start for all types of teams
  11. Facebook Workplace – A messaging app with facebook like interface 
  12. Ryver – Good communication app with basic task management 
  13. Flowdock – Best for color-code threaded conversations
  14. Flock – Best to communicate via private channel 
  15. Twist – Best asynchronous communication 
  16. Microsoft teams – Good for work collaboration
  17. RingCentral – Best cloud phone system for unified communication
  18. Mattermost – Best self-hosted app for communication
  19. Discord – Best for gaming communities

Are you sick of trying to keep your staff in the loop while managing numerous communication channels? 

You’re not alone, believe me. Staying connected with your team, sharing updates, and keeping track of projects in real-time can feel like an uphill battle.

The hard fact is that a company’s performance can truly suffer from inadequate workplace communication. The Economist Intelligence Unit did a study that demonstrated the detrimental effects it may have. 

So, what’s the solution to this disorganized and chaotic communication?

Enter team chat platforms- the biggest game-changers in the modern era. These apps act as centralized hubs where you and your team can easily interact, exchange ideas, and cooperate no matter where you are.

Whether you work for a small startup or a large enterprise, the correct team chat tool can make or break your team’s effectiveness and overall success. And that’s exactly why I’m here- to assist you in navigating the intriguing world of team chat apps and make an informed decision.

Let’s get started on this adventure right away and find the ideal solution to satisfy your communication needs at work.

Be part of the thousands of teams using ProofHub to maximize productivity to the fullest. Start with the 14-day free trial. (No card required, No per-user fee)

Table of Contents

What is a team chat app? 

A team chat app is a platform that allows users to send instant messages while also providing advanced features including voice and video calls, real-time notifications, and many others. 

These apps are much less time-consuming and more responsive than email.

19 best team chat apps to use in 2023

This list includes a wide range of apps, from all-in-one apps to apps with specific communication features. So, without further ado, let’s get started: 

1.ProofHub – Best all-in-one project management and team collaboration app

ProofHub Chat
ProofHub Chat

ProofHub is an all-in-one project management and team collaboration tool that brings instant messaging to the forefront of your team’s communication. With ProofHub, connecting your team is as easy as a few clicks. Our in-built chat feature ensures that you can have direct, instant conversations that keep everyone on the same page.

But that’s not all – ProofHub takes it a step further🏃‍♂️. It’s not just about chatting; it’s about streamlining your workflows andstaying ahead of deadlines🏆. With real-time workflows including use cases ranging from content management to marketing to real estate, your team will always be in sync, knowing exactly what needs to be done and when.

Customer review

ProofHub isn’t just your average group chat app. We’ve packed it with features that will take your team’s productivity to new heights.

🌟Key features and benefits

👉Effortless real-time discussion on projects

Collaborative discussions are at the heart of successful projects, andProofHub’s discussion featureexcels in facilitating meaningful conversations. Create threaded discussions, brainstorm ideas, solve problems, and gather valuable feedback from team members. This encourages collaboration, empowers creativity, and paves the way for innovative solutions.

ProofHub discussion feature for effortless real-time discussion on projects
Real-time discussion
👉Instant messaging 

Would you make a call or  one-on-one stand-up meetings when it comes to a private conversation at work with colleagues? ProofHub allows you to instantly message and collaborate with your team members. You can create private chats for one-on-one conversations or group chats to discuss projects and ideas together. It’s a convenient way to stay in touch and keep everyone on the same page.

Instant messaging
👉Share project related details in one go

Say goodbye to scattered files and confusing email chains. 

With ProofHub, file sharing becomes effortless. Simply upload files to our secure file management system and share them directly through the chat feature. Whether it’s important documents, images, or any other file type, your team can access and collaborate on shared files without any hassle.

ProofHub’s chat featureis like having a virtual watercooler for your team.

👉 Smart task management 

Task management is a crucial aspect of any project, and ProofHub has you covered. Ourintuitive task management system empowers you to create tasks, assign them to team members, set due dates, and easily track progress. This ensures that projects are completed on time, enabling you to achieve your goals effortlessly.

Kanban board for smart task Management
Smart task management
👉 Quick status updates

Keep your team informed and aligned with our custom project status updates feature. Share regular updates on your work progress, milestones achieved, or any roadblocks you may be facing. By staying connected through status updates, your team can track project progress, make informed decisions, and maintain transparency across the board.

👉Improved reviewing process

ProofHub simplifies the process of providing feedback and finalizing creatives. You canuse markup toolsto add changes, comment on where the team needs to make changes, and then give final one-click approval. This collaborative approach to final product review improves the outcome and speeds up iterations.

Improved reviewing process with ProofHub proofing feature
Improved reviewing process

What else??

👉Work in collaborative & transparent environment 

ProofHub is a place where everyone is on the same page and understands their dependencies, roles, and what is going on in all of the projects. All of this encourages teamwork, active employee engagement, and keeps the team informed throughout the project’s lifecycle.

Gantt chart for collaborative & transparent work environment 
Collaborative & transparent work environment 
👉Celebrate achievements together, foster special moments

There is no better feeling than when anemployee is recognized for his efforts. With ProofHub Announcements, you can celebrate special achievements, work anniversaries, and even large successes together.This improves team culture, morale, a sense of belonging, and builds a motivating andengaging work environment.

Celebrate achievements together and foster special moments with ProofHub announcement feature
Celebrate achievements together and foster special moments

🔴 Limitations

  • The notifications system can be overwhelmed sometimes. 
  • Does not offer an invoice for logged time (Covered via Freshbooks and Quickbooks integrations).

💸Pricing

ProofHub offers a 14-day free trial, which gives you a great opportunity to go through its features.

You can also book a free demo to learn how ProofHub works.

ProofHub has two plans:

  1. Essential plan: This plan gives you access to all basic features at a flat rate of $45 per month, billed annually with no per-user fee.
  2. Ultimate Control: This plan provides you with all the basic plus advanced features at a flat rate of $89 per month, billed annually with no per-user fee
Essential plan ($45 per month, billed annually)Ultimate control ($89 per month, billed annually)
40 projects, unlimited users, 15 GB storage + core featuresUnlimited projects, unlimited users, 100 GB storage + core features + custom roles, white labeling, workflows, IP restrictions, API access, advanced activity logs, priority support, project and resource reports and more.

The best part of ProofHub pricing is that you can scale and expand your team, because these plans come with unlimited users- allowing you to add as many users you want. There is no hidden fees. You get what you see!! 

Supported platforms

iOS, Android, Windows, and web

14-day free trial

Join thousands of successful teams who have already transformed their work processes with ProofHub.

2. Chanty – Best for simple and intuitive communication

Chanty team chat app for professionals
Chanty

Chanty is a team chat app that lets your team communicate and collaborate easily. Chanty brings all aspects of communication together: chat, audio and video calls, and screen sharing. 

Besides communication, you can also do some light project management and turn messages into tasks. There are useful integrations with Google Drive,Trello, Dropbox, and Github, among others. Our favorite is the Teambook – where you can see all of your messages, contacts and tasks in one place.

🌟Key features and benefits

  • You can communicate through chat, audio, and video
  • You can use threaded messaging
  • Teambook to access all of your content in one place
  • Unlimited message history in the free plan

🔴 Limitations

  • At the moment, joining a call via a link is not possible.
  • Provides very limited task management options.

💸Pricing

FREEBUSINESS ($3 per user/month)
Free plan is for teams with up to 10 members.Business plan, starts at $3 per user, per month and delivers additional features and unlimited members.

Supported platforms

iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Web

3. Troop Messenger – Best for private messaging with advanced security features

Troop Messenger
Troop Messenger

Troop Messenger is the best-in-class business instant messaging tool in terms of data security and convenience of use. It is an innovative messenger platform packed with unique features like “burnout” and “respond later” and excellent security protocol. 

This platform is not only secure, but it also has time-saving features like the global search filter, which allows users to quickly find chats, people, groups, or active projects.

From one-on-one conversations, voice-video calls, screen sharing to file sharing and making favorites, are few among the beautifully designed features of Troop Messenger that leverage great user experience. Share ideas, work, and projects to streamline your teams towards a promising collaboration with Troop Messenger.

🌟Key features and benefits

  • Excellent UI/UX for the beginners
  • Read missed conversations with an unread message filter
  • Send a text message or attachment to multiple users/multiple groups with Forkout
  • Custom administrative controls
  • Thoughtfully crafted admin dashboard
  • Vendor collaboration feature, the Orange Member.
  • Self-hosting and API delivery options.

🔴 Limitations

  • Synchronous editing is not available
  • Not suitable for freelancers and small teams

💸Pricing

Premium (Rs 199/user/month)Enterprise (Rs399/ user/month)Superior (Rs599/ user/month – coming soon)
One-One Messaging, File sharing, Group Chats, Live Tracking, Audio Messaging, video calling, 150 GB storage & moreScreen Sharing, burn out, data record, 1TB storage & moreRemote desktop control, annotation, whiteboard, APIs and more

Supported platforms

Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Web, Android, and iOS.

4. Pumble – Best for beginners and small teams to start with

Pumble
Pumble

Pumble is a team communication and collaboration software that helps you reduce the use of email in internal communicationpromote productive work in your team, and stay in touch with your teammates at all times. 

It’s a great messaging solution, especially for beginners and small workplaces, because it’s free forever and has an unlimited number of users and chat history. In addition, its free plan includes 1:1 voice and video sessions, as well as the option to share files or links.

🌟Key features and benefits

  • Keeping your conversations decluttered with the thread feature 
  • Pinning or saving certain messages for easy access 
  • Do Not Disturb mode for enhancing productive work and healthy work boundaries
  • Solutions for various industries and companies, including virtual and remote teams
  • A search option for finding important messages or documents in your DMs or channels
  • Using the @mention feature to immediately notify certain people about important messages in channels

🔴 Limitations

  • Voice and video communication is not available in free plan
  • No screen sharing in free plan

💸Pricing

Free planPro plan ($1.99 per user per month)
Unlimited users, unlimited message history, 1:1 voice and video calls, file and link sharing, 10GB storage per workspaceEverything in Free, guest access, screen sharing, 10GB storage per user, permissions, user groups, customizable sidebar

Supported platforms

iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and web

5. Brosix – Best for secured, encrypted messaging with virtual whiteboard feature

Brosix as team chat app
Brosix

Brosix is an instant messaging platform that provides you with a fully administrable private team network. Brosix comes with a range of collaboration features beyond basic instant messaging, allowing your team to send/receive files, hold audio and video calls, communicate in chat rooms and use virtual whiteboards. 

Brosix uses P2P encryption on all communication channels, creating a secure communication environment.  

🌟Key features and benefits

  • Engaging discussions with built-in whiteboards
  • Administrative control over user accounts 
  • P2P encryption on all communication channels 
  • Screen sharing, remote desktop, and unlimited size file transfer

🔴 Limitations

  • Poorly suited for teams that work at different times.
  • The file-transfer process is tedious.

💸Pricing

Startup (free)Business ($4 per user per month when billed annually)Premium ($6 per user per month when billed annually)
Private team network for up to 3 users,  chat history, features controlUnlimited users, audio and video calls, full range of collaboration features, admin control, technical supportUnlimited users, full range of communication and collaboration features, full admin control, multiple administrators, technical support 

Supported platforms

Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Web Client

6. Spike –  Best to collaborate on email and chat at one place

Spike

Spike

Spike takes your email inbox and turns it into a powerful team productivity tool. It works with your existing email, so you don’t need to transition your work or team to another chat orproject management platform

Spike unifies productivity tools, such as tasks, to-do lists, collaborative notes, calendars, video meetings and voice calls, email/chat, groups, and more into a single app that is available on all devices. This eliminates the need to switch between apps.

🌟Key features and benefits

  • Streamlined Chat (no headers or signatures)
  • Voice Messages for Asynchronous Communication
  • Video Meetings that work with anyone
  • Set reminders
  • Lets you collaborate with people not using the platform

🔴 Limitations

  • Not an email app where the company logo or headers display all the time.

💸Pricing

FreePro ($5 per user per month when billed annually)Business ($10 per user per month when billed annually)
Smart inbox (1 email address), unlimited collaborative notes + tasks, 60 days search history, 1 GB storage with 1:1 video call.Smart inbox (3 email address), unlimited collaborative notes + tasks, unlimited search history, 5 GB storage with 5 participants per video call + some other features. Smart inbox (unlimited email address), unlimited collaborative notes + tasks, unlimited search history, 10 GB storage with 20 participants per video call + many other advanced features. 

Supported platforms

Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android and the web

7. Connecteam –  Best for mobile-first, deskless teams

Connectteam as team chat app
Connecteam

Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management solution witheffective communication tools for both businesses and teams. Now easily oversee, train, and collaborate with your non-desk team. In a single app, you have access to group or private chat, employee directory, immediate updates, social posts and so much more.

🌟Key features and benefits

  • Easily create a chat per location, project, department, or even start a private dialogue
  • Send an immediate update on anything and automatically track who viewed your update
  • Employee directories for quick and easy access to any employee contact information and more
  • Surveys to gain feedback on a regular basis
  • HR suggestion box for overall feedback and employees suggestions

🔴 Limitations

  • Pricing can be too expensive for smaller teams
  • Some users report occasional delay and app freezing

💸Pricing

Basic $29/monthAdvanced($59/month)Expert ($119/month)
Up to 200 users Up to 200 users + All basic features Plus + other featuresUp to 200 users + All advanced features Plus + other features

Supported platforms

iOS, Android, Web

8. Rocket.Chat – Best open source communication with high data protection

Rocket.chat as a team chat app for professionals
Rocket.Chat

Rocket.Chat is an open source team communication tool that allows you to do customizations, some integrations and more to be fit as per your needs. It lets you communicate and collaborate with your team, share files, chat in real-time or even switch to audio/video conferencing. It also allows you to customize and add new functionalities to the tool as per your needs and requirements.

🌟Key features and benefits

  • Discuss and share ideas, projects, and files with real-time or asynchronous team chat
  • Include relevant participants with the @username mention to notify immediately
  • Automatic real-time message translation feature
  • User-name restriction and admin transparency

🔴 Limitations

  • Complicated UI and installation process
  • Users reports that it needs to set up manually

💸Pricing

Community (for smaller teams at no cost)Enterprise (for larger teams or an overall business at $7/user/month or $35/agent/month)
Unlimited 1:1 and group messaging, full messaging history, analytics, real-time monitoring and more basic functionsHighest level of security & regulatory compliance, templates for common messages, centralized admin control and more advanced features. 

Supported platforms

iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux

9. Google Chats – Simple messaging app integrated with Google Workspace

Google Chats as a best team chat app

Google Chat, previously known as Google Hangouts Chat, allows you to work together with your team in an organized manner. With Google Chat, you can easily share and have discussion on Google Sheets, Slides or Docs, all at one place.  You can directly access all Chat’s features in Gmail by adding Chat to your inbox.

🌟Key features and benefits

  • Effective search functionality
  • 1:1 and group conversations
  • Team spaces and topic-based discussions
  • Safe Data by security-by-design infrastructure
  • Google Meets along with audio and video meetings

🔴 Limitations

  • Users in Google Workspace organizations who have not yet enabled Chat will not be reachable via Chat. 
  • Clients or external guests cannot be added to group chats. 
  • Chat does not support phone calls or text messages transmitted via Google Voice.

💸Pricing

Google Chats will be available as part of Google Workspace, which has four pricing options:

Business Starter (Rs. 136.90/user/month, yearly commitment)Business Standard  (Rs. 736/user/month, yearly commitment)Business Plus  (Rs. 1380/user/month, yearly commitment)Enterprise (Contact sales for pricing)
Secure business email, 100 participants in video call, 30 GB storage per user, standard support, security and management controlsSecure business email, 150 participants in video call + recording, 2 TB storage per user, standard support, security and management controlsSecure business email + retention, 500 participants in video call, 5 TB storage per user, standard support, enhanced security and advanced management controlsBasic + More advanced features 

Supported platforms

iOS, Android, macOS, and web

10. Slack – Best messaging app to start for all types of teams

Slack: Best messaging app
Slack

Slack is one of the first few team chat applications that comes to mind when we hear about team collaboration. Many teams throughout the world have been using it to improve team communication and efficiency. It covers your instant messaging (IM) basics and also supports file-sharing, and automatic syncing across different devices.

🌟Key features and benefits

  • Create project channels for discussions about various projects
  • Drag-and-drop PDFs, images, videos and other files directly into Slack
  • Easily share files and media in the channels
  • For interactive communication, use voice and video calls
  • Set up reminders and receive notifications

🔴 Limitations

  • Can only view chat history from the past 90 days in the free version
  • Notifications are very overwhelming

💸Pricing

FreemiumPro (Rs. 218 per user per month)Business (Rs 375.20 per user per month)
Access to 90 days history, one-on-one video and audio conversations, and more basic featuresUnlimited messages, unlimited app integrations, interactive screen sharing up to 50 participantsAdvanced identity management, 24-7 support, SAML-based single sign-in, real-time active directory syncing with more advanced features

Supported platforms

iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and web

Read More: Discover the perfectalternative to Slackand revolutionize your team communication!

11. Facebook Workplace –  A messaging app with facebook like interface

Facebook Workplace as a messaging app
Facebook Workplace

Workplace is a collaborative platform created by Meta. It unites everyone in the organization, even if they work remotely or hybrid, by utilizing standard features such as Groups, Chat, and Live video to get employees discussing and working together.

🌟Key features and benefits

  • Create Workplace groups for project discussions, feedbacks, announcements and more
  • Knowledge library to create, store and share the content with whole organizations
  • Workplace events for effective employee engagement and cultural change
  • Auto translation features for better communication across different languages
  • APIs for custom integration and bots

🔴 Limitations

  • It takes a long time to search through prior messages
  • It is a challenge to keep up with all the new posts, changes, and comments

💸Pricing

Core plan ($4 per user per month)
Make groups, knowledge library, news feed, live video, virtual events, 91 languages and more features

Supported platforms

Android, web, iOS

12. Ryver –  Good communication app with basic task management features

Ryver as a good communication app
Ryver

Using multiple apps andemail to communicate is both complex and difficult. This messaging platform gives you the benefits of cross-team communication along with basic task management, and automated features. 

🌟Key features and benefits

  • Group messaging, file-sharing, conversation searching
  • Unlimited chats, file sharing, and conversation searching are all features of group messaging.
  • Accessible through dedicated desktop and mobile apps and the web
  • Specify detail in tasks with checklists, tags, and assignments
  • Clear audio and video (including screen-sharing)
  • Automate daily processes
  • Active Response Technology™ eliminates error-prone, slow human response time and replaces it with a powerful, automated event response collaboration system

🔴 Limitations

  • Ryver performs best in groups of no more than five users; if there are more participants on call, network issues may arise
  • Less customization options

💸Pricing

Starter ($69/month)Standard ($129/month)Enterprise (ask for)
Up to 12 users, unlimited chat, file sharing, task management, voice, and video callsUp to 30 users, custom invite links, task management, file-sharing, audio, and video callsSingle sign-on, premium support, advanced team management, testing sandbox, custom invite links, task management, file-sharing, audio, and video calls

Supported platforms

Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows

13. Flowdock –  Best for color-code threaded conversations

Flowdock: best for team chats
Flowdock

Flowdock is a real-time team chat software that brings all of your workplace conversations with color-coded threads, work items, and tools to one place. Itlets you prioritize tasks, and solve problems across teams, locations, and time zones. Flowdock works with flows which are open source spaces for teams to converse and collaborate allowing you to invite project stakeholders to participate in discussions and see updates from tools.

🌟Key features and benefits

  • Group messaging, file-sharing, conversation searching
  • Specify detail in tasks with checklists, tags, and assignments
  • Clear audio and video (including screen-sharing)
  • Automate daily processes

🔴 Limitations

  • This app requires a significant amount of work and planning, that’s why team communication is challenging for less technologically savvy teams.

💸Pricing

Standalone ($3/user/month)Enterprise ($9/user/month)
Unlimited flows, endless history, infinite integrationsSSO, integration auto-removal, custom data retention policies, flow-level administration, data encryption, advanced API for auditing

Supported platforms

Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows

14. Flock – Best to communicate via private channel  

Flock best apps for team chats
Flock

Flock is a popular team communication app and online collaboration platform that comes with team messaging, project management and other great features in one software. It effectively organizes all your conversations, tools in one place so that you can focus on what matters the most. In simpler words, it is convenient, real-time, and makes communication seamless and easy.

🌟Key features and benefits

  • Create channels for focussed discussions and meaningful conversations
  • Jump onto video calls with just a click and connect with remote team members
  • Drag and drop files to see previews of shared files
  • Access the entire company directory for better collaboration

🔴 Limitations

  • Confusing interface
  • Limited customization options

💸Pricing

Starters (Free)Pro (Rs 199/user/month, billed annually)Enterprise (can be requested on the website)
Search up to 10K messages, 5 GB space per team, single team admin, 1-1 video callsSearch unlimited messages, 10 GB file storage per licensed user, enhanced admin controls, priority supportSearch unlimited messages, 20 GB file storage per licensed user, enhanced admin controls, dedicated support

Supported platforms

Android, iOS, Web

15. Twist –  Best asynchronous communication with threaded conversations

Twist: best team chat app for threaded conversations
Twist

Twist is a highly trusted team communication tool for remote teamwork that demands a higher standard for communication. It appears to be a cross between email and instant messaging. The user interface prevents short and fast communication through the use of email-like subject lines for every interaction and large typing areas. 

🌟Key features and benefits

  • Threads keep discussions organized and accessible to everyone
  • Quickly find the information you need with clearly defined threads and powerful search
  • Disconnect to focus on real work and catch up when you’re ready
  • Gives you full control over notifications
  • Launch video calls, automate reports and get updates from apps like GitHub and Todoist — all from inside Twist

🔴 Limitations

  • It doesn’t have audio or video call features

💸Pricing

Free ($0 per user per month)Unlimited ($6 per user per month)
Access one month of comments and messages, up to five integrations, 5 GB file storage, unlimited guestsAccess full history of comments and messages, unlimited integrations, unlimited file storage, unlimited guests, priority support

Supported platforms

Android, iOS, Windows

16.Microsoft teams– Part of Microsoft 365 suite, good for work collaboration

Microsoft teams: app for work collaboration
Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is an extensive team chat app with an abundance of collaboration features. You can get it as a part of Microsoft Office 365 package or as a stand-alone app. Every Microsoft Teams account is associated with a single organization. Within a company, users may join one or more teams, and each team is further divided into channels.

🌟Key features and benefits

  • Build channels to collaborate with teams
  • In the General channel, all team members can view and participate in various conversations
  • Seamless and quick video calls to team members inside your company or clients outside your company
  • Host an online meeting for up to 10,000 users
  • Participate in an online meeting over the phone with audio conferencing

🔴 Limitations

  • Except for Stream, Planner, and Forms, shared channels only support tabs.
  • Any shared channels in the current group will not be copied over when you develop a team from an existing team.

💸Pricing

Microsoft Teams FreeMicrosoft Teams Essentials (Rs. 110/user/month + GST)Microsoft Teams Business Basic  (Rs. 136.25/user/month + GST)Microsoft Teams Business Standard  (Rs. 719.40/user/month + GST)
Unlimited 1:1 meetings, group meet up to 60 minutes, 100 participants, 5GB storage + other basic featuresUnlimited calls, group meet up to 30 hours, 300 participants, 10GB storage, phone and web support Everything in essential plan + whiteboard, 100 collaborative apps, annotations, live captions, ITB cloud storage and moreEverything in business plan + webinar hosting, attendee registrations and much more.

Supported platforms

Window, Mac and Web

17. RingCentral – Best cloud phone system for unified communication

RingCentral best app for unified communication
RingCentral

RingCentral is an excellent app for small companies or teams that require basic features but do not require all of the bells and whistles. RingCentral is compatible with a wide range of other business applications. RingCentral is very easy to use. It has a clean, easy-to-use interface, and team members can get started quickly and easily.

🌟Key features and benefits

  • Inbound voice for your call center agents for quick responses to customer inquiries
  • Use asynchronous messaging to enable continuous conversations so that customers may begin a discussion on the web and pick it up anytime on a mobile device
  • Allow website visitors to start a chat
  • Sort and manage forthcoming social media network interactions

🔴 Limitations

  • Some features, such as internet faxing, cannot be accessed without an upgrade
  • Customer service could be improved

💸Pricing

Core ($20/user/month, paid annually)Advanced ($25/user/month, paid annually)Ultra ($35/user/month, paid annually)
Unlimited domestic calling, IVR, SMS, MMS, single sign-on, analytics and more featuresEverything in core plan + Auto call recording, advanced monitoring, multi-site management, internet fax and more featuresEverything in advanced plan + unlimited enterprise HD video, whiteboards, unlimited file-sharing and more

Supported platforms

Desktop, web, android, iOS

18. Mattermost – Best self-hosted app for communication

Mattermost: best self-hosted app for communication
Mattermost

Some discussions are too important to be hosted on a third-party server, here you can use the Mattermost. Because this is an open-source chat app, you can download and install it on your own company’s servers. This is absolutely necessary for some businesses. Mattermost is the most feature-rich self-hosted chat app I’ve discovered.

🌟Key features and benefits

  • Develop customizable playbooks with status dashboards to help your team streamline repetitive processes and tasks
  • Functionality for simple and efficient compliance reporting
  • The search functionality is complete, with filters for user, channel, and date
  • Custom security and access controls to ensure HIPAA and FINRA compliance

🔴 Limitations

  • Notifications occasionally malfunction
  • The Mac OS app could be better

💸Pricing

Free ($0 per user per month)Professional ($10 per user per month)Enterprise (Request quote)
Unlimited teams, users, channels, file storage, plugins, message search and history and moreSingle sign-on, guest accounts, custom per user, advanced team permissions and moreAD/LDAP group sync, custom enterprise mobility, custom admin control, channel report, performance monitoring and more advanced features

Supported platforms

Linux, Mac and Window

19. Discord – Best for gaming communities, who want to connect seamlessly

Discord: best app for gaming communities
Discord

Discord was created with gamers in mind when it was first released, but it is now marketed more broadly to online communities rather than businesses. There aren’t many business-specific features, and third-party bots make up the majority of the integrations. But Discord’s superior always-on audio makes it suitable for business chat.

🌟Key features and benefits

  • Provides text channels, allowing you to add as many as you like
  • Offers voice channels, which are available at all times and allow you to contact any member of your team
  • Can use Bots
  • Two-factor authentication provides a secure IP and defense against DDoS attacks

🔴 Limitations

  • It’s difficult to stay focused on the tasks
  • Designed primarily for gamers, not for working teams

💸Pricing

FreeDiscord Nitro Classic ($4.99 per month)Discord Nitro ($9.99 per month)
Upload limit up to 8 MB + Basic messaging features50 MB uploads, custom emojis anywhere500 MB uploads, custom emojis, HD video streaming, access to activities, 2 server boosts and more

Supported platforms

Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Web

These are the top 19 group chat apps, so check them out and look into the features you want for team collaboration and communication.

I have also looked into some features and set some criteria before finalizing any of these 19team chat apps for you.

Features to look for in a team chat app

When it comes to looking for particular features to look for in a team chat app, the first thing that comes to my mind is streamlined information flow. Teams should be able to grasp the information clearly and work together towards the same project scope and goal. By considering these factors, I look for those features that can accomplish such needs:

👉Direct and instant messaging 

Go for the team communication app that offers real-time messaging like ProofHub. An ideal team chat app enables instant, synchronous communication, ensuring quick responses and fostering efficient collaboration among team members.

👉File sharing 

It is critical forgood team communicationto be able to effortlessly share files within the chat app. Look for aplatform that enables file sharingallow users to share files, documents, and media directly within the chat.

👉Real-time team collaboration

A good team chat app should have collaboration tools built in. 

Shared calendars, task management, shared notes, and project progress tracking are among the features that allow teams to organize their work, assign tasks, and keep on top of deadlines.

👉How long you can access a chat history

This feature may appear illogical, but it is extremely important.

We have important discussions on chat, but what if that chat is deleted after a while and you need to make important notes from time to time? 

Look for an app that allows you to access your chat history indefinitely.

👉Unhampered conversations

Threaded conversations are another important consideration when looking for the best team chat apps. 

Threaded conversations provide a structured format, keep your team informed of what is going on, and help them understand the topic better, regardless of when they joined the conversation.

Criteria for choosing the best team chat app

When selecting the best team chat app, it’s crucial to consider important factors such as ratings, reviews, trial availability, transparent pricing, and reliable customer support. These aspects provide valuable insights into the tool’s quality, enabling you to make an informed decision that aligns with your team’s needs.

👉User reviews

Do you know what the best part about reviews is?

Reading reviews from users and experts provides practical insights on user experience, performance, and features. This will help you determine which chat app has your desired features and benefits. 

👉Free trial offerings

Find whether or not a tool offers a free trial period.

The ability to test a team chat app before committing to a purchase or subscription allows you to evaluate its functionality and suitability for your team’s specific needs. 

You can make a more informed decision and ensure that it aligns with your team’s communication requirements by exploring the app’s interface, testing its features, and experiencing its performance firsthand.

👉Clear pricing structure

A clear and transparent pricing structure helps you to know whether the app offers good value for its features and functionality. Also, you will also get to know whether it is per-month, yearly, or per-user based. 

It avoids any forthcoming unpleasant surprises or hidden costs.

👉Customer support

A team chat app must have strong customer support in order to address any problems or issues that might occur. 

I believe that prompt and knowledgeable customer support can assist in resolving technical issues, offering advice on app usage, and addressing any queries or challenges your team may experience. 

👉Platform compatibility

Last but not the least, ensure that the app is compatible with the platforms your team uses, whether it’s desktop, web, or mobile, to ensure seamless communication across devices.

Make sure you are also following these criteria and finalizing the list of features or benefits you are looking for. Explore in deep, check the free trial, take demos and finalize one for you. 

Benefits of team chat app

From “centralizing remote andhybrid teams” to eliminating “delays related to asynchronous email communication“, team chat platforms help you and your team take quick decisions and resolve roadblocks more efficiently.

Below down are the significant benefits of using a team chat app for your business:

🗣️Improved communication

It’s not always possible to be physically around all the time. Group communication apps let you have a conversation and share ideas, messages, documents, and videos even from remote places.

🔁Streamlined workflow

Such team communication apps help to streamline the workflow via virtual team communication where they can share current tasks, ask for instant feedback and more.

🧑‍💼Better employee engagement

Although the main task of a group chat app is to bring people together and facilitate an organization’s workflow, it alsoincreases employee engagementat the same time. 

🧩Increased accountability

Team communication apps also serve to improve the team to understand work related responsibilities. With the regular exchange of information and updates, teams feel a sense of ownership to accomplish the work.

📋Enhanced project management

Effectiveproject managementis only possible with effective coordination. Effective communication is one of the most optimum ways to make sure if things are on track or not. 

🪧Stay organized

When things are already in motion, it’s easy to lose sight of what has been done, what is happening, and what has to be done.Team collaboration tools can help you stay organizedby keeping order and controlling stages.

🕑Save time

A team chat software saves you time by eliminating the need to get up and approach someone to ask a question. Coordination saves not just time, but also resources and efforts. 

🤝Strengthen team relationships

Talking to fellow team members on chat or in person about tasks & projects allows you to establish ahealthy work environmentthat leads to progress and creativity.

7 Major benefits of having a team chat software
Team chat apps benefits

In conclusion

In this comprehensive coverage of the19 best team chat applications, let’s begin with the standout choice: ProofHub

Built to cater to diverse team structures, ProofHub offers the optimal solution for developing a productive workplace environment. Whether you have a small tightly knit team or a larger, distributed one, ProofHub enables you to establish clear communication channels and foster seamless collaboration among team members.

Get started today and witness the transformation it can bring to your team’s productivity and success. (No card required, No per-user fee)

Team chat apps’ FAQs

What platform is best for group chats?

The best platform for group conversations is determined by your requirements, but common options include Slack, Microsoft Teams, and WhatsApp.

How do team chat apps improve communication within organizations?

Yes, team chat apps facilitate quick and effective information transmission within organizations by providing real-time messaging, file sharing, and collaboration functions.

How secure are team chat apps for sensitive business communications?

To safeguard critical corporate communications and provide a high level of confidentiality, team chat apps prioritize security and use encryption methods.

Are there team chat apps specifically designed for remote teams?

Yes, there are team chat programs geared to distant collaboration and seamless communication, such as ProofHub, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.


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