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Top Rated Instant Messaging & Chat Software with Live Chat in 2026

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All user reviews are verified by in-house moderators and provider data by our software research team.  Learn more

Last updated: April 2026

Live chat enables real-time communication, file sharing, and quick responses, enhancing collaboration and decision-making. It supports remote work by allowing seamless interaction during meetings and offers a more personal touch compared to emails. Our reviewers in instant messaging & chat software rated this feature as highly important.

5 Best Instant Messaging & Chat Software with Live Chat

Product
User rating
Starting price
Webex Suite logo
4.4
(7.3K)
25
per user/per month
learn more
Google Workspace logo
4.7
(17.4K)
7
per user/per month
learn more
GoTo Meeting logo
4.5
(11.5K)
14
per user/per month
learn more
Slack logo
4.7
(24K)
8.75
per user/per month
learn more
Microsoft Teams logo
4.5
(10.9K)
4
per user/per month
learn more

See other top Instant Messaging & Chat products with live chat

How we picked the 5 top rated products

We chose the high-performing solutions on this list based on verified user ratings on our site. Depending on available data, qualifying products either had to be among the most user-reviewed or the most searched-for products in the Instant Messaging & Chat software category. They also needed to have sufficient reviews about live chat, have a minimum user rating of 3 out of 5 for that feature, and show evidence of U.S. market presence. We then added a distinction for up to three products based on our proprietary ratings and reviews: Highest rated, Highly rated for live chat, and Highly rated for free version. Sponsorship or client status has no influence on the selection of these products, but it may impact the order in which products appear.

Details for the 5 best products

Webex Suite logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(132)
3-4(3,248)
5(4,015)
Key Features
Real-Time Chat4.5
Real-Time Notifications4.6

User insights about the live chat feature

Reviewers indicate that Webex Suite's live chat is easy to use and seamlessly integrated into the meeting UI. They find it valuable for communicating without interrupting presentations, sharing links, and asking questions in real-time. Users appreciate its stability and the ability to chat privately or with all participants, enhancing engagement and collaboration during meetings.

See related user reviews

“While your conferencing you can talk in the chat and It updates automatically, also, It doesn't interrupts the host or the videos, in the contrary, Is an excellent complement for the subject your touching in the meeting, to asign tasks and some other activities.”
PC

Patricia C.

Sales Consultant

“Live Chat helps the audience in the meeting to engage and express their ideass in a text format. Live Chat can also be used for QnA Purpose where audience can communicate with the meeting host and ask many number of questions to get answered. Live Chat also gives liability to the users or anyone present in the meeting to share any sort of text information with everyone in the meet. It helps meeting to be more engaging and collaborative. ”
IP

Ishaan P.

Software Engineer Intern

Starting price
25per user /
per month
learn more
Pros and Cons based on 7,395 verified reviews

Efficient remote collaboration

Robust communication conferencing

Enhanced team collaboration

Interactive webinars

Effective online training

Connectivity issues

Browser compatibility problems

Complicated issue management

Navigation and screen issues

User experience challenges

See pros and cons details
Google Workspace logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(165)
3-4(4,154)
5(13,152)
Key Features
Real-Time Chat4.6
Real-Time Notifications4.5

User insights about the live chat feature

Users report that Google Workspace's live chat facilitates instant communication and collaboration, making it easy to resolve issues quickly. They appreciate its integration with other Workspace tools, enhancing productivity. Reviewers find it convenient for real-time discussions, sharing links, and coordinating tasks without long email threads. The feature is praised for its ease of use and quick response times.
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“Live chat in Google Workspace is important because it enables instant communication and collaboration between team members. It helps resolve issues quickly, facilitates real-time discussions, and boosts productivity by integrating with other Workspac”
AP

Anket P.

Cosmetic

“Real-Time Collaboration: You can quickly start conversations with team members, either one-on-one or in group chats (rooms or spaces), allowing for instant communication. The real-time nature of it makes collaboration fast and responsive.”
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Willy L.

CEO

Starting price
7per user /
per month
learn more
Pros and Cons based on 17,471 verified reviews
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Effective remote teamwork

Enhanced workflow efficiency

Accessible cloud storage

Seamless document sharing

Seamless app integration

Dependence on internet

Inconsistent customer support

High costs and limitations

Complex account management

Challenging file management

See pros and cons details
GoTo Meeting logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(166)
3-4(4,838)
5(6,521)
Key Features
Real-Time Chat4.5
Real-Time Notifications

User insights about the live chat feature

Users find GoTo Meeting's live chat helpful for real-time interaction without disrupting presentations. They appreciate its ease of use, quick response times, and the ability to communicate during technical issues. Reviewers mention that it enhances engagement, allows for immediate feedback, and is crucial for smooth communication during webinars and meetings.
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“Live chat in GoToMeeting webinars is important for our team, as we like to keep our audience engaged by offering up a place to drop questions, and comments and to ask for a deeper dive on points in the webinar. ”
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Jamie M.

Director of Marketing

“This is critical functionality, during any webinars and team meetings, real time interaction is very much required. GoTo gives good option to connect with users on real time basis.”
Verified reviewer profile picture

Prateek K.

Test Analyst

Starting price
14per user /
per month
learn more
Pros and Cons based on 11,525 verified reviews
Verified reviewer profile picture
Verified reviewer profile picture

Seamless remote connectivity

Enhanced team collaboration

Effective webinar hosting

Efficient collaborative sharing

Positive GoToMeeting experience

Frequent connection lag

Persistent audio issues

Cumbersome download process

Inferior to competitors

Unstable connection

See pros and cons details
Slack logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(175)
3-4(6,598)
5(17,263)
Key Features
Real-Time Chat4.8
Real-Time Notifications4.7

User insights about the live chat feature

Reviewers appreciate Slack's live chat for its real-time communication capabilities, which are essential for remote work. They find it easy to use, reliable, and effective for team collaboration. Users value the ability to see who is online, share information quickly, and maintain active conversations. The feature is praised for its convenience and the realistic office-like experience it provides.
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“slack is a collaboration tool with several functionalities, a real time chat where it facilitates a lot and values the communication between the teams. Even distant but making us close in communication and visibility ”
tp

thayrini p.

atendente/ vendedora

“Live chat offers us a realistic experience and actually takes us back to the physical ambiance of an office. I can actually feel that experience. Also the ability to mention the people by tagging ensures the speedy communication.”
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Jitendra B.

Blogger

Starting price
8.75per user /
per month
learn more
Pros and Cons based on 24,036 verified reviews
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Effective remote communication

Efficient colleague communication

Enhanced team collaboration

Streamlined project management

Extensive integration options

High resource consumption

Inconsistent notifications

Confusing thread management

Slack's pricing drawbacks

Messaging limitations

See pros and cons details
Microsoft Teams logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(199)
3-4(4,372)
5(6,360)
Key Features
Real-Time Chat4.7
Real-Time Notifications4.6

User insights about the live chat feature

Reviewers highlight that Microsoft Teams' live chat is essential for real-time communication, especially during remote work. They value its integration with other tools like Outlook, the ability to chat privately or in groups, and the option to share files and links. Users appreciate its reliability, ease of use, and the ability to enhance collaboration without interrupting meetings.

See related user reviews

“Live Chat allows conversations to continue even while a main presentation is taking place. Questions and comments can be resolved in these chats, therefore avoiding interrupting or taking time from the main presentation.”
SC

Sara C.

scorer

“Live Chat allows for quick brainstorming to occur during meetings and this allows for more timely, productive results from these meetings.”
RD

Ron D.

Director of Athletics

Starting price
4per user /
per month
learn more
Pros and Cons based on 10,931 verified reviews

Remote work facilitation

Effective colleague communication

Enhanced team collaboration

Unified communication platform

Seamless office integration

Resource-intensive performance

Inconsistent notifications

Inefficient search functionality

Complex file management

Call management limitations

See pros and cons details

Other Top Rated Instant Messaging & Chat Software with Live Chat in 2026

Slack logo
Category Leaders

A single place for team communication and workflows

learn more
Slack is a single workspace that connects users with the people and tools they work with everyday, no matter where they are or what they do

Read more about Slack

Users also considered
Google Workspace logo
Category Leaders

Collaboration application suite for teams

learn more
Google Workspace is a suite of applications from Google which offers a number of tools to communicate and collaborate with colleagues, store files, and manage data from all devices.

Read more about Google Workspace

Users also considered
Trello logo

Visual collaboration tool for shared project perspectives

learn more
Trello is a project management tool that helps teams organize and manage their tasks. It caters to a range of industries and teams, from marketing to engineering. Trello's simple and intuitive interface makes it easy for any team to get started and stay on top of their work.

Read more about Trello

Users also considered
Asana logo

Project tracking and workflow management platform

learn more
Asana is a chat and collaboration tool where you can connect all your work in one place and bring teams together, anywhere. From lists to boards, to calendars and gantt charts, organize work your way. Join millions of teams across 190 countries who use Asana to get more done.

Read more about Asana

Users also considered
Google Meet logo

Messaging, voice, and video calls for team communication

learn more
Google Meet is a video conferencing platform for teams to communicate via messaging, voice, and video. Features include high-definition video and audio conferencing for up to 100 participants, multi-device chat sync, stored chat history, real-time captions, meeting recording function, and more.

Read more about Google Meet

Users also considered
GoTo Meeting logo

Online meeting software with HD video conferencing

learn more
GoToMeeting is an IM & chat tool that allows users to host an online meeting with high-definition video conferencing from their Mac, PC, iPad, iPhone or Android device, with up to 250 participants. Users can meet, screen share and chat via internet browser, mobile or desktop application.

Read more about GoTo Meeting

Users also considered
Microsoft Teams logo

Chat-based workspace in Office 365

learn more
Microsoft Teams is a chat-based workspace in Microsoft 365 which lets users collaborate on documents, make voice & video conference calls, view chat logs, and more. Teams has replaced Skype for Business as Microsoft's online meeting solution.

Read more about Microsoft Teams

Users also considered
Basecamp logo

Flexible project management and team communication tool

learn more
Basecamp is a comprehensive project management software that helps teams stay organized and on track. Trusted by millions, Basecamp puts everything needed to get work done in one place, providing a structured way to manage projects, collaborate with clients, and communicate company-wide

Read more about Basecamp

Users also considered
Connecteam logo
Category Leaders

Enhance employee management with the only all-in-one app

learn more
Connecteam is the collaboration, engagement and communication app that moves work forward and keeps your team connected in the tap of a button.

Read more about Connecteam

Users also considered
monday.com logo

Project management software

learn more
monday.com is a cloud-based Work OS, where teams create workflow apps in minutes to run their processes, projects, and everyday work. Teams shape workflows and projects, code-free, with a platform that adapts to shifting needs, liberates teams from manual grunt work, and connects teams in a collaborative work space.

Read more about monday.com

Users also considered
Webex Suite logo

One app for everything. And everyone.

learn more
Webex brings together Calling, Meeting and Messaging modes of collaboration into a seamless, engaging, inclusive and intelligent experience.

Read more about Webex Suite

Users also considered
ScreenConnect logo
Category Leaders

Remote meeting platform for resolving customers' queries

learn more
ScreenConnect is a help desk solution that allows businesses to detect and resolve customer queries through remote monitoring capabilities. Agents can prevent potential cyberthreats & protect data via features such as AES-256 encryption and two-factor authentication.

Read more about ScreenConnect

Users also considered
Miro logo

Miro is a visual workspace for innovation

learn more
Miro is #1 collaborative whiteboard platform, trusted by over 13M users worldwide. Easily collaborate, ideate and centralize communication. Get feedback, reviews, and approvals with multiple communication options using video, chat, commenting and many other collaborative features and integrations!

Read more about Miro

Users also considered
Zoho Desk logo

Customer service software for businesses of all sizes

learn more
Zoho Desk is a web and mobile-based customer service software that enables businesses of all sizes and types to deliver customer support, empower agents, and maintain operations.

Read more about Zoho Desk

Users also considered
Zoho Meeting logo
Category Leaders

Web conferencing tool to host online meetings and webinars.

learn more
Use Zoho Meeting's built-in instant messenger tool to send instant chat messages to meeting participants during web conferences

Read more about Zoho Meeting

Users also considered
Workplace from Meta logo

A simple and secure way to connect your organization.

learn more
Workplace from Facebook is a secure enterprise social networking platform that allows co-workers to connect immediately via Work Chat instant messaging

Read more about Workplace from Meta

Users also considered
Trainual logo

Onboarding and training software

learn more
Trainual is an all-in-one employee training platform that centralizes documentation, onboarding, and knowledge management for businesses. The system enables organizations to capture processes, create SOPs, and build comprehensive training programs while tracking completion and ensuring compliance through e-signatures. Trainual integrates with various work applications and serves companies across multiple industries including healthcare, real estate, and business services.

Read more about Trainual

Users also considered
Avaza logo
Category Leaders

All-in-one, client-focused project management for teams.

learn more
Avaza is a business management solution which includes features for project management, resource scheduling, online timesheets, expense management, online invoicing, recurring invoicing, quotes and invoices, and more. Avaza also integrates with third party platforms to streamline workflows.

Read more about Avaza

Users also considered
Nifty logo

Project management, task tracking, & team collaboration hub.

learn more
Nifty is a remote collaboration hub designed to manage projects, goals, communications, and teams all in one place. With Nifty, all over the place becomes all-in-one place. Every part of managing a project's lifecycle is here.

Read more about Nifty

Users also considered
Bitrix24 logo

All in one business management workspace

learn more
Find your colleagues quickly in address book. See if they are available, busy or absent with the help of online indicator. Use group chat. View chat history.

Read more about Bitrix24

Users also considered
Weave logo

Customer communication and appointment scheduling solution

learn more
Weave is the all-in-one customer communications and engagement platform for small and midsize business. From the first phone call to the final invoice and every touchpoint in between, Weave connects the entire customer journey.

Read more about Weave

Users also considered
Microsoft Viva Engage logo

Enterprise Social Network (ESN) to connect and communicate

learn more
Microsoft Viva Engage is a private enterprise social networking solution that enables employees to collaborate securely across time and distance. Microsoft Viva Engage provides a single, secure platform on which companies can share information, resources and business applications

Read more about Microsoft Viva Engage

Users also considered
3CX logo

Web & mobile-based (Android, iOS) communications system.

learn more
With 3CX’s integrated live chat feature your website and Facebook page visitors are able to start a chat or call in real-time. Your agents can answer them immediately from their 3CX web client or app. If chat is not enough, they can switch to a call or video in a single click.

Read more about 3CX

Users also considered
Flock logo

Communication and collaboration platform for teams

learn more
Flock is a collaborative messaging app for teams which enables users to discuss projects and find and share information and ideas effectively and efficiently

Read more about Flock

Users also considered
Front logo

AI-enabled customer service platform for collaboration

learn more
Front is a customer operations platform that enables support, sales, and account management teams to deliver exceptional service at scale. Front streamlines customer comms by combining the efficiency of a help desk and the familiarity of email, with automated workflows and real-time collaboration.

Read more about Front

Users also considered

Key features for Instant Messaging & Chat software

Based on GetApp's analysis of verified user reviews collected between July 2021 and August 2024.

  • Real-Time Chat: Users value instant communication, ease of sharing media, group chats, and the presence indicator for natural conversations. 93% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Real-Time Notifications: Reviewers appreciate customizable, instant alerts for messages and updates, ensuring timely and efficient communication. 91% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Mobile Access: Users highlight the convenience of staying connected, accessing files, and participating in meetings from any location. 91% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Document Storage: Reviewers find secure, accessible cloud storage integrated with collaboration tools essential for efficient document management. 90% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Two-Way Audio & Video: Users commend high-quality calls, essential for meetings and remote collaboration, enhancing interactive communication. 88% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Screen Sharing: Users find it crucial for collaborative work, allowing real-time presentations and project discussions with ease. 86% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.