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Top Rated Instant Messaging & Chat Software with Real-Time Chat in 2026

Verified reviewer profile picture
Verified reviewer profile picture

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

Last updated: February 2026

Real-time chat enables instant communication, ensuring messages are sent and received quickly. It supports group conversations, file sharing, and multimedia exchanges, fostering collaboration and keeping users connected efficiently. Our reviewers in instant messaging & chat software rated this feature as highly important.

10 Best Instant Messaging & Chat Software with Real-Time Chat

Product
User rating
Starting price
Slack logo
4.7
(23.9K)
8.75
per user/per month
visit website
Google Workspace logo
4.7
(17.4K)
7
per user/per month
learn more
Basecamp logo
4.4
(14.4K)
15
per user/per month
learn more
Webex Suite logo
4.4
(7.3K)
25
per user/per month
learn more
GoTo Meeting logo
4.5
(11.5K)
14
per user/per month
learn more
Workplace from Meta logo
4.4
(1.3K)
4
per user/per month
learn more
Microsoft Teams logo
4.5
(10.8K)
4
per user/per month
learn more
Telegram logo
4.7
(6.3K)
Empty state illustration for "No pricing info"

No pricing info

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Google Chat logo
4.5
(2.3K)
Empty state illustration for "No pricing info"

No pricing info

learn more
Google Meet logo
4.5
(12K)
6
per user/per month
learn more

See other top Instant Messaging & Chat products with real-time chat

How we picked the 10 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 real-time 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 real-time 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 10 best products

Slack logo

Slack

Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(175)
3-4(6,586)
5(17,236)
Key Features
Real-Time Notifications4.7
Mobile Access4.7

User insights about the real-time chat feature

Reviewers indicate Slack's real-time chat is essential for team communication, allowing instant messaging without delays. They find it user-friendly and reliable, with features like notifications, typing indicators, and the ability to mark chats as unread. Users appreciate its seamless integration with other apps and the ability to create dedicated channels for organized communication.

See related user reviews

“The most basic functionality of Slack - Real-Time Chat is working flawlessly. Messages are sent and received almost instantly - the same for emotes and reactions. It is possible to communicate with multiple people at once through channels or group conversations. A nice addition is three dots icon indicating that someone is currently writing a message.”
PP

Piotr P.

QA Automation Engineer

“Real-time chat in Slack allows for instant responses, ensuring quick decision-making and efficient collaboration. Notifications keep me informed promptly, while its intuitive interface and seamless integration with other tools simplify communication ”
KB

Kim B.

Content Moderator

Starting price
8.75per user /
per month
visit website
Pros and Cons based on 23,997 verified reviews

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
Google Workspace logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(165)
3-4(4,143)
5(13,094)
Key Features
Real-Time Notifications4.5
Mobile Access4.6

User insights about the real-time chat feature

Reviewers indicate Google Workspace's real-time chat is essential for team communication, allowing instant messaging and efficient collaboration. They appreciate its user-friendly interface, integration with other Google services, and the ability to share files. Users find it reliable and convenient for remote work, though some mention the need for additional features.

See related user reviews

“Being able to chat one on one in realtime, and share photos, and start Meets therefrom, noticeably improves productivity. When you create a Space, it increases the efficacy exponentially by allowing you to instantly communicate with entire teams, easily share documents, and easily review which documents were shared within that space.”
JW

James W.

Media Specialist

“Real time chat feature of Google Workspace is again very important feature as it helps to maintain my flexibility but keeping me connected to my colleague and my office, as I can do a real time chat with them and also get notifications whenever I receive a message.”
SG

Shruti G.

Recruitment specialist

Starting price
7per user /
per month
learn more
Pros and Cons based on 17,402 verified reviews

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
Basecamp logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(319)
3-4(6,844)
5(7,239)
Key Features
Real-Time Notifications4.6
Mobile Access4.4

User insights about the real-time chat feature

Users report Basecamp's real-time chat is useful for quick communication and collaboration, especially for remote teams. They appreciate its ease of use and the ability to keep different threads per subject. However, some reviewers note that it lacks certain features and is not as widely used as other chat tools like Slack.
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“I enjoy being able to instantly chat with team members in real time, which facilitates quick communication, problem solving and project collaboration.”
SP

Stanko P.

Web Dewloper

“The"Real-Time Chat" is a useful feature when collaborating on projects with people in various geographic locations. ”
Verified reviewer profile picture

Michelle N.

Database Coordinator

Starting price
15per user /
per month
learn more
Pros and Cons based on 14,402 verified reviews
Verified reviewer profile picture

Efficient file sharing

Enhanced team communication

Streamlined team collaboration

Effective project organization

Seamless client management

Frequent technical issues

Overwhelming notifications

Inefficient search functionality

Limited layout customization

Subpar user experience

See pros and cons details
Webex Suite logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(132)
3-4(3,248)
5(4,013)
Key Features
Real-Time Notifications4.6
Mobile Access4.4

User insights about the real-time chat feature

Users report Webex Suite's real-time chat is effective for communication during meetings, allowing participants to ask questions and share information without interrupting the speaker. They appreciate its ease of use and the ability to share files. However, some reviewers mention occasional lag and the need for UI improvements.
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“Real-Time Chat is a tool that I really like within Webex since it allows you to send messages to all meeting participants in a personalized and organized way”
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Josías G.

Marketing

“There have been many times when audio feeds have cut out due to hardware malfunctions or connectivity issues: making the real-time chat feature an essential fail-safe to get communication to the group. It's also a polite way to excuse oneself from meeting without interrupting, so a much appreciated feature.”
SM

Sarah M.

Senior Financial Analyst

Starting price
25per user /
per month
learn more
Pros and Cons based on 7,393 verified reviews
Verified reviewer profile picture

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
GoTo Meeting logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(166)
3-4(4,838)
5(6,519)
Key Features
Real-Time Notifications
Mobile Access4.4

User insights about the real-time chat feature

Users appreciate GoTo Meeting's real-time chat for its reliability and ease of use during meetings. They find it helpful for asking questions and sharing information without interrupting the presenter. Reviewers highlight its importance for instant feedback and communication, though some note that the mobile app can be buggy.

See related user reviews

“It allows for people to participate even if they do not have a microphone or web camera. It also allows for us to ask questions and not interrupt the presenter as they are speaking.”
SC

Silvia C.

Digital Marketing Manager

“Real-time chat allows meeting participants to communicate with each other through text messages during the meeting. This can be a very useful tool for collaboration, as it provides an additional channel of communication that can be used to ask questions, share links or documents, or provide feedback in real time.Real-time chat can also be especially valuable for participants who may be hesitant to speak up during the meeting or who may have difficulty communicating verbally. By using real-time chat, these participants can still participate in the meeting and contribute to the discussion in a way that is comfortable for them.In addition, real-time chat can help to keep the meeting on track and focused, as participants can use the chat to provide reminders or ask questions without interrupting the speaker. This can help to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of virtual meetings.Real-time chat is a powerful feature in virtual meetings that can help to enhance collaboration and communication and can provide an additional channel of communication that can improve the overall quality of virtual meetings and presentations.”
MS

Mohammad S.

Proprietor

Starting price
14per user /
per month
learn more
Pros and Cons based on 11,523 verified reviews

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
Workplace from Meta logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(39)
3-4(562)
5(750)
Key Features
Real-Time Notifications4.6
Mobile Access4.5

User insights about the real-time chat feature

Reviewers appreciate Workplace from Meta's real-time chat for its ease of use and reliability. They find it essential for team communication, allowing instant messaging and quick responses. Users highlight its similarity to Facebook Messenger, making it familiar and user-friendly. They also value its ability to integrate with other tools and support remote work.
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“We can discuss, and chat about anything in real-time within Meta. Workspace from Meta also provides real-time chat with new individuals or groups.”
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Saira Y.

Automation

“With the help of its real time chat feature one can easily communicate through text. Which I think is a very useful feature.”
Ni

N i.

Content Writer

Starting price
4per user /
per month
learn more
Pros and Cons based on 1,351 verified reviews
Verified reviewer profile picture

Effective team collaboration

Versatile video communication

Efficient information sharing

Streamlined colleague communication

Comprehensive event management

Overwhelming notifications

Privacy and security issues

Complicated account management

Inefficient email communication

Limited mobile access

See pros and cons details
Microsoft Teams logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(199)
3-4(4,345)
5(6,296)
Key Features
Real-Time Notifications4.5
Mobile Access4.4

User insights about the real-time chat feature

Reviewers indicate Microsoft Teams' real-time chat is crucial for team collaboration, providing instant messaging and reducing email clutter. They appreciate its integration with other Microsoft products, the ability to share files, and the inclusion of emojis and GIFs. Users find it reliable and efficient, though some mention occasional delays and the need for better UI improvements.
Verified reviewer profile picture
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“I use the real-time chat all day, every day! It helps me stay in tune with my team members in my department for current contests, projects we are working on, and it allows us to communicate with other departments as well! The emojis and gifs are fun!”
Verified reviewer profile picture

Nathalie S.

Fundraising Specialist

“Collaboration with teams is key to the success of my job so the ability to real-time-chat with other team members helps get quick answers, send a quick document securely to someone and get immediate feedback. It also helps to have it on our mobile devices. ”
Verified reviewer profile picture

Edith R.

Sr Manager IT Mergers & Acquisitions

Starting price
4per user /
per month
learn more
Pros and Cons based on 10,840 verified reviews
Verified reviewer profile picture
Verified reviewer profile picture

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
Telegram logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(36)
3-4(1,796)
5(4,565)
Key Features
Real-Time Notifications
Mobile Access

User insights about the real-time chat feature

Users report Telegram's real-time chat is fast, secure, and efficient, with instant message delivery and notifications. They appreciate features like secret chats, typing indicators, and the ability to see when messages are read. Reviewers find it user-friendly and reliable for both personal and professional communication, with a smooth interface and useful interaction tools.
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“Real-Time chat in telegram is an incredibly convenient way to stay connected with my friends and family. The ability to send messages instantly and have them read almost immediately is incredibly useful. I also appreciate the ability to create group chats and share photos, videos, and other media with multiple people at once. The fact that Telegram is encrypted and secure is an added bonus, as it ensures that my conversations remain private.”
Verified reviewer profile picture

Osmond E.

Data Analyst

“The real-time chat is important because it gives me the privilege to across information to my friend, family, and loved ones within a twinkling of eyes. Telegram is also important because it's a fast messaging service compare to WhatsApp, it has instant support in real-time. ”
EE

Emmanuel E.

Executive Director

Starting price
Empty state illustration for "No pricing info"

No pricing info

learn more
Pros and Cons based on 6,397 verified reviews
Verified reviewer profile picture

Effective team communication

Efficient file sharing

Reliable communication

High security messaging

Cross-device compatibility

Annoying notifications

Poor contact management

Lack of competitive advantage

User account issues

Messaging system flaws

See pros and cons details
Google Chat logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(45)
3-4(799)
5(1,531)
Key Features
Real-Time Notifications
Mobile Access4.6

User insights about the real-time chat feature

Reviewers appreciate Google Chat's real-time chat for its immediacy and reliability. They find it essential for team communication, enabling quick responses and efficient collaboration. Users highlight its seamless integration with Gmail, the ability to share files, and the convenience of instant notifications. They also value its user-friendly interface and synchronization across devices.

See related user reviews

“Real-time chat enhances Google Chat by enabling instant communication, fostering collaboration, and increasing productivity. It allows users to exchange messages in real-time, facilitating quick decision-making and seamless teamwork.”
AA

Aaraj A.

Sales

“We started using Google Chat as our main messaging platform at work. We can send real time message to anyone on the team and even send private messages or group messages”
BJ

Bryan J.

Quality Assurance Supervisor

Starting price
Empty state illustration for "No pricing info"

No pricing info

learn more
Pros and Cons based on 2,375 verified reviews

Efficient colleague communication

Effective student communication

Integrated team meetings

Streamlined team communication

Seamless client communication

Frequent connection lag

Inconsistent notifications

Limited file sending capabilities

Inefficient chat search

See pros and cons details
Google Meet logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(165)
3-4(4,644)
5(7,240)
Key Features
Real-Time Notifications
Mobile Access4.6

User insights about the real-time chat feature

Reviewers find Google Meet's real-time chat useful for sharing links and information during meetings without disrupting the flow. They appreciate its ease of use and integration with other Google services. Users highlight its reliability and the ability to communicate discreetly during large meetings. However, some mention that chat messages disappear after the meeting ends.

See related user reviews

“Real-time chat in Google Meet allows us to communicate and collaborate with ease. The ability to send instant messages and share links and files enhances productivity and keeps everyone on the same page. The feature is also user-friendly, making it accessible for all.”
PP

Pawan P.

Manager Admin & Facility

“ It allows instant communication during video meetings. This feature is like having a side conversation while the main event is happening. It's helpful for quick questions, sharing links, or expressing thoughts without interrupting the speaker. ”
PS

Prrabhdeep S.

Freelancer

Starting price
6per user /
per month
learn more
Pros and Cons based on 12,049 verified reviews

Efficient colleague communication

Enhanced team collaboration

Seamless calendar integration

Reliable communication platform

Effective online learning tool

Frequent connection lag

Inconsistent audio-video quality

Basic messaging features

Limited file sharing capabilities

Poor video and audio quality

See pros and cons details

Other Top Rated Instant Messaging & Chat Software with Real-Time Chat in 2026

Connecteam logo

Connecteam

Category Leaders

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

visit website
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
Slack logo

Slack

Category Leaders

A single place for team communication and workflows

visit website
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
Axero logo

Axero

Category Leaders

Intranet software and collaboration solutions.

visit website
Axero provides easy-to-use instant messaging and chat software that boosts productivity, unifies your people, and helps your company thrive. Increase productivity. Unite employees. Improve culture.

Read more about Axero

Users also considered
Staffbase logo

Staffbase

The first AI-native employee experience platform

visit website
Staffbase is the first AI-native Employee Experience Platform that connects Comms, HR, and IT to deliver trusted, personalized experiences for every employee, on every channel.

Read more about Staffbase

Users also considered
Weave logo

Weave

Customer communication and appointment scheduling solution

visit website
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
Homebase logo

Homebase

All-in-one platform to manage hourly team

visit website
All-in-one team management with scheduling, time tracking, time clock, payroll, onboarding, HR, and communication tools for small businesses.

Read more about Homebase

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
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
Telegram logo
Category Leaders

Cloud-based mobile and desktop messaging app for all devices

learn more
Telegram Messenger is a cloud-based mobile and desktop messaging platform supported by native apps on most popular operating systems and devices, allowing users or user groups to connect and conduct voice calls, send messages, multimedia and files of all types across an end-to-end encrypted service

Read more about Telegram

Users also considered
ClickUp logo

Productivity platform for marketing agencies

learn more
ClickUp is a productivity platform that helps businesses combine project management tools, AI capabilities, and collaboration features in a unified workspace. The system can integrate tasks, documents, goals, and chat functionality while offering AI-based agents that automate workflows and answer questions. ClickUp serves teams across various departments with enterprise-grade security certifications including SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA compliance.

Read more about ClickUp

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
Google Chat logo

Communication tool for businesses and non-profits

learn more
Google Chat is a communication software that helps businesses of all sizes and non-profit organizations collaborate on projects and tasks. It lets users set up virtual chat rooms and chat threads, track task progress, and create follow-up tasks on a centralized platform.

Read more about Google Chat

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
When I Work logo

Staff scheduling, time tracking, and communication tool

learn more
Use When I Work to schedule, track time and attendance, and communicate with employees, all in one place. Create schedules quickly and easily, and send the schedule to staff with just a click. Save time. Improve accountability. 14-day free trial.

Read more about When I Work

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
Discord logo

Online platform for audio, text, and video communication

learn more
Discord is a complete communication tool that makes it possible to exchange text and audio messages, and individual or group video calls. This interaction takes place on public or private servers, which are only accessible to users who have received an invitation.

Read more about Discord

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

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 Notifications: Reviewers value customizable alerts for timely responses, keeping users updated on messages and activities, enhancing productivity, and offering flexible notification settings. 91% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Mobile Access: Reviewers appreciate the ability to stay connected and productive on the go, access files and communication tools, and maintain workflow consistency across devices. 91% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Document Storage: Reviewers emphasize secure cloud storage, easy file sharing, collaboration features, and accessibility from anywhere, enhancing organization and productivity. 90% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Two-Way Audio & Video: Reviewers highlight high-quality audio and video for clear communication, essential for remote meetings, and additional features like screen sharing and noise cancellation. 88% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Screen Sharing: Reviewers find screen sharing crucial for remote collaboration, allowing effective presentations, real-time demonstrations, and enhanced team communication. 86% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.