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Top Rated Instant Messaging & Chat Software with Real-Time Notifications 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: February 2026

Real-time notifications enhance communication by providing immediate alerts for new messages, updates, or important events. This ensures users stay informed, respond promptly, and maintain smooth, efficient conversations. Our reviewers in instant messaging & chat software rated this feature as highly important.

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

Product
User rating
Starting price
Slack logo
4.7
(23.9K)
8.75
per user/per month
visit website
Asana logo
4.5
(13.5K)
10.99
per user/per month
visit website
monday.com logo
4.6
(5.6K)
9
per user/per month
visit website
ClickUp logo
4.6
(4.5K)
10
per user/per month
learn more
Trello logo
4.5
(23.4K)
5
per user/per month
learn more
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
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

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

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 notifications, 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 notifications, 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 Chat4.8
Mobile Access4.7

User insights about the real-time notifications feature

Reviewers highlight Slack's real-time notifications as essential for maintaining communication and productivity. They appreciate the customizable settings, instant alerts, and the ability to mute notifications when needed. Users report occasional delays on mobile devices but generally find the notifications reliable and helpful for urgent communication.
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“I didn't know about the real time notifications features first, but some of my colleagues told me about that. After using it I understood its importance as I no longer miss any important message or immediate revision requirement. Also I can do many tiny revisions almost instantly which helps me keep sorted out. I also downloaded Slack on my phone and the notification feature is one of my best feature of the app.”
Verified reviewer profile picture

Jitendra B.

Blogger

“The real-time notification of slack is so good. Every time whenever a new message arrives notification popup within the blink of an eye helps users to know about the important text from seniors, colleagues, and as well juniors. Working in IT we have to fix the issue on the spot, because of real-time notification we get notified by our seniors or QA to work ASAP, which helps in our work.”
SM

Satish M.

Developer

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

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
Asana logo

Asana

Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(230)
3-4(5,258)
5(8,038)
Key Features
Real-Time Chat4.3
Mobile Access4.4

User insights about the real-time notifications feature

Reviewers appreciate Asana's real-time notifications for keeping track of tasks, project updates, and team progress. They find these notifications fast, instant, and well-synchronized across devices, including email and Slack. Users report that this capability helps them stay informed, meet deadlines, and collaborate efficiently, with zero delay between edits and notifications.

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“Enabling real time notifications allow your coworkers to see when they were mentioned, updates about projects, and when they were assigned a task. ”
KU

Kyra U.

Marketing Assistant

“I love how there is zero delay between edits and notifications. I can literally watch my clients edit the copy in real time. ”
TO

Tracy O.

Business Owner

Starting price
10.99per user /
per month
visit website
Pros and Cons based on 13,526 verified reviews

Comprehensive project tracking

Enhanced team collaboration

Efficient task organization

Effective employee management

Overwhelming email notifications

High premium costs

Complex user experience

See pros and cons details
monday.com logo

monday.com

Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(70)
3-4(1,923)
5(3,699)
Key Features
Real-Time Chat
Mobile Access4.4

User insights about the real-time notifications feature

Users find monday.com's real-time notifications helpful for staying updated on task completions and project progress. They appreciate the flexibility to customize notifications and receive alerts via app, desktop, or email. Some reviewers mention the initial annoyance of excessive notifications, which can be managed through customization.
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“As I've said before, our team is constantly having to pivot and/or give a report on department-specific projects, and being able to receive Monday notifications via the app/desktop or email, informs each member of our team, especially the department head, when things are done, allowing her to do her job more effectively.”
Verified reviewer profile picture

Jaden H.

Technical Marketing Specialist

“Besides receiving a notification on Monday.com, you can also request reminders through email and it helps a lot when you're not using the platform.”
IS

Italia S.

People Operations Analyst

Starting price
9per user /
per month
visit website
Pros and Cons based on 5,692 verified reviews
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Boosts team productivity

Effective progress tracking

Enhanced organization capabilities

Visual task management

Highly customizable platform

High costs for small teams

Overwhelming email notifications

Occasional performance issues

Limited mobile functionality

See pros and cons details
ClickUp logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(50)
3-4(1,333)
5(3,157)
Key Features
Real-Time Chat4.5
Mobile Access4.3

User insights about the real-time notifications feature

Reviewers value ClickUp's real-time notifications for their speed and efficiency in keeping track of tasks and project updates. They find these notifications helpful for instant communication and ensuring smooth workflow within the team. Users appreciate the ability to manage notification settings and stay informed across devices.
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“There is a lot of reminders for the product which if you are not using this properly it can get combersome if there is a lot of tasks with due dates, but if you are using this as it was meant to be and with a team the reminders keep you on top of your work and are great to inform you of anything you want to know about. One of my favourite features was that I can assign someone to a task and they will instantly get notified of this.”
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Brandon H.

Owner

“I appreciate the notifications a lot. Most days I'm too busy to check clickup all the time, so it's nice to get a notification when I've been tagged on a task that needs my immediate attention.”
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Joana E.

Content Manager

Starting price
10per user /
per month
learn more
Pros and Cons based on 4,540 verified reviews
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Enhanced team collaboration

Boosted productivity

Comprehensive project management

High customization and flexibility

Continuous improvements

Slow performance speed

Inconsistent bug fixes

Complex navigation

Limited mobile support

Overwhelming email notifications

See pros and cons details
Trello logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(235)
3-4(8,663)
5(14,551)
Key Features
Real-Time Chat
Mobile Access4.5

User insights about the real-time notifications feature

Reviewers appreciate Trello's real-time notifications for keeping track of project updates and deadlines. They find these notifications useful for timely communication and staying informed about task progress. Some users report occasional delays and missed notifications, but overall, they find the feature helpful for managing work.
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“Trello keeps me informed in real time through notifications. As data analysis tasks progress or when colleagues make updates, I receive instant notifications, helping me stay up-to-date with project developments.”
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Eric R.

Data Analyst

“The notifications being real time give a better perspective for prompt intervention of planned tasks and delayed tasks. There is moreover notifications that enable you to intervene as soon as a dependant task is completed and this is a plus tool for early completion of tasks and projects sometimes”
KA

Kevin A.

Director

Starting price
5per user /
per month
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Pros and Cons based on 23,449 verified reviews
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Flexible task organization

Effective team collaboration

Intuitive drag-and-drop interface

Comprehensive track management

Inadequate notification system

Pricing concerns and limitations

Limited file management

See pros and cons details
Google Workspace logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(165)
3-4(4,143)
5(13,094)
Key Features
Real-Time Chat4.6
Mobile Access4.6

User insights about the real-time notifications feature

Users find Google Workspace's real-time notifications valuable for staying updated on meetings, tasks, and document changes. They appreciate the instant alerts across devices and the ability to customize notification settings. Some reviewers mention occasional delays on desktop but generally find the notifications reliable and helpful.

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“Being able to have real time notifications is one of the best features people can possibly have when it comes to tasks and flexibility. You become the manager when real time notifications come into play because it will cause you to keep track of the things you need to be notified about. Real time notifications impact google workspace in a very good way because it allows you to be notified when you need to be.”
GR

Gianny R.

shipping and handling clerk

“Google Workspace offers real-time notifications through its Activity dashboard. This dashboard allows users to see who is editing documents, who has access to shared files and folders, as well as other activities in the Workspace. Additionally, users can receive notifications via email, text message, or by setting up push notifications in their Google Workspace app.”
bs

belasco s.

Digital Marketing Manager

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 Chat4.4
Mobile Access4.4

User insights about the real-time notifications feature

Users appreciate Basecamp's real-time notifications for keeping track of project updates, tasks, and team communications. They find these notifications fast, accurate, and customizable, helping them stay informed and manage their work efficiently. Some users mention the convenience of receiving notifications via email.
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“Real-time notifications can be customized based on the need. We can get notified of all the activities or can limit to @ where we are tagged. We can also use the focus mode to avoid notifications and can focus on other critical work without getting distracted.”
AM

Arshed M.

Sr. Recruitment Manager

“Real time notifications allows the user to get notified about file shared, TODO and other important aspects that the members need to be notified about.”
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Subarna D.

Software Developer

Starting price
15per user /
per month
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Pros and Cons based on 14,402 verified reviews
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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 Chat4.5
Mobile Access4.4

User insights about the real-time notifications feature

Reviewers indicate that Webex Suite's real-time notifications are useful for staying on top of conversations, meetings, and urgent announcements. They appreciate the timely alerts across various devices, though some mention occasional delays and synchronization issues between desktop and mobile notifications.
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“I like that Real Time Notifications in Webex allow me to be alerted when someone is trying to reach me. This is especially useful for when I'm in a meeting and someone needs to contact me. Real Time Notifications also allow me to stay on top of the conversation and know when someone has responded or posted something new. This helps me stay in the loop and stay up-to-date with the conversation.”
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Devendra K.

Manager

“Through Webex Teams real time notifications for chat is available for any device: PCs, Macs, mobiles, tablets, etc.”
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Felipe R.

AM Sales

Starting price
25per user /
per month
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Pros and Cons based on 7,393 verified reviews
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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
Workplace from Meta logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(39)
3-4(562)
5(750)
Key Features
Real-Time Chat4.6
Mobile Access4.5

User insights about the real-time notifications feature

Users find Workplace from Meta's real-time notifications generally reliable and helpful for staying updated on workplace activities. They appreciate the ability to manage notification settings and receive instant alerts for important messages. However, some reviewers mention occasional delays, especially on mobile devices.

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“Real time notifications also works good , you can manage your notification settings that which type of notification you would like to receive and which one you have to silent , moreover the message which is marked as important by the sender will be notified to everyone”
sK

shubham K.

Transcriptor

“Its real time notification feature helps me to inform about my important messages or information at the right time. Which is very helpful for me.”
Ni

N i.

Content Writer

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

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 Chat4.7
Mobile Access4.4

User insights about the real-time notifications feature

Reviewers appreciate Microsoft Teams' real-time notifications for keeping them updated on messages, meetings, and team activities. They find these notifications timely and helpful for maintaining efficient communication. Some users report occasional delays and issues with notification settings, but overall, they find the feature beneficial for collaboration.
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“The real time notifications for meetins or messages from staff for urgent requests have been very important for the IT department in responding in a timely manner and even if someone is not using the Microsoft Teams app we cn have notifications sent to their email to alert them.”
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Miguel M.

IT Director

“The real-time notification allows participants to receive instant alerts of messages and documents from my research team members. The real-time notifications enable me to stay connected and updated with research trends in my domain with team members ”
FO

Felix O.

freelancer

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

Other Top Rated Instant Messaging & Chat Software with Real-Time Notifications 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Pumble logo
Category Leaders

Communication and collaboration management application

learn more
Pumble helps businesses in healthcare, software development, financial services, and other industries chat with members across departments and multiple locations. Users can create public or private channels with custom names and descriptions to collaborate on projects and exchange information.

Read more about Pumble

Users also considered
Talkspirit logo
Category Leaders

#1 software for collaboration and team communications

learn more
Talkspirit is the #1 software for collaboration and team communication that makes your employees more productive. Perfect for remote-work. Available in 8 languages. Easy to use. On any device. Free trial. Free plan. Paid plans from 4€ / month per user.

Read more about Talkspirit

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: Reviewers appreciate the instant communication, ability to share media, create group chats, and the indication feature showing when someone is typing. 93% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Mobile Access: Reviewers highlight the convenience of staying connected, managing files, and participating in meetings from mobile devices, enhancing flexibility and productivity. 91% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Document Storage: Users find the cloud storage secure and accessible, allowing for easy file sharing, collaboration, and organization from any location. 90% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Two-Way Audio & Video: Reviewers like the high-quality audio and video calls, which support effective communication and real-time collaboration, especially in remote work. 88% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Screen Sharing: Users appreciate the ability to share their screens for presentations and collaboration, noting the feature’s ease of use and real-time interaction capabilities. 86% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.