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Top Rated Team Communication Software with Real-Time 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

Real-time chat enables instant communication, facilitating quick decision-making and efficient collaboration. It allows team members to exchange messages, share files, and stay connected, enhancing productivity and ensuring timely responses. Our reviewers in team communication software rated this feature as highly important.

10 Best Team Communication Software with Real-Time Chat

Product
User rating
Starting price
Telegram logo
4.7
(6.4K)
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No pricing info

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Zoom Workplace logo
4.6
(14.5K)
14.99
per user/per month
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Basecamp logo
4.4
(14.4K)
15
per user/per month
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Webex Suite logo
4.4
(7.3K)
25
per user/per month
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Workplace from Meta logo
4.4
(1.3K)
4
per user/per month
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Microsoft Teams logo
4.5
(10.9K)
4
per user/per month
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Slack logo
4.7
(24K)
8.75
per user/per month
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Google Chat logo
4.5
(2.3K)
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No pricing info

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Google Meet logo
4.5
(12K)
6
per user/per month
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WhatsApp logo
4.7
(16.2K)
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No pricing info

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See other top Team Communication 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 Team Communication 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

Telegram logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(37)
3-4(1,798)
5(4,571)
Key Features
Mobile Access
Meeting Management

User insights about the real-time chat feature

Users report Telegram's real-time chat is fast, secure, and reliable, with no delays. They appreciate features like message editing, self-destructing messages, and the ability to see when others are online or typing. Reviewers also value the app's user-friendly interface, extensive emoji and sticker options, and the ability to handle large groups. Some mention occasional message delivery delays.
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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.”
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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
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No pricing info

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Pros and Cons based on 6,406 verified reviews
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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

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Zoom Workplace logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(86)
3-4(4,457)
5(9,977)
Key Features
Mobile Access4.6
Meeting Management4.6

User insights about the real-time chat feature

Users find Zoom Workplace's real-time chat useful for sharing links and messages during meetings without disrupting the flow. They appreciate the ability to have private chats and the overall reliability of the feature. Reviewers also value the chat's role in enhancing viewer participation and interaction, though some mention the need for better integration with other tools.
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“The real-time chat features provides a non-intrusive way to communicate during a meeting/training. This can be used to answer questions asked by the trainer, or even discussing a topic during a meeting without having to disturb others which are listening to the conference.”
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Dharmendra A.

Manager Cyber Security

“Real-time chat in Zoom meetings is a useful feature that enables participants to communicate with each other via text messages during the meeting. This feature can be especially beneficial in situations where participants may not be able to speak or have difficulty hearing.”
lG

lina G.

english teacher

Starting price
14.99per user /
per month
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Pros and Cons based on 14,520 verified reviews
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Effective remote communication

Enhanced team collaboration

High-quality video conferencing

Effective online learning

Versatile webinar hosting

Frequent connection issues

Inconsistent audio control

Concerns about security

Limitations of free plan

High cost concerns

See pros and cons details
Basecamp logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(319)
3-4(6,845)
5(7,242)
Key Features
Mobile Access4.4
Meeting Management

User insights about the real-time chat feature

Users report Basecamp's real-time chat is fast and reliable, facilitating quick communication and problem-solving. They appreciate the user-friendly interface and the ability to keep different threads per subject. Reviewers find it useful for team collaboration, though some mention the preference for other tools like Slack for real-time communication.
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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. ”
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Michelle N.

Database Coordinator

Starting price
15per user /
per month
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Pros and Cons based on 14,406 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(4,015)
Key Features
Mobile Access4.4
Meeting Management4.5

User insights about the real-time chat feature

Reviewers indicate Webex Suite's real-time chat is effective for communication during meetings, allowing for instant messaging without disrupting the speaker. They appreciate the user-friendly interface and the ability to share files and links. Users find it reliable for team collaboration, though some mention occasional lag and the need for better integration with other tools.
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“Chatting is a daily must - it keeps our team connected an allows collaboration. The fact that webec allows file sharing for business purposes, but also gifs and reactions for fun means my team can work and connect casually at the same time. ”
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Hannah W.

Supervisor of Organizational Development and Training

“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

Starting price
25per user /
per month
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Pros and Cons based on 7,395 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
Mobile Access4.5
Meeting Management4.6

User insights about the real-time chat feature

Reviewers highlight Workplace from Meta's real-time chat for its speed and ease of use, allowing for instant communication. They appreciate the familiar interface similar to Facebook Messenger and the ability to integrate with Zoom for video calls. Users find it essential for team collaboration and project management, though some mention the need for better notification management.
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“Sending messages instantly to any member in the Organization and it can be integrated with Zoom for Video Conference calls ”
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Mohamed E.

Compliance Analyst

“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
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Pros and Cons based on 1,351 verified reviews
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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(4,372)
5(6,360)
Key Features
Mobile Access4.4
Meeting Management4.5

User insights about the real-time chat feature

Reviewers appreciate Microsoft Teams' real-time chat for its efficiency in team communication, offering instant messaging with no delays. They value features like file sharing, emojis, and the ability to create channels. Users find it essential for remote work and project collaboration, though some mention occasional message delivery delays and the need for better integration with other tools.
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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!”
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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. ”
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Edith R.

Sr Manager IT Mergers & Acquisitions

Starting price
4per user /
per month
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Pros and Cons based on 10,931 verified reviews
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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
Slack logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(175)
3-4(6,598)
5(17,262)
Key Features
Mobile Access4.7
Meeting Management4.4

User insights about the real-time chat feature

Reviewers feel Slack's real-time chat is essential for team communication, offering instant messaging with no delays. They appreciate the ability to create channels, integrate apps, and receive real-time notifications. Users find it user-friendly and reliable, though some mention the need for better notification management. The chat feature is praised for its effectiveness in remote work and project collaboration.

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“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
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Pros and Cons based on 24,035 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 Chat logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(45)
3-4(801)
5(1,532)
Key Features
Mobile Access4.6
Meeting Management

User insights about the real-time chat feature

Reviewers indicate Google Chat's real-time chat is efficient and user-friendly, facilitating instant communication. They appreciate the integration with Gmail for searchable conversations and the ability to share files and links easily. Users find it reliable for team communication, though some mention occasional lag and the need for better notification management.

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“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

“This is the core of the app and it really makes our workday communications easier. I also really like that the conversations are searchable inside Gmail. This makes finding important chats or info a whole lot easier!”
TJ

TRAVIS J.

Director

Starting price
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No pricing info

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Pros and Cons based on 2,378 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(4,649)
5(7,261)
Key Features
Mobile Access4.6
Meeting Management4.6

User insights about the real-time chat feature

Users report Google Meet's real-time chat is useful for sharing links and messages during meetings. They appreciate the ease of use and the ability to communicate without interrupting the speaker. Reviewers find it reliable for team collaboration, though some mention the need for better integration with other tools and the occasional lag.

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“Google Meet allows for real time chatting and dropping links into the chat when a team member is referencing a product or company. And the ease of dropping a link allows for a multifaceted conversation flow.”
AG

Aaron G.

Project Specialist

“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

Starting price
6per user /
per month
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Pros and Cons based on 12,075 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
WhatsApp logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(114)
3-4(4,127)
5(12,051)
Key Features
Mobile Access4.8
Meeting Management

User insights about the real-time chat feature

Reviewers indicate WhatsApp's real-time chat is fast, efficient, and reliable, allowing for immediate communication. They appreciate features like message delivery and read receipts, low data consumption, and the ability to chat with large groups. Users also value the integration with multimedia sharing and the user-friendly interface, although some mention the need for a strong network connection.

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“Best app according to me for real time chat.WhatsApp also supports voice-to-text, which allows users to dictate their message instead of typing it. Whtsap sometimes my messages even if my data is over.WhatsApp is seamless and user-friendly, making it a popular choice for people all over the world. Whether you're chatting with friends, family, or colleagues, WhatsApp offers a reliable and efficient way to stay connected in real-time.”
SR

Suhani R.

Marketing

“I like the fact that WhatsApp's real-time chat feature allows for quick and easy communication. Since the messages are sent and received in real-time, it makes it easier to have real-time conversations with friends and family. Additionally, WhatsApp's real-time chat feature allows for sharing of media, such as pictures and videos, which is a great way to keep in touch with loved ones.”
DS

Devendra S.

Manager

Starting price
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No pricing info

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Pros and Cons based on 16,292 verified reviews

Facilitates family connections

Maintains personal connections

Cost-free communication

Effective communication tool

Enhances client interaction

Privacy and data issues

Frequent bugs and crashes

Slow connection issues

High data consumption

Limited file transfer capabilities

See pros and cons details

Other Top Rated Team Communication Software with Real-Time 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

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
WhatsApp logo
Category Leaders

Real-time customer communications management software

learn more
WhatsApp is a customer communications management software that helps businesses of all sizes create product catalogs and respond to customers’ messages or queries in real-time. The software provides end-to-end encryption to secure chats, voice messages, images, audio/video calls, and more.

Read more about WhatsApp

Users also considered
Zoom Workplace logo

Zoom is an all-in-one collaboration platform

learn more
With Team Chat, Phone, AI Companion, and more, Zoom Workplace is the platform for your best work. With Zoom Workplace, you can share your calendar availability, connect with your team, access your work phone on any device, and more.

Read more about Zoom Workplace

Users also considered
TeamViewer ONE logo

Remote support, remote access & device management software

learn more
TeamViewer's integrated communication tools facilitate seamless collaboration through messaging, VoIP, and video conferencing, even during remote sessions.

Read more about TeamViewer ONE

Users also considered
Jira logo

Project management and work tracking software

learn more
Jira is project tracking software that helps every team collaborate to plan, track, and release work by breaking down big ideas into achievable steps. Jira offers features like task organization, work alignment to goals, customizable workflows, and real-time data insights to optimize outcomes.

Read more about Jira

Users also considered
Asana logo

Project tracking and workflow management platform

learn more
Asana is a team communication 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
Category Leaders

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
Get a fast, easy and reliable professional solution that enables customers to connect with colleagues through in-meeting chat or conference calling, and screenshare their presentations, all with the click of a button. The Meeting solution from GoTo Connect pairs productivity with flexibility.

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
Connecteam logo
Category Leaders

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

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Everything you need to collaborate better: live group chat, one-on-one people-centric chat, directory for work contacts, immediate updates with or without comments and likes, employee feedback surveys, suggestion box, live polls, sharing of videos, GIFs, documents, images and more.

Read more about Connecteam

Users also considered
ClickUp logo

Productivity platform for marketing agencies

learn more
Many times comments require an action. That’s why ClickUp created Assigned Comments — create action items instantly and assign to others or yourself. Easily resolve or reassign comments directly in the comment itself. No searching, no confusion, no more lost comments.

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
Smartsheet logo

Online work execution platform for businesses of all sizes

learn more
Smartsheet, an online work execution platform, empowers organizations to plan, track, automate, and report on work. Over 80,000 brands rely on Smartsheet for project and work management because of its easy-to-use interface, real-time gantt charts and dashboards, and work automation features.

Read more about Smartsheet

Users also considered
ScreenConnect logo

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 the #1 collaborative whiteboard platform for teams of any size, trusted by over 100M users worldwide. Easily collaborate, ideate and centralize communication for all your cross-functional team work. Keep everybody in your team on the same page to get work done faster.

Read more about Miro

Users also considered
Wrike logo

AI powered workflow management platform

learn more
Improve team communication with trusted remote collaboration software from Wrike. Brainstorm and make decisions in real-time, eliminate silos with fully visible workloads, and consolidate all project information in the one, shared workspace.

Read more about Wrike

Users also considered
Homebase logo
Category Leaders

All-in-one platform to manage hourly team

learn more
Message teams, share updates, and coordinate shifts all in one easy app designed for clear and fast communication.

Read more about Homebase

Users also considered
Figma logo

Collaborative platform for UI designing and prototyping

learn more
Figma is a cloud-based UI designing and prototyping tool, which allows multiple teams to collaborate on creating, testing, and deploying interface or product designs. Features include version history, project management, commenting, user-based permissions, plugin creation, and single sign-on (SSO).

Read more about Figma

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 simple and secure way for people to share knowledge, work together and build connected communities.

Read more about Workplace from Meta

Users also considered
GoTo Connect logo

The first-ever truly unified voice and video solution.

learn more
GoToConnect combines the power and reliability of Jive's cloud VoIP phone systems with GoToMeeting's web, audio and video conferencing into one simple, reliable and flexible solution. Users can meet, talk, chat, text and collaborate seamlessly via web browser, desktop application, or desk phone.

Read more about GoTo Connect

Users also considered

Key features for Team Communication software

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

  • Mobile Access: Reviewers value the flexibility to stay connected, attend meetings, and manage tasks from anywhere using mobile devices, enhancing remote work productivity. 91% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Meeting Management: Reviewers appreciate the ability to schedule, organize, and manage meetings efficiently, ensuring coordinated agendas and seamless participation across teams. 90% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Access Controls/Permissions: Reviewers emphasize the importance of controlling access to sensitive information, ensuring data security, and customizing user permissions for effective collaboration. 90% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Calendar Management: Users highlight the convenience of scheduling, sharing, and managing events and tasks, which helps in organizing work and avoiding conflicts. 89% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Task Management: Reviewers value the ability to assign, prioritize, and track tasks, enhancing clarity on responsibilities and deadlines, and improving overall project management. 86% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.