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Top Rated Community Software with Chat/Messaging 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: April 2026

Chat and messaging support real-time communication, facilitate sharing multimedia content, and enhance user engagement. They enable direct and group interactions, making it easier to stay connected and collaborate within the community. Our reviewers in community software rated this feature as highly important.

3 Best Community Software with Chat/Messaging

  • Microsoft Viva Engage
  • Slack - Highest rated for chat/messaging
  • Instagram

See other top Community products with chat/messaging

How we picked the 3 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 community software category. They also needed to have sufficient reviews about chat/messaging, 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 the product with the highest rating for chat/messaging based on our proprietary ratings and reviews. 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 3 best products

Microsoft Viva Engage logo
4.2
(819)
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User insights about the chat/messaging feature

Reviewers appreciate the chat/messaging capabilities of Microsoft Viva Engage for facilitating communication between employees and management. They find it useful for responding to articles, questions, and sharing team updates. Users report that it helps in staying updated with company happenings and engaging in discussions through comments. However, some reviewers feel that it is redundant if they already use MS Teams and prefer email for simpler communication. They say the platform is good for informal interactions and sharing knowledge quickly.
“As above - The ability to able to discuss and comment on yammer posts is vital in sharing knowledge and information particularly if incidents are taking place and larger formal comms cannot be produced in a rapid time”
KR

Karan R.

Cyber security manager - risk

“Chat / messaging allows responses to articles, questions, and for sale ads directly to the appropriate individuals. ”
KS

Karen S.

Technical Professional IV

Community key features coverage

Microsoft Viva Engage offers 4 out of the 5 key features for Community software identified by reviewers:

Content Management3.6
Communication Management4.4
Real-Time Notifications
Mobile Access4.5
Alerts/Notifications4.4

Pros and cons based on 819 verified reviews

45% of users rated Microsoft Viva Engage 5 out of 5 stars, while 4% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 819 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Global colleague communication

Efficient file sharing

Centralized news sharing

Enhanced employee engagement

Cons:

Overwhelming notifications

Disorganized post management

Outdated user interface

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$8 per user/per month|Free version:Available|Free trial:Not available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

Slack logo
4.7
(24K)
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User insights about the chat/messaging feature

Reviewers indicate that Slack's chat/messaging capabilities are essential for daily communication within teams. They find the thread responses and the ability to use multiple channels and direct messaging particularly valuable for keeping conversations organized and private. Users report that the platform is user-friendly, supports file sharing, and offers fun elements like emojis and gifs. They appreciate the instant notifications and the ability to edit sent messages. They say Slack integrates well with other tools and enhances remote team collaboration.
“Chats can be kept neat and organized with the "thread" function. So it is easier for someone who visits the chat later not to miss out on any crucial messages. Also, the massages in chats can be pinned. This helps to highlight and draw attention to important messages on the chat. There is a wide range of fun stickers and emojis that are more expressive. We are having so much fun chatting on slack than on any other platform”
SW

Sithija W.

Online tutor

“The instant messaging facility helped a lot with instant notifications enabling users to get the critical update to the right person immediately. Slack gives instant notifications to the tagged person which makes the user define the particular user. Unlike other platforms where it notifies all. There are several but slack stood among them.”
Verified reviewer profile picture

Mohan K.

Data Analyst

Community key features coverage

Slack offers 5 out of the 5 key features for Community software identified by reviewers:

Content Management4.6
Communication Management4.7
Real-Time Notifications4.7
Mobile Access4.7
Alerts/Notifications4.6

Pros and cons based on 24,035 verified reviews

72% of users rated Slack 5 out of 5 stars, while 1% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 24,035 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Effective remote communication

Efficient colleague communication

Enhanced team collaboration

Streamlined project management

Extensive integration options

Cons:

High resource consumption

Inconsistent notifications

Confusing thread management

Slack's pricing drawbacks

Messaging limitations

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$8.75 per user/per month|Free version:Available|Free trial:Available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

Instagram logo
4.7
(5.1K)
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User insights about the chat/messaging feature

Users find Instagram's chat/messaging feature easy to use and effective for staying connected with friends, family, and clients. They appreciate the ability to send photos, videos, and voice notes, and the customization options like chat themes and emojis. Reviewers highlight the platform's privacy controls and the efficient spam filtering. They report that messaging is fast and helps in building relationships and networking. However, some users mention occasional issues with message notifications and the placement of the microphone for voice messages.
“Chatting on Instagram allows users to have direct, private conversations with individuals or groups. It provides a convenient way to connect and communicate with friends, family, colleagues, or even customers without having to rely on public comments or posts.”
Dp

Devi p.

Transcriber

“The chat/messaging feature on Instagram plays a key role in communication and interaction between users, brands and influencers. It provides a platform to build closer relationships, facilitate collaborations and provide support.”
MA

Mateus A.

Vendedor

Community key features coverage

Instagram offers 4 out of the 5 key features for Community software identified by reviewers:

Content Management4.5
Communication Management
Real-Time Notifications4.5
Mobile Access4.8
Alerts/Notifications4.5

Pros and cons based on 5,143 verified reviews

73% of users rated Instagram 5 out of 5 stars, while 1% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 5,143 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Connecting with family

Following celebrities

Supporting small businesses

Sharing photos

Effective marketing tools

Cons:

Issues with spam

Algorithm challenges

Account management issues

Excessive advertising

Mobile-centric limitations

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Free version:Available|Free trial:Not available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

Other Top Rated Community Software with Chat/Messaging 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
Instagram logo

Capture, edit, and share photos, videos, and messages

learn more
Instagram is a social networking app which lets users share photos & videos from their mobile phones, like posts, comment, send private messages, and more

Read more about Instagram

Users also considered
Connecteam logo

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

learn more
Connect and manage your employee community with Connecteam’s best-in-class 100% customizable and collaborative environment.

Read more about Connecteam

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
Squarespace logo

Cloud-based solution to build websites and online stores

learn more
Squarespace is the all-in-one platform to build a beautiful website, online store, or portfolio. Drive traffic to your Squarespace website and measure your success with powerful marketing and analytics tools.

Read more about Squarespace

Users also considered
Zendesk Suite logo

AI powered customer service across all channels

learn more
Zendesk offers an AI-powered service platform that unifies conversations from multiple channels. It features AI agents for resolving inquiries, ticketing for support requests, and analytics for tracking service quality. Its Resolution Learning Loop technology enhances automation by integrating AI, human agents, and knowledge resources on one platform.

Read more about Zendesk Suite

Users also considered
Brilliant Directories logo
Category Leaders

All-in-one directory & member management software

learn more
Brilliant Directories is a cloud-based directory software for creating directory websites, with built-in themes, member management, payment processing, and more

Read more about Brilliant Directories

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 connects entire companies, creating a professional online community

Read more about Workplace from Meta

Users also considered
Discord logo
Category Leaders

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
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
Flock logo
Category Leaders

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
Influitive logo
Category Leaders

Customer-Powered Growth

learn more
The Influitive platform helps B2B companies discover, nurture, and mobilize their customers, developers, partners, and employees to shorten sales cycles, amplify marketing, increase retention and drive product innovation.

Read more about Influitive

Users also considered
ToucanTech logo
Category Leaders

Association management tool to power community engagement

learn more
ToucanTech platforms are purpose built for community managers, providing solutions to everyday data management and engagement challenges. Make community management more connected with a smart system to store data, encourage email, event and content engagement and track activity.

Read more about ToucanTech

Users also considered
Preferred Patron Loyalty logo

Innovative Loyalty Programs, Customer Engagement & Gift Card

learn more
Preferred Patron provide customer loyalty and gift card management programs to businesses of all sizes, across many diverse industries

Read more about Preferred Patron Loyalty

Users also considered
Almabase logo
Category Leaders

World's most loved alumni management software.

learn more
Almabase empowers alumni relations and fundraising teams in HigherEd, K12, and nonprofits to enhance engagement, streamline programs, and increase donations. Use data-driven insights to foster meaningful connections and move constituents from engagement to contribution.

Read more about Almabase

Users also considered
ThoughtFarmer logo
Category Leaders

Where teams + ideas grow.

learn more
ThoughtFarmer is a modern intranet with 240+ features that connects teams, boosts culture, and simplifies communication. It’s easy to set up, simple to use, and comes with a 90-day risk-free guarantee.

Read more about ThoughtFarmer

Users also considered
Uscreen logo
Category Leaders

Uscreen enables video creators to own their memberships!

learn more
Uscreen is an all-in-one membership platform built for video creators to launch paid memberships that include an on-demand video library, live streaming capabilities, and their own community space, all in their own branded site and OTT apps.

Read more about Uscreen

Users also considered
Glue Up logo

Community and event management solution

learn more
Give your members a digital space where they can connect with you and your mission 365 days a year even when meeting face to face isn’t possible.

Read more about Glue Up

Users also considered
Quip logo

Docs, tasks, & spreadsheet collaboration with built-in chat

learn more
Quip is a collaboration solution which allows teams to create and work on documents, spreadsheets, and task lists in real time with built-in chat and commenting

Read more about Quip

Users also considered
ON24 logo

THE ONLY WEBINAR PLATFORM BUILT WITH MARKETERS IN MIND

learn more
ON24 provides digital experiences and webcasting for corporate communications and demand generation via a cloud-based SaaS application.

Our industry-leading platform helps organizations to communicate with employees, clients,
prospects and partners with measurable and greater impact.

Read more about ON24

Users also considered
Blink logo

Blink. And connect your people, tools and culture.

learn more
Blink delivers a modern, social digital employee experience, giving access to communication, information, workflows, surveys and tools in one easy-to-use app.

Read more about Blink

Users also considered
Mattermost logo

Open source workplace messaging for web, PCs & phones

learn more
Mattermost is an open source workplace messaging system for web, PCs & phones, that supports 1-1 & group messaging, file sharing, multiple languages, & more

Read more about Mattermost

Users also considered
Almashines logo

Alumni management for institutes and corporates

learn more
Almashines is an alumni portal and mobile app that helps institutes manage their alumni community with features for jobs, fundraising, and events

Read more about Almashines

Users also considered
AlumnForce logo

Alumni success, networking, and engagement

learn more
AlumnForce is a private professional social network solution for managing alumni networks. The modular platform facilitates the management of school, university, and other educational networks, and allows students, graduates, alumni, recruiters, teachers, and staff to engage and connect.

Read more about AlumnForce

Users also considered
Bettermode logo

All-in-one community platform for branded communities

learn more
Bettermode is an all-in-one customer community platform that unifies customer engagement tools to create better customer experiences. It is popular for its unmatched level of customization, an app ecosystem, third-party integrations, and premade templates that simplify community building.

Read more about Bettermode

Users also considered

Key features for Community software

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

  • Content Management: Users highlight the ease of organizing, creating, and editing various content types, including photos, videos, and posts, for effective audience engagement. 92% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Communication Management: Reviewers value the structured organization of messages, efficient group communication, and features like contact management and message backup. 92% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Real-Time Notifications: Users emphasize the importance of instant updates on activities, customizable notification settings, and the ability to stay engaged with timely alerts. 92% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Mobile Access: Reviewers appreciate the seamless access to features on mobile devices, enabling communication and content management on the go. 91% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Alerts/Notifications: Users like the customizable notification options that keep them informed about important updates, activities, and interactions. 86% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.