Quick Overview
- 1#1: Microsoft Teams - All-in-one collaboration platform offering chat, video meetings, file sharing, and deep integration with Microsoft Office apps.
- 2#2: Slack - Real-time messaging app with channels, direct messages, extensive integrations, and workflow automation for teams.
- 3#3: Google Chat - Secure team messaging integrated with Google Workspace for seamless collaboration, spaces, and task management.
- 4#4: Cisco Webex - Enterprise-grade messaging and calling platform with advanced security, compliance, and hybrid work features.
- 5#5: Mattermost - Open-source, self-hosted team communication tool mirroring Slack with playbooks and incident response capabilities.
- 6#6: Rocket.Chat - Customizable, open-source chat platform with video conferencing, omnichannel support, and strong data sovereignty.
- 7#7: Zoho Cliq - Team chat app integrated with Zoho suite offering bots, file sharing, and productivity tools for businesses.
- 8#8: Flock - Business messaging app with built-in notes, to-dos, polls, and video calls to streamline team workflows.
- 9#9: Twist - Threaded team chat designed to reduce distractions with organized conversations and async communication.
- 10#10: Zulip - Open-source threaded chat platform for organized, searchable discussions across large teams and organizations.
We evaluated tools based on key factors including robust feature sets (such as integration with productivity ecosystems, video collaboration, and workflow automation), user experience, security standards, and scalability, ensuring they deliver consistent value for teams of all sizes.
Comparison Table
Office chat software is vital for modern workplace communication, enabling seamless collaboration across teams. This comparison table breaks down tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Chat, Cisco Webex, and Mattermost, helping readers assess features, integration, and scalability to find the best fit for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microsoft Teams All-in-one collaboration platform offering chat, video meetings, file sharing, and deep integration with Microsoft Office apps. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Slack Real-time messaging app with channels, direct messages, extensive integrations, and workflow automation for teams. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Google Chat Secure team messaging integrated with Google Workspace for seamless collaboration, spaces, and task management. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 4 | Cisco Webex Enterprise-grade messaging and calling platform with advanced security, compliance, and hybrid work features. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Mattermost Open-source, self-hosted team communication tool mirroring Slack with playbooks and incident response capabilities. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 6 | Rocket.Chat Customizable, open-source chat platform with video conferencing, omnichannel support, and strong data sovereignty. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 7 | Zoho Cliq Team chat app integrated with Zoho suite offering bots, file sharing, and productivity tools for businesses. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 8 | Flock Business messaging app with built-in notes, to-dos, polls, and video calls to streamline team workflows. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | Twist Threaded team chat designed to reduce distractions with organized conversations and async communication. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | Zulip Open-source threaded chat platform for organized, searchable discussions across large teams and organizations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
All-in-one collaboration platform offering chat, video meetings, file sharing, and deep integration with Microsoft Office apps.
Real-time messaging app with channels, direct messages, extensive integrations, and workflow automation for teams.
Secure team messaging integrated with Google Workspace for seamless collaboration, spaces, and task management.
Enterprise-grade messaging and calling platform with advanced security, compliance, and hybrid work features.
Open-source, self-hosted team communication tool mirroring Slack with playbooks and incident response capabilities.
Customizable, open-source chat platform with video conferencing, omnichannel support, and strong data sovereignty.
Team chat app integrated with Zoho suite offering bots, file sharing, and productivity tools for businesses.
Business messaging app with built-in notes, to-dos, polls, and video calls to streamline team workflows.
Threaded team chat designed to reduce distractions with organized conversations and async communication.
Open-source threaded chat platform for organized, searchable discussions across large teams and organizations.
Microsoft Teams
enterpriseAll-in-one collaboration platform offering chat, video meetings, file sharing, and deep integration with Microsoft Office apps.
Deep, native integration with Microsoft 365 apps for real-time co-authoring and workflow automation directly within chat channels
Microsoft Teams is a comprehensive collaboration platform designed for office environments, offering persistent team chats, video meetings, file sharing, and task management in a unified interface. It integrates deeply with Microsoft 365 apps like Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, enabling seamless workflows such as real-time document co-editing within chats. As a leader in office chat software, Teams supports organized channels, direct messaging, and enterprise-scale features including compliance tools and AI-powered insights.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 suite
- Robust video conferencing and screen sharing
- Enterprise-grade security, compliance, and scalability
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- High system resource consumption on lower-end devices
- Limited value without Microsoft ecosystem commitment
Best For
Large enterprises and teams deeply embedded in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem needing an all-in-one collaboration hub.
Pricing
Free basic plan available; paid options via Microsoft 365 start at $6/user/month (Business Basic) up to $22/user/month (E5), with Teams Essentials at $4/user/month.
Slack
enterpriseReal-time messaging app with channels, direct messages, extensive integrations, and workflow automation for teams.
Highly customizable channels and workflows that allow topic-specific organization and automation tailored to team needs
Slack is a cloud-based team communication platform designed for office chat, featuring organized channels for topic-based discussions, direct messaging, and voice/video huddles. It excels in real-time collaboration with threaded replies, file sharing, and powerful search across messages, files, and integrations. With extensive customization via workflows and apps, Slack streamlines workplace communication and boosts productivity for distributed teams.
Pros
- Exceptional channel organization and threaded conversations for structured discussions
- Over 2,500 integrations with productivity tools like Google Workspace and Salesforce
- Advanced search and AI-powered features like Slack AI for summaries and insights
Cons
- Notification overload can be distracting without proper management
- Free plan limits message history to 90 days and concurrent huddles
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger teams compared to bundled alternatives like Microsoft Teams
Best For
Tech-savvy mid-to-large teams needing customizable, integration-heavy chat for remote and hybrid office collaboration.
Pricing
Free plan for basics; Pro at $7.25/user/month, Business+ at $12.50/user/month (annual billing); Enterprise custom.
Google Chat
enterpriseSecure team messaging integrated with Google Workspace for seamless collaboration, spaces, and task management.
Native, frictionless integration across the entire Google Workspace suite for unified productivity
Google Chat is a team collaboration platform that enables direct messaging, group chats, and organized 'Spaces' for project-based discussions. It supports threaded conversations, file sharing, and task creation to streamline office communication. Deeply integrated with Google Workspace tools like Gmail, Drive, Docs, and Meet, it facilitates seamless workflows for users within the Google ecosystem.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Google Workspace apps like Drive, Meet, and Gmail
- Intuitive interface with threaded messaging and Spaces for organized chats
- Strong value with free tier and affordable business plans
Cons
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to Slack or Teams
- Limited advanced customization options for enterprise needs
- Occasional performance lags in large Spaces with high activity
Best For
Teams already using Google Workspace who need simple, integrated chat without complex setup.
Pricing
Free for personal Google accounts; included in Google Workspace Business plans starting at $6/user/month.
Cisco Webex
enterpriseEnterprise-grade messaging and calling platform with advanced security, compliance, and hybrid work features.
AI-powered features like real-time translation, noise removal, and intelligent chat summaries
Cisco Webex is a robust enterprise collaboration platform that excels in team chat, messaging, and spaces for group communication, integrated seamlessly with video conferencing and calling features. It supports direct messages, persistent team rooms, file sharing, and task management, making it suitable for professional office environments. With strong emphasis on security and scalability, Webex caters to businesses needing reliable, compliant chat solutions alongside unified communications.
Pros
- Enterprise-grade security and compliance (e.g., end-to-end encryption, FedRAMP)
- Seamless integration of chat with video, calling, and whiteboarding
- Extensive ecosystem with 1000+ app integrations and Cisco hardware support
Cons
- Interface can feel less intuitive than consumer-focused rivals like Slack
- Pricing scales higher for small teams without full enterprise needs
- Occasional performance lags in high-volume chat environments
Best For
Large enterprises and regulated industries seeking secure, integrated chat within a unified collaboration suite.
Pricing
Free basic plan; paid plans start at $14.50/user/month (Meetings Pro), with Suite plans from $25.20/user/month and custom enterprise pricing.
Mattermost
enterpriseOpen-source, self-hosted team communication tool mirroring Slack with playbooks and incident response capabilities.
Self-hosted deployment with end-to-end control over data, security, and infrastructure
Mattermost is an open-source, self-hosted team collaboration platform designed as a secure alternative to Slack for office chat and messaging. It supports threaded conversations, channels, direct messages, file sharing, and integrations with tools like GitHub, Jira, and Zoom. With a focus on enterprise-grade security, compliance (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA), and scalability, it enables organizations to maintain full control over their data infrastructure.
Pros
- Open-source and self-hosted for complete data sovereignty and customization
- Robust security, compliance certifications, and advanced features like Playbooks for workflows
- Extensive integrations and high scalability for large teams
Cons
- Self-hosting requires significant technical expertise for setup and maintenance
- User interface feels less polished and modern compared to Slack or Teams
- Free community edition lacks some enterprise-grade features available in paid tiers
Best For
Enterprises and regulated industries needing secure, on-premises chat solutions with full data control.
Pricing
Free open-source edition; Professional at $10/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing starting around $20/user/month (billed annually).
Rocket.Chat
enterpriseCustomizable, open-source chat platform with video conferencing, omnichannel support, and strong data sovereignty.
Self-hosted deployment with unlimited users and no vendor lock-in
Rocket.Chat is an open-source team collaboration platform offering real-time messaging, video/audio calls, file sharing, and channel-based discussions tailored for office environments. It supports self-hosting for full data control, extensive integrations with tools like Office 365 and Jira, and omnichannel features for unified communications. Customizable via apps and APIs, it's designed for enterprises needing secure, scalable chat without vendor lock-in.
Pros
- Fully open-source and self-hostable for complete data sovereignty
- Rich integrations and high customizability via marketplace apps
- Strong security features including E2E encryption and compliance (GDPR, HIPAA)
Cons
- Complex initial setup and ongoing maintenance for self-hosting
- User interface feels less polished than Slack or Teams
- Limited free support; enterprise features require paid plans
Best For
Mid-to-large organizations seeking customizable, privacy-focused chat with on-premises control.
Pricing
Free community edition; Pro plan at $4/user/month (billed annually), Enterprise custom pricing for advanced features and support.
Zoho Cliq
enterpriseTeam chat app integrated with Zoho suite offering bots, file sharing, and productivity tools for businesses.
Deep native integration with the entire Zoho productivity suite for unified workflows
Zoho Cliq is a robust team communication platform that enables real-time messaging, channel-based discussions, voice/video calls, and file sharing for office collaboration. Integrated deeply within the Zoho ecosystem, it supports workflows with apps like Zoho CRM, Projects, and Desk, while offering bots, integrations, and task management. It's designed for businesses seeking secure, scalable chat solutions with strong customization options.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Zoho suite and 800+ third-party apps
- Affordable pricing with a generous free plan
- Powerful bot builder and automation capabilities
Cons
- Smaller user community compared to Slack or Teams
- Mobile app occasionally lags during high usage
- Advanced features locked behind paid plans
Best For
Small to medium businesses using Zoho tools or seeking cost-effective, customizable team chat without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Free plan for unlimited users; Standard at $1/user/month (annual), Professional at $3/user/month (annual), Enterprise custom pricing.
Flock
enterpriseBusiness messaging app with built-in notes, to-dos, polls, and video calls to streamline team workflows.
Built-in 'My Apps' productivity suite (to-dos, notes, polls, reminders) shareable across team chats
Flock is a team collaboration platform focused on messaging, video calls, and productivity tools for office environments. It provides channels, direct messages, file sharing, and integrations with apps like Google Workspace and Trello. Standout built-in features include to-dos, notes, polls, reminders, and code sharing, all accessible within chats to streamline workflows.
Pros
- Integrated productivity apps like to-dos, notes, and reminders directly in chats
- Strong integrations with popular tools and affordable pricing
- Intuitive interface similar to Slack with video calling and screen sharing
Cons
- Smaller ecosystem and fewer third-party integrations than top competitors
- Limited advanced admin and security features for large enterprises
- Occasional performance issues with large teams or heavy file sharing
Best For
Small to medium-sized teams seeking an affordable all-in-one chat app with built-in productivity tools.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 20 users; Pro at $4.50/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing.
Twist
enterpriseThreaded team chat designed to reduce distractions with organized conversations and async communication.
Immutable threaded channels where discussions remain organized and searchable indefinitely without clutter.
Twist is a team communication platform by Doist that emphasizes asynchronous messaging to reduce distractions, organizing conversations into dedicated channels with deeply threaded discussions. It allows teams to communicate without the pressure of real-time responses, enabling users to catch up on messages at their convenience. Key features include integrations with tools like Todoist and Google Drive, file sharing, and customizable notifications.
Pros
- Highly organized threaded conversations that prevent information overload
- Distraction-free notifications you control
- Generous free plan for small teams with solid core functionality
Cons
- Lacks robust real-time chat capabilities for urgent discussions
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to Slack or Microsoft Teams
- Mobile app is functional but less polished than competitors
Best For
Remote or async-first teams who prioritize calm, structured communication over instant messaging.
Pricing
Free plan for unlimited users; Pro at $5/user/month (billed annually); Business at $7/user/month with advanced admin features.
Zulip
enterpriseOpen-source threaded chat platform for organized, searchable discussions across large teams and organizations.
Topic-based threading that groups messages into contextual conversations, enabling users to follow specific threads effortlessly
Zulip is an open-source team chat platform that emphasizes structured communication through its unique topic-based threading model, where conversations are organized into narrow, focused threads within streams (channels). This design reduces notification fatigue and makes it easier to follow and search discussions, especially in large teams or long-running projects. It supports rich integrations, file sharing, video calls via integrations, and is available as both a self-hosted solution and cloud-hosted service.
Pros
- Exceptional topic-based threading for organized, low-noise conversations
- Fully open-source with free self-hosting option
- Powerful full-text search across all message history
Cons
- Threading model has a learning curve for users accustomed to linear chats
- Mobile app and UI feel less polished than Slack or Teams
- Fewer out-of-the-box integrations compared to market leaders
Best For
Large teams or organizations needing structured, searchable discussions for technical or project-based work without overwhelming notifications.
Pricing
Free self-hosted; Cloud: Free for small teams (10k message cap), Standard at $6.67/user/month (billed annually), Business at $13.33/user/month.
Conclusion
Among the diverse range of tools evaluated, the top performers shine for their ability to elevate team collaboration—Microsoft Teams leads as the ultimate all-in-one solution, seamlessly integrating chat, video, and Office apps. Slack, a pioneer in real-time messaging, excels with robust integrations and automation, while Google Chat offers secure, Workspace-native connectivity. Each brings unique strengths, ensuring a fit for varied workflows.
To experience the pinnacle of team communication, explore Microsoft Teams, our top-ranked tool, and discover how it can streamline your workday and boost productivity.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison