Quick Overview
- 1#1: Microsoft Teams - Comprehensive team chat, video meetings, and file collaboration integrated with Microsoft 365.
- 2#2: Slack - Real-time messaging with channels, integrations, and search for productive team communication.
- 3#3: Discord - Voice, video, and text chat platform with servers and channels ideal for teams and communities.
- 4#4: Google Chat - Secure messaging and spaces for teams integrated with Google Workspace apps.
- 5#5: Cisco Webex - Enterprise-grade messaging, calling, and meetings with strong security features.
- 6#6: Zoom - Team chat combined with high-quality video conferencing and screen sharing.
- 7#7: Mattermost - Open-source, self-hosted Slack alternative for secure team messaging and workflows.
- 8#8: Rocket.Chat - Customizable open-source chat platform with omnichannel support and integrations.
- 9#9: Twist - Async team chat focused on threaded conversations to minimize distractions.
- 10#10: Zoho Cliq - Team messaging with bots, integrations, and video calls within the Zoho ecosystem.
We ranked tools based on features, user experience, security, integration potential, and value, ensuring a balanced assessment of practicality and long-term utility.
Comparison Table
Navigating team chat software can be complex, but this comparison table streamlines the process by featuring tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Discord, Google Chat, Cisco Webex, and more. Readers will gain insights into key features, collaboration strengths, and ideal use cases to find the perfect fit for their team's needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microsoft Teams Comprehensive team chat, video meetings, and file collaboration integrated with Microsoft 365. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Slack Real-time messaging with channels, integrations, and search for productive team communication. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Discord Voice, video, and text chat platform with servers and channels ideal for teams and communities. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 4 | Google Chat Secure messaging and spaces for teams integrated with Google Workspace apps. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | Cisco Webex Enterprise-grade messaging, calling, and meetings with strong security features. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Zoom Team chat combined with high-quality video conferencing and screen sharing. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Mattermost Open-source, self-hosted Slack alternative for secure team messaging and workflows. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 8 | Rocket.Chat Customizable open-source chat platform with omnichannel support and integrations. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 9 | Twist Async team chat focused on threaded conversations to minimize distractions. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | Zoho Cliq Team messaging with bots, integrations, and video calls within the Zoho ecosystem. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
Comprehensive team chat, video meetings, and file collaboration integrated with Microsoft 365.
Real-time messaging with channels, integrations, and search for productive team communication.
Voice, video, and text chat platform with servers and channels ideal for teams and communities.
Secure messaging and spaces for teams integrated with Google Workspace apps.
Enterprise-grade messaging, calling, and meetings with strong security features.
Team chat combined with high-quality video conferencing and screen sharing.
Open-source, self-hosted Slack alternative for secure team messaging and workflows.
Customizable open-source chat platform with omnichannel support and integrations.
Async team chat focused on threaded conversations to minimize distractions.
Team messaging with bots, integrations, and video calls within the Zoho ecosystem.
Microsoft Teams
enterpriseComprehensive team chat, video meetings, and file collaboration integrated with Microsoft 365.
Intelligent meeting recaps with AI-powered notes, transcripts, and task extraction
Microsoft Teams is a comprehensive collaboration platform that serves as a hub for team chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and task management. It allows users to create channels for organized conversations, host meetings with screen sharing and recording, and integrate seamlessly with Microsoft 365 apps like Outlook and OneDrive. With robust enterprise-grade security and extensive customization options, it's designed to boost productivity for distributed teams.
Pros
- Deep integration with Microsoft 365 ecosystem
- Advanced security and compliance features for enterprises
- Vast app marketplace with thousands of integrations
Cons
- Interface can feel overwhelming for new users
- Occasional performance lags in large teams or meetings
- Heavy reliance on Microsoft ecosystem limits flexibility for non-users
Best For
Enterprises and mid-sized businesses already using Microsoft 365 seeking an all-in-one collaboration platform.
Pricing
Free plan for basic use; paid plans start at $6/user/month (Microsoft 365 Business Basic) up to $22/user/month (premium features).
Slack
enterpriseReal-time messaging with channels, integrations, and search for productive team communication.
Expansive App Directory with over 2,500 integrations for seamless connectivity to tools like Google Workspace, Salesforce, and Zoom
Slack is a leading cloud-based team communication platform that organizes conversations into public and private channels, supports direct messaging, and enables file sharing and collaboration. It offers real-time messaging, threaded replies, video/audio huddles, and extensive integrations with over 2,500 apps for workflows and automation. Designed for modern teams, it centralizes communication, boosts productivity, and scales from small groups to enterprises with features like Slack Connect for external collaboration.
Pros
- Vast ecosystem of integrations with productivity tools
- Powerful search and unlimited message history on paid plans
- Intuitive channel organization and mobile-first experience
Cons
- Notifications can become overwhelming in busy workspaces
- Advanced features locked behind higher-tier paid plans
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
Best For
Distributed mid-to-large teams needing robust, integrable chat for daily collaboration and workflow automation.
Pricing
Free plan with basic features; Pro at $7.25/user/month (annual); Business+ at $12.50/user/month; Enterprise Grid custom pricing.
Discord
enterpriseVoice, video, and text chat platform with servers and channels ideal for teams and communities.
Ultra-low-latency voice channels with integrated screen sharing and Go Live streaming
Discord is a free communication platform that excels in real-time text, voice, and video chat, organized into customizable servers with channels for team collaboration. Originally built for gamers, it has expanded to support professional teams through features like roles, permissions, bots, threads, and integrations with tools like GitHub and Trello. It provides seamless cross-platform access via desktop, mobile, and web apps, making it suitable for dynamic remote work environments.
Pros
- Outstanding free tier with unlimited high-quality voice/video and messaging
- Highly customizable servers with roles, bots, and integrations for automation
- Low-latency real-time communication and seamless screen sharing
Cons
- Interface can feel cluttered or gaming-oriented for strict enterprise users
- Moderation tools are robust but require setup to prevent chaos in large teams
- Fewer native enterprise integrations than competitors like Slack or Teams
Best For
Creative, tech-savvy remote teams in gaming, content creation, or startups needing free, real-time voice-focused collaboration.
Pricing
Free core features; Nitro Basic ($2.99/month), Nitro ($9.99/month) for perks; server boosts from $4.99/month.
Google Chat
enterpriseSecure messaging and spaces for teams integrated with Google Workspace apps.
One-click huddles that instantly launch Google Meet video calls from any chat or Space
Google Chat is a team messaging platform within Google Workspace that facilitates real-time direct messages, group chats in dedicated Spaces, and threaded discussions for organized conversations. It integrates seamlessly with Google apps like Meet for huddles, Drive for file sharing, and Gmail for notifications, enhancing productivity. The tool supports task creation, bots, and external integrations via Apps Script, making it suitable for collaborative workflows.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Google Workspace (Meet, Drive, Docs)
- Intuitive interface familiar to Gmail users
- Powerful search and message history across chats
Cons
- Limited third-party app integrations outside Google ecosystem
- Fewer customization options for themes or bots than Slack
- Requires Google Workspace for advanced team features
Best For
Teams already using Google Workspace seeking simple, integrated chat without complex setup.
Pricing
Free for personal use; included in Google Workspace Business plans starting at $6/user/month.
Cisco Webex
enterpriseEnterprise-grade messaging, calling, and meetings with strong security features.
Workflow Builder for creating custom automations and bots directly within chat spaces
Cisco Webex is an enterprise-grade collaboration platform that offers robust team chat capabilities through persistent 'spaces' for group messaging, threaded discussions, file sharing, and task management. It integrates seamlessly with video conferencing, calling, and productivity tools, making it ideal for hybrid work environments. With AI-powered features like message summaries and real-time collaboration, Webex supports secure communication at scale.
Pros
- Enterprise-level security with end-to-end encryption and compliance certifications
- Seamless integration of chat with video huddles and calling
- Extensive admin controls and workflow automation tools
Cons
- Interface can feel clunky and less intuitive than consumer-focused rivals
- Higher pricing limits appeal for small teams
- Occasional performance lags in large spaces
Best For
Large enterprises and regulated industries requiring secure, integrated team chat with video and compliance features.
Pricing
Free Starter plan; Pro at $14.50/user/month; Business at $19.50/user/month (billed annually).
Zoom
enterpriseTeam chat combined with high-quality video conferencing and screen sharing.
One-click meeting launch directly from any chat message or channel
Zoom Team Chat is a collaboration messaging tool integrated into the Zoom platform, enabling teams to communicate via channels, direct messages, group chats, and threaded discussions. It supports file sharing, task management, emojis/reactions, and seamless integration with Zoom's video meetings for instant calls from any conversation. While not a standalone chat app, it provides persistent messaging with search capabilities and basic workflow automation, making it suitable for hybrid communication needs.
Pros
- Seamless one-click transition from chat to video/audio meetings
- Intuitive interface familiar to Zoom users
- Robust search and message threading for easy navigation
Cons
- Fewer native integrations and bots than dedicated chat tools like Slack
- Chat functionality feels secondary to Zoom's core video features
- Limited advanced automation and customization options
Best For
Teams heavily reliant on Zoom video conferencing who need integrated persistent chat without adopting a separate tool.
Pricing
Free basic plan with limits; Pro plan at $149.90/user/year (billed annually), includes full Team Chat features; higher tiers like Business start at $199.90/user/year.
Mattermost
enterpriseOpen-source, self-hosted Slack alternative for secure team messaging and workflows.
Self-hosted open-source architecture with end-to-end data control and compliance-focused playbooks
Mattermost is an open-source team chat platform that serves as a secure, self-hosted alternative to Slack, enabling organizations to maintain full control over their data and communications. It supports threaded messaging, channels, direct messages, file sharing, and extensive integrations with tools like GitHub, Jira, and CI/CD pipelines. Additional features include playbooks for operational workflows, board views for task management, and robust compliance tools for regulated industries. Its focus on security and customization makes it popular among DevOps and enterprise teams.
Pros
- Fully open-source with self-hosting for complete data sovereignty and no vendor lock-in
- Strong security, compliance certifications (SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR), and advanced integrations
- Powerful playbooks and automation for workflows in DevOps and incident response
Cons
- User interface feels less polished and modern compared to Slack or Teams
- Self-hosting requires technical expertise and infrastructure management
- Limited native video conferencing; relies on integrations for calls
Best For
Enterprise and DevOps teams in regulated industries needing secure, on-premises chat with deep customization.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted edition; Cloud Starter free for small teams, Professional at $10/user/month, Enterprise custom pricing with advanced support.
Rocket.Chat
enterpriseCustomizable open-source chat platform with omnichannel support and integrations.
Comprehensive self-hosting with full source code access and Matrix federation for decentralized communication
Rocket.Chat is an open-source team communication platform that offers secure chat channels, direct messaging, voice/video calls, and file sharing for collaborative work. It supports extensive integrations, omnichannel customer support, and federation for interoperability with other platforms. Fully self-hostable, it prioritizes data privacy and customization for enterprises.
Pros
- Fully open-source with self-hosting for complete data control
- Rich features including E2E encryption, video calls, and 500+ integrations
- Excellent for compliance-heavy industries with federation support
Cons
- Complex initial setup and ongoing maintenance requires IT expertise
- User interface lags behind polished competitors like Slack
- Performance can vary based on self-hosting infrastructure
Best For
Organizations needing on-premises deployment for strict data privacy and regulatory compliance.
Pricing
Free Community Edition (self-hosted); Pro SaaS at $4/user/month; Enterprise from $6.67/user/month.
Twist
enterpriseAsync team chat focused on threaded conversations to minimize distractions.
Advanced threading that preserves full conversation context without burying important messages
Twist is a team communication platform focused on asynchronous messaging, organizing conversations into channels and deeply threaded discussions to maintain context and reduce noise. Unlike real-time tools like Slack, it prioritizes thoughtful responses over instant replies, making it suitable for distributed teams. Key features include powerful search, integrations with tools like Todoist and Google Drive, and customizable notifications.
Pros
- Superior threading keeps conversations organized and searchable
- Calm notifications minimize distractions for async work
- Generous free plan with unlimited messages
Cons
- Lacks robust real-time chat, voice, or video features
- Fewer integrations compared to Slack or Microsoft Teams
- Smaller user community limits ecosystem growth
Best For
Distributed or remote teams prioritizing focused, asynchronous communication over constant real-time interruptions.
Pricing
Free plan (1 workspace, unlimited messages); Unlimited Pro $5/user/month (annual); Business $10.50/user/month (annual).
Zoho Cliq
enterpriseTeam messaging with bots, integrations, and video calls within the Zoho ecosystem.
Zia AI assistant for contextual insights, smart replies, and workflow automation directly within chats
Zoho Cliq is a team chat platform designed for real-time messaging, channel-based discussions, and collaboration within organizations. It offers features like threaded conversations, file sharing, bots, video/voice calls, and an AI assistant named Zia for smart insights and automation. Deep integration with the Zoho suite and over 200 third-party apps makes it ideal for streamlining workflows in business environments.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Zoho ecosystem and 200+ apps
- Affordable pricing with a robust free plan
- Intuitive mobile apps and AI-powered Zia assistant
Cons
- Interface appears somewhat dated compared to Slack or Teams
- Fewer advanced collaboration features like canvases or clips
- Limited community and templates relative to market leaders
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses already using Zoho tools who need a cost-effective chat solution with strong integrations.
Pricing
Free plan for unlimited users with core features; Standard at $1.50/user/month and Enterprise at $4/user/month (billed annually).
Conclusion
The top team chat software tools reviewed highlight a mix of power and versatility, with Microsoft Teams leading as the standout choice—offering integrated messaging, video meetings, and Microsoft 365 collaboration. Slack closely follows with its efficient channel-based communication and wide integrations, while Discord excels in vibrant, community-focused voice and text interactions. Each tool caters to distinct needs, but Microsoft Teams emerges as the best all-around solution.
Discover why Microsoft Teams is the top pick: start a free trial and transform how your team collaborates, connects, and gets work done.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison