Whether you’re running a small business or a large enterprise, facilitating effective communication is probably at the top of your priority list.
A great business messaging app can simplify this process and improve your team communication and productivity.
But how do you pick the right one?
As a remote worker, I know what happens when your workplace chat app underperforms. It usually ends with frustration, wasted productivity, and money you can’t recoup.
To help you avoid this nightmarish scenario, I’ve tested 8 different instant messaging apps to find the best ones — so you’ll surely find the right fit for your business on my list.
Now, let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
Best instant messaging apps for business: A quick overview
Before we get into the details of our business chat app review, let’s get a quick overview of the standout features and pricing of each app on the list.
| Business messaging app | Best for | Standout feature | Pricing (per user per month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pumble | Teams that need an affordable but powerful communication tool | Unlimited message history | Free; Paid plans start at $2.49 per user per month |
| Google Chat | Teams using Google Workspace | Generous cloud storage | Free; Paid plans start at $7 per user per month |
| Mattermost | Teams looking for open-source collaboration | Robust security | Free; Paid plans start at $10 per user per month |
| Slack | Teams that require extensive integrations | Powerful integrations | Free; Paid plans start at $8.75 per user per month |
| Microsoft Teams | Enterprises needing robust collaboration functionality | Integration with Microsoft 365 | Free; Paid plans start at $4 per user per month |
| Chanty | Teams focused on task management | Teambook with conversations, tasks, and members | Free; Paid plans start at $3 per user per month |
| Rocket.Chat | Teams that require high data protection | Self-managed | Free; Paid plans start at $4 per user per month |
| Twist | Teams looking for simple and organized communication | Threads | Free; Paid plans start at $6 per user per month |
Pumble — Best for all-around communication and collaboration
Pumble is an all-in-one communication and collaboration tool offering robust features, including:
- Instant messaging,
- File sharing,
- Video conferencing, and more.
Thanks to its extensive free plan, Pumble has attracted teams of all sizes looking for powerful communication software.
Pros of using Pumble as a business messaging app:
As part of a remote team, my teammates and I rely on Pumble for all our external and internal communication and collaboration, and we’ve never had any issues whatsoever.
Besides messaging coworkers and clients through direct messages, I can also join private and public channels — perfect for sharing updates and announcements. Not only can I choose which channels to join or leave, but all conversations are organized into threads. This way, I can keep up with relevant replies without my head spinning.
It’s great that I don’t have to use several apps for instant messaging and video calls — Pumble is my one-stop shop. Whether I need to share a document or host a virtual meeting, all it takes is a few taps on my keyboard.
Most importantly, Pumble’s layout and design are very user-friendly. So, you get access to advanced features without a steep learning curve!
Cons of using Pumble as a business messaging app:
There are currently no read receipts in Pumble. Thus, you won’t know whether your coworker has seen your message unless they leave a reaction or respond back.
What’s new in Pumble: Recurring messages are one of Pumble’s latest features, making it easier to set up reminders and keep track of updates.
Available for: Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans start at $2.49 per user per month
Google Chat — Best for Google Workspace users
Fans of the Google Workspace arsenal of tools might have tried Google Chat, a team chat app with a simple interface and a decent volume of features.
Although more basic than other messaging apps on our list, Google Chat can cater to most teams’ communication needs, especially if they already use the Google Workspace suite.
Pros of using Google Chat as a business messaging app:
Google Chat offers exactly what I’d expect from a simple instant messaging app — 1-on-1 conversations and group messaging.
The interface reminded me of Gmail. While not the most creative, it’s functional, and the left-side panel displayed my:
- Shortcuts,
- DMs, and
- Spaces.
Spaces are like channels in other work communication apps, which help categorize your conversations by topics or teams. You can go one step further and organize your chats into different sections.
Of course, you can send files to share knowledge with your team and add extra context to your messages. And, if your team exchanges lots of messages, threads will prevent the discussion from veering off-topic.
Cons of using Google Chat as a business messaging app:
Organizations that rely on Google products for everything from project management to employee communication will probably have a good time in Google Chat.
Otherwise, you might experience some surprising downsides, like the one I encountered myself when I couldn’t find any contacts who use the app regularly. So, be sure to assess how many of your regular collaborators and clients actually use Google Chat before moving your entire business communication there.
What’s new: Google Chat recently added the option to send multiple files at once, speeding up the collaboration process within the app.
Available for: Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans start at $7 per user per month
💡 Pumble Pro Tip
Google Chat can handle instant messaging, but what if you need an app that’s packed with more features and benefits? Check out this selection to explore other options:
Mattermost — Best for open-source collaboration
Mattermost is an open-source collaboration platform that supports:
- Messaging,
- File sharing, and
- Guest access.
As a result, it offers an elaborate structure for communication and collaboration.
Pros of using Mattermost as a business messaging app:
Whether you’re an individual user or run a team, you can find plenty of native features and integrations in the app.
As open-source software, Mattermost particularly caters to software development teams in need of a comprehensive app that can handle:
- Task allocation,
- Business communication, and
- Project management.
Video calls are available through integrations, which surprised me, as many Mattermost alternatives provide native video conferencing.
But, the built-in instant messaging feels smooth.
It’s safe, too, as Mattermost is known for strict security practices, which include:
- Encryption,
- Multi-factor authentication, and
- Audit logs.
This data security is a plus for larger enterprises that regularly handle confidential client information.
Cons of using Mattermost as a business messaging app:
I find the app’s open-source nature to be a double-edged sword. For one, although you have more control over your workspace, you might need more advanced technical knowledge to navigate the UI and set up integrations.
Moreover, it seems that the volume of features inevitably leads to clutter. The app does let you organize your conversations in channels, playbooks, and boards, yet it still manages to feel overwhelmingly busy.
Simplify your communication with Pumble
What’s new: The software recently rolled out new security features for its mobile app, preventing screenshots of sensitive data.
Available for: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans start at $10 per user per month
Slack — Best for extensive integrations
Slack also makes an appearance on our round-up of the best instant messaging apps, offering:
- Direct messaging,
- Channels, and
- 1-on-1 and group calls.
Pros of using Slack as a business messaging app:
Setting up and customizing Slack to suit your needs is pretty straightforward — at least in my case with the free app version. You don’t need any technical knowledge to create a workspace and invite your team to collaborate in channels.
I was impressed with the Slack Marketplace, which houses over 2,500 third-party apps in its directory. This variety makes sense, as Slack mostly targets teams needing extensive integrations to get their job done. Still, if you’re not picky with the tools you use daily, it can get too busy on the interface front pretty quickly.
Anyone can create a public or private channel, which could suit teams handling many different projects. Similarly, it can add unnecessary noise to your virtual workstation. Fortunately, the threaded conversations kept my messages organized, so I could easily follow along, even in lengthy discussions.
Cons of using Slack as a business messaging app:
Despite its popularity, Slack has some serious limitations. The restrictive message history in the free plan, which deletes your conversations after 90 days, is a personal deal breaker. Not to mention, there are several Slack alternatives that provide the same features at a more affordable price point.
Try Pumble & keep your messaging history forever
What’s new: Slack recently rolled out a simplified layout mode for its desktop app to help users hone their focus.
Available for: Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans start at $8.75 per user per month
Microsoft Teams — Best for Microsoft 365 users
Microsoft Teams is a well-known enterprise instant messaging solution integrated into Microsoft 365, with features such as:
- Messaging,
- Video conferencing, and
- File sharing.
Pros of using Microsoft Teams as a business messaging app:
One thing I understood immediately about Microsoft Teams is that the app’s deep integration with Microsoft 365 makes it the obvious choice for companies already using Microsoft suite.
Thus, it’s easy to go beyond messaging by accessing Office tools like:
- Word,
- Excel, and
- SharePoint.
The integration is seamless, so I could enjoy multiple different apps without launching separate software.
Similarly, I could easily switch between video calls and messages thanks to the left-hand panel. Teams also gives users the option to pin important channels and chats.This helps save time on days when incoming messages seem never-ending.
Cons of using Microsoft Teams as a business messaging app:
Unfortunately, the interface can get quite busy in no time. The left-hand panel does add a touch of order to the chaos, but your work can still get buried under unread messages and frequent calls.
Another downside of using Teams for instant messaging for business is that the native integrations can clutter your workspace. Unless you’re happy with Microsoft products, you might have better luck with a more affordable and user-friendly Teams alternative.
What’s new: Microsoft Teams has recently added the option to implement keyboard shortcuts from third-party integrations, providing users with more customization options.
Available for: Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans start at $4 per user per month
💡 Pumble Pro Tip
If you’re looking for more straightforward instant messaging solutions with extra flexibility and lower cost, check out our detailed list:
Try Pumble — where flexibility meets value
Chanty — Best for teams that need advanced task management
Chanty is an instant messaging app focused on task management, with solid team communication features that include:
- Texting,
- Voice and video calls, and
- Audio messages.
Pros of using Chanty as a business messaging app:
What stood out to me while trying Chanty was how task-oriented its features are. Calls and messages have become an industry standard, so unsurprisingly, there were no issues with:
- Video and voice calls,
- Screen sharing, and
- Guest access.
However, with Chanty’s functionalities I could also:
- Group conversations around relevant tasks,
- Convert messages into tasks and assign them to team members,
- Keep an eye on conversations and shared files through the “Teamwork” page.
Effective communication ensures fuss-free project management, and Chanty seems like a collaboration tool that can help small teams achieve this.
Cons of using Chanty as a business messaging app:
Unlike popular Chanty alternatives, the software offers a limited free version that allows a maximum of 5 users. Integrations are limited, too. I could see these setbacks pushing potential users towards more comprehensive collaboration software.
What’s new: Chanty recently added the option to assign tasks to multiple members, improving how teams collaborate.
Available for: Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans start at $3 per user per month
💡 Pumble Pro Tip
On the hunt for a collaboration app that streamlines work and gets everyone on the same page? If so, take a look at the following round-up:
Rocket.Chat — Best for teams that follow high data protection standards
Rocket.Chat is a team instant messaging app designed to let businesses have more control over how their sensitive data is managed.
As open-source software, Rocket.Chat prides itself on its numerous customization options and flexibility.
Pros of using Rocket.Chat as a business messaging app:
The app comes with many self-managed deployment options, giving you full ownership over your data. This feature signals that Rocket.Chat is primarily aimed at organizations handling confidential client information.
The app’s internal communication features cover the basics you’d see in a reliable business messaging platform, including:
- Native voice calls,
- Video calls (via integrations),
- File sharing, and
- Screen sharing.
But, Rocket.Chat’s security measures impressed me more than its communication features. Within the app, you can protect sensitive information and systems using:
- Centralized identity management,
- Granular permission control,
- Role-based encryption policies, and
- Encryption passwords.
Due to its strong security, Rocket.Chat could be a good option when you want to keep customer communication away from prying eyes.
Cons of using Rocket.Chat as a business messaging app:
Compared to other work messaging apps on this list, Rocket.Chat takes the longest to set up with more complex steps. Many of the apps we’ve listed are easy to set up and navigate, making them excellent Rocket.Chat alternatives.
Additionally, the free plan limits businesses to 50 users, which can hinder teams hoping to expand.
Work with unlimited users in Pumble
What’s new: Rocket.Chat recently tweaked its scrolling experience to iron out visual and accessibility issues.
Available for: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans start at $4 per user per month
Twist — Best for organizations that want simple and organized team communication
Twist — an instant messaging app at its core — provides businesses with:
- Messaging,
- Channels,
- Threads, and
- Third-party integrations.
Pros of using Twist as a business messaging app:
With its focus on text messaging, Twist takes away the urgency usually associated with communication platforms like Microsoft Teams and Slack.
In fact, everything in Twist seems to revolve around eliminating distractions. The interface is sleek and intuitive, so from the get-go, I could:
- Send messages,
- Organize channels, and
- Browse threaded conversations from my inbox.
I particularly liked how the app compiled threads into my inbox. It gave me the opportunity to figure out which discussions were urgent without wasting time combing through channels.
If you still use email but find it disorganized, Twist could be a handy email alternative. Its emphasis on async communication means you don’t have to rush to follow a conversation in real time. When you get the chance to take a closer look, the thread will be waiting in your inbox.
Cons of using Twist as a business messaging app:
The biggest letdown in Twist is that it doesn’t provide any built-in voice and video call features. Perhaps small distributed teams will make do with direct messaging, but most instant messaging platforms have moved beyond just text communication.
Another minus for Twist is that it reserves unlimited messaging history for paid users only. With the free plan, you can only access the last month of comments and messages.
Make calls & send DMs in Pumble
What’s new: Twist has put a temporary halt on releasing new features within the app.
Available for: Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans start at $6 per user per month
Find the right instant messaging app for your business
Your business success has everything to do with how you communicate as a team and externally.
And, the tools you choose to facilitate communication largely determine the outcome of your efforts.
Specialized instant messaging apps can make your business communication easier and more efficient.
So, be sure to take your time to explore the different options we listed above and determine which communication solution best fits your team’s needs.
Ready to explore how Pumble can level up your business communication and productivity?
And, if you want to take your productivity to the next level, check out CAKE.com’s Productivity Bundle!
