18.7
Zulip is team chat software that organizes conversations in channels and supports guest access.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWeb
Best Business Instant Messaging - Midmarket Software in 2026
Business instant messaging tools help midmarket teams exchange messages, share files and coordinate work across phones and computers. For Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO users, check the Android app first, then confirm access through web, Windows, iOS, macOS or Linux as needed. Compare free-plan terms, paid starting prices, message history, guest access and maximum file size. Also check retention controls, single sign-on and…
28.4
Lark brings workplace communication and collaboration into one platform, with chat, calendars, document creation, and cloud storage.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
38.2
Microsoft Teams is a communications and collaboration app for chat, channels, calls, meetings, and screen sharing.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
- 4
Rocket.Chat
Rocket.Chat is a messaging platform for teams, with channels, guest access and unlimited message history.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWebAPI8.2Free plan - 5
Slack
Slack is a team collaboration platform built around channels, messages, and connected apps.
Free planAndroidiOSWebLinux8.2From $8.75 a month - 6
Chanty
Chanty is a team chat and collaboration tool with channels, guest access and unlimited message history.
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.9From $36 a year - 7
Pumble
Pumble is a team communication and collaboration app for businesses, available on the web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.9From $2.49 a month - 8
Wire
Wire provides organizations with end-to-end encrypted messaging, calls, conferencing, and file sharing.
Free planAndroidiOSWebLinux7.9From €7.45 a month - 9
Ryver
Ryver is a team collaboration app combining group messaging, task management, and workflow automation.
Free planAndroidiOSWebExtension7.8From $4 a month - 10
Zoho Cliq
Zoho Cliq is team communication software for businesses, with channels, guest access, meetings, and workflow tools.
Free planAndroidiOSWebLinux7.6Free plan - 11
Nextcloud Talk
Nextcloud Talk combines meetings, chat, and webinars in a communication platform that can be self-hosted, run on premises, or hosted by a trusted local provider.
AndroidiOSWebAPI7.5From €71.29 a year - 12
Google Chat
Google Chat is a messaging and collaboration service included with Google Workspace at no additional cost.
AndroidiOSWebLinux7.4From $7 a month - 13
Teamwire
Teamwire is a business messaging and collaboration platform for companies and public authorities, including teams coordinating routine work or critical operations.
AndroidiOSWebAPI7.3From €3.45 a month - 14
Twist
Twist is a team messaging service organized around channels, with guest access and integrations for work tools.
Free planAndroidiOSWebLinux7.3From $6 a month - 15
Workvivo
Workvivo HQ brings employee communication, knowledge, engagement, and platform controls into an employee headquarters.
AndroidiOSWebAPI7.1 - 16
Brosix
Brosix is a paid team communication service available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and the web.
AndroidiOSWebLinux6.7From $8 a month - 17
Flock
Flock is a team collaboration service organized around channels, guest access, and messaging.
AndroidiOSWebExtension6.7 - 18
Symphony
Symphony provides messaging, voice, directory and analytics platforms for regulated financial markets.
AndroidiOSWebAPI6.7 - 19
eXpress
eXpress is an enterprise communications and mobility platform for workplace messaging, meetings, and access to business processes.
AndroidiOSWebExtension6.5 - 20
Element
AndroidiOSWebLinux6.3 - 21
HansaChat
AndroidiOSWebLinux5.3 - 22
Prose
AndroidiOSWebmacOS5.3
Choosing well
Start with Android access
Check the Android app before choosing a service for Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phones and tablets. Confirm the functions your team needs are available there.
Then check browser access and support for Windows, iOS, macOS and Linux if staff switch between devices.
Compare free plans, trials and paid tiers
A free plan is available from tools in this category, while other services use a free trial or a freemium model. Read the plan limits before inviting a team.
Compare the paid-from price, billing period and included features. Examples in the list show annual pricing and trial periods, so check the current terms for the service you consider.
Check history and retention controls
Message history affects how far back staff can search conversations. Retention controls determine how long messages remain available.
Match these settings to your organisation's record-keeping needs before moving conversations into a new service.
Review guests and file sizes
Guest access can let people outside the organisation join selected conversations. Check how invitations and guest permissions work.
Compare the maximum file size with the documents, images or videos your team sends so routine sharing does not require another tool.
Look at hosting and sign-on
A self-hosted option can matter when your organisation wants to run the service on its own infrastructure. Open-source code may also be relevant when you need to inspect or change the software's code.
Check for single sign-on support if your team wants one identity system for access management.
Questions people ask
Do these messaging tools have Android apps?
Android is one of the platforms represented in this category. Check the individual product page for its current Android app and supported features.
Can I use a free plan?
A free plan is offered by tools in this category. Compare its limits with any trial and the paid tier before choosing.
Which platforms are covered?
The category includes tools running on web, Android, iOS, Windows, macOS and Linux. Product support differs, so verify the platforms you need.
What should I check for file sharing?
Compare the maximum file size and confirm that the service supports the file types your team sends.
Is self-hosting available?
Self-hosted options are part of the comparison. Check the individual product details to see whether a service can run on your infrastructure.