18.7
Zulip is team chat software that organizes conversations in channels and supports guest access.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWeb
Best Team Communication Software in 2026
These services combine workplace chat, video calls and file sharing in a single platform. The list includes options with free plans, paid plans or trials, plus open-source code. If you use a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phone, check for an Android app before choosing. Check support across web, Windows, macOS, iOS and Linux, then look at message-history limits, meetings, storage, guest access and retention controls.
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
Discord
Discord is a communications platform for voice, video, and text, with communities organized into servers and channels.
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.8From $29.99 a year - 10
Ryver
Ryver is a team collaboration app combining group messaging, task management, and workflow automation.
Free planAndroidiOSWebExtension7.8From $4 a month - 11
Zoho Cliq
Zoho Cliq is team communication software for businesses, with channels, guest access, meetings, and workflow tools.
Free planAndroidiOSWebLinux7.6Free plan - 12
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 - 13
Google Chat
Google Chat is a messaging and collaboration service included with Google Workspace at no additional cost.
AndroidiOSWebLinux7.4From $7 a month - 14
Troop Messenger
Troop Messenger is a team messaging platform from Troop Messenger, headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Free planAndroidiOSWebLinux7.3From $2.50 a month - 15
Twist
Twist is a team messaging service organized around channels, with guest access and integrations for work tools.
Free planAndroidiOSWebLinux7.3From $6 a month - 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
LINE WORKS
LINE WORKS is a team communication service for web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Free planAndroidiOSWebmacOS6.6Free plan - 20
Element
AndroidiOSWebLinux6.3 - 21
Cisco Jabber
AndroidiOSmacOSWindows5.3 - 22
Kakao Work
AndroidiOSWebLinux5.3 - 23
Clariti
WebmacOSWindows4.9
Choosing well
Check Android access
Confirm that the service has an Android app if your team works from Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phones. A web option can provide another way to sign in when mobile app support does not fit your needs.
Review the other platforms your team uses, including Windows, macOS, iOS and Linux.
Compare free and paid plans
A free plan can help a team start without a subscription. Check what is included before relying on it, then compare the paid starting price where it is shown.
A free trial can give your team time to assess the service before paying. Google Chat advertises a 14-day trial, with annual paid plans starting at $7 per user each month.
Review video meeting limits
Compare whether video meetings are included and note the participant limit. A service that fits text chat may still fall short for larger calls.
Check history and storage
Message history limits affect how far back your team can search or read conversations. File storage per user shows how much room is available for shared work.
Look for custom retention controls if your team needs to set its own data-retention period.
Plan for outside guests
External guest access matters when clients, contractors or partners need to join conversations. Before adding people from outside your organisation, review the service’s guest-access approach.
Questions people ask
Which platforms do these team communication tools support?
Services in this category run on Windows, macOS, web, Android, iOS or Linux. Check the individual service for the platform your team needs.
Are free plans available?
Yes. Free plans are offered by services in this category, while other options are paid or freemium. Compare included features and limits before switching.
Is there a way to test a service before payment?
A free trial is offered by services in this category. Google Chat advertises a 14-day trial.
What should I compare for video meetings?
For meetings, verify that video calls are included and that the participant cap suits your team.
Why check message history and retention controls?
History limits affect access to older conversations. Custom retention controls let a team set its own retention period when the service provides them.