Best Team Chat and Messaging Software in 2026: 11 tools compared
If you are looking for the best team communication app, this page sorts eleven options by the needs they serve best: chat-first workspaces, suites bundled with email, tools for frontline staff, async-friendly apps and self-hosted platforms. The quick picks come first, followed by a comparison table and a closer look at each tool, so you can match a product to your team size and the way you work.
We compared each tool on fit for different teams, channel and thread features, call quality, integrations, security controls, ease of use and how clearly the pricing is published. Because per-user fees, history limits and bundling change the final bill, the page also shows what each team chat app really costs.
Top picks at a glance
- Best for app integrations
SlackSlack is channel-based chat with a large app ecosystem and a free plan, and Business+ adds SAML SSO plus SCIM on a self-serve plan.
$8.75/user/month monthly, about $7.25/user/month billed annually (Pro) - Best for Microsoft 365 organizations
Microsoft TeamsTeams runs on Microsoft 365 and Entra ID, and Teams Essentials starts at $4.00 per user per month with meetings for up to 300 people.
$4.00/user/month paid yearly (Teams Essentials) - Best for Google Workspace teams
Google ChatGoogle Chat comes with every paid Workspace plan, with spaces, threaded replies and Google Meet built in, so there is no second license to buy.
$7 per user/month (Workspace Starter, annual commitment billed monthly) - Best budget option for small teams
ChantyChanty is free for up to 5 members, with Business at 3 EUR per user per month, and it includes channels, tasks and unlimited searchable history on the free plan.
Free up to 5 members; Business 3 EUR per user/month billed annually (EUR only) - Best for frontline and deskless staff
ConnecteamConnecteam is a mobile-first app that combines chat with scheduling, time clock and forms, and it is free for up to 10 users.
Free for up to 10 users; paid from $29/month (Basic, first 30 users) per hub - Best for self-hosted security
MattermostMattermost can be self-hosted or run air-gapped, supports SAML SSO from Professional and gives technical teams control over where data lives.
Contact sales
What is team chat and messaging software?
A team communication app is software where employees talk in shared channels, send direct messages, reply in threads and share files, all in one searchable place instead of scattered email. Day to day, people use it to ask quick questions, make decisions in public channels, share documents and jump into voice or video calls. Most products connect to project, CRM and helpdesk tools, so alerts and approvals land in the same conversation. Companies of every size use team chat software, from small offices to regulated enterprises, and the main differences are channel structure, integrations, guest access and admin controls.
Team Chat and Messaging Software compared
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan or trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slack | Best for app integrations. | $8.75/user/month monthly, about $7.25/user/month billed annually (Pro) | Free plan |
| Microsoft Teams | Best for Microsoft 365 organizations. | $4.00/user/month paid yearly (Teams Essentials) | Free plan |
| Google Chat | Best for Google Workspace teams. | $7 per user/month (Workspace Starter, annual commitment billed monthly) | Free plan, Free trial |
| Chanty | Best budget option for small teams. | Free up to 5 members; Business 3 EUR per user/month billed annually (EUR only) | Free plan |
| Connecteam | Best for frontline and deskless staff. | Free for up to 10 users; paid from $29/month (Basic, first 30 users) per hub | Free plan, Free trial |
| Mattermost | Best for self-hosted security. | Contact sales | Free plan, Free trial |
 Zoom Workplace | Teams whose main need is reliable video meetings with chat attached. | $14.16 per user/month billed annually (Pro); $16.99 billed monthly | Free plan |
 Rocket.Chat | Regulated or public-sector organizations that need on-premises, air-gapped or sovereign-cloud chat. | Contact sales | Free plan |
 Flock | Small teams (up to about 100 members) wanting low-cost chat with a free tier. | Free (Starter); PRO price not shown on current page | Free plan |
 Zoho Cliq | Teams already on Zoho apps (CRM, Projects, Workplace) that want chat inside that suite. | Free; paid Standard plan (USD amount not confirmed by the vendor) | Free plan |
 Twist | Remote or multi-timezone teams that prefer async threads over real-time chat. | Free; Unlimited $6 per user/month (currency unconfirmed) | Free plan |
Prices as published by each vendor on October 24, 2026. "Contact sales" means the vendor publishes no price.
The 11 best team chat and messaging software in 2026
Best for app integrations
Slack
Channel-based team chat with huddles and Slack Connect, sold per user in Free, Pro, Business+ and Enterprise+ plans.
Slack is channel-based team chat with huddles and Slack Connect for talking to outside partners. It stands out for its large app and integration ecosystem and a very easy interface, sold in Free, Pro, Business+ and Enterprise+ plans.
- Best for
- Teams wanting channel-based chat with a large app ecosystem.
- Company size
- Small teams to large enterprises (Enterprise Grid)
Key features
- Channels and threading
- Channels, threads and huddles; Slack Connect for external 1:1 messaging on Free.
- Built-in video and huddles
- Free: 1:1 huddles only; Pro and up: group huddles/meetings (limits not published on pricing page)
- Search and message history limits
- Free: 90-day visible history and data deleted after 1 year; paid plans longer (retention details not confirmed by the vendor)
- App integrations and bots
- Free plan limited to 10 apps.
Pros
- Very easy to use (G2 ease of use about 9.1)
- Strong app and integration ecosystem.
Cons
- Notification overload and channel sprawl.
- Limited message history on free plan.
Pricing: $8.75/user/month monthly, about $7.25/user/month billed annually (Pro) · Free plan
Best for Microsoft 365 organizations
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft's chat, meetings and calling app, sold standalone as Teams Essentials or bundled in Microsoft 365 plans.
Microsoft Teams combines chat, meetings and calling, and is sold standalone as Teams Essentials or bundled in Microsoft 365 plans. It stands out for deep fit with Microsoft 365, shared channels and large meetings.
- Best for
- Organizations already on Microsoft 365 and Entra ID.
- Company size
- Small businesses (Essentials, Business) to enterprises (E3/E5)
Key features
- Channels and threading
- Standard, private and shared channels; up to 1,000 channels per team; teams up to 25,000 members.
- Built-in video and huddles
- Calls from chat up to 20 people; meetings up to 300 people on Essentials and Business plans, up to 1,000 on enterprise plans.
- Search and message history limits
- Chat stored in Exchange Online mailboxes; admin search and hold needs Exchange Online mailbox.
- App integrations and bots
- Teams apps available on Business and Enterprise plans; Loop integrations.
Pros
- Easy to use, strong file sharing and communication features.
- Tight fit with Microsoft 365.
Cons
- Performance issues and heavy resource use.
- Complicated interface, slow loading.
Pricing: $4.00/user/month paid yearly (Teams Essentials) · Free plan
Microsoft Teams pricing and review Microsoft Teams alternatives
Best for Google Workspace teams
Google Chat
Google's team chat with spaces and threads, included in every paid Google Workspace plan alongside Gmail, Drive and Meet.
Google Chat is Google's team chat with spaces and threaded replies, included in every paid Google Workspace plan alongside Gmail, Drive and Meet. It stands out for simplicity and for teams that want one bundled bill.
- Best for
- Teams already on Google Workspace that want chat without a second license.
- Company size
- Small to enterprise; Starter to Plus limited to 300 users.
Key features
- Channels and threading
- Spaces with threaded replies and direct messages.
- Built-in video and huddles
- Google Meet built in; participant cap depends on Workspace plan (100 Starter to 1,000 Enterprise)
- Security and admin controls
- Workspace supports SAML and OIDC SSO; Secure LDAP on Plus; DLP and context-aware access on Enterprise.
Pros
- Simple and easy to use.
- Tight fit with the rest of Google Workspace.
Cons
- Limited feature depth compared with chat-first tools.
- File-sharing size limits and occasional slowness reported.
Pricing: $7 per user/month (Workspace Starter, annual commitment billed monthly) · Free plan, Free trial
Best budget option for small teams
Chanty
Low-cost team chat with channels, tasks and Kanban, now marketed as a workspace for staff and AI agents.
Chanty is a low-cost team chat with channels, direct messages, tasks and Kanban boards, now marketed as a workspace for staff and AI agents. It stands out for its price, with a free plan for up to 5 members.
- Best for
- Small teams wanting cheap per-user chat with tasks.
- Company size
- Small businesses.
Key features
- Channels and threading
- Group chats, channels, direct messages; threads not confirmed by the vendor.
- Built-in video and huddles
- Free: unlimited 1:1 audio/video; Business: unlimited group calls.
- Search and message history limits
- Free plan lists unlimited searchable history.
- App integrations and bots
- Free up to 10; Business unlimited; MCP-connected partner apps.
Pros
- Easy to use and good support (Capterra sub-scores 4.8)
- Low price for the feature set.
Pricing: Free up to 5 members; Business 3 EUR per user/month billed annually (EUR only) · Free plan
Best for frontline and deskless staff
Connecteam
Employee management app for deskless teams where chat sits alongside scheduling, time tracking, tasks and HR hubs.
Connecteam is an employee app for deskless teams that puts chat next to scheduling, time tracking, tasks and HR hubs. It stands out for its mobile-first design, read receipts for managers and a free plan for up to 10 users.
- Best for
- Frontline and deskless teams needing scheduling, forms and chat in one mobile app.
- Company size
- Small to mid-size deskless businesses; 80,000+ businesses claimed.
Key features
- Channels and threading
- Group chats and updates; channels and threads not confirmed by the vendor.
- App integrations and bots
- Integrations page exists; specific names not extracted.
- Security and admin controls
- SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, CCPA; SSO on Enterprise.
- Mobile app and frontline fit
- Mobile-first app (App Store 4.8, 70,000+ reviews per vendor); shifts, time clock, forms; read receipts for managers.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Central place for communication and scheduling.
Cons
- Cost can climb as team size grows (G2 summary)
Pricing: Free for up to 10 users; paid from $29/month (Basic, first 30 users) per hub · Free plan, Free trial
Best for self-hosted security
Mattermost
Self-hostable team chat and collaboration platform sold in Professional, Enterprise and Enterprise Advanced editions, aimed at security-sensitive organizations.
Mattermost is a self-hostable collaboration platform sold in Professional, Enterprise and Enterprise Advanced editions. It stands out for data ownership, air-gapped deployment, audit logs and a strong fit for security-sensitive and DevOps teams.
- Best for
- Organizations that must self-host or run air-gapped chat.
- Company size
- Professional up to 250 users; Enterprise scales to tens of thousands.
Key features
- Channels and threading
- Channel-centric with threads.
- Built-in video and huddles
- Calls built in; Entry (free) edition limited to 40-minute calls.
- Search and message history limits
- Entry edition 10,000 channel messages; unlimited searchable history on Professional.
- Guest and external access
- Guest accounts on Professional with custom user groups.
Pros
- Strong security and data ownership.
- User-friendly interface and integrations.
Cons
- Interface not intuitive to some users.
Pricing: Contact sales · Free plan, Free trial
Zoom Workplace
Video meetings platform that bundles team chat, whiteboard and AI note-taking into per-user Pro and Business plans.
Zoom Workplace is a video meetings platform that bundles team chat, whiteboard and AI note-taking into per-user plans. It stands out for reliable video meetings, with chat attached and meetings of 100 to 1,000 participants depending on the plan.
- Best for
- Teams whose main need is reliable video meetings with chat attached.
- Company size
- Small business to enterprise.
Key features
- Channels and threading
- Team Chat with channels and threads (not confirmed by the vendor in detail)
- Built-in video and huddles
- Native Zoom Meetings: 100 to 1,000 participants depending on plan.
- Security and admin controls
- Trust center lists SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, FedRAMP Moderate, PCI DSS.
Pros
- Good video quality and easy screen sharing.
- Simple scheduling and joining.
Cons
- Feature set seen as limited versus suites.
- Connectivity issues and meeting fatigue.
Pricing: $14.16 per user/month billed annually (Pro); $16.99 billed monthly · Free plan
Zoom Workplace pricing and review Zoom Workplace alternatives
Rocket.Chat
Self-hostable, open source team chat platform aimed at government, defense and regulated organizations that need to control where data lives.
Rocket.Chat is an open source team chat platform that organizations can self-host, run on-premises or air-gapped. It stands out for federation with Matrix and XMPP, enterprise SSO options and a free self-managed Starter workspace.
- Best for
- Regulated or public-sector organizations that need on-premises, air-gapped or sovereign-cloud chat.
- Company size
- Mid-size to enterprise, government, defense and critical infrastructure.
Key features
- Channels and threading
- Channels, teams, discussions, direct messages and threaded replies.
- Built-in video and huddles
- Voice, video and screen sharing listed as core features.
- App integrations and bots
- Custom apps, workflows, REST APIs, SDKs, and an app marketplace (labeled new)
- Guest and external access
- Not documented on the homepage; partner collaboration is done via federation with Matrix and XMPP.
Pros
- Flexible and controllable, with strong data control and privacy options.
- Reviewers generally find it easy to use and feature-rich.
Cons
- UI feels less polished than mainstream chat tools.
- Setup and customization can be complex.
Pricing: Contact sales · Free plan
Flock
Team messenger with channels, video and apps aimed at small and mid-size teams, with a free Starter plan.
Flock is a team messenger with channels, video and apps for small and mid-size teams. It stands out for a free Starter plan and unlimited searchable history on the paid PRO plan.
- Best for
- Small teams (up to about 100 members) wanting low-cost chat with a free tier.
- Company size
- Starter 1 to 20, PRO 20 to 100, Enterprise 100+ members.
Key features
- Channels and threading
- 10 public channels on Starter, unlimited on PRO and Enterprise.
- Built-in video and huddles
- Starter 1:1 only; PRO group calls up to 20 participants; Enterprise limit not stated.
- Search and message history limits
- 10,000 searchable messages on Starter; unlimited on PRO and Enterprise.
- Guest and external access
- PRO and Enterprise guests free for 90 days from invitation, then billed at member rate.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Channels and direct messages keep conversations organized.
Cons
- Fewer advanced features than larger rivals.
- Mobile apps seen as needing improvement.
Pricing: Free (Starter); PRO price not shown on current page · Free plan
Zoho Cliq
Team chat from Zoho with channels, calls and bots, with a free tier and per-user paid plans.
Zoho Cliq is team chat from Zoho with channels, group chats, calls and bots. It stands out for its free tier and for teams already using Zoho apps such as CRM and Projects, where chat sits inside the suite.
- Best for
- Teams already on Zoho apps (CRM, Projects, Workplace) that want chat inside that suite.
- Company size
- Small teams to enterprises (Enterprise tier has 10-user minimum)
Key features
- Channels and threading
- Channels up to 100 participants and group chats up to 100 participants on Free.
- Built-in video and huddles
- 1:1 audio/video calls; meetings up to 100 participants (Free, Standard) or 1,000 active participants plus 10,000 viewers (Professional, Enterprise); 60-minute cap on Free.
- Search and message history limits
- 10,000 searchable messages on Free; unlimited on Standard and above.
- App integrations and bots
- Extensions and bots; Free is limited to 10 extensions and 100 bots per company.
Pros
- Easy to use with a clean interface.
- Strong fit when the rest of the stack is Zoho.
Pricing: Free; paid Standard plan (USD amount not confirmed by the vendor) · Free plan
Twist
Async-first team messaging app from Doist where every conversation lives in a thread inside a channel.
Twist is an async-first messaging app from Doist where every conversation lives in a thread inside a channel. It suits remote and multi-timezone teams and offers a free plan with free guests.
- Best for
- Remote or multi-timezone teams that prefer async threads over real-time chat.
- Company size
- Small teams; enterprise pricing for over 200 employees.
Key features
- Channels and threading
- Channels organized by topic, every message in a thread.
- Search and message history limits
- Free: 1 month of history; Unlimited: full history.
- App integrations and bots
- Google Drive, GitHub, Zoom, Todoist, Zapier, Asana, Calendly listed; Free capped at 5 integrations.
- Guest and external access
- Free: guests free but see only last month; Unlimited: single-channel guests free, multi-channel guests billed as members.
Pros
- Clean, customizable interface.
- Threads keep topics organized for async work.
Pricing: Free; Unlimited $6 per user/month (currency unconfirmed) · Free plan
How to choose the best team communication app
Start with where your team already works, because a chat tool that fits your existing suite is easier to adopt than a separate one. Then check how much you work with clients and contractors, whether you have frontline staff on phones and which security rules apply to you. Use the criteria below to shortlist two or three tools, and trial them with a real team before you decide.
Channels and threading
Channels sort conversations by topic, and threads keep side discussions from burying the main thread. Strong tools make it easy to find the right channel, follow replies and mute noise. Weak ones leave busy channels hard to scan, which is why Slack users mention notification overload.
- Slack: Channels, threads and huddles; Slack Connect for external 1:1 messaging on Free.
- Microsoft Teams: Standard, private and shared channels; up to 1,000 channels per team; teams up to 25,000 members.
- Google Chat: Spaces with threaded replies and direct messages.
- Chanty: Group chats, channels, direct messages; threads not confirmed by the vendor.
- Connecteam: Group chats and updates; channels and threads not confirmed by the vendor.
Built-in video and huddles
Built-in calls and huddles let a conversation move from text to voice or video without opening another app. Compare group call limits, because some free plans only allow one-to-one calls, such as Slack Free and Flock Starter. Tools like Zoom Workplace and Microsoft Teams are built around larger meetings.
- Slack: Free: 1:1 huddles only; Pro and up: group huddles/meetings (limits not published on pricing page)
- Microsoft Teams: Calls from chat up to 20 people; meetings up to 300 people on Essentials and Business plans, up to 1,000 on enterprise plans.
- Google Chat: Google Meet built in; participant cap depends on Workspace plan (100 Starter to 1,000 Enterprise)
- Chanty: Free: unlimited 1:1 audio/video; Business: unlimited group calls.
- Mattermost: Calls built in; Entry (free) edition limited to 40-minute calls.
Search and message history limits
Search lets people find old decisions and files, and history limits decide how far back they can look. Free plans often cap this, for example Slack Free shows 90 days and Zoho Cliq Free allows 10,000 searchable messages. Check retention rules if you need records for compliance.
- Slack: Free: 90-day visible history and data deleted after 1 year; paid plans longer (retention details not confirmed by the vendor)
- Microsoft Teams: Chat stored in Exchange Online mailboxes; admin search and hold needs Exchange Online mailbox.
- Chanty: Free plan lists unlimited searchable history.
- Mattermost: Entry edition 10,000 channel messages; unlimited searchable history on Professional.
- Flock: 10,000 searchable messages on Starter; unlimited on PRO and Enterprise.
App integrations and bots
Integrations connect chat to project, CRM and helpdesk tools so notifications and approvals appear in one place. Look for the apps you already use, bots and an open API. Free plans often limit the count, such as 10 apps on Slack Free and 5 integrations on Twist Free.
- Slack: Free plan limited to 10 apps.
- Microsoft Teams: Teams apps available on Business and Enterprise plans; Loop integrations.
- Chanty: Free up to 10; Business unlimited; MCP-connected partner apps.
- Connecteam: Integrations page exists; specific names not extracted.
- Rocket.Chat: Custom apps, workflows, REST APIs, SDKs, and an app marketplace (labeled new)
Guest and external access
Guest access lets clients and contractors join selected channels without seeing the rest of your workspace. Good tools control exactly what guests see and keep it free or cheap. Differences are large: Slack Connect works across companies, Teams shared channels need Entra accounts and some tools bill guests after a trial period.
- Slack: Slack Connect external messaging; Free limited to 1:1.
- Microsoft Teams: Shared channels support external participants with Entra work or school accounts only.
- Chanty: Free: 1 guest; Business: 3 free guest seats per paid member.
- Mattermost: Guest accounts on Professional with custom user groups.
- Rocket.Chat: Not documented on the homepage; partner collaboration is done via federation with Matrix and XMPP.
Security and admin controls
Security covers single sign-on, retention policies, audit logs and published certifications. Regulated buyers should check which of these sit behind higher plans, since audit logs on Zoho Cliq are Enterprise only. Self-hosted tools such as Mattermost and Rocket.Chat add control over where data is stored.
- Slack: SOC 2 Type II and SOC 3, ISO 27001/27017/27018/27701/42001, HIPAA configurable, FedRAMP Moderate (Enterprise/Enterprise+), GovSlack FedRAMP High, C5, ENS High.
- Microsoft Teams: Built on Entra ID and Microsoft 365 compliance; certification list not confirmed by the vendor.
- Google Chat: Workspace supports SAML and OIDC SSO; Secure LDAP on Plus; DLP and context-aware access on Enterprise.
- Chanty: Business: SSO, 2FA; Enterprise: SAML and directory sync, custom retention; 120+ admin permission settings on homepage.
- Connecteam: SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, CCPA; SSO on Enterprise.
Mobile app and frontline fit
Hourly and field staff mostly use their phones, so the mobile app matters more than the desktop client. Look for shift-aware features such as scheduling, time clocks and read receipts. Connecteam is built for this use, while most chat-first tools treat frontline use as an add-on or do not document it.
- Slack: Frontline teams is an Enterprise+ add-on.
- Chanty: Apps for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, web; targets frontline industries on homepage.
- Connecteam: Mobile-first app (App Store 4.8, 70,000+ reviews per vendor); shifts, time clock, forms; read receipts for managers.
- Mattermost: Native iOS and Android apps; Enterprise MDM/EMM support; Entry push notifications capped at 10,000 per month.
- Rocket.Chat: Mobile and desktop apps available; frontline features not documented.
Pricing model and transparency
Most team chat software charges per user per month, often with a free tier that limits history, apps or calls. Some tools are bundled into a suite license, such as Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, and self-hosted editions are usually quoted. Check what the free plan really includes, and what the per-user price is at your team size.
- Slack: Per user, monthly or annual; Free forever tier.
- Microsoft Teams: Per user, bundled with Microsoft 365 or standalone Essentials.
- Google Chat: Bundled per-user Workspace license; no separate Chat price.
- Chanty: Per user, flat tiers.
- Connecteam: Base fee per hub covering 30 users plus per-extra-user fee.
Target company size
Some tools are built for small teams and others for enterprise governance. A small team gains from simple setup and a free tier, while a large organization needs admin controls, SSO and support. Pick a tool that fits your size today and can grow with you without a forced migration.
- Slack: Small teams to large enterprises (Enterprise Grid)
- Microsoft Teams: Small businesses (Essentials, Business) to enterprises (E3/E5)
- Google Chat: Small to enterprise; Starter to Plus limited to 300 users.
- Chanty: Small businesses.
- Connecteam: Small to mid-size deskless businesses; 80,000+ businesses claimed.
What team chat and messaging software really costs
Features decide the shortlist; the bill decides whether it stays affordable as the team grows. The numbers below come from each vendor's published plans: entry prices, how far plans climb, what single sign-on costs extra and which fees sit on top.
- Median entry price
- $7
- Publish their prices
- 8 of 11
- Free plans
- 11 of 11
- Biggest price climb
- 3.1x
per user per month, cheapest paid plan of each tool
3 quote on request
Google Chat, $7 to $22
What team chat and messaging software costs per year for your size
For 20 users on the cheapest plan that fits, Flock costs nothing on its free plan and Zoom Workplace $3,398. Pick your own size: the order changes because free plans end, plans have user caps and per-user prices multiply differently.
| # | Tool | Plan and price basis | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flock | StarterFree plan | $0 |
| 2 | Twist | FreeFree plan | $0 |
| 3 | Microsoft Teams | Teams Essentials$4 per user per month | $960 |
| 4 | Google Chat | Business Starter$7 per user per month | $1,680 |
| 5 | Slack | Pro$7.25 per user per month | $1,740 |
| 6 | Zoom Workplace | Pro$14.16 per user per month | $3,398 |
List prices per month as published on October 24, 2026, billed annually where the vendor shows both, promotions excluded. Full feature plan adds one-time onboarding fees in year one. Not in the calculation: Chanty, Connecteam, Mattermost, Rocket.Chat and Zoho Cliq (quote only, another pricing unit or a plan that does not fit this size).
How far each price can climb
The entry price is rarely what you pay once the team needs more. Each line runs from a tool's cheapest paid plan to its most expensive published plan. Google Chat grows 3.1x from $7 to $22, Slack 2.1x, while Twist sells a single paid plan.
- Google ChatBusiness Starter $7 to Business Plus $22 per user per month3.1x
- SlackPro $7.25 to Business+ $15 per user per month2.1x
- Microsoft TeamsTeams Essentials $4 to Microsoft 365 Business Basic $7 per user per month1.8x
- Zoom WorkplacePro $14.16 to Business $18.33 per user per month1.3x
Published plan prices only; quote-only plans are not on the scale. The scale is logarithmic so cheap and expensive tools fit on one line.
How team chat pricing works
Team chat pricing looks simple, a price per user per month, but several details change the final number. Before comparing plans, count your full-time staff, guests and frontline workers, and decide whether you already pay for a suite that includes chat. The pricing patterns below explain most of the gaps between the advertised price and the final invoice you receive.
Per user per month
Slack Pro is listed at $8.75 per user per month on monthly billing and about $7.25 billed annually. Annual billing lowers the rate but commits you for the year. Multiply by your real headcount, not just the people who chat daily.
Bundled with a suite
Microsoft Teams starts at $4.00 per user per month on Teams Essentials, and Google Chat comes with Workspace Starter at $7 per user per month. If you already run one of these suites, chat adds little to the bill, but two suites together cost more.
Free tier limits
Free plans are useful for small teams but cap history, group calls or members. Slack keeps 90 days of history on the free plan and Chanty is free up to 5 members. Check the limit that will bite first.
Guest and add-on charges
Guests may be free, capped or billed at the member rate. Add-ons such as calling plans, webinars, key management or extra hubs are usually separate line items. Include the ones you need.
Quote-only and self-hosted licensing
Rocket.Chat and Mattermost sell paid plans through sales and offer self-managed options. Self-hosting removes the per-seat chat fee but adds server, admin and support costs. Compare the full cost, not only the license.
Costs that are easy to miss
Add-ons, usage fees and premium modules often decide the real bill. These are the paid extras the vendors list themselves.
- SlackEnterprise Key Management (EKM), price not published; Frontline teams add-on on Enterprise+; Flex Credits via Salesforce for Slackbot message limits on Business+ invoice plans
- Microsoft TeamsTeams Phone and calling plans, audio conferencing, Teams Premium, Teams Rooms: separate licenses, prices not listed here
- Google ChatHigher tiers for Meet size, Vault and DLP; no Chat-specific add-on published
- ConnecteamAdditional hubs priced separately
- MattermostPremier Support; U.S.-Based Premier Support; Extra non-production server licenses (up to four with Premier)
- Zoom WorkplaceLarge Meeting (1,000 participants), price not published; Webinars, price not published on plans page
- Rocket.ChatMission critical support (paid, price not published); Professional services (paid, price not published)
- FlockGuests after 90 days are billed at member rate
Our recommendation
Pick the tool that matches the place your team already works, then confirm it covers guests, mobile use and the security controls you need. Chat-first tools suit teams that live in many apps, while suite tools win when email and meetings already sit in one license. To keep costs in check, count every user including guests, test the free plan limits and compare the price at your real headcount.
Team Chat and Messaging Software: frequently asked questions
What is the best team communication app for a small business?
It depends on your existing tools. Teams on Microsoft 365 usually get the most from Microsoft Teams, which starts at $4.00 per user per month, and Google Workspace users already have Google Chat. Chanty is a low-cost chat-first option, and Slack suits teams that rely on many apps.
What are free alternatives to Slack?
Chanty, Zoho Cliq, Twist and Flock all offer free plans. Chanty is free for up to 5 members, Twist includes free guests, and Rocket.Chat and Mattermost have free self-managed editions for technical teams. Check history and integration limits before you commit.
Which team chat app works for frontline or hourly employees?
Connecteam is the clearest fit, with a mobile-first app that combines chat, shifts, time clock and forms, and a free plan for up to 10 users. Chanty also lists frontline industries as a target. Most chat-first tools do not document shift features.
What features should team chat software have?
Look for channels, threaded replies, direct messages, searchable history, file sharing and calls. Then check integrations with your project and CRM tools, guest access for outside partners and admin controls such as SSO and retention. Which of these you need depends on your team size and industry.
How much does Slack cost per user?
The Pro plan costs $8.75 per user per month when billed monthly, or about $7.25 per user per month billed annually. A free plan exists but keeps 90 days of visible history and limits you to 10 apps.
What do team chat and messaging software cost for a team of 20?
Calculated from published list prices: Slack: Pro annual: 20 x $7.25 x 12 = $1,740/year; Business+ annual: 20 x $15 x 12 = $3,600/year (annual rates not directly confirmed on the vendor page); Microsoft Teams: Essentials: 20 x $4 x 12 = $960/year; Business Basic: 20 x $7 x 12 = $1,680/year; Google Chat: 20 x $7 x 12 = $1,680 per year on Starter; 20 x $14 x 12 = $3,360 on Standard; Chanty: 20 x 3 EUR x 12 = 720 EUR per year on annual Business (vendor FAQ example: 5 users = 180 EUR/yr); Connecteam: Communications Basic, 20 users: $29 x 12 = $348 per year if the first number is the annual rate ($35 x 12 = $420 monthly); Zoom Workplace: Business: 20 x $18.33 x 12 = $4,399.20 per year; Pro: 20 x $14.16 x 12 = $3,398.40. Tools that quote on request are not included.
Which team chat and messaging software have a free plan or free trial?
Slack (free plan), Microsoft Teams (free plan), Google Chat (free plan, free trial), Chanty (free plan), Connecteam (free plan, free trial), Mattermost (free plan, free trial), Zoom Workplace (free plan), Rocket.Chat (free plan), Flock (free plan), Zoho Cliq (free plan) and Twist (free plan), according to the vendors' sites on October 24, 2026.