30 Instant Messaging Apps Your Business Could Use
Every business is unique in the way the team members communicate and collaborate on tasks, so communication tools need to come with a wide variety of options to suit as many business models as possible.
Below is an extensive list of the best business instant messaging apps on the market to help you identify the ideal app for your business…
Slack
Slack is one of the best known and most widely used instant messaging apps for businesses. It provides one-on-one messaging, group chat, individual and team audio calls as well as video conferencing.
HipChat
The HipChat app offers similar messaging options and chat tools. There is 1-on-1 instant messaging, group chat rooms, file sharing, screen sharing and video conferencing. It also features various third-party app integrations.
Stride
Stride is made by the same people who made HipChat and is a team communication tool that replicates much of what you find in HipChat, while adding natively hosted video and audio meetings.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is part of the Office 365 subscription and is software as a service that creates a chat-based workspace focused on real-time interaction. Additional tools include various chat options, notes and Microsoft Office.
Flowdock
The Flowdock app enables the workforces of small businesses to collaborate and keep communications with the usual chat tools in one place. A nice additional feature is the incorporation of hashtags and @-mentions which let someone get another specific user’s attention.
Basecamp 3
Basecamp 3 has replaced Campfire as a web-based chat tool that doesn’t require you to install any instant messaging apps or clients. You just use a password-protected chat room that team members are invited into and where files can be shared.
Google Hangouts Chat
The Google Hangouts Chat app has evolved into an excellent communication tool for businesses of different sizes. It features deep integration with the G Suite productivity tools including Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar and Mail.
Facebook Workplace
Facebook’s Workplace Chat app is a desktop app featuring screen sharing, group video chat for up to 50 people and live video broadcasting. It also works on iOS and Android.
Amazon Chime
There are two higher tiers of Amazon Chime with extra business management tools, but the Basic package includes much of what any small business will need. There is one-to-one voice calling, video calling for two people, screen sharing and a message history spanning 30 days.
Skype for Business
Skype offer a nice free business messaging app that offers group video calling for up to 20 people. There are also higher tiers which include many more tools and options.
Troop Messenger
Troop Messenger focuses on higher security protocols and includes a fingerprint scanner, server-side encryption, activity monitor and 4-digit pin.