16 Best Team Chat Apps for Remote Working

With more and more companies sticking to remote-working situations the past two years, it’s important to choose the best team chat app for the situation.

However, with so many options of team chat apps out there, it’s practically impossible to know which one is the best one for your company and team.

Luckily, in this article, we’re going to go over and review the 16 best team chat apps for remote working. So, let’s get started, shall we?

1. Google Workspace

Google Workspace is a productivity service with a series of integrated applications. It was officially introduced in October 2020 by the search engine giant, Google.

Google Workspace consists of Gmail, Contacts, Calendar, and Chat applications for better communication and employee engagement during remote work.

You can use Google Workspace free of charge with limited storage per user. You will also need a purchase a custom business domain to use it.

If you need more features and storage though, Google Workspace also comes with affordable premium plans from as low as only $5/a month.

What’s even better, you can use Google Workspace on any platform with Google access. Web browser, Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, you name it.

Key features:

• Integration with all Google services.
• Google meets right off the chat app.
• Personal and group chat.
• Seamlessly share files.
• Unlimited spaces.

2. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a full-featured chat-based collaboration platform developed by Microsoft. These tools are included for free with the Office 365 plan.

The Microsoft Teams support document sharing, online meetings, and many more features that are very useful for communication in remote workings.

This shared workspace platform makes communication and engagement easier to achieve despite having many team members in different places.

The Microsoft Teams app has a large focus on its chatting feature. Users can send standard GIFs, stickers, emojis, and texts via private chats or group chats.

It also saves the chat history so you can use the channel as a summary, to record how long a meeting lasts, document changes, or add new team members.

As the name suggests, you can use the Microsoft Teams on Windows OS devices; whether they’re laptops, smartphones, or desktops.

Here are key features of Microsoft Teams:

• Live Events
• Audio & Video Calls
• Multiple connectivities
• OneNote & OneDrive Integration.

3. Twist

If you’re looking for an app that helps your team separate their work and personal life, Twist might be one of the best options right now.

With their Work Asynch slogan, this messaging app redefines the culture of working from home for a more flexible future in the remote environment.

As it doesn’t give you an online or offline appearance, Twist encourages your team to honor the trust given by the company and focus on the tasks at hand.

You can use this chat application for free. It gives you access to a month of messages, up to 500 members, 5 integrations, and unlimited guests.

If you need to access a full history of comments and messages though, you will only need to pay $5 a month to unlock every premium features it has.

Key features:

• No offline or online status.
• No notifying people when they’re offline.
• Conversation markings.
• Neat, threaded conversations.

4. Slack

Slack is an application that is used as a communication tool in many remote workplaces, where you can send messages, files, and more in one place.

This chat app is basically an enterprise-grade chat and collaboration tool for companies of any size. It is cloud-based and has both free and paid features. 

Designed to replace the email chain in teams, Slack group chats work in a simple interface that runs well in any browser, device, and anywhere in the world.

Although it sounds simple, the execution is excellent. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Slack also has an element of humor that makes it fun to use.

Just like other chat & messaging applications, you can actually use Slack free of charge. If you need premium features, paid plans start at $7 per person/month.

Key features:

• Pinning messages.
• Setting reminders.
• Quick navigation.
• Managing and tracking documents.
• Shared channels across workspaces.
• Third-party Integration.

5. Workplace

Another great option for the best remote team chat is the Workplace app from Meta, the newly rebranded company that runs Facebook and Instagram.

Using the same technology that connects over 3 billion people on Facebook, the Workplace can be used cross-platform with the same robust security.

It comes with many great features that facilitate your team communications such as live video, knowledge library, groupings, safety center, and built-in insights.

On top of that, the Workplace also comes with a news feed feature that lets your employees post and shares what they’re working on and interact with each other.

The Workplace from Meta is also quite affordable as well! You will have to start with the core plan which is $4 for a person / a month and customize it to your desire.

Key features:

• Create an unlimited number of workplace groups.
• Translate posts and comments automatically.
• Google Workspace & Office 365 Integration.
• Have your videos captioned automatically.
• Records broadcasts and live videos to watch later.

6. Convo

Convo is designed for organizations to centrally share, organize and archive information across distributed teams which results in flexible, clear, and intelligent communication.

Users can edit and comment on text, images, and documents as if teams were in the same room. Teammates can easily share updates, preview files from one single platform.

Convo also offers automated workflow solutions that streamline and automate repetitive business tasks, minimizing the potential for errors and improving overall efficiency.

Notable workflows provided by Convo for the company and users include vacation requests, employee onboarding, approval processes, travel requests, and much more.

Convo is currently available on the web, iOS, and Android. For starter users, Convo is free with up to 10 users. Premium plans start at $6.67 per user, per month for unlimited users.

Key features:

• Discussion / forums
• Document management
• Prioritization
• Project management
• Real-time editing
• Real-time chat
• Video conference 

7. Flock

Flock is a collaboration-based chat application that can be used to carry out discussions and workflow when working remotely from anywhere in the world.

This application was created by tech entrepreneur Bhavin Turakhia in 2014. It’s available on various platforms such as Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and the Web.

Just like any other collaboration-based chat application, the main features of Flock include personal messaging, channel messaging, video conferencing, and file sharing.

Flock users can also integrate external third-party applications such as Google Drive, Google Analytics, Trello, GitHub, Twitter, and also Mailchimp.

For a team with no more than 20 members, you can use the Flock messaging free of charge. If you need more members, the pro plan starts at $4.50/user a month.

Key features:

• Shared reminders. 
• Note sharing.
• Unlimited chat history.
• Shared to-do lists. 
• Private and public channels.
• Personalized onboarding.
• Dedicated 24/7 support.

8. RingCentral

RingCentral is a popular cloud-based communication service for businesses. They offer a wide variety of plans for small businesses and enterprises.

The solution was started in 1999 by Vlad Vendrow and Vlad Shmunis. The company offers services such as VoIP, Fax, and PBX systems for businesses.

It also provides enterprise-grade communication such as mobile apps, text, fax, and calls, for small and growing businesses and established companies. 

What’s even more interesting is that RingCentral works across multiple devices, including PCs, tablets, and phones in different operating systems and versions.

RingCentral also integrates seamlessly with a number of other platforms such as Salesforce, Google Drive, Box, Dropbox, and many more.

Unlike most of the chat apps on this list, you can’t use RingCentral for free. The paid plans start at $19 up to $49 a month per user. 

Key features:

• Real-time analytics
• Integrated solutions.
• 24-hour support.
• Calling via local numbers.
• Unlimited conference calls with up to 500 people.

10. Rocket.Chat

Rocket.Chat is an open-source team chat software. You can use audio and video conferencing, you can also invite people to attend online meetings as guests.

You can also set up two-factor authentication (2FA), E2E Encryption, SSO with dozens of Oauth providers to make your meetings safer and more secure.

Rocket.Chat guides how to use Rocket Chat on various servers such as Ubuntu, RedHat, Docker, AWS, and DigitalOCean.  It’s free, with no feature restrictions.

This app is perfect for those who really want full control of any chat software and who prioritize data and customize how your chat server will look and work.

But for those of you who don’t want to bother setting up your chat server, Rocket Chat also provides cloud hosting services with prices starting at $2/user/month.

Since it’s open-source software, you can use Rocket.Chat on any desktop that you have. However, you might need a little technical knowledge to get started.

Key features:

• Offers push notification support.
• Easy file sharing, offers drag and drop support.
• Includes support for sharing audio files.
• Video conferencing with Jitsi Meet integration.
• Unlimited message history for self-managed configuration.
• Multi-platform (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Gnu/Linux).

11. Spike

Spike is an all-in-one email client that also includes chat, collaboration, and calendar management that allows a consistent, smooth, and efficient communication flow

This cloud-based email messaging system optimizes operations and improves teamwork by streamlining the communication process in a much simpler way. 

Users can read and respond to urgent messages because emails are automatically filtered, prioritized, and organized based on previous contacts and conversations.

Spike also makes cooperation easier by allowing users to create group conversations. It works on apps such as O365, G Suite, and is available on iOS, Android, Mac, Windows & Web.

You can try Spike for free. However, after a month, the plan starts at $8 per account/month. Here’s a list of features you might get:

• Snooze email
• Attach from the cloud
• Email encryption
• Custom notifications
• Voice and video calls
• File preview
• Shortcuts
• Sending later

12. Brosix

Brosix is a very powerful cross-platform Instant Messenger. This application allows you to chat and share sensitive data with certain individuals in a private, protected channel. 

For individual work to large-scale organizations especially in remote-working situations, this kind of application is very important to increase productivity and communication.

In addition, this application also supports various popular operating systems, whether it’s in the smartphone or desktop such as iOs, Android, and such.

Employees can stay in touch with each other using features such as online white-boarding, co-browsing, audio/video chat, and teleconferencing to enhance collaboration.

If you often do teamwork to complete projects online, then this application will be very useful to use. Confidentiality is guaranteed by Brosix developers. 

For small teams getting started, the Brosix can be used for free. You will get up to 3 users with chat history for all user accounts and other great features such as a whiteboard.

When your company grows, the Brosix can also be upscaled with only $5 per month per user. You will get many premium features such as video and audio chat.

Key features:

• Welcome module
• Whiteboard
• Custom logo
• Technical support
• Broadcast messages
• Mobile features

13. Connecteam

Connecteam offers businesses the easiest, fastest, easiest, and most comprehensive way to successfully manage officeless and deskless employees.

It’s a simple online platform that uses your business in an easy, fast and comprehensive way to successfully manage remote employees in different locations.

This platform will give you many features. There is a long list of categories to choose from. Each comes with suggested features. Choose the most suitable for your business.

Connecteam has two billing plans. The most popular plan known as Growth is priced at $39 per month for up to 30 employees while the Max costs $79 per month for the same number.

Of course, prices for both plans increase as the number of employees increases. However, you can also try this app for free with some limited features.

Key features:

• Secure chat groups or 1-on-1 chats.
• Full manager control and admin moderation.
• Separate work messaging from private chatter.
• Seamlessly integrates with your daily operations.

14. Troop Messenger

Troop Messenger is a unified business communication tool that boosts team efficiency and collaboration even in remote work situations.

It centralizes all internal company communications, allowing managers and team members to collaborate without the use of different communication platforms.

You can use Troop Messenger to assign tasks, provide instructions, share ideas, and collaborate with colleagues wherever they’re located.

Voice calls, chat, emails, video calls, and video conferencing are also given as options for teams to communicate quickly and efficiently.

File sharing, screen sharing and control, and work calendars are just a few of the powerful collaboration capabilities that keep everyone on the same page.

You can use the Troop Messanger for free on iOS and Android with limited features. If you need more, the premium plans start at $5 per user a month.

Key features:

• Audio messaging
• Bulk messaging
• Private chat window
• Code-snippet
• Flagging messages
• Message-recall

15. Chanty

Chanty is a chat application to work online with your remote team. It’s powered by AI and machine learning so you will get one of the most advanced team chat apps.

The app has a free plan that you can use for up to 10 users. It provides you with additional features through which you can handle your daily tasks.

This interactive task manager tool will allow you to make audio and video calls so you can easily connect with your team – no matter where they’re located.

To run this app you just need an email id and team name. It will save all your conversations, pinned messages, and other content in the same easy way as in other apps.

The Chanty app is also cross-platform available. You can use it on mobile devices such as iOS or Android as well as desktop operating systems.

Key features:

• Share multiple contents in a single app
• Highlight members with @mention
• Save ideas with pinning feature
• Code snippets for dev-friendly formatting
• Kaban board view.

16. ProofHub

ProofHub is an online project management app that can help you get work done. 

This software provides all the basic and advanced tools an organization or team needs to stay focused on their work such as a chat app.

Work as a centralized workspace where managers, teams, and clients can plan and collaborate, to seamlessly manage, track and deliver projects.

What’s great about Proofhub is that you can actually custom and design your own features for the app. This is done to cater to the needs of a growing business.

Apart from being able to be used for communication with the teams involved in the work, this app helps you to track time, review files, generate job reports, etc.

Key features:

• Multitasking feature for the team to collaborate.
• Gantt chart and Kaban boards for better visualization.
• Custom workflows and roles for each user.
• Timesheets.

Closing

There you have it! In this article, we have given you a list of the 16 best team chat apps for remote working complete with their features and prices.

We hope this article has been useful! If you have more questions regarding this topic, please leave a comment down below. See you in another article!