Nowadays, working remotely has become more and more common, especially given current circumstances. As we continue to embrace this new way of working, it’s essential to understand how powerful messaging apps can be for businesses.

Many instant messaging platforms aim to help organizations run more smoothly by making communication easier. These handy chat apps enable team members, even those in different locations, to collaborate in real-time without hassle.

The best instant messaging apps for business out there also come packed with extra features on the platform. Some fan favorites include the ability to share files, make audio and video calls, and manage projects efficiently

Connecteam

Connecteam is an employee management and engagement software application designed for non-desk employees. It is a mobile-first platform that helps improve communication, enhance daily processes, and save time.

Connecteam is trusted by many businesses to streamline their work and manage their workforce. It allows managers to put every business process on autopilot and focus on business growth while freeing time for employees. 

Connecteam is an all-in-one employee app that helps businesses communicate, operate, and train their non-desk employees. It is easy to use, customizable, and affordable.

Features

• Features and BenefitsManage, train, and communicate with your non-desk workforce, all on Connecteam’s easy-to-use app
• Fully personalize your employee app to suit your business
• simplify employee communication, enhance professional skills, manage daily tasks, and more
• Mobile-first, all-in-one application that was designed to allow users to manage and communicate with non-desk employees
• Provides its solution to companies in more than 50 different industries

Pricing plans

The Connect team has four price plans that include:

$0 Small Business Plan

• Free for life!
• Full access to all hubs and features

$29 Basic plan

• Filter dates for more than 30 days
• Time tracking includes all report types, GPS, and unlimited jobs
• Payroll software integration
• Shift info (location, notes, media & files)
• Claiming Open Shifts
• Users can add images to a form
• Past-due Tasks Quick View
• Save Task As a Draft

$49 Advanced

Everything in Operations Basic, plus:

• Smart Groups and admin permissions
• Geofence for the Time Clock
• Recurring shifts and templates for the Schedule
• Advanced filtering & bulk actions
• Lock days in timesheets
• Kiosk only clocks in and out
• Auto Clock Out
• Recurring Tasks

$99 Expert

Everything in Operations Advanced, plus:

• Users can view & edit their profile
• In-app links (shortcuts)
• Multi-branch / location management
• Live GPS tracking (breadcrumbs)
• Process automation
• Conflicts & custom limitations
• New device login alert

Pros

• Easy to set up and customize
• Very intuitive and user-friendly
• Great for mobile teams
• Cost-effective for the options you get
• Helps to improve communication and collaboration
• It offers a lot of great features
• Powerful, mobile-first platform
• Trusted by over 36,000 companies worldwide

Cons

• Some users may find the app to be too basic
• Limited integrations with other software
• The app has breakdowns occasionally

Slack

Slack is a popular instant messaging and video app for businesses designed to connect people with the information they need, facilitating organizational communication. Slack is developed by Slack Technologies and owned by Salesforce. It is a single place for messaging, tools, and files, making it an instant messaging system with numerous add-ins for other workplace tools.

Though primarily intended for professional and organizational communications, Slack has also been adopted as a community platform. Its primary purpose is simplifying communication for teams across various locations, making it particularly useful for businesses with worldwide offices or freelancers with multiple clients.

Features

• Instant messaging and communication with team members
• Voice and video calls
• Integration with third-party tools
• Code creation and project management
• Data protection
• Collaborative work platform across devices
• Set reminders and get notified
• Know team availability.

Pricing plans

Slack offer three price plans that include:

$7.20 Pro pan

• Unlimited message history
• Unlimited apps and integrations
• Unlimited lightweight, voice-first huddles
• Secure work with other companies using Slack Connect channels

$12.20 Business+ plan

• 99.99% guaranteed uptime
• User provisioning and de-provisioning
• SAML-based single sign-on
• Data exports for all messages

Enterprise Gold – Contact Slack for a price estimate

• Unlimited workspaces
• Support for data loss prevention (DLP), e-Discovery, and offline backup providers
• HIPAA-compliant message and file collaboration

Pros

• Easy-to-use interface
• Integration with other tools, apps, and bots to streamline work
• Offers multiple benefits such as instant messaging and communication with team members
• Simplifies communication for businesses
• Offers open discussions, private groups, and direct messaging
• It can be used on various devices
• It provides a free version with basic features

Cons

• It can be overwhelming for some users due to the number of features
• It can be distracting for some users due to the constant notifications
• It can be expensive for larger teams
• Some users may prefer other communication tools depending on their needs and preferences.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a proprietary business communication platform developed by Microsoft as part of the Microsoft 365 family of products. Teams primarily compete with the similar service Slack, offering workspace chat and videoconferencing, file storage, and application integration. It is designed for employees who speak with customers or run day-to-day operations.

Microsoft Teams intelligently connects people with the information they need more efficiently and collaborate. It offers communities, events, chats, channels, meetings, storage, tasks, and calendars in one place, making it easy to connect and manage. 

Features

• Business messaging
• Calling
• Video meetings
• File sharing
• Real-time messaging
• Audio calls
• Breakout rooms
• Improved whiteboard
• Live transcription
• Spotlighting people
• Comprehensive meeting and calling experience
• Built-in, fully integrated voice and video conferencing
• Integration with other Microsoft 365 apps and services
• Mobile app for on-the-go collaboration

Pricing plans

Plans include:

$4.00 Team Essentials

• Unlimited group meetings for up to 30 hours
• Up to 300 participants per meeting
• 10 GB of cloud storage per user
• Anytime phone and web support
• Unlimited chat with coworkers and customers
• Files sharing, tasks, and polling
• Data encryption for discussions, chats, calls, and files
• Live captions in meetings (English)

$6.00 Microsoft 365 Business Basic

• Microsoft Whiteboard
• Hundreds of collaborative apps
• Collaborative annotations in Teams meetings so that participants can contribute to shared content4
• Live captions in meetings (over 30 languages)
• Team meetings recordings with transcripts
• Web and mobile versions of Microsoft 365 apps
• Expanded cloud storage of 1 TB per user
• Business-class email
• Standard security

$12.50 Microsoft 365 Business Standard

Everything listed in Microsoft 365 Business Basic, plus:

• Desktop versions of Microsoft 365 apps with premium features
• Webinar hosting
• Attendee registration and reporting tools
• Manage customer appointments

Pros

• Integration of all tools in a single place
• Provides a fully decked-out document storage, chat, and online meeting environment
• Offers a comprehensive meeting and calling experience
• Built-in, fully integrated voice and video conferencing
• Offers a mobile app for on-the-go collaboration
• Provides a secure platform for communication and collaboration
• Offers a free version with basic features

Cons

• Difficulty in logging in using an ID and password to join a meeting
• It can be overwhelming for some users due to the number of features
• It can be distracting for some users due to the constant notifications
• It can be expensive for larger teams
• Some users may prefer other communication tools depending on their needs and preferences.

Zoho Cliq

Zoho Cliq is a team messaging software designed to facilitate communication and collaboration within organizations, offering a competitive alternative to Slack and Microsoft Teams. The platform features a unique columnar design that allows users to manage multiple chats and channels simultaneously, as each conversation opens in its panel or column.

Features

• Real-time messaging
• Columnar design
• Group video call
• Security
• Integrations
• Message formatting
• Incoming webhooks

Pricing plans

The pricing plan includes the:

Free

• Searchable messages: 10k for org
• File storage: 100GB for org
• Max. participants per channel: 100
• User provisioning and de-provisioning
• Google/Google Apps sign-on
• SAML-based single sign-on (SSO)
• Screen sharing
• Remote work
• Read receipts
• Threads
• Scheduled messages

$1 Unlimited

Everything in the Free Edition +

• Searchable messages: Unlimited
• File storage: 100GB per user
• Rebranding
• Custom domain
• Custom email
• Custom user roles and permissions
• User groups (Teams)
• External channels
• Multi-team channels
• Announcement channels
• Exclusive security policy for teams
• Reports
• Guest chat
• Call recording
• NewNetworks

Pros

• Simple and obvious interface
• Pin chats feature for easy access to important conversations
• Integration with Zoho One and other Zoho products
• Robust communication platform for remote and hybrid workplaces
• Clean UI with a variety of features
• Video and voice functionality for effective collaboration
• Easy drag-and-drop interface
• Friendliness to various devices
• Unlimited usage

Cons

• None

Proofhub

ProofHub is a cloud-based project management and team collaboration software that offers a range of features to help teams plan, collaborate, organize, and deliver projects of all sizes on time. It is an all-in-one project planning software that provides every tool your team needs to get work done faster and together. ProofHub offers core features such as task management, project templates, Gantt charts, time tracking, and team collaboration tools.

It is a cost-effective solution that eliminates the need for multiple tools and helps teams stay organized and on track. ProofHub is easy to use and has no learning curve, making it an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes and industries. With ProofHub, teams can streamline work processes, improve communication, and increase productivity.

Features

• Projects
• People
• Tasks
• Kanban
• Gantt charts
• Discussions
• Files
• Proofing
• Custom reports
• Time tracking
• Quick add menu
• Custom roles
• Centralized files
• Notes
• Timers
• Workflows

Pricing plans

Pricing plans include:

$45 Essential

• 40 projects
• Unlimited users
• 15GB storage

$89 Ultimate Control

• Unlimited projects
• Unlimited users
• 100GB storage

Pros

• Offers an all-in-one solution for project management and team collaboration
• Provides a range of powerful features such as task management, Gantt charts, time tracking, and team collaboration tools
• Centralizes file sharing with its file management tool
• Offers a cloud-based solution that can be accessed from anywhere using the internet and a web browser
• Provides mobile apps for on-the-go collaboration
• Offers a free trial and affordable pricing plans
• Suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries

Cons

• Some users may find the interface overwhelming due to the number of features.
• The learning curve may be steep for some users.
• The software may not be suitable for businesses that require advanced project management features.

Twilio

Twilio is a cloud team messaging app enabling businesses to build, scale, and operate customized communication solutions using APIs for SMS, voice, and video. Twilio is an excellent platform for developers to develop and deploy communication features quickly and easily. It provides a wide range of communication channels, such as SMS, voice, and video, and offers APIs, SDKs, and libraries that can be used to integrate communication features into applications.

Twilio is an excellent choice for businesses that want to build messaging apps. It allows software developers to programmatically make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages, and perform other communication functions using its web service APIs. Twilio’s API-centric approach and tools catered to developers are praised for enabling businesses to personalize and expand their communication channels seamlessly.

Features 

• Channels
• In-App Messaging
• Customization
• Security
• Scalability
• Analytics

Pricing plans

Only pay for what you use

Pros

• Offers a wide range of messaging channels, including SMS/MMS, web chat, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, social media direct messages (DMs), and Google Business Messages.
• Provides APIs, SDKs, and libraries that can be customized to meet the specific needs of businesses.
• Offers enterprise-grade security features, including encryption and two-factor authentication, to ensure that messaging apps built on its platform are secure.
• Provides detailed analytics and reporting tools that allow businesses to track the performance of their messaging apps and make data-driven decisions.
• Offers a highly scalable cloud-based platform, allowing businesses to handle large volumes of messages and users easily.
• Provides mobile apps for on-the-go messaging.

Cons

• Some users may find the interface overwhelming due to the number of features.
• The learning curve may be steep for some users.
• The software may not be suitable for businesses that require advanced messaging features.

Twist

The twist is an asynchronous messaging app that combines email, chat, and forums within a unified collaboration space. It is designed to make collaboration easy from anywhere by using threads to organize conversations. The twist is an excellent choice for teams that are spread across time zones and must communicate asynchronously. 

Features 

• Threads: Twist uses lines to organize conversations, making it easy to follow discussions and stay focused.
• Channels: Twist offers channels that can be used to manage conversations by topic or project.
• Direct Messages: Twist allows users to send direct messages to individuals or groups.
• Integrations: Twist integrates with other tools, including Trello, Asana, and Zapier.
• Mobile App: Twist offers a mobile app for on-the-go messaging.
• Security: Twist provides end-to-end encryption and other security features to ensure secure messages.
• Pricing: Twist offers a free plan with limited features and an affordable pricing plan for the Unlimited plan.

Pricing plans

$0 Free Trial

• Access up to 1 month of comments and messages
• Up to 5 integrations
• Up to 5 GB file storage
• Standard support
• Up to 500 internal member accounts
• Up to 500 external guest accounts

$6 Unlimited

• Access the entire history of comments and messages
• Unlimited integrations
• Unlimited file storage
• Priority support
• Unlimited internal member accounts
• Unlimited external guest accounts

Pros

• Offers an asynchronous messaging approach that helps teams stay focused and productive.
• Provides a range of features such as channels, threads, direct messages, and integrations with tools such as Trello, Asana, and Zapier.
• Offers a free plan with limited features and an affordable pricing plan for the Unlimited plan.
• Provides a calm, organized approach to team messaging that helps reduce stress and anxiety.
• Offers a mobile app for on-the-go messaging.

Cons

• It may not be as feature-rich as other communication tools on the market.
• The free plan has limited features.
• It may not be suitable for businesses that require advanced messaging features.

Vmaker

Vmaker is a free screen and webcam recorder used to create screen-recording videos and video messages for all your workplace communication needs. You can send quick video messages by recording your screen and webcam, give video feedback on the work, create product demo videos, facilitate team collaboration, and more.

Continuous real-time communication can drain your teams’ mental resources and hinder productivity. Vmaker enables your team to communicate asynchronously. They don’t have to be available in real-time to communicate but can do so at their own convenience.

Features

• AI-Powered Virtual Background for screen and webcam recording
• Screen Annotation to highlight your video
• Blur Tool to hide sensitive information on your screen during recording
• Share screen recordings with anyone from your team
• Built-in Video Editor for trimming, cropping, rotating, or resizing your recordings

Pricing plans

Plans include:

$0 Lite Plan

• Unlimited number of recordings
• No watermark
• Video Quality up to 720p

$7 billed yearly Starter Plan

Everything in the Light Plan +

• Video quality up to 4K
• Unlimited video access
• Record mic and system audio simultaneously
• AI-powered virtual background
• Blur tool
• Screen annotate and mouse emphasis

$8 billed yearly Team Plan

Everything in the Team Plan +

• Create Folder
• Direct YouTube uploading
• Record Scheduler
• Enable auto-expire to videos
• Add a custom subdomain
• Custom Logo and Color on the video player page

and more

Pros

• Easy to use
• Record an unlimited number of videos
• No watermark in the videos, even in the free plan
• High-definition videos
• You can even schedule a recording session with Vmaker by setting the time and date
• Has an in-built video editor 
• 24/7 priority support

Cons

• Vmaker is yet to launch the Android and iOS application.

Factors to choosing the best business messaging apps

When selecting the best company messaging app for your team, there are several factors to consider. Let’s break down some of the most critical factors to help you make an informed decision.

1. Identify your business needs: Before choosing a messaging app, it’s essential to identify your needs and requirements. What features do you need? What integrations are essential? Do you require specific security or compliance features? Understanding your needs will help you choose an app that best meets your business requirements.

2. Consider user experience: Choose an app that is intuitive and easy to use. Consider the user experience from the perspective of your team members. Will it be easy for them to navigate and utilize the app? Will it help them work more efficiently?

3. Look for customization options: Choose an app that allows you to customize settings and preferences to meet the needs of your team. Can you create custom channels and roles? Can you set up notifications and alerts to keep your team informed and organized?

4. Evaluate security and privacy features: Look for an app prioritizing security and privacy. Does it offer end-to-end encryption? Does it comply with industry standards and regulations? Will it protect your sensitive business data?

5. Consider integration options: Choose an app that integrates with other business tools and systems. This will help you streamline workflows and improve productivity. Does it integrate with popular tools like Trello, Asana, or Salesforce?

6. Evaluate cost and pricing plans: Consider the cost and pricing plans for the app. Choose an app that offers transparent pricing and a variety of plans, so you can select the plan that best fits your budget and needs.

Future trends in business messaging apps

One trend is the integration of all tools in a single place. Microsoft Teams, for example, allows users to utilize the functionalities of multiple apps, such as Planner, Outlook, and SharePoint, without leaving the app’s interface. Integrating tools in a single place makes communicating and collaborating more convenient for users.

Another trend is the use of asynchronous messaging. Apps like Twist use threads to organize conversations, making it easy to follow discussions and stay focused. Asynchronous messaging allows teams to communicate without the pressure of real-time communication, which can be especially helpful for teams that are spread across time zones.

Innovations in business messaging apps will likely focus on improving communication and collaboration. For example, we can expect to see more features that allow for sharing ideas, documents, and videos. We may also see more integrations with other tools and services, making it easier for teams to work together seamlessly.

Conclusion

Choosing the right messaging app for your business requires careful consideration of your needs and requirements and an evaluation of the app’s features, user experience, security and privacy, integration options, and cost. 

By taking the time to make an informed decision, you can choose an app that helps your team communicate and collaborate more effectively, improving your overall business success.

If you’re looking for ways to stay organized and efficient in managing delivery dates on Shopify, check out this article “Stay Organized and Efficient: 9 Must-Have Apps for Managing Delivery Dates on Shopify”. The article highlights nine must-have apps that can help you streamline your workflow and keep track of your orders.

From delivery date pickers to shipping rate calculators, these apps can help you provide a better customer experience and improve your bottom line. So, if you’re ready to take your Shopify store to the next level, head over to the article and start exploring these helpful apps today!