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For the complete set of tools, check out our main Team Chat & Messaging Apps guide.

Team Chat & Messaging Apps for Startups
Albert Richer

Finding the Right Fit: Insights on Team Chat & Messaging Apps for Startups When it comes to choosing a team chat and messaging app, startups face a plethora of options, but research suggests that not all tools are created equal. Customer reviews consistently highlight the importance of features like integration capabilities and user-friendly interfaces. Finding the Right Fit: Insights on Team Chat & Messaging Apps for Startups When it comes to choosing a team chat and messaging app, startups face a plethora of options, but research suggests that not all tools are created equal. Customer reviews consistently highlight the importance of features like integration capabilities and user-friendly interfaces.

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1
Expert Score
9.8 / 10
452
170
STARTUP FRIENDLY
COST-EFFECTIVE

Microsoft Teams IM

Microsoft Teams IM
View Website
Free plan available, Enterprise pricing available
STARTUP FRIENDLY
COST-EFFECTIVE

Why We Love It

Microsoft Teams IM stands out in the startup world due to its seamless integration with other Microsoft products, which many startups already use. Its robust communication and collaboration features foster teamwork, enhance productivity, and allow for remote work. Moreover, Microsoft's commitment to security provides peace of mind that confidential startup information will remain secure.

Pros

  • Real-time communication
  • Collaboration features
  • Remote working capabilities
  • Integration with other Microsoft products
  • Highly secure

Cons

  • Requires good internet connectivity
  • May be complex for non-tech users
  • Dependent on Microsoft ecosystem

Free plan available, Enterprise pricing available

Microsoft Teams Instant Messaging (IM) is a powerful collaboration tool designed specifically for startups. It addresses the need for real-time communication, easy collaboration, and the ability to work remotely, which are common requirements in the startup environment. The software's robust features facilitate seamless communication and enhance productivity.

Pros

  • Real-time communication
  • Collaboration features
  • Remote working capabilities
  • Integration with other Microsoft products
  • Highly secure

Cons

  • Requires good internet connectivity
  • May be complex for non-tech users
  • Dependent on Microsoft ecosystem
STARTUP FRIENDLY
COST-EFFECTIVE

Why We Love It

Microsoft Teams IM stands out in the startup world due to its seamless integration with other Microsoft products, which many startups already use. Its robust communication and collaboration features foster teamwork, enhance productivity, and allow for remote work. Moreover, Microsoft's commitment to security provides peace of mind that confidential startup information will remain secure.

Pros

  • Real-time communication
  • Collaboration features
  • Remote working capabilities
  • Integration with other Microsoft products
  • Highly secure

Cons

  • Requires good internet connectivity
  • May be complex for non-tech users
  • Dependent on Microsoft ecosystem

Why We Love It

Microsoft Teams IM stands out in the startup world due to its seamless integration with other Microsoft products, which many startups already use. Its robust communication and collaboration features foster teamwork, enhance productivity, and allow for remote work. Moreover, Microsoft's commitment to security provides peace of mind that confidential startup information will remain secure.

Free plan available, Enterprise pricing available

Microsoft Teams Instant Messaging (IM) is a powerful collaboration tool designed specifically for startups. It addresses the need for real-time communication, easy collaboration, and the ability to work remotely, which are common requirements in the startup environment. The software's robust features facilitate seamless communication and enhance productivity.

2
Expert Score
9.6 / 10
546
68
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION
HIGHLY SECURE

Slack Team Chat

Slack Team Chat
View Website
Free plan available, Paid plans start at $6.67/month
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION
HIGHLY SECURE

Why We Love It

Slack Team Chat is beloved by startup professionals for its ability to streamline communication and enhance team collaboration. Its integration capabilities with other software tools like Google Drive, Trello, and GitHub, make it a versatile solution in the startup environment. The customizable notification features allow teams to stay focused and avoid unnecessary distractions. Moreover, the robust search function is particularly useful in quickly retrieving past conversations or files.

Pros

  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Integration with numerous apps
  • Efficient file sharing and collaboration
  • Customizable notifications
  • Robust search features

Cons

  • Can become cluttered with numerous channels
  • Limited features in free version
  • May require initial training

Free plan available, Paid plans start at $6.67/month

Slack Team Chat is a powerful SaaS solution that is tailor-made for startups seeking efficient and organized team communication. It offers single or multiperson direct messaging, enabling seamless collaboration and increased productivity among members.

Pros

  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Integration with numerous apps
  • Efficient file sharing and collaboration
  • Customizable notifications
  • Robust search features

Cons

  • Can become cluttered with numerous channels
  • Limited features in free version
  • May require initial training
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION
HIGHLY SECURE

Why We Love It

Slack Team Chat is beloved by startup professionals for its ability to streamline communication and enhance team collaboration. Its integration capabilities with other software tools like Google Drive, Trello, and GitHub, make it a versatile solution in the startup environment. The customizable notification features allow teams to stay focused and avoid unnecessary distractions. Moreover, the robust search function is particularly useful in quickly retrieving past conversations or files.

Pros

  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Integration with numerous apps
  • Efficient file sharing and collaboration
  • Customizable notifications
  • Robust search features

Cons

  • Can become cluttered with numerous channels
  • Limited features in free version
  • May require initial training

Why We Love It

Slack Team Chat is beloved by startup professionals for its ability to streamline communication and enhance team collaboration. Its integration capabilities with other software tools like Google Drive, Trello, and GitHub, make it a versatile solution in the startup environment. The customizable notification features allow teams to stay focused and avoid unnecessary distractions. Moreover, the robust search function is particularly useful in quickly retrieving past conversations or files.

Free plan available, Paid plans start at $6.67/month

Slack Team Chat is a powerful SaaS solution that is tailor-made for startups seeking efficient and organized team communication. It offers single or multiperson direct messaging, enabling seamless collaboration and increased productivity among members.

3
Expert Score
9.4 / 10
539
155
FREE PLAN AVAILABLE
HIGH SATISFACTION

Zoom Team Chat

Zoom Team Chat
View Website
Free plan available, Pro plan starts at $14.99/month, Business/Enterprise pricing available
FREE PLAN AVAILABLE
HIGH SATISFACTION

Why We Love It

Zoom Team Chat is incredibly versatile, perfect for the agile and dynamic nature of startups. It allows for spontaneous brainstorming sessions, scheduled meetings, and constant communication, something every startup needs. Its seamless integration with other Zoom services makes it a one-stop solution for communication and collaboration. Plus, it’s robust security features ensure every conversation is private and protected.

Pros

  • Seamless integration with Zoom
  • Real-time messaging and file sharing
  • Scheduled or spontaneous meetings
  • Secure and encrypted conversations
  • Cross-platform compatibility

Cons

  • Interface might be overwhelming for new users
  • Requires stable internet connection
  • Limited features on the free plan

Free plan available, Pro plan starts at $14.99/month, Business/Enterprise pricing available

Zoom Team Chat is a dedicated SaaS solution for startups seeking a seamless, integrated platform for instant messaging. It empowers teams to connect and collaborate anytime, anywhere, fostering productivity and efficiency in the fast-paced startup environment.

Pros

  • Seamless integration with Zoom
  • Real-time messaging and file sharing
  • Scheduled or spontaneous meetings
  • Secure and encrypted conversations
  • Cross-platform compatibility

Cons

  • Interface might be overwhelming for new users
  • Requires stable internet connection
  • Limited features on the free plan
FREE PLAN AVAILABLE
HIGH SATISFACTION

Why We Love It

Zoom Team Chat is incredibly versatile, perfect for the agile and dynamic nature of startups. It allows for spontaneous brainstorming sessions, scheduled meetings, and constant communication, something every startup needs. Its seamless integration with other Zoom services makes it a one-stop solution for communication and collaboration. Plus, it’s robust security features ensure every conversation is private and protected.

Pros

  • Seamless integration with Zoom
  • Real-time messaging and file sharing
  • Scheduled or spontaneous meetings
  • Secure and encrypted conversations
  • Cross-platform compatibility

Cons

  • Interface might be overwhelming for new users
  • Requires stable internet connection
  • Limited features on the free plan

Why We Love It

Zoom Team Chat is incredibly versatile, perfect for the agile and dynamic nature of startups. It allows for spontaneous brainstorming sessions, scheduled meetings, and constant communication, something every startup needs. Its seamless integration with other Zoom services makes it a one-stop solution for communication and collaboration. Plus, it’s robust security features ensure every conversation is private and protected.

Free plan available, Pro plan starts at $14.99/month, Business/Enterprise pricing available

Zoom Team Chat is a dedicated SaaS solution for startups seeking a seamless, integrated platform for instant messaging. It empowers teams to connect and collaborate anytime, anywhere, fostering productivity and efficiency in the fast-paced startup environment.

4
Expert Score
9.1 / 10
428
150
CROSS-PLATFORM
EFFICIENT FILE SHARING

Zoho Cliq

Zoho Cliq
View Website
Free plan available, Paid plans start at $3/user/month
CROSS-PLATFORM
EFFICIENT FILE SHARING

Why We Love It

Zoho Cliq is a game-changer for startups. It's not just a communication tool, but a complete productivity suite that integrates with other Zoho apps. This means startups can manage their conversations, workflows, and meetings all in one place. This seamless integration and the ability to automate repetitive tasks makes it a favorite among industry professionals who are always looking to maximize efficiency.

Pros

  • Real-time messaging
  • File sharing
  • Task automation
  • Audio/Video calls
  • Integration with Zoho suite

Cons

  • Limited customizability
  • Interface may be overwhelming for first-time users
  • Relatively new in the market

Free plan available, Paid plans start at $3/user/month

Zoho Cliq is a team chat and communication software solution designed for startups. It offers a robust set of features that enable seamless collaboration, workflow organization, and meeting coordination. Its capabilities are tailored to fast-paced, innovative environments where efficient communication is key.

Pros

  • Real-time messaging
  • File sharing
  • Task automation
  • Audio/Video calls
  • Integration with Zoho suite

Cons

  • Limited customizability
  • Interface may be overwhelming for first-time users
  • Relatively new in the market
CROSS-PLATFORM
EFFICIENT FILE SHARING

Why We Love It

Zoho Cliq is a game-changer for startups. It's not just a communication tool, but a complete productivity suite that integrates with other Zoho apps. This means startups can manage their conversations, workflows, and meetings all in one place. This seamless integration and the ability to automate repetitive tasks makes it a favorite among industry professionals who are always looking to maximize efficiency.

Pros

  • Real-time messaging
  • File sharing
  • Task automation
  • Audio/Video calls
  • Integration with Zoho suite

Cons

  • Limited customizability
  • Interface may be overwhelming for first-time users
  • Relatively new in the market

Why We Love It

Zoho Cliq is a game-changer for startups. It's not just a communication tool, but a complete productivity suite that integrates with other Zoho apps. This means startups can manage their conversations, workflows, and meetings all in one place. This seamless integration and the ability to automate repetitive tasks makes it a favorite among industry professionals who are always looking to maximize efficiency.

Free plan available, Paid plans start at $3/user/month

Zoho Cliq is a team chat and communication software solution designed for startups. It offers a robust set of features that enable seamless collaboration, workflow organization, and meeting coordination. Its capabilities are tailored to fast-paced, innovative environments where efficient communication is key.

5
Expert Score
8.7 / 10
363
121
REAL-TIME COMMUNICATION
EASY COLLABORATION

Troop Messenger

Troop Messenger
View Website
Free plan available, Premium plan starts at $1/month per user, Enterprise pricing available
REAL-TIME COMMUNICATION
EASY COLLABORATION

Why We Love It

Troop Messenger is a boon for startups looking for a cost-effective way to streamline their internal communication and collaboration. It's designed with the unique needs of startups in mind, offering a secure, user-friendly platform for real-time messaging and collaboration. The software is lauded for its simplicity, affordability and the ability to keep all team members on the same page, making it a critical tool for startups aiming to boost productivity and teamwork.

Pros

  • Cost-effective
  • Specifically designed for startups
  • Intuitive interface
  • Real-time communication
  • Secure data encryption

Cons

  • Limited third-party integrations
  • No video call function in free version
  • May require training for non-tech savvy users

Free plan available, Premium plan starts at $1/month per user, Enterprise pricing available

Troop Messenger is a comprehensive team collaboration and instant messaging app designed to enhance productivity and communication among startups. It is tailored to meet the unique needs of startups, offering essential features that streamline team collaboration, project management and task delegation.

Pros

  • Cost-effective
  • Specifically designed for startups
  • Intuitive interface
  • Real-time communication
  • Secure data encryption

Cons

  • Limited third-party integrations
  • No video call function in free version
  • May require training for non-tech savvy users
REAL-TIME COMMUNICATION
EASY COLLABORATION

Why We Love It

Troop Messenger is a boon for startups looking for a cost-effective way to streamline their internal communication and collaboration. It's designed with the unique needs of startups in mind, offering a secure, user-friendly platform for real-time messaging and collaboration. The software is lauded for its simplicity, affordability and the ability to keep all team members on the same page, making it a critical tool for startups aiming to boost productivity and teamwork.

Pros

  • Cost-effective
  • Specifically designed for startups
  • Intuitive interface
  • Real-time communication
  • Secure data encryption

Cons

  • Limited third-party integrations
  • No video call function in free version
  • May require training for non-tech savvy users

Why We Love It

Troop Messenger is a boon for startups looking for a cost-effective way to streamline their internal communication and collaboration. It's designed with the unique needs of startups in mind, offering a secure, user-friendly platform for real-time messaging and collaboration. The software is lauded for its simplicity, affordability and the ability to keep all team members on the same page, making it a critical tool for startups aiming to boost productivity and teamwork.

Free plan available, Premium plan starts at $1/month per user, Enterprise pricing available

Troop Messenger is a comprehensive team collaboration and instant messaging app designed to enhance productivity and communication among startups. It is tailored to meet the unique needs of startups, offering essential features that streamline team collaboration, project management and task delegation.

Product Comparison

Product Has Mobile App Has Free Plan Has Free Trial Integrates With Zapier Has Public API Live Chat Support SOC 2 or ISO Certified Popular Integrations Supports SSO Starting Price
1Zoom Team Chat
Yes Yes Not specified Yes Yes No ISO 27001 Zoom Meetings, Google Calendar, Slack Yes $14.99/user/month
2Zoho Cliq
Yes Yes Yes - 14 days Yes Yes No Not specified Zoho CRM, Google Workspace, Zapier Yes $3/user/month
3Microsoft Teams IM
Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Both Microsoft 365, SharePoint, OneDrive Yes Free
4Troop Messenger
Yes Yes Yes - 7 days No Enterprise API only Yes Not specified Custom integrations only Enterprise plans only $1/user/month
5Slack Team Chat
Yes Yes No Yes Yes No SOC 2 Google Drive, Trello, GitHub Yes $6.67/user/month
1

Zoom Team Chat

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
Not specified
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
No
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
ISO 27001
Popular Integrations
Zoom Meetings, Google Calendar, Slack
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
$14.99/user/month
2

Zoho Cliq

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
Yes - 14 days
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
No
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Zoho CRM, Google Workspace, Zapier
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
$3/user/month
3

Microsoft Teams IM

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
No
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
No
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Both
Popular Integrations
Microsoft 365, SharePoint, OneDrive
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
Free
4

Troop Messenger

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
Yes - 7 days
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
Enterprise API only
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Custom integrations only
Supports SSO
Enterprise plans only
Starting Price
$1/user/month
5

Slack Team Chat

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
No
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
No
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
SOC 2
Popular Integrations
Google Drive, Trello, GitHub
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
$6.67/user/month

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How We Rank Products

How We Evaluate Products

Our Evaluation Process

In evaluating team chat and messaging apps for startups, key factors included a comprehensive analysis of specifications, features, customer reviews, and ratings. Important considerations for this category involved the platform's scalability, integration capabilities with other tools, user interface design, and pricing structures, which are crucial for startups seeking to maximize efficiency and reduce costs. The research methodology focused on comparing specifications and functionality across the selected products, along with analyzing customer feedback and ratings from reputable sources to establish a price-to-value ratio that aligns with the unique needs of startup environments. This systematic approach ensured that the rankings reflect a well-rounded perspective based on available data, making it easier for startups to choose the most suitable communication tool for their teams.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions from other affiliate partners.

Frequently Asked Questions About Team Chat & Messaging Apps for Startups

What makes a team chat & messaging apps for startups the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your team chat & messaging apps for startups recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of team chat & messaging apps for startups?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.

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Score Breakdown

0.0 / 10
Excellent

What This Award Means