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In today’s fast-paced business world, having an efficient and effective team communication tool is crucial for streamlined business operations, especially in remote work settings. A reliable team communication tool eliminates the need for traditional communication methods such as emails, phone calls, and in-person meetings. Instead, teams can collaborate, share ideas, and exchange information using a single platform, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
This post will highlight the top seven team communication tools in the market, their features, pros, and cons. We’ll also include a comprehensive comparison table and our thoughts on each software.
Video Tutorial:
What is a team communication tool?
A team communication tool is a software platform that facilitates communication between team members. It provides an easy-to-use interface where team members can exchange messages, files, and collaborate on tasks and projects. Team communication tools integrate with other project management tools, enabling seamless workflow management.
Today, there are several team communication tools in the market, each with unique capabilities that cater to different business needs. The right team communication tool should align with your business goals, improving your team’s productivity, communication and, ultimately, achieving better business outcomes.
Top 7 Team Communication Tools
1. Slack
Slack is one of the most popular team communication tools used by businesses across different industries. It’s a cloud-based platform designed to improve team collaboration, communication and productivity. With Slack, teams can easily create channels for specific tasks, utilize real-time messaging, and integrate with other third-party tools seamlessly. Slack’s intuitive interface and integrations make it an ideal communication tool for remote teams.
Pros
- Integrates with several third-party tools
- Powerful search function
- Flexible messaging, allowing direct messaging, group messaging, and channel messaging
Cons
- Limited archiving capabilities for free version
- No features for time tracking or invoicing
- The free version is limited in its capabilities compared to the premium version
- Integration with other Microsoft products
- Robust collaboration and communication features
- Robust security features
- Can be overwhelming for small teams
- No free version for Teams
- The platform can be sluggish at times
- Easy-to-use interface
- High-quality video and audio conferencing
- Screen sharing for collaboration on document presentations and tutorials
- The premium version can be expensive for small businesses
- Issues with security breaches in the past
- Long meetings require a paid subscription
- Easy-to-use interface
- Offers unlimited public and private channels and integrations with third-party tools
- Built-in project management features such as to-do lists and team calendar scheduling
- The free version is limited in its messaging, storage and video conferencing capabilities
- Users have reported performance issues when uploading larger files
- Project management features are limited in comparison to dedicated project management tools
- Free to use with Google Workspace
- Integrates with other Google Workspace apps
- Robust search and archiving capabilities
- The platform is exclusively for G Suite customers
- Less customization capabilities than other team communication tools
- Not as powerful as other dedicated project management tools
- Intuitive interface
- Offers different board and card templates for different project types
- Offers unlimited cards and boards
- The free version has limited capabilities concerning attachment and file sharing
- The platform can be overwhelming for some users
- The platform is designed for task and project management and not entirely for communication
- The free version offers audio and visual calls and an unlimited searchable message history
- Offers numerous integrations with third-party tools
- Easy-to-use interface
- Free version has limited storage space compared to other communication platforms
- Offers no customization capabilities
- No task aid scheduling features
2. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a team communication tool that integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products. It combines chat, video and audio conferencing, and document collaboration functionalities in one platform, enabling efficient cross-functional team communication. Teams also provide integration with Microsoft Office, enabling teams to collaborate on documents in one place.
Pros
Cons
3. Zoom
Zoom is an online video conferencing tool, built to facilitate remote communication. It’s easy-to-use interface and extensive features make it the go-to communication tool for remote teams. With Zoom, teams can collaborate and communicate through audio and video conferencing, chat, and cross-functional collaboration tools. Its screen sharing feature makes it possible to hold presentations and remote meetings.
Pros
Cons
4. Flock
Flock is a team communication tool designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It combines video, audio and text chat, project management and to-do lists, and calendar scheduling functionalities in one platform. With Flock, teams can easily communicate, collaborate, and manage their tasks and deadlines effectively.
Pros
Cons
5. Google Chat
Google Chat is Google’s team communication tool, offering direct messaging and customizable topic threads for team collaboration. It also includes integration with Google Workspace apps and third-party tools, making it an ideal tool for remote teams working on documents collaboratively.
Pros
Cons
6. Trello
Trello is a popular project management tool that doubles as a team communication tool. Teams can create and prioritize tasks, assign team members, and track project progress using Trello’s intuitive card-based system. The platform integrates with other third-party apps and offers robust visualization features, making it an ideal choice for remote teams.
Pros
Cons
7. Chanty
Chanty is a team communication tool specially designed for small and medium-sized businesses. The platform provides team chats, audio and video calls, and integrations with third-party tools such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Trello. With Chanty, teams can share files, collaborate on tasks, and manage their workflow from one platform.
Pros
Cons
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
| Tools | Free Trial | Price | Ease-of-Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slack | 30 days | $2.67-$12.50 per user per month | Easy-to-use and intuitive interface | Good value for money for larger teams |
| Microsoft Teams | No trial | $5-$20 per user per month | Can be overwhelming for small teams | Value for money for Microsoft users |
| Zoom | None | $14.99-$19.99 per month per user | Easy-to-use and intuitive interface | Good value for money for smaller teams |
| Flock | 30-days | $4.50-$6.00 per user per month | Easy-to-use and intuitive interface | Good value for money for small businesses |
| Google Chat | None | $6-$18 per user per month | Easy-to-use and intuitive interface | Good value for money for Google Workspace users |
| Trello | None | $9.99 per user per month | Easy-to-use and intuitive interface | Good value for money for small businesses |
| Chanty | Free version available | $3-$5 per user per month | Easy-to-use and intuitive interface | Value for money for small to medium-sized businesses |
Our Thoughts on Team Communication Tools
When it comes to choosing the right team communication tool, businesses must consider their unique needs. The best team communication tool should improve communication, collaboration, and workflow management. We believe Slack and Microsoft Teams are leading the team communication tools due to their robust features, ease-of-use, and integrations with third-party tools. Zoom is also ideal for companies looking for a tool that supports high-quality audio and video conferencing, while Trello and Flock are ideal for companies looking for a tool that doubles as a project management platform.
FAQs
Q1: Can team communication tools be used for remote work?
A: Yes. Team communication tools are designed to facilitate workplace communication and collaboration irrespective of location.
Q2: Are team communication tools secure?
A: Yes. The top team communication tools in the market offer robust security features such as end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and data protection policies. Nevertheless, businesses should always read the software’s terms of service and privacy policy before signing up.
Q3: Can I use multiple team communication tools?
A: Yes, businesses can use multiple communication tools for different purposes depending on their needs. However, this can lead to confusion and information overload if proper management is not executed.
Q4: Are team communication tools customizable?
A: Yes, some team communication tools are customizable, allowing businesses to tailor the interface to their needs and brand.
Q5: What’s the ideal pricing structure for team communication tools?
A: The ideal pricing structure for team communication tools should align with the business’s goals and budget. Some tools offer a pricing structure per user per month, while some offer one price for multiple users. Free trial versions are also available for most tools, allowing businesses to test the software before committing to a subscription.
Final Thoughts
Team communication tools are critical for businesses looking to streamline operational efficiency and collaboration. Businesses should research and analyze their unique needs and choose a tool that aligns with their budget, goals, and workflow management.