10 Best Communication Tools for Remote Teams [2025 Updated]
Effective communication is the foundation of successful remote work. These 10 team chat and messaging tools help distributed teams stay connected, collaborate effectively, and maintain company culture—without email overload.
Why Team Communication Tools Are Essential for Remote Work
When your team is distributed across different locations and time zones, spontaneous office conversations disappear. Water cooler chats, quick desk visits, and overhearing important discussions—all gone. Team communication tools recreate these interactions digitally, providing channels for both formal work discussions and casual social connections. They're not just about productivity; they're about maintaining team cohesion and culture when everyone works from home.
Real-Time Collaboration
Get quick answers and make decisions without endless email threads.
Searchable History
Find past decisions, files, and conversations instantly.
Team Culture
Build connections and maintain company culture remotely.
Real-Time vs. Asynchronous Communication
Communication tools fall into two philosophical camps:
- Real-Time Tools: Expect immediate responses (Slack, Teams, Discord). Great for collaboration but can create always-on pressure.
- Asynchronous Tools: Designed for delayed responses (Twist). Better for work-life balance and deep work, but slower collaboration.
Most teams use real-time tools but try to establish async norms (don't expect instant replies outside working hours).
⚠️ Warning: Communication Tools Can Harm Wellness
Team chat tools are designed to keep you engaged and responsive. Constant notifications, the pressure to reply instantly, and FOMO (fear of missing out) can create an always-on culture that leads to burnout. Set boundaries: turn off notifications after hours, use status messages, and don't expect instant responses from teammates. Remember that good communication doesn't mean constant communication.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Type | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slack | Team Chat & Collaboration Platform | Free - $12.50/user/month | Tech teams and modern businesses | ★4.7 |
| Microsoft Teams | Unified Communication & Collaboration | Free - $12.50/user/month (included with Microsoft 365) | Organizations already using Microsoft 365 | ★4.5 |
| Discord | Voice, Video & Text Chat | Free - $9.99/month | Communities, gaming teams, and casual collaboration | ★4.7 |
| Zoom Team Chat | Integrated Chat & Video Platform | Free - $19.99/month | Teams who prioritize video meetings | ★4.4 |
| Google Chat | Integrated Team Messaging (Google Workspace) | Free - $18/user/month (included with Google Workspace) | Organizations using Google Workspace | ★4.3 |
| Mattermost | Open-Source Team Communication | Free (self-hosted) - $10/user/month | Privacy-focused teams and self-hosting | ★4.4 |
| Twist | Asynchronous Team Communication | Free - $6/user/month | Remote teams fighting notification overload | ★4.5 |
| Rocket.Chat | Open-Source Team Chat Platform | Free (self-hosted) - $7/user/month | Organizations needing customization and control | ★4.3 |
| Chanty | Simple Team Chat with Task Management | Free - $3/user/month | Small teams wanting simplicity and affordability | ★4.6 |
| Pumble | Free Unlimited Team Chat | Free - $3.99/user/month | Teams wanting unlimited free communication | ★4.5 |
Detailed Reviews
1. Slack
Overview
Slack is the most popular team communication platform, known for its channels, integrations, and modern interface. It organizes conversations into channels (by project, team, or topic), supports direct messages and group chats, and integrates with thousands of business tools. Slack has become the de facto standard for tech companies and remote teams, offering a balance of simplicity and power that works for teams of all sizes.
Best For
Tech teams and modern businesses
Key Features
- ✓Organized channels for teams and projects
- ✓Direct messages and group chats
- ✓Voice and video calls (Huddles)
- ✓File sharing and search
- ✓2,400+ app integrations
- ✓Workflow automation with Slack Workflows
- ✓Enterprise security and compliance
- ✓Mobile, desktop, and web apps
Pros
- +Industry standard—most teams already use it
- +Massive integration ecosystem
- +Clean, intuitive interface
- +Strong search functionality
- +Active development and updates
Cons
- −Can be overwhelming with notifications
- −Expensive for large teams
- −Message history limit on free plan
- −Can encourage always-on culture
- −Search not great on free tier
Pricing
Slack keeps your team connected—but it can also keep you glued to your screen. Install DeskBreak's Slack integration to get break reminders right in your Slack channels, encouraging your whole team to step away together.
2. Microsoft Teams
Overview
Microsoft Teams is a comprehensive collaboration platform that combines chat, video meetings, file storage, and app integrations in one place. It's deeply integrated with Microsoft 365 (Office, OneDrive, SharePoint), making it the natural choice for organizations already in the Microsoft ecosystem. While it started behind Slack, Microsoft has invested heavily, and Teams now rivals or exceeds Slack in features.
Best For
Organizations already using Microsoft 365
Key Features
- ✓Chat, meetings, and collaboration in one app
- ✓Deep Microsoft 365 integration
- ✓Unlimited chat history (even on free plan)
- ✓Built-in video conferencing (no Zoom needed)
- ✓File storage via SharePoint/OneDrive
- ✓Screen sharing and recording
- ✓Guest access and external collaboration
- ✓Enterprise-grade security
Pros
- +Included with Microsoft 365 (no extra cost)
- +All-in-one solution (chat + video + files)
- +Unlimited message history on all plans
- +Strong for large enterprises
- +Excellent video meeting features
Cons
- −Interface can feel cluttered
- −Learning curve for new users
- −Less nimble than Slack
- −Fewer third-party integrations
- −Overkill if not using Microsoft 365
Pricing
Teams keeps meetings and chat in one place—but don't forget to take breaks between all those video calls! Use DeskBreak's Microsoft Teams integration to remind your team about wellness throughout the workday.
3. Discord
Overview
Discord started as a gaming communication platform but has evolved into a powerful tool for communities, developer teams, and remote work. It excels at voice communication with low latency, organized channels, and a more casual, social feel than business-focused platforms. Many tech startups and open-source projects now use Discord as their primary communication tool because it's free, feature-rich, and has a younger, more modern vibe.
Best For
Communities, gaming teams, and casual collaboration
Key Features
- ✓Voice channels (always-on voice chat)
- ✓Text channels organized by topics
- ✓Video calls and screen sharing
- ✓Server-based organization (like Slack workspaces)
- ✓Rich permissions and moderation tools
- ✓Bots and integrations
- ✓Threads for organized discussions
- ✓Stage channels for presentations
Pros
- +Completely free for unlimited users
- +Best-in-class voice quality
- +Voice channels feel more spontaneous than calls
- +Great for community building
- +Fun, social atmosphere
Cons
- −Less formal/professional feel
- −Fewer business integrations than Slack
- −No enterprise security features
- −Can be noisy and distracting
- −Not designed for business use cases
Pricing
Discord's always-on voice channels are great for team presence—but remember to mute and take breaks! Long gaming sessions and work sessions both need movement breaks. DeskBreak works great for Discord-based teams.
4. Zoom Team Chat
Overview
Zoom Team Chat (formerly Zoom Chat) is Zoom's answer to Slack and Teams—a persistent team messaging platform that integrates seamlessly with Zoom's video meetings. If your team already uses Zoom for video calls, Team Chat provides a unified experience where you can chat, share files, and start meetings without switching apps. While not as feature-rich as Slack, it's simple and works well for teams that prioritize video communication.
Best For
Teams who prioritize video meetings
Key Features
- ✓Persistent team messaging
- ✓Channels and direct messages
- ✓One-click Zoom meeting launch
- ✓File sharing and search
- ✓Voice messages
- ✓GIF and emoji reactions
- ✓Integrations with business tools
- ✓Unified with Zoom Phone and Meetings
Pros
- +Seamless with Zoom video meetings
- +Simple, clean interface
- +Good for video-first teams
- +Included with Zoom plans
- +Easy to start meetings from chat
Cons
- −Limited integrations vs. Slack
- −Fewer advanced features
- −Not as polished for pure chat
- −Smaller ecosystem
- −Late to market (playing catch-up)
Pricing
Zoom Team Chat reduces context switching between chat and video—but all that screen time adds up! Use DeskBreak to schedule regular breaks from your Zoom-filled day, protecting your eyes and posture.
5. Google Chat
Overview
Google Chat is Google's team messaging platform, deeply integrated with Gmail, Google Drive, Google Meet, and other Workspace apps. It replaced the old Hangouts and provides modern team communication with rooms (like Slack channels), direct messages, and bot integrations. If your organization already uses Google Workspace, Chat is included at no extra cost and provides a seamless experience within the Google ecosystem.
Best For
Organizations using Google Workspace
Key Features
- ✓Spaces (team rooms) and direct messages
- ✓Deep Google Workspace integration
- ✓Inline document editing from chat
- ✓Google Meet integration for video
- ✓Search powered by Google
- ✓Task assignment and tracking
- ✓Bot integrations
- ✓Works in Gmail or standalone app
Pros
- +Included with Google Workspace
- +Seamless with Gmail and Drive
- +Good search functionality
- +Clean, simple interface
- +No additional cost
Cons
- −Basic compared to Slack/Teams
- −Limited integrations
- −Can feel fragmented across Google apps
- −Slow feature development
- −Not great for teams outside Google ecosystem
Pricing
Google Chat keeps communication in your Google ecosystem—but working in your browser all day can be exhausting. DeskBreak reminds you to step away from Gmail, Chat, and all those open tabs for regular movement breaks.
6. Mattermost
Overview
Mattermost is an open-source, self-hosted alternative to Slack and Teams. It provides similar features (channels, direct messages, file sharing, integrations) but with complete data control—you host it on your own servers. This makes it ideal for organizations with strict security requirements, government agencies, or teams that want to avoid vendor lock-in. Mattermost can be fully customized and extended since the source code is available.
Best For
Privacy-focused teams and self-hosting
Key Features
- ✓Self-hosted or cloud options
- ✓Channels and direct messaging
- ✓File sharing and search
- ✓Voice calls and screen sharing
- ✓End-to-end encryption options
- ✓Unlimited integrations (open API)
- ✓Custom plugins and extensions
- ✓Mobile, desktop, and web apps
Pros
- +Complete data ownership and control
- +Free self-hosted version
- +Open-source and customizable
- +Great for security/compliance needs
- +No per-user limits on free plan
Cons
- −Requires technical setup (self-hosting)
- −Smaller ecosystem than Slack
- −Less polished interface
- −Maintenance overhead
- −Limited community support
Pricing
Mattermost gives you control over your communication data—make sure you also maintain control over your health! DeskBreak can be self-hosted too, giving privacy-conscious teams a complete wellness solution.
7. Twist
Overview
Twist takes a radically different approach to team communication—it's designed for asynchronous, thoughtful conversations instead of real-time chat. Made by the team behind Todoist, Twist organizes discussions into threads (like email threads) where responses are expected to come hours later, not seconds. This reduces notification fatigue, encourages deeper thinking, and respects work-life boundaries. It's perfect for fully remote teams tired of the always-on pressure of Slack.
Best For
Remote teams fighting notification overload
Key Features
- ✓Thread-based conversations (not real-time)
- ✓Channels for organized topics
- ✓No typing indicators or read receipts
- ✓Powerful search and archiving
- ✓Integrations with productivity tools
- ✓Mobile and desktop apps
- ✓Built-in video calls (via Whereby)
- ✓Encourages asynchronous work
Pros
- +Reduces notification fatigue dramatically
- +Encourages thoughtful, complete messages
- +Great for distributed teams across time zones
- +Calmer, less stressful communication
- +Strong focus on work-life balance
Cons
- −Not suitable for urgent communication
- −Less spontaneous collaboration
- −Requires culture shift from real-time chat
- −Smaller team and ecosystem
- −Limited integrations compared to Slack
Pricing
Twist reduces communication stress by removing real-time pressure—pair it with DeskBreak to reduce physical stress too. Together, they create a healthier, more sustainable remote work environment.
8. Rocket.Chat
Overview
Rocket.Chat is another open-source alternative to Slack, similar to Mattermost but with a slightly different feature set and philosophy. It offers real-time chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and extensive customization options. Rocket.Chat can be fully white-labeled and customized, making it popular for organizations that want to brand their communication platform or integrate it deeply into their own products.
Best For
Organizations needing customization and control
Key Features
- ✓Self-hosted or cloud deployment
- ✓Real-time messaging and channels
- ✓Audio and video conferencing
- ✓Screen sharing and recording
- ✓End-to-end encryption
- ✓Omnichannel customer service features
- ✓Extensive APIs and integrations
- ✓White-label customization
Pros
- +Free and open-source
- +Highly customizable and brandable
- +Good for customer service use cases
- +Active development community
- +Unlimited users on self-hosted
Cons
- −Requires technical expertise to host
- −Interface less polished than commercial tools
- −Can be complex to configure
- −Support requires paid plans
- −Smaller integration ecosystem
Pricing
Rocket.Chat offers unlimited customization—but remember that your health can't be customized away. No matter what communication tool you use, your body needs regular breaks. DeskBreak ensures that happens.
9. Chanty
Overview
Chanty is a straightforward team chat tool designed specifically for small businesses and teams. It combines messaging with built-in task management (turn any message into a task), unlimited message history, and voice/video calls—all at a fraction of the cost of Slack. While it lacks the extensive integration ecosystem of larger platforms, Chanty covers the essentials well and is remarkably affordable for teams on a budget.
Best For
Small teams wanting simplicity and affordability
Key Features
- ✓Unlimited message history (even on free plan)
- ✓Turn messages into tasks instantly
- ✓Kanban board view for tasks
- ✓Voice and video calls
- ✓Screen sharing
- ✓File storage
- ✓Mobile and desktop apps
- ✓Simple, clean interface
Pros
- +Very affordable ($3/user/month)
- +Built-in task management
- +Unlimited history on all plans
- +Great for small teams
- +Simple to learn and use
Cons
- −Limited integrations
- −Smaller user base and community
- −Fewer advanced features
- −Not suitable for large enterprises
- −Development pace slower than competitors
Pricing
Chanty keeps communication simple and affordable—DeskBreak does the same for workplace wellness. Both tools prove that you don't need expensive enterprise solutions to take care of your team's communication and health.
10. Pumble
Overview
Pumble is a completely free team communication tool with unlimited users, unlimited message history, and no artificial restrictions—making it one of the best free Slack alternatives available. Created by the team behind Clockify (time tracking), Pumble focuses on providing essential team communication features without upsells or hidden costs. The paid plans add extras like guest access and advanced admin features, but the free plan is genuinely functional for most teams.
Best For
Teams wanting unlimited free communication
Key Features
- ✓Unlimited users and messages (free forever)
- ✓Channels and direct messages
- ✓Voice and video calls
- ✓File sharing
- ✓Thread replies
- ✓Search functionality
- ✓Integrations with common tools
- ✓Mobile, desktop, and web apps
Pros
- +Completely free with no user limits
- +Unlimited message history on free plan
- +Simple, Slack-like interface
- +Good for budget-conscious teams
- +Regular updates and improvements
Cons
- −Limited to 10GB storage (free plan)
- −Fewer integrations than Slack
- −Smaller ecosystem and community
- −Some features require paid plans
- −Newer tool (less established)
Pricing
Pumble proves team communication doesn't have to be expensive—and DeskBreak proves wellness tools don't either. Use our free browser extension alongside Pumble to keep your team connected AND healthy.
How to Choose the Right Communication Tool
1. Consider Your Existing Ecosystem
- Microsoft 365 users: Teams is included—use it
- Google Workspace users: Google Chat is included—use it
- Zoom-first teams: Zoom Team Chat integrates seamlessly
- No existing suite: Slack is the industry standard
- Budget constraints: Discord, Pumble, or Chanty
2. Team Size & Budget
- Small teams (under 10): Free plans work well (Pumble, Chanty, Slack free)
- Growing teams (10-100): Slack Pro ($7.25/user) or Teams
- Large enterprises (100+): Teams, Slack Enterprise, or Mattermost
- Very budget-conscious: Discord or Pumble (free unlimited)
3. Security & Compliance Needs
- Healthcare/Finance (HIPAA, SOC2): Slack Enterprise, Teams Enterprise
- Government/High-security: Mattermost or Rocket.Chat (self-hosted)
- Privacy-focused: Mattermost, Rocket.Chat, or Element (Matrix)
- Standard business: Any major platform works
4. Work Culture & Philosophy
- Async-first, work-life balance: Twist (designed for async)
- Fast-paced, real-time: Slack or Discord
- Video-first culture: Teams or Zoom Team Chat
- Gaming/creative/casual: Discord
- Traditional/enterprise: Teams or Slack
5. Integration Requirements
If your team relies heavily on integrations:
- Most integrations: Slack (2,400+ apps)
- Microsoft ecosystem: Teams (deep Office 365 integration)
- Google ecosystem: Google Chat (Gmail, Drive, Meet)
- Custom integrations: Mattermost or Rocket.Chat (open APIs)
6. Platform & Device Support
All major tools offer web, desktop (Mac/Windows/Linux), and mobile (iOS/Android) apps. However:
- Best mobile experience: Slack, Discord, Teams
- Best desktop apps: Slack, Discord
- Web-first: Google Chat, Zoom Team Chat
- Offline capability: Most have limited offline (Teams, Slack)
💡 Pro Tip: Start With Your Existing Suite
If you already pay for Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, start with Teams or Google Chat before adding another tool. They're included in your subscription, integrate seamlessly with tools you already use, and avoid tool sprawl. Only switch to Slack or alternatives if Teams/Chat truly don't meet your needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too many channels: Creates information overload and decision fatigue
- No communication norms: Set expectations for response times and after-hours messages
- Treating it like email: Chat is for quick exchanges, not formal documentation
- Always-on culture: Encourage status messages and notification management
- Forgetting social channels: Casual spaces help maintain culture and morale
Related DeskBreak Resources
Video Conferencing Tools
Best video meeting platforms to complement your team chat.
Project Management Tools
Organize work alongside your team communication.
Break & Wellness Tools
Balance constant communication with healthy breaks.
DeskBreak Integrations
Get break reminders in Slack, Teams, and more.
DeskBreak for Remote Workers
Complete wellness solution for distributed teams.
DeskBreak for HR Teams
Track team wellness across communication platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use Teams if: You already have Microsoft 365, use Office apps heavily, want an all-in-one solution (chat + video + files), or need unlimited message history. Use Slack if: You don't use Microsoft, prioritize best-in-class chat experience, need extensive third-party integrations (2,400+ apps), or value nimbleness over feature bloat. Both are excellent—Teams is better for Microsoft shops, Slack for everyone else.
Yes, especially for tech startups, developer teams, creative agencies, and community-driven organizations. Discord offers excellent voice channels (great for spontaneous collaboration), it's completely free, and younger employees often prefer it. However, it lacks enterprise security features, has a casual/gaming vibe that may not suit traditional businesses, and has fewer business integrations than Slack/Teams. Many modern tech companies use Discord successfully—don't dismiss it just because it's associated with gaming.
Pumble offers the most generous free plan—unlimited users, unlimited message history, and 10GB storage. Discord is also excellent if the casual vibe fits your culture—completely free with great voice channels. Slack's free plan is limited (90 days history) but works for small teams. Chanty is free for up to 10 users with unlimited history. Avoid Google Chat or Teams free versions—they're too limited; you need the paid Workspace/365 plans for full features.
Establish clear norms: (1) Set status messages when focusing or offline, (2) No expectation of instant replies—it's chat, not instant messaging, (3) Respect working hours—use scheduled send for after-hours messages, (4) Turn off notifications during deep work and after hours, (5) Use threads to reduce noise in busy channels, (6) Create async habits—document decisions in wikis, not just chat. Most importantly, leadership must model these behaviors—if managers message at midnight expecting responses, the team will too.
Self-host if: You have strict data residency requirements, need complete customization, work in healthcare/government/finance with compliance needs, or strongly value data ownership and privacy. Use Slack/Teams if: You want zero maintenance, best user experience, extensive integrations, and don't want to manage servers. Self-hosting requires technical expertise, ongoing maintenance, and server costs—it's cheaper but has hidden labor costs. Most teams should use commercial tools unless they have specific security/compliance reasons to self-host.
Twist is specifically designed NOT to be real-time—that's its whole philosophy. It's built for asynchronous, thoughtful communication where responses come hours later, not seconds. If you need real-time collaboration (pair programming, urgent decisions, quick questions), Twist won't work well. However, many teams use Twist for most communication plus Slack/Discord for urgent matters. This hybrid approach gets the best of both: calm, async default communication with an escape valve for true emergencies.
Fewer is better. Too many channels creates information overload and FOMO. Good structure: (1) General for company-wide announcements, (2) Random/social for non-work chat, (3) One per team/department (engineering, sales, etc.), (4) Project channels as needed (archive when done), (5) Support/help channel for questions. Avoid: channels per feature, per client, per tiny sub-team. Archive inactive channels regularly. When in doubt, use fewer channels and threads instead of creating new channels.
No—they complement email, not replace it. Use chat for: Quick questions, informal collaboration, team bonding, internal discussions. Use email for: External communication, formal decisions, documentation, announcements that need to be saved long-term, communicating with people outside your organization. Many teams make the mistake of trying to do everything in chat—this leads to important information getting lost in the stream. Use each tool for what it's good at.
Stay Connected, But Don't Forget to Disconnect
Team chat tools keep you connected to your colleagues—but constant communication can harm your health. DeskBreak integrates with Slack, Teams, and other platforms to remind your whole team to take healthy breaks together.
Last Updated: January 2025 • We regularly review and update our recommendations to ensure accuracy.