Source Link: https://connecteam.com/top-communication-tools/
Good business communication software allows you to quickly and directly communicate with your entire workforce, share updates, make sure everyone saw your message, and more with complete ease. These 11 top communication tools will help your employees stay connected and engaged no matter where they are working from.
Good workplace communication is key in having a productive, engaged, and satisfied workforce. And this, of course, underpins your company’s success as your employees are the driving force behind it.
However, if you rely on outdated or ineffective tools to communicate with your employees, this is easier said than done. Endless back and forths, not being able to reach your employee immediately, accidentally sending private messages in your work chat, or not knowing whether your employees truly viewed your message, likely sound familiar.
We’ve lined up our top 11 picks of the best business communication software to help you create effective workplace communication with complete ease. Check it out!
If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.
Our Top Picks
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Best all-in-one employee communication tool.
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Best for communicating offline
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Best for video call screen sharing
What to Look For in a Communication Tool
When looking for a good communication tool for your business, keep an eye out for the following aspects and features:
- Ease of use: It’s easy to set up and offers an intuitive user experience.
- Customizability: It’s customizable to suit your team structures.
- Instant messaging: You and your employees can send eachother instant messages and maintain a direct line of communication. This includes private and team messaging.
- Update sharing: You can share fun, engaging updates to reach your workforce.
- Notifications: It allows you to send push notification and reminders to all relevant users.
- Search function: You can easily search for employees’ contact details.
- Privacy & security: It protects all private information and safely stores data in the system.
- Cross-platform: It supports the platforms you work with, such with a web version for in the office or mobile app for when working from the field or on the go.
- Price: It is cost-friendly and suits your budget.
- Support: It comes with good customer support to help you with any issues.
The 11 Best Communication Tools of 2023
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Connecteam —
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee communication software solution with all the tools you need to keep your workforce connected, up-to-date, and engaged, no matter where they are working and even while on the go.
Its communication features include:
- Dedicated work chat: You and your employees can instantly reach each other via private and group chats, making it fast and easy to stay connected, collaborate, and share information in real-time. As an admin, you have full control over communications allowing you to manage user permissions and remove inappropriate content.
- Updates: In the company social feed, you can reach your entire workforce with personalized company updates. These can include anything from employee recognition to policy change updates. To make it all easier, you can share updates with selected groups, schedule posting, set notifications and auto-reminders, and view actionable insights.
- Employee directory: Give your staff quick access to any user’s or external work contact’s contact information and chat, email, or call them straight from the app.
- Surveys: Share surveys that your employees can fill in and submit, supplying useful thoughts and opinions. Measure important topics such as employee benefits, team morale and employee satisfaction. All employees can also submit feedback on any matter using the Suggestion Box.
- Knowledge base: With this centralized library, you can upload, manage, share, and make all important documents and information that your employees need to perform their jobs accessible anywhere and anytime.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
For Whom?
Connecteam is the best communication software solution for deskless workers and remote teams that work for companies of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises. This all-in-one app’s wide range of communication features are used by 36,000+ companies from more than 90 industries. These include healthcare, construction, security, cleaning, retail, call centers, and much more.
Key Features
- Chat (1:1 and group)
- Updates and social feed
- Surveys and live polls
- Suggestion Box
- Events
- Audio calls
- Attach GIFs, videos, images
- Employee directory
- Automated notifications
- Product chat integrations
- Smart groups based on user profile
- Email integrations
Pros
- All-in-one solution for deskless teams
- Set up in under 15 minutes
- Fully customizable settings
- Intuitive and user-friendly
- Great customer support
- Supports multiple languages
Cons
- Integrations in development
Pricing
Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users
Free 14-day trial
Free plan available -
Jostle —
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
Jostle is one of those online and offline communication tools that was specifically designed to help businesses build a positive company culture and boost employee engagement. This communication tool allows workers to talk about anything, from work-related topics to small talk. It boasts a wide variety of helpful features such as feedback polls and bulletin boards.
For Whom?
A free online communication tool for the first 15 users, Jostle is great for companies from a wide range of industries. Used by all kinds of companies, from energy organizations to fast-food restaurants.
Key Features
- Chat/messaging
- Collaboration features
- Employee directory
- Forums/discussions
- Feedback polls
- Updates/announcements
Pros
- Quickly communicate/share info
- Easy to train employees
Cons
- Downloading can be difficult
- Admin section is confusing
- Certain features can’t be disabled
Pricing
Pricing is not publicly available
Free Trial: Yes, 30-day
Free Plan: Yes, for up to 15 users -
Chanty —
As company communication tools go, Chanty is one of the easiest to use, for sure. This business communication software solution helps employees improve productivity and team ethic. It makes instant messaging safe and secure and includes a wide range of communication features, such as audio/video calls screen sharing. Chanty is a useful team chat app and works well with other apps such as Google Drive and Dropbox.
For Whom?
When it comes to improving efficiency and collaboration, Chanty is an ideal solution for companies from many different industries. Real estate businesses, educational institutions and restaurants all benefit from this effective team communication software solution.
Key Features
- Instant messaging
- Content-sharing
- Group chats
- Voice messaging
- Screen sharing
- Multiple app integrations
Pros
- Video calls included
- Attractive and easy to use
Cons
- Advanced customization lacking
- Limited integrations
- Lacks important features
Pricing
Starts at $3/user/month
Free Trial: No
Free Plan: Yes, up to 10 team members -
Troop Messenger —
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
One of the better enterprise communication tools on the market, Troop Messenger helps businesses message and collaborate easier, while also maximizing work processes. It’s easy for employees to chat, call and have meetings with each other. An effective file sharing app and ideal of messaging.
For Whom?
Troop messenger has been specifically designed for teams of all sizes, as well as large organizations. This team communication software benefits shipping companies, NGOs and government bodies.
Key Features
- Video/audio calling
- File/attachment sharing
- Instant messaging
- 1:1/group chats
- Screen sharing
- Audio messaging
Pros
- Communicate quickly with multiple users
- Easily find information
Cons
- Many two-step actions needed
- Loading can take a long time
- Limited integrations
Pricing
Starts at $2.5/user/month
Free Trial: Yes, 1 month for Enterprise only
Free Plan: No -
Yammer —
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
Yammer is an enterprise communication tool that allows teams to easily communicate and feel united under one secure platform. All employees can keep up to date with all important processes and events. It’s super easy for users to share files with each other and create groups for all work-related subjects.
For Whom?
Yammer is an ideal business communication software for all kinds of businesses, including retail companies and NGOs. Teams that are trying to stay digitally connected can benefit heavily from Yammer’s communication features.
Key Features
- 1:1 and group chat
- Collaboration features
- Activity dashboard
- Content tagging
- Employee directory
- File sharing
Pros
- Easy to use and train others
- Quickly communicate with team members
Cons
- Difficult to manage notifications
- User interface needs improvement
- Lack of integration with Microsoft Office
Pricing
Enterprise standalone starts at $3 per user/month
Free Trial: Yes, 30-day
Free Plan: No -
Microsoft Teams —
With business communication software like Microsoft Teams, it is easier for teams to stay connected and have instant access to all important content any time, any place. Users can quickly share files and share ideas with each other, raising productivity and efficiency in the process.
For Whom?
Microsoft Teams is used by companies from a wide variety of industries. A must-have app for healthcare professionals, businesses of all sizes, also working in manufacturing and IT, use Microsoft Teams for its communication capabilities.
Key Features
- Email-threaded conversations
- Customizable alerts
- Voice/video conferencing
- Share files (GIFs, videos, images)
- 1:1 and group chats
- Integrates with other MS apps
Pros
- Increases focus on work and productivity
- Easy to implement
Cons
- Limited flexibility
- File structures are confusing
- Lack of notifications
Pricing
Starts at $4/user/month
Free Trial: No
Free Plan: Yes -
Workplace from Meta —
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
One of the more effective enterprise communication tools in the workplace, Workplace from Meta allows admins to easily share updates, tag employees and assign tasks too. This business communication software improves employee engagement and collaboration, making it super easy to share files and communicate in groups.
For Whom?
Both small businesses and large enterprises alike benefit from Workplace from Meta’s communication features.
Key Features
- File sharing
- 1:1 and group chat
- Achievement posts
- Schedule posts
- Updates/announcements
- In-chat action items
Pros
- Facebook interface is familiar
- Many communication options
Cons
- Task-tracking can be difficult
- No dedicated enterprise features
- Message delete feature is faulty
Pricing
Starts at $4/person/month
Free Trial: Yes, 30-day
Free Plan: No -
Slack —
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
Slack is one of the most popular business communication software tools in the workplace today. Teams use it to bring co-workers from all departments together, regardless of location. Employees working remotely have easy access to all crucial information, keeping them productive at all times. Slack also has a video chat option.
For Whom?
Slack is one of those types of online communication tools that is used by an extremely wide range of companies from different industries. Not only is it a useful communication app for retail businesses, but its communication capabilities benefit educational institutes, nonprofits, startups and corporations too.
Key Features
- Video and audio clips
- Message archiving
- Customized channels
- Search engine
- Voice-only conversations
- Group video calls with screen sharing
Pros
- Intuitive user interface
- Multiple integrations
Cons
- Text formatting is limited
- Prone to crashes and freezing
- Search engine could be better
Pricing
Starts at $7.25/user/month
Free Trial: No
Free Plan: Yes, for a single workplace -
Staffbase —
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
Staffbase is one of those business communication tools that allows managers to reach all employees, regardless of whether they’re working on site, in the office or remotely. Staffbase brings teams together and eradicates communication problems. Works on multiple channels such as desktop, email and mobile.
For Whom?
An ideal manufacturing management app, Staffbase is used by companies from a wide range of industries, such as healthcare, retail and logistics, to name a few.
Key Features
- Chat/messaging
- File sharing
- Alerts/notifications
- Employee directory
- Content creation
- Automated communication
Pros
- Decent customer support
- Communicate easily
Cons
- Unattractive user interface
- Must import certain profile changes
- Limited integrations
Pricing
Pricing is not publicly available
Free Trial: Yes, 30-day
Free Plan: No -
ClickUp — Good for: Collaborating on tasks
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
Clickup’s communications platform aims to help every type of team to use the same app to plan, organize, and collaborate on their projects.
Its company communication tools include mentioning team members in Docs and tasks and talking about items outside of tasks in the in-app chat. You can also communicate with individuals outside of ClickUp via email. It also has the option to schedule meetings with other users and sync your ClickUp calendar with Google Calendar to keep everything organized.
Key Features
- In-app chat
- Mentions
- Feedback reponses
Pros
- Simple to use
- Good customization options
Cons
- Prone to bugs
- Unfriendly mobile version
Pricing
Starts at $5/month per user
Free trial available: Yes
Free plan: Yes -
Happeo — Good for: Tagging users in posts
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
Happeo is an intranet business communication software that aims to help fast-moving companies connect their teams with the knowledge, news, and tools they need to do their best work.
Its internal communication tools allow you to create dedicated channels for your departments whenever you have internet connectivity. Add different media, such as photos, videos, and GIFs. Furthermore, you can ensure your message gets across by tagging relevant users and receiving read-confirmations for your posts. You also fully control what people can view or do with permissions settings.
Key Features
- Tagging
- Read-confirmations
- Review requests
- Viewability management
Pros
- Easy to implement
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Limited custimizability
- Limited reporting options
Pricing
Pricing isn’t publicly available
Free trial available: No
Free plan: No
Compare the Best Communication Tools
What Is an Employee Communication Tool?
A company communication tool is a software solution that enables you to easily communicate internally. It allows you and your workforce to communicate in a variety of ways, often including sending direct and team messages, broadcasting company announcements, and collecting employee feedback. Tools for communication often also centralize information, giving you a platform to share information and files.
Overall, company communication tools are designed to boost internal communication and collaboration and enhance employee engagement.
How Do Company Communication Tools Work?
While communication software for business work differently, they all have similarities in the way they work.
As an admin, you can first of all set up your users and customize the tool to work according to your preferences and team structure by adjusting the settings. You can usually set up notification settings that, for instance, notify users upon receiving a new update or message. It may also include settings to limit who can see certain messaging or send messages in certain groups.
Once set up, your users will be able to communicate in various ways depending on in the features offered. This mainly includes sending direct messages, including files, images, videos, and voice recordings. It should have the ability to search for users via some kind of directory.
What Are The Benefits of Communication Software for Businesses?
The main benefits of using enterprise communication tools include that they help:
- Save valuable time: You and your team can directly communicate, saving you the time and effort of having to go back and forth.
- Boost employee engagement: Communication becomes easy, fun, and engaging. The communication tool can also include features for gathering feedback, such as surveys, which raise employee involvement.
- Enhances team collaboration: Equipped with communication and collaboration tools, teams can better collaborate. Also, all employees can be easily found through a search tool or employee directory.
- Ensures communication safety: Communication is secure and safe, protecting all private data and information. Data is often stored in a cloud-based system.
And if you want to learn more about business communication, then check out our guide on how to build your very own internal communication strategy.
How Much Do Company Communication Tools Cost?
Employee communication tools go in four major pricing categories, namely free, monthly or yearly payment, and quote-based plans.
The pricing largely differs per provider and often depends on the number of users and the feature package. It generally ranges from $3-$25/month per user. Particularly those that charge per user can get rather expensive if you’re working with a large team. On the other hand, while free plans are your cheapest option, they have limited features and capabilities.
Note that high pricing does not necessarily equal a better user experience. Our number one pick, Connecteam, offers premium plans at a flat monthly rate of $29 for the first 30 employees.
FAQs
What are the 3 communication tools?
Communication typically happens in one of three ways, namely verbal, nonverbal, and visual communication. As communicators, people are constantly exchanging information by either receiving or giving information. It is important to understand the different ways in which we communicate, particularly in professional settings.
What is the best communication tool?
Connecteam is the best all-in-one employee communication software solution to keep your team connected, engaged, and up-to-date. With it, you can for instance share company updates, send instant messages in private or team chats, create an employee directory, and make important documents and manuals accessible, no matter where your employees are working from.
What are the modern tools for communication?
The communication tools for today’s businesses are enhanced and improved by modern technology. Modern tools for communication include:
- Company intranet
- Social media
- Group/business messaging
- Instant messaging
- Videoconferencing
- Text messaging
- Voice messaging
- Live web chat
- Social networking
The Bottom Line On Communication Tools
The right company communication tools allow you to keep your team connected, productive, and engaged. And with so many great options out there, you’re bound to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
Our number one pick, Connecteam, gives you all the tools you need to keep your entire workforce connected and engaged, no matter where they are working from. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg!
Start your preferred communications platform’s free trial and see how you can boost collaboration and communication in a heartbeat!
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