Looking for the best internal communication tools? Here’s the quick answer:

• Pebb: Free for up to 1,000 employees, premium at $4/user/month. Includes work chat, news feed, video calls, and admin analytics.

• Slack: Popular for integrations and channels, but costs $8.75/user/month for Pro.

• Microsoft Teams: Great for Microsoft 365 users; starts at $4/user/month.

• Workvivo: Focuses on employee engagement but starts at $20,000/year.

• Staffbase: Mobile-first for large enterprises; custom pricing starts around $30,000/year.

• Simpplr: AI-powered personalization with custom pricing, better for big teams.

Quick Comparison Table:

If you’re a small or mid-sized team, Pebb is your best bet for affordability and features. For Microsoft-heavy workflows, Teams is ideal. Larger enterprises might lean toward Workvivo or Staffbase, but they come with higher costs. Let’s dive deeper into each option.

15 Best Team Communication Tools (2025)

1. Pebb

At Pebb, we’ve created a free, all-in-one communication platform designed to simplify how teams connect - without sneaky upsells or hidden fees. Unlike competitors who charge extra for the basics, Pebb supports up to 1,000 employees at no cost.

Meeting the Needs of Frontline Teams

Here's the thing: frontline workers make up 80% of the global workforce, yet most communication tools overlook their unique challenges. That’s why we built Pebb with a mobile-first approach that works seamlessly on iOS, Android, and desktop. Whether you're on the shop floor, out in the field, or at a desk, staying connected has never been easier.

What Makes Pebb Stand Out?

Pebb isn’t just a communication tool - it’s a space where teams thrive. Let me break it down for you:

• Home Feed: Think of this as your company’s internal social hub. It’s perfect for sharing announcements, celebrating wins, and keeping everyone in the loop.

• Work Chat: Whether you need one-on-one messaging or group chats, Pebb offers unlimited message history, secure file sharing, and instant communication.

• Voice & Video Calls: Connect instantly when text just won’t cut it.

• Clubs: These are private or public spaces where teams can collaborate. Share posts, manage tasks, store documents, and even upload photos - all in one place.

• Knowledge Library: Keep essential documents and onboarding materials organized and searchable.

• Tasks: Assign, track, and collaborate on tasks effortlessly.

• Polls: Need quick input? Built-in polls make gathering feedback a breeze.

• Search & Dynamic Profiles: Quickly find coworkers with live profiles that display names, departments, and contact details.

• Admin Analytics: Get insights into team engagement - features that many competitors lock behind premium paywalls.

Every feature is built with a mobile-first mindset, ensuring smooth engagement across all teams, no matter where they are.

Straightforward Pricing That Saves You Money

Here’s where Pebb really shines: simplicity and value.

• Standard Plan: Completely free for up to 1,000 employees. It includes Work Chat, News Feed, Knowledge Library, Tasks, Calendar, Apps, and unlimited Clubs. No catches, no hidden fees.

• Premium Plan: Need more? For just $4 per user per month, you unlock advanced features like Analytics, unlimited admins, enhanced permissions, Voice & Video Calls, premium support, integrations, and Enterprise SSO.

Compare that to competitors like Slack or Staffbase, and it’s clear Pebb delivers more for less. Plus, our platform is designed to scale effortlessly as your team grows.

Built to Scale With You

Whether you’re managing a small team or a sprawling enterprise, Pebb grows with you. Our Org Hierarchy feature simplifies onboarding and makes managing large teams a breeze. And because we’re mobile-first, frontline teams stay connected no matter where they are - on-site, remote, or in the field. As your needs evolve, you can easily add advanced tools like analytics and integrations without missing a beat.

Pebb isn’t just another platform - it’s a smarter way to keep your team connected, engaged, and ready to tackle whatever comes next.

2. Slack

Slack has become one of the go-to tools for workplace communication, offering a streamlined alternative to the chaos of email overload. By organizing conversations into easily searchable and joinable channels, it’s no wonder so many teams have embraced it as their primary communication hub.

Features

Slack comes packed with tools designed to make collaboration smoother and more efficient. Teams can break discussions into focused channels and use features like Huddles and Clips for quick, interactive conversations. There's also the Workflow Builder, which allows users to automate repetitive tasks without needing coding skills. For task management, Slack provides Lists, and for ongoing collaboration, it offers Canvas, a space where teams can create and share resources or documents seamlessly.

One standout feature is Slack Connect, which lets you securely collaborate with external partners like vendors, clients, or contractors - all without sacrificing security. And with built-in AI capabilities, Slack can summarize conversations, provide recaps, and even generate notes, making it easier to stay on top of important discussions.

Integration Capabilities

Slack’s ability to integrate with over 2,600 apps - including big names like Google Drive and Office 365 - is a game-changer for centralizing work. On top of that, businesses can develop custom API integrations for more tailored solutions. That said, setting up these custom integrations can be a bit of a headache for IT teams, especially as the complexity grows.

Pricing

Slack’s pricing reflects its feature-rich nature, but it’s not the cheapest option out there. Here’s a breakdown:

• Slack Free: $0 per user, includes a 90-day message history, 1:1 video calls, and up to 10 app integrations.

• Slack Pro: $8.75 per user per month (or $7.25 annually), offering unlimited search, video calls with up to 50 participants, and unlimited app integrations.

• Slack Business+: $15.00 per user per month (or $12.50 annually), which adds perks like 24/7 support, SAML SSO, and a 99.99% uptime SLA.

• Slack Enterprise Grid: Custom pricing designed for large-scale organizations.

The Free plan’s 90-day message history can be a sticking point for teams that need to reference older conversations. Take a 100-person team on the Slack Pro plan, for example - they’d be looking at $875 per month. Compare that to Pebb, which offers a free plan for up to 1,000 employees and premium features at just $4 per user per month. That’s $400 for the same-sized team - less than half the cost of Slack Pro. For growing teams, this kind of pricing simplicity and value can make all the difference.

Scalability

When it comes to scaling, Slack is well-equipped for large organizations, offering advanced security and compliance certifications like SOC 2, SOC 3, and ISO/IEC 27001. However, as teams grow, managing Slack’s extensive integrations can become a full-time job, often requiring dedicated IT resources. While Slack’s ability to save users 32 minutes per day and boost employee satisfaction by 6% is impressive, these benefits come at a cost - both financially and in terms of complexity. For smaller teams or those looking for a more straightforward solution, Slack’s premium features might feel like overkill.

3. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams has made its mark as a powerhouse in workplace communication, boasting 270 million daily active users as of 2022. However, unlike Pebb - where we offer a free plan for up to 1,000 users and a premium plan at just $4 per user - Teams is often the go-to choice for enterprises deeply tied to the Microsoft ecosystem.

Features

Teams packs a punch with its feature set. It offers real-time chat, audio and video meetings, team channels, bots, tabs, and message extensions. The real magic lies in its seamless integration with Microsoft 365, making it simple to edit documents, share files, and conduct meetings without hopping between apps. Teams thrives in organizing work through dedicated channels for projects or departments, and its built-in video conferencing can host up to 300 participants for meetings lasting up to 30 hours. This makes it a solid option for large-scale company communications.

The platform’s ability to centralize work and its robust video conferencing capabilities make it a top choice for enterprises managing complex workflows.

Integration Capabilities

When it comes to integrations, Teams doesn’t disappoint. It connects with over 600 apps via its App Store and leverages the Microsoft Graph API to automate tasks and build custom solutions. A standout example is Manulife, which used Teams to integrate the Workday for Microsoft Teams app for their workforce of over 157,000 employees. This kind of enterprise-grade integration showcases Teams’ ability to adapt to diverse operational needs.

Pricing

Now, let’s talk dollars and cents. Teams offers a range of pricing tiers, starting with a free plan that includes group calling and limited storage. Here’s the breakdown:

• Essentials: $4.00 per user/month

• Business Basic: $6.00 per user/month

• Business Standard: $12.50 per user/month

• Business Premium: $22.00 per user/month (all billed annually)

While the Essentials plan matches Pebb’s $4 premium pricing, it comes with restrictions - like 10 GB of storage per user and meeting durations capped at 30 hours. By comparison, Pebb offers unlimited storage and meeting capabilities at the same price point. For a 100-person team, both platforms cost $400 a month, but Pebb’s free plan for up to 1,000 users gives growing organizations a clear edge.

Scalability

Teams shines when scaling for large enterprises, especially those requiring advanced security, compliance, and IT management. However, this complexity can feel overwhelming for smaller companies, which may find Pebb’s streamlined approach a better fit. Teams often demands dedicated IT resources to handle integrations and ensure everything runs smoothly, making it more suited to enterprises that already live and breathe Microsoft 365.

For businesses weighing their options, the decision boils down to this: do you need the full Microsoft 365 suite, or would a simpler, more cost-effective solution like Pebb better meet your communication needs? It’s all about finding the right balance between functionality and ease of use.

4. Workvivo

Workvivo positions itself as the go-to platform for improving employee experience and engagement, but it comes with a price tag that starts at $20,000 per year. This pricing structure clearly caters to larger organizations with the budgets to match. So, what exactly makes Workvivo stand out, and how does it compare to Pebb? Let me walk you through it.

Features

What sets Workvivo apart is its mobile-first design paired with a social media-like interface. It’s designed to feel intuitive and familiar, offering a range of tools like activity feeds, chat, livestreams, news updates, podcasts, and push notifications. And with support for 90 languages, it’s built for global teams.

The platform leans heavily on engagement features, such as shout-outs, recognition systems, and community spaces. These tools seem to work, too - Workvivo boasts an employee adoption rate that often exceeds 90%. For example:

• Ryanair hit over 90% adoption.

• Woodie, an Irish DIY retailer, saw a 54% increase in employee engagement.

Tanya Waldron, Head of Internal Communications at Bus Éireann, summed it up perfectly:

"Workvivo gets our message straight into the hands of our employees immediately. No fuss."

The platform also includes HR self-service portals, event management tools, employee surveys, and customizable dashboards. However, some advanced features - like enhanced chat, Workvivo TV, and detailed analytics - are sold as add-ons, which could drive up costs.

Integration Capabilities

One of Workvivo’s strengths is how well it plays with other tools. With over 40 pre-built integrations, it connects seamlessly to platforms like Zoom, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and HR systems like BambooHR, Workday, and HiBob.

For example, Ryanair used Workvivo to connect its 20,000 employees. The result? A 30% jump in internal applications for head office roles and over 250 questions submitted directly to their CEO. That’s the kind of engagement most companies dream about.

Pricing

Workvivo offers two pricing tiers:

• Business Plan: Starts at $20,000 per year, targeting companies with 250–2,000 employees.

• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for organizations with over 2,000 employees.

Compared to Pebb, which offers a free option for up to 1,000 users and a $4 per user premium plan, Workvivo’s pricing is steep. It’s clearly aimed at enterprises that need advanced features and can afford to pay for them.

Scalability

Workvivo shines when it comes to scaling for large, complex organizations. It’s built to handle sprawling teams, whether they’re frontline workers or a dispersed workforce. Companies like Valaris and Ryanair have demonstrated how effectively it can maintain high engagement levels even at scale.

That said, its enterprise focus might feel overwhelming - and expensive - for smaller organizations. If you’re running a smaller team or want more budget-friendly options, Pebb provides a much more accessible solution while still offering plenty of value.

Workvivo’s ratings speak for themselves:

• G2: 4.8/5

• Capterra: 4.7/5

• TrustRadius: 9.2/10

These scores highlight its appeal to enterprise users, but for teams of any size, Pebb remains the more cost-effective and flexible choice.

5. Staffbase

Staffbase is geared toward large enterprises, offering a range of advanced tools designed for organizations with bigger budgets and more complex needs. It holds an impressive 4.6/5 rating across various review platforms. While its features are robust, Pebb takes a more accessible approach, catering to a wider range of organizations with simpler, more affordable solutions.

Features

Staffbase brings a lot to the table, especially for internal communication pros. Some standout features include:

• AI Content Creator and Ghostwriting tools to streamline content creation

• Multi-lingual auto-translation for global teams

• An Editorial Calendar to keep campaigns organized

• Automated employee journeys to enhance engagement

• Smart Impact, a dashboard that links communications directly to strategic goals

Ilse Verhelst, Internal Communications Manager at Brussels Airlines, shared her experience:

"For me, it's been life-changing. You can't compare the way we communicated before - with static, boring emails - with how we are doing it today, with interactivity."

Up next, let’s talk about how Staffbase integrates seamlessly with existing systems to simplify workflows.

Integration Capabilities

Staffbase shines when it comes to integration. It connects effortlessly with tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and key HR and IT systems. Its Integration Builder stands out, allowing companies to customize over 150 services using the Staffbase API and SDK toolkit. Employees can handle tasks like submitting time-off requests or checking pay stubs through integrations with platforms like Workday and SAP.

Frank Schmalfeldt, VP Employee Experience at DHL Group, summed it up perfectly:

"For the first time, all 600,000 colleagues across the DHL Group can access the information and apps they need on a single platform where and whenever they want."

Pricing

Here’s where things get tricky. Staffbase follows an enterprise pricing model, which means you won’t find straightforward numbers on their website. Instead, they offer custom quotes that often come with significant annual commitments. This setup works well for large organizations with dedicated budgets, but it can be a deal-breaker for smaller teams.

Scalability

If there’s one thing Staffbase excels at, it’s scalability. The platform is built to handle massive organizations, as shown by its implementation at DHL Group, which supports 600,000 employees. Features like managed communities, content targeting, and multichannel analytics help enterprises maintain control over their communication strategies.

Nienke Starmans, Culture & Engagement Manager, highlighted the platform’s impact:

"Staffbase is the platform that communicators need. It makes our lives a lot easier, and it also really brings everyone in the company together on the same page."

For large-scale enterprises with complex communication needs, Staffbase is a powerhouse. However, its advanced features and pricing model may feel overwhelming - or unnecessary - for smaller teams, especially when compared to Pebb’s more streamlined and budget-friendly approach.

6. Simpplr

Simpplr is an AI-powered employee experience platform that boasts a 4.6/5 rating on Gartner Peer Insights. It’s designed to centralize communication and keep employees engaged. That said, Pebb offers similar capabilities with a more straightforward approach and transparent pricing.

Features

Simpplr goes beyond basic internal communication by focusing on personalization. Employees see content tailored specifically to their roles, departments, and locations. Some of its standout features include:

• Customizable news feeds

• Tools for newsletter creation

• Employee-generated content options

• Advanced search functionality to quickly locate information

The platform also emphasizes social engagement. Employees can like, comment on, and share posts, participate in discussion groups, and even recognize colleagues through social features. On top of that, it includes tools for content approval workflows, onboarding, and gathering feedback via surveys and polls. To help employees stay informed without feeling overwhelmed, Simpplr offers content recommendations based on user behavior.

Now, let’s take a look at how Simpplr integrates with other tools you might already be using.

Integration Capabilities

Simpplr connects with over 200 enterprise tools, making it easy to pull in documents from platforms like Google Docs and Box. It also integrates seamlessly with major applications like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack, and Microsoft Teams. Using its BYOI (Bring Your Own Integration) framework, the platform ensures compatibility with frequently used enterprise systems.

Duncan McHugh, Chief Operating Officer at Nutrition Warehouse, shared his thoughts:

"By utilizing custom apps, we've been able to centralize more functionality within our core system, the Scoop. I'd highly recommend this solution to anyone looking to centralize operations and improve cross-functional efficiency."

One impressive example of Simpplr in action comes from Pluralsight. They transitioned 1,400 employees across six locations from Jive to Simpplr in under a month. The result? A 98% adoption rate, with over 60 sites and 168 content creators up and running.

With integration covered, let’s move on to pricing.

Pricing

Simpplr uses a quote-based pricing model, requiring a minimum of 100 employees [44,45]. While some sources suggest a starting price of around $800 for 100 users, this hasn’t been independently verified, and actual costs depend on factors like organization size and specific needs. Discounts are available for organizations with 500 or more employees. The subscription includes technical support, customer success management, and training, but the lack of clear pricing can be a hurdle for smaller teams.

Scalability

Simpplr is built to scale with an organization’s growth. It handles large deployments with ease, offering analytics to track usage and engagement effectively.

Amit Bhatnagar, Senior Director of IT Applications at Nutanix, shared his experience:

"We chose Simpplr because it was easy to use for both end users and the IT team, and offered simple - but powerful - features." [39,43]

That said, for smaller teams or those looking for a simpler, more cost-effective solution, Pebb remains an attractive alternative.

Platform Advantages and Drawbacks

Let’s dive into the strengths and limitations of each platform to help you decide which one fits your team’s needs, budget, and technical setup. I’ve also included a handy table to give you a side-by-side comparison of pricing, standout features, and potential drawbacks.

Pebb

Pebb shines as the most budget-friendly option, offering a free plan for up to 1,000 employees. This plan includes unlimited message history along with essentials like work chat, a news feed, and an employee directory. If your team needs more advanced features, the premium plan costs just $4 per user per month and adds perks like detailed analytics and voice/video calls. However, keep in mind that the free plan has admin and data limitations, which could be a hurdle for rapidly growing organizations.

Microsoft Teams

If your company already uses Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams is a natural fit. It integrates seamlessly with the suite and offers top-notch video conferencing and file-sharing capabilities. Its security features are also a big plus for document-heavy workflows. On the downside, the platform’s learning curve can be steep, and it requires a Microsoft 365 subscription, which might not be ideal for smaller teams.

Slack

Slack has long been a favorite for its extensive third-party app integrations and organized channel system. Its powerful search tools and threaded conversations make it a great option for team-level collaboration. That said, Slack’s free plan limits message history, and its advanced features come with a higher price tag. Plus, it lacks a built-in company-wide news feed, which could be a dealbreaker for some.

Workvivo

Workvivo prioritizes employee engagement and recognition, offering features like news feeds and analytics to track engagement metrics. While it’s excellent for building a sense of community, its high entry cost - starting at $20,000 per year - and lack of a free plan make it less accessible for smaller organizations.

Staffbase

Staffbase takes a mobile-first approach, making it a standout choice for frontline workers who rely on smartphones. It excels in content management and news distribution, with an integrated employee directory to boot. However, it doesn’t support video calls, and its chat features are limited. The custom pricing model may also be a challenge for teams with tighter budgets.

Simpplr

Simpplr leverages AI to personalize content and offers excellent search tools alongside over 200 integrations with enterprise systems. While this makes it a strong choice for larger organizations, it lacks video call functionality, has a complicated setup process, and uses volume-based pricing that’s better suited to big teams.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s a quick look at how these platforms stack up:

Pricing and Scalability

When it comes to pricing, Pebb clearly stands out as the most affordable option, especially for smaller teams or organizations just starting out. For example, a team of 500 employees would spend $24,000 annually on Pebb’s premium plan compared to $52,500 with Slack.

Both Pebb and Microsoft Teams use straightforward per-user pricing, which scales gradually as your team grows. On the other hand, platforms like Simpplr and Staffbase rely on custom pricing models. While these can include volume discounts, they often require a hefty initial investment, making them better suited for larger enterprises.

This breakdown gives you a clearer view of how each platform aligns with different organizational needs. Whether you’re looking for affordability, advanced features, or seamless integrations, there’s an option tailored to your team’s priorities.

Final Recommendations

Picking the best internal communication platform really depends on your team’s size, budget, and what matters most to your organization. After diving into these six alternatives to Firstup, here’s how I’d break it down:

For small to mid-sized companies (up to 1,000 employees), I’d recommend Pebb without hesitation. Why? Its free plan gives you unlimited message history and a solid lineup of features - like work chat, news feeds, and employee directories - all bundled together, which isn’t something you see every day. If you need to step it up with premium features, the $4 per user per month pricing is hard to beat.

For Microsoft-heavy organizations, Microsoft Teams is a no-brainer if you’re already deep into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It integrates seamlessly with Office apps and comes with robust security. That said, Pebb offers similar functionality at the same $4 per user per month price point, giving you another option if you’re exploring alternatives.

For enterprise-level organizations with bigger budgets, the decision depends on your specific needs. If driving employee engagement is your priority, Workvivo’s analytics and community-building tools are worth exploring. On the other hand, if your focus is on managing large frontline teams, Staffbase’s mobile-first approach is a standout. The key is to match the platform’s strengths to your communication goals.

For integration-heavy environments, Slack is still king when it comes to third-party app integrations. If you’re looking for something with a touch of AI-powered personalization, Simpplr is another strong contender, especially for handling complex setups.

Here’s the thing: with 86% of employees blaming workplace failures on poor communication and 72% of business leaders reporting productivity boosts from effective communication, choosing the right platform isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s essential.

For most organizations - especially those just getting started with their communication strategy or looking for a cost-effective, all-in-one solution - Pebb strikes the perfect balance between functionality and value.

FAQs

What makes Pebb a top choice among internal communication tools?

Pebb brings everything you need for team communication into one neat package, catering to both frontline workers and office teams. Imagine having real-time messaging, news feeds, groups, a people directory, voice and video calls, and even voice translation - all in one place. And here’s the kicker: it even works offline and supports multi-channel communication, so no matter where your team is or how they connect, staying in sync is effortless.

But here’s where Pebb really shines - its pricing. While other platforms can drain your budget, Pebb offers a free plan and a premium option for just $4 per user. It’s hands-down the most budget-friendly way to boost communication and engagement across your team without compromising on quality.

Why is Pebb's pricing the best choice for small and mid-sized teams?

Pebb keeps things simple and budget-friendly with a flat rate of $4 per user per month. For small to mid-sized teams, this means no surprises - just an affordable, predictable cost. Unlike options like Slack, which starts at $8.75 per user, or Teams, which also starts at $4 per user but often requires additional expenses for key features, Pebb includes all the essential tools you need right in the base price. No hidden fees, no pricey add-ons - just everything you need to collaborate effectively.

But here’s where it gets even better: Pebb offers a free plan for up to 1,000 employees. That’s right - an all-in-one communication and collaboration platform at zero cost. For organizations watching their budgets but still wanting to streamline how their teams connect, Pebb is a no-brainer. It’s built to deliver maximum value without breaking the bank.

How does Pebb meet the unique communication needs of frontline workers?

Pebb was built with frontline workers at its core, offering a mobile-friendly platform that keeps communication and collaboration simple and effective. It’s packed with tools like work chat, a news feed, groups, voice and video calls, and even a people directory - everything you need to keep your team connected, no matter where they’re working.

Here’s what makes Pebb stand out: it’s not just easy to use, it’s also easy on your budget. Starting at just $4 per user, Pebb combines all these features into one platform, cutting out the hassle (and expense) of juggling multiple tools. Whether your team is on-site, out in the field, or working from an office, Pebb keeps everyone informed and engaged without skipping a beat.

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