What if I told you that the biggest challenge for small teams isn’t about finding talent or securing funding, but simply staying on the same page? I’ve seen it firsthand - miscommunication can derail even the most promising startups. One minute, you’re brainstorming the next big idea, and the next, you’re buried in email threads or scrambling to find that one message with the crucial details.

Here’s the kicker: communication tools are supposed to make life easier, but for many teams, they’re either too expensive or too limiting. I’ve been there - watching budgets disappear into tools that overpromise and underdeliver. That’s why, at Pebb, we set out to solve this problem once and for all.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best free team chat apps of 2025. Whether you’re looking for unlimited messaging, file sharing, or a way to keep your team organized without breaking the bank, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and find the tool that’ll keep your team connected and productive.

1. Pebb

When we set out to create Pebb, our goal was simple: build a communication platform that small teams could rely on without having to compromise between features and affordability. After countless conversations with startups, one challenge kept coming up: teams were stuck choosing between bare-bones chat tools or overpaying for enterprise platforms packed with features they didn’t even need. That’s where we knew we could make a difference.

Pebb stands out as the only free communication platform that offers a complete set of features with no team size restrictions. While other platforms either limit what you can do or cap how many people can join, we believe every team - no matter the size - deserves access to professional communication tools without having to stretch their budget.

Free Plan Features

Let’s talk about what you get with our Standard plan, which is completely free. It covers everything you need for smooth team communication:

• Unlimited work chat with full message history: No more losing important conversations or digging through emails to find old threads.

• An integrated news feed: Keep everyone in the loop with company updates right where they already communicate.

• A knowledge library: Think of it as your team’s go-to hub for documentation and resources.

What makes Pebb different is its all-in-one approach. We combine chat, tasks, calendar, and unlimited clubs in one platform, so you don’t have to juggle multiple tools. Plus, you can organize your team into departments and branches, making it easy to structure communication as your team grows. This setup isn’t just convenient - it’s built to scale with you.

User Limit

Here’s the kicker: our free plan supports up to 1,000 employees. For most startups and small teams, that’s more than enough room to grow without ever worrying about extra costs per user.

Voice/Video Call Capabilities

While our free plan focuses on robust text-based communication, we also offer advanced voice and video call options in our Premium plan. For just $4 per user per month, you unlock these features, making it one of the most budget-friendly upgrades out there. This way, you can start with text and add calling capabilities when your team is ready.

Integration Options

Need more than just communication? Our Premium plan has you covered with enterprise-level integrations like HR and payroll systems, plus enterprise SSO for smoother onboarding. Even on the free plan, you’ll find our Apps wall - a feature that centralizes your essential tools, cutting down on the hassle of switching between apps.

With a free plan that supports up to 1,000 employees and a Premium plan priced at just $4 per user per month, Pebb grows with your team without holding back on features. It’s not just another chat app - it’s a complete communication ecosystem designed to scale with you.

2. Slack

Slack has become a go-to tool for many teams, thanks to its reliability and user-friendly interface. But if you're on their free plan, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind - especially if you're part of a small team or a startup trying to stretch resources.

Free Plan Features

Here’s the deal: Slack’s free plan gives you unlimited channels and essential notifications, which is great for organizing conversations. However, there’s a catch - only the most recent 10,000 messages are accessible. Once you hit that limit, older messages vanish into the void unless you upgrade to a paid plan. For teams that rely on searching through past discussions, this can be a bit of a hurdle.

User Limit

One thing Slack does right on the free plan? There’s no cap on the number of users in your workspace. Whether your team has 5 or 50 members, everyone can jump in without worrying about extra costs.

Voice/Video Call Capabilities

Slack’s free plan includes audio and video calls, or as they call them, "huddles." But there’s a limit - these calls are capped at 30 minutes and are only available for one-on-one conversations. If you’re looking to host group calls or share your screen, you’ll need to upgrade to unlock those features.

Integration Options

Slack shines with its app integrations, but the free plan has its limits. You can connect up to 10 apps, which works fine for smaller teams. The challenge comes when you need to add an 11th app - you’ll have to remove one of the existing integrations to make room. For teams juggling multiple tools, this can quickly become a juggling act.

3. Microsoft Teams Free

Microsoft Teams Free takes a page from Slack’s playbook by offering a collaboration platform that fits neatly into its own ecosystem. Designed for small teams, this no-cost plan provides a solid foundation for teamwork, especially for those already working with Microsoft’s suite of products like Windows or Office.

Free Plan Features

With Teams Free, you get unlimited chat, file sharing, and collaborative workspaces. Each user is allocated 5 GB of cloud storage, which is plenty for sharing and collaborating on documents. The platform also comes with handy tools like screen sharing, live captions (when using Microsoft account identities), polling, and built-in data encryption to keep your discussions secure. Plus, there’s no cap on the number of users, so your team can grow without hitting a wall.

Voice and Video Call Capabilities

When it comes to voice and video calls, Teams Free doesn’t disappoint. Individual calls can last up to 30 hours, while group meetings are limited to 60 minutes per session. These group meetings can host up to 100 participants, which is more than enough for most small teams.

Integration Options

One of the standout features of Teams Free is how effortlessly it integrates with Microsoft’s own tools. Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint all work together seamlessly, removing the hassle of setup or compatibility issues. However, the free version does have its limits when it comes to third-party integrations. Unlike Slack’s extensive app marketplace, Teams Free sticks to the basics. But if you’re already invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem, the built-in tools should cover most of your needs.

4. Discord

When you think of Discord, the first thing that might come to mind is gaming. But let me tell you, this platform has evolved far beyond its roots. These days, it's a powerful tool for startups and small teams looking to stay connected. Its server-based setup makes it easy to create dedicated spaces for different projects or departments, keeping conversations neat and organized.

What You Get with the Free Plan

Discord’s free plan is surprisingly generous. You can send unlimited text messages, set up voice channels, and even share files (up to 8 MB per upload). Whether it’s images, videos, or documents, the platform supports them all. Plus, you can customize channels within each server to keep discussions focused - whether by topic, team, or department.

One feature I love is the screen-sharing option during voice calls. It’s seamless and makes quick collaborations a breeze. And let’s not forget the basic bot integrations. These bots can handle a variety of tasks, from scheduling meetings to sending reminders or even managing project updates. It’s a great way to streamline workflows without spending extra.

No Limits on Team Size

One of Discord’s standout features is its ability to support unlimited server members. This means your team can grow as much as it needs without hitting any caps. While voice channels can accommodate large groups, in my experience, smaller groups tend to work better for productive discussions.

Voice and Video: A Strength

Discord nails voice communication. The audio quality is excellent - good enough to rival dedicated VoIP services. What’s unique is that voice channels stay open all day, so team members can pop in and out as needed, almost like a virtual office space.

As for video, Discord supports 720p group video calls, which is perfectly fine for most team needs. Its "Go Live" feature lets you stream your screen to up to 50 viewers, making it a solid choice for team presentations, training sessions, or even troubleshooting together.

Integrations and Bots

While Discord doesn’t have the extensive app marketplace that platforms like Slack offer, it makes up for it with its webhook system and an active bot community. Popular integrations include GitHub for code updates, Trello for project management, and Google Calendar for scheduling. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can create custom bots tailored to your team’s needs - perfect for those with a bit of technical know-how.

From time tracking to handling customer support tickets, there’s likely a bot that can help. In short, Discord’s flexibility and growing ecosystem make it a strong contender for teams that value adaptability and ease of use.

5. Google Chat

If your team already lives and breathes the Google ecosystem, Google Chat might feel like a no-brainer for your startup. It's designed to fit snugly into Google Workspace, cutting down on app hopping and letting you focus on actual work. Think of it as the glue that holds your Google tools together.

Free Plan Features

Here’s the kicker: Google Chat comes free with any Google account. That means you get unlimited messaging, easy file sharing via Google Drive, and the ability to chat one-on-one or in group "spaces." The search feature? It’s powered by Google’s own search tech, so finding old conversations or shared files is lightning fast.

"Chat is included with Workspace at no additional cost, and integrates in helpful ways with Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Meet, Groups, and more."

• Google Workspace

One standout feature is the automatic file permissions. When you share a file, Google Chat adjusts access settings on the fly, saving you from those dreaded “You don’t have permission” emails. It’s these little touches that make team communication smoother.

User Limit

Google Chat doesn’t box you in with participant limits for conversations or spaces. Whether you’re running a small, tight-knit team or planning to scale up, this flexibility keeps things open. That said, smaller groups often lend themselves to sharper, more focused discussions.

Voice and Video Call Capabilities

While Google Chat doesn’t have built-in voice or video calls, it syncs effortlessly with Google Meet. You can launch a call straight from a chat, keeping everything within the Workspace family.

Integration Options

For teams already using Google Workspace, the integrations are where Google Chat really shines. It plays nicely with Gmail, Calendar, Drive, and Docs, so you’re not constantly jumping between tabs. Need to schedule a meeting? Just type "@Google Calendar" and add the details. Sharing a document? A few clicks, and it’s done.

"Google Chat seamlessly integrates with other apps in the Google Workspace suite, such as Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Drive. This functionality allows for easy sharing, commenting, and real-time collaboration. It helps teams work together without switching between multiple platforms, making it a significant time saver."

• Praburam Srinivasan, Growth Marketing Manager, ClickUp

Beyond Google’s own tools, Google Chat supports a range of third-party integrations like Zapier, Trello, Asana, Zendesk, and GitHub. Whether you’re managing projects, tracking customer tickets, or syncing tasks, you’ll find most of the essentials covered.

For the tech-savvy, there’s even more to explore. Google Chat offers APIs for custom integrations, and you can build no-code Chat apps using tools like Gemini for Workspace and AppSheet. This opens up opportunities to create tailored solutions without needing a full development team.

Automation is another area where Google Chat shines. Imagine this: new calendar events automatically post to team channels, or Zendesk tickets trigger instant notifications in your support chat. These workflows save time and keep everyone on the same page, which is a huge win for startups juggling multiple priorities.

6. Zoho Cliq

If you're part of a startup or a small team, Zoho Cliq might just be the communication tool you’re looking for. Its free plan packs in the essentials, including one-on-one calls and group meetings for up to 100 participants. These calls are capped at 60 minutes and don’t include call recording, but they do come with screen sharing to make real-time collaboration easier.

What sets Zoho Cliq apart is how it combines communication with productivity. For instance, it integrates task management directly into your chats. You can use task management bots to create and assign tasks without leaving the conversation. As TechRadar points out, these features are ready to use from the start.

Need to host a webinar-style session? The free version lets a presenter stream video to as many as 100 participants. This makes it a solid option for company-wide demos or meetings without needing to upgrade.

That said, Zoho Cliq isn't without its drawbacks. Some users have noted that the voice and video calling features don’t quite match the polish or stability of bigger names like Slack or Microsoft Teams. MERN STACK Developer Chinna Siva Krishna T. shared his perspective:

"Some of the features, such as voice/video calling, are not as refined or stable as those of rivals like Slack or Microsoft Teams." - Chinna Siva Krishna T.

While it may not be perfect, Zoho Cliq offers a solid mix of communication and productivity tools, especially for smaller teams just getting started.

7. Element

Element stands out for its focus on privacy and security, built on the open-source Matrix foundation. This setup gives startups full control over their data, which is a game-changer for teams handling sensitive information or operating in regulated industries.

Free Plan Features

With Element’s free plan, you get unlimited messaging, file sharing, and the ability to create both public and private rooms. The platform comes with default end-to-end encryption, ensuring conversations stay secure. You can also organize your projects and departments into dedicated spaces, making collaboration more streamlined.

One of Element’s standout features is its federation capability, which lets you connect with users on other Matrix servers. Think of it like email - where you can communicate across different providers seamlessly.

User Limit

Here’s a perk: there’s no user limit on the free plan. Whether you’re a small team just starting out or a growing startup, Element won’t push you into upgrading as your team expands.

Voice and Video Calls

Element includes browser-based voice and video calling with screen-sharing options. However, since it relies on a distributed server infrastructure, call quality can sometimes vary. It’s worth testing to see if it meets your team’s needs.

Integration Options

While Element doesn’t boast a massive app marketplace, it does offer bridges to popular platforms like Slack, Discord, and WhatsApp. You can also use bots and widgets to add custom tools. And because it’s open-source, you have the freedom to customize it extensively or even self-host it for total control over your communication data.

This flexibility makes Element a great fit for teams that value privacy and don’t mind investing a little time to get the hang of it. It’s particularly ideal for tech startups, remote teams in highly regulated industries, or any organization that wants to keep their communication data under lock and key.

Feature Comparison Table

Let me break it down for you - here’s a quick look at how Pebb stacks up against other popular tools for small teams and startups:

So, what’s the takeaway here? Pebb clearly offers a standout combination of features and affordability, especially for startups and growing teams.

Here’s why I’m so excited about it: Pebb’s free plan is already packed with essentials like unlimited message history and up to 1,000 users. For teams that need a little extra - like voice/video calls, custom branding, or detailed analytics - our premium plan steps in at just $4 per user/month. That’s a price point that’s tough to beat, especially when other platforms either limit key features or charge significantly more.

Whether you’re managing a small team or scaling a startup, Pebb gives you the tools to stay connected, collaborate effectively, and grow without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Picking the right team chat app is one of those decisions that can either streamline your startup’s communication or create unnecessary headaches. It all comes down to a few key factors: your team’s size, your budget, and where you see your company heading in the near future.

For small teams just getting started, Discord might seem like a comfortable and familiar option. After all, it’s simple and accessible. But here’s the catch - Discord was built for gamers, not growing companies. As your team expands, you’ll likely need something more tailored to professional communication. Slack and Microsoft Teams Free are solid alternatives, but their free plans come with restrictions that can quickly become frustrating as your team scales.

That’s exactly why we built Pebb. Startups need tools that don’t force them to choose between affordability and functionality. Our free plan is designed with growing teams in mind - it supports up to 1,000 users and offers unlimited message history. No gimmicks, no hidden limits. Communication should empower your team, not hold it back. And when you’re ready for more advanced features like voice calls, analytics, or custom branding, our premium plan delivers all of that for just $4 per user per month - without the sticker shock of other enterprise solutions.

Here’s the thing: the chat app you pick today should grow with you tomorrow. Think about where your team will be six months or a year from now. The last thing you want is to deal with a disruptive migration because your current tool can’t keep up. Whether you choose Pebb or another platform, make sure it fits seamlessly into your workflow and supports your team’s growth without compromise.

At the end of the day, the best tool is one that works so well, you barely even notice it’s there. That’s what we aim for with Pebb - a solution that keeps your team connected and focused on what really matters.

FAQs

Why is Pebb the best free chat app for small teams and startups?

Pebb has earned its place as the go-to free chat app for small teams and startups, and here’s why: it offers a completely free plan with no sneaky restrictions on message history or user count. Seriously, no caps. Plus, it bundles everything you’d need for communication into one platform - chat, a news feed, groups, voice/video calls, and more. It’s like having all your collaboration tools in one easy-to-use app.

Now, if you’re thinking about upgrading, Pebb’s premium plan is a steal at just $4 per user. Compare that to competitors like Slack or Microsoft Teams, where costs can quickly climb or free plans come with strings attached. Designed with a mobile-first approach and packed with features, Pebb fits perfectly into the fast-paced world of small teams and startups, keeping everyone connected and on top of their game.

How does Pebb protect data security and privacy for startups?

At Pebb, keeping your data safe and private isn’t just a checkbox - it’s a top priority. We’ve implemented role-based access controls (RBAC) to ensure that only the right people have access to sensitive information. On top of that, we enforce strict credential policies and regularly run security audits to stay ahead of potential threats.

We also go the extra mile with advanced tools like vulnerability scanning and secure firewalls. These measures work together to create a solid defense, so your data stays protected 24/7.

What’s more, all these efforts align with industry standards and legal requirements. For startups, that means you can focus on growing your business without worrying about how your information is being handled. We've got it covered.

Can Pebb's free plan handle the communication needs of a fast-growing startup?

Pebb's free plan is perfect for startups looking to streamline communication as they scale. With support for up to 1,000 users, it covers all the basics: work chat, news feeds, groups, and even voice and video calls.

It’s a no-brainer for teams wanting to stay connected and productive without breaking the bank. This all-in-one platform gives startups the tools they need to collaborate effectively, all without any upfront costs.

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