"Why does finding the right workplace tool feel like online dating?" I asked myself this exact question last year when our team at Pebb was knee-deep in evaluating communication platforms. The options were endless, each promising to solve every problem under the sun. But here’s the catch: most tools either felt like overkill or missed the mark entirely for what our team actually needed.

We’d been using Mattermost for a while, but it became clear that messaging alone wasn’t cutting it. Our team wanted more - a solution that brought work chat, task management, and real-time updates together without adding unnecessary complexity or blowing up our budget. So, we started exploring alternatives. And let me tell you, the journey was eye-opening.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by too many features or frustrated by tools that don’t scale with your team, you’re not alone. That’s why I’m sharing what we learned while testing seven alternatives to Mattermost. Whether you’re managing a hybrid team, working remotely, or juggling frontline workers, I’ll break down the pros, pricing, and why some platforms (spoiler: including ours, Pebb) might just be the perfect fit for your team. Let’s jump in.

1. Pebb

Pebb stands out as a strong alternative to Mattermost, designed to tackle the challenges that other platforms often overlook - especially when it comes to bridging office teams and frontline workers in one unified space.

Features

At its core, Pebb creates a fully integrated workplace experience. It brings together work chat with unlimited message history, a live news feed for company-wide updates, private clubs for team collaboration, and task management tools that keep everyone on track. But that’s just the start.

Pebb also integrates key essentials like employee directories, knowledge libraries, calendar events, and voice/video calls into one seamless platform. Whether you're on a desktop in the office or using the mobile app on the go, the experience remains smooth and consistent for everyone, including frontline workers. Plus, with advanced search capabilities and integrations with HR and payroll systems, finding the information you need has never been easier.

Pricing (USD/user/month)

Here’s how our pricing works:

• Free Standard Plan: Perfect for teams of up to 1,000 employees, this plan includes work chat, a news feed, a knowledge library, task management, calendar access, and unlimited clubs - all at no cost.

• Premium Plan: For just $4 per user per month, you unlock advanced features like analytics, unlimited admins, voice and video calls, and enterprise SSO.

Free Plan Availability

We believe in making communication tools accessible, which is why our free plan is packed with all the core features you need to collaborate effectively. It even includes unlimited message history. While the free plan has some limitations around admin controls and analytics, it’s more than enough for small to medium-sized teams to get started and grow confidently.

US Localization and Compliance

Pebb is built with US businesses in mind. It meets local compliance standards and integrates seamlessly with popular American business tools. Our enterprise SSO works with major US identity providers, and we back it all up with premium SLA support during US business hours to ensure your team stays productive without interruption.

2. Slack

Slack has become a cornerstone in workplace communication, with a staggering 700 million messages sent daily and 80% of the Fortune 100 relying on Slack Connect to collaborate with external partners. It’s not just a tool; for many companies, it’s the backbone of their daily operations.

Features

Slack’s channel-based structure is its secret sauce. Public channels keep discussions open and transparent, while private channels handle sensitive conversations. This setup not only keeps communication organized but also simplifies onboarding new team members - no digging through endless email threads to get caught up.

What really makes Slack shine, though, is its integration ecosystem. With over 2,600 app integrations, including big names like Google Drive, Office 365, Trello, and Zoom, Slack becomes much more than a chat tool. Its Workflow Builder takes it a step further by automating repetitive tasks, and its AI features now deliver instant channel summaries, daily recaps, and a powerful enterprise search to help you find information in seconds.

Slack also has built-in voice and video calling through Huddles, and its Slack Connect feature ensures secure collaboration with external teams. On top of that, enterprise-grade security measures like data encryption, two-factor authentication, and compliance certifications make it a trusted choice for businesses.

Pricing (USD/user/month)

Here’s a quick look at Slack’s pricing plans:

• Pro Plan: $7.25 per user/month

• Business+ Plan: $12.50 per user/month

The higher-tier plans unlock perks like unlimited message history, enhanced security features, priority support, and additional AI-powered tools.

Free Plan Availability

Slack does offer a free plan, but it comes with notable restrictions. You’ll get access to core messaging and collaboration features, but only 90 days of message and file history. App integrations are limited, and features like Huddles and Slack Connect are scaled back significantly. So, while the free plan is great for small teams or testing the waters, growing businesses might outgrow it quickly.

US Localization and Compliance

Since Slack is a US-based company, it’s particularly well-suited for American businesses. It integrates seamlessly with popular US business tools and meets various compliance standards, offering robust admin controls and monitoring tools to keep everything secure.

And here’s the kicker: teams using Slack have reported some impressive results. A 47% increase in productivity, a 36% boost in employee engagement, and 89% of users saying it has improved their communication. Those numbers speak for themselves.

Next up, let’s dive into Microsoft Teams to see how it stacks up as another alternative to Mattermost.

3. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams brings together communication and document collaboration under the Microsoft 365 umbrella. It’s designed to create a centralized hub where teams can chat, share files, and work on documents seamlessly, all while taking advantage of the broader Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

Features

What makes Teams stand out is its channels and deep integration with Microsoft Office. You can collaborate on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files directly within the platform, eliminating the need to switch between apps. Everything stays in sync, which is a huge time-saver.

Pricing (USD/user/month)

Here’s a quick breakdown of the pricing options:

Standalone Teams Plans:

• Microsoft Teams Essentials: $4.00/user/month (requires an annual commitment)

• Microsoft Teams Enterprise: $5.25/user/month (requires an annual commitment)

Microsoft 365 Business Bundles:

• Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $6.00/user/month

• Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50/user/month

• Microsoft 365 Business Premium: $22.00/user/month

Premium Add-ons:

• Microsoft Teams Premium: $10.00/user/month

• Microsoft 365 Copilot: $30.00/user/month

Free Plan

For those just getting started, Microsoft Teams also offers a free version. While it doesn’t include all the bells and whistles of the paid tiers, it provides enough functionality to cover basic communication and collaboration needs.

Up next, let’s take a closer look at how Workvivo tackles workplace communication in its own way.

4. Workvivo

Workvivo takes workplace communication and gives it a social media twist. As part of the Zoom ecosystem, it focuses on boosting employee engagement and strengthening company culture by incorporating features we’re all familiar with from our favorite social platforms.

Features

Think of Workvivo as your company’s own social hub. Its news feed–style interface makes it easy and natural for employees to share updates, celebrate wins, and react to announcements. It’s not just about chatting, though - there are built-in tools for employee recognition, pulse surveys, and analytics dashboards to measure engagement levels.

What’s more, thanks to its Zoom integration, video conferencing is just a click away. Custom groups allow for focused team discussions, and the mobile apps ensure that remote and frontline workers stay in the loop, no matter where they are.

Pricing (USD/user/month)

Workvivo doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all price tag. You’ll need to contact their sales team to get a custom quote.

US Localization and Compliance

For companies based in the US, Workvivo checks all the right boxes when it comes to compliance and security. It’s SOC 2 Type 2 compliant, which is a must-have for handling sensitive employee data. Plus, it offers US-based support.

Behind the scenes, Workvivo is powered by AWS, boasting ISO 20000 and 27001 certifications to meet the high security standards US businesses demand. And since it’s integrated with the Zoom ecosystem, Workvivo taps into partnerships like Theta Lake, which provides AI-driven compliance solutions for organizations navigating strict regulations.

Up next, let’s dive into how Staffbase connects with employees across the board.

5. Staffbase

Staffbase is designed with enterprise-level internal communication in mind, catering specifically to the needs of larger organizations. Their pricing model reflects this focus, as it’s customized based on the unique requirements of each company. This approach stands in contrast to Pebb's straightforward $4 per user premium plan, which is both transparent and easy to understand.

Pricing (USD/user/month)

Unlike fixed-rate models, Staffbase doesn’t offer a standard pricing structure. Instead, organizations need to reach out to their sales team to receive a tailored quote that aligns with their specific needs.

Free Plan Availability

If you’re hoping for a free plan or trial, Staffbase doesn’t provide one. However, they do offer personalized one-on-one demos to showcase their platform and its features.

Next, let’s explore how Firstup tackles employee communication in its own way.

6. Firstup

Firstup is built for larger organizations with intricate needs, offering a robust, enterprise-focused solution. It stands in contrast to Pebb's straightforward, all-in-one platform that simplifies communication and collaboration.

Features

Firstup equips businesses with tools tailored for engaging large, distributed teams across multiple channels, making it ideal for frontline workers and complex structures. On the other hand, Pebb keeps things streamlined by bundling work chat, a news feed, groups, directories, and voice/video calls into a single, cohesive platform.

Pricing (USD/user/month)

Firstup operates on a custom pricing model, charging per user, per month, with annual commitments. The cost depends on the tier - Essential, Professional, or Premier - and the number of licensed users. However, there's a catch: you'll need to connect with their sales team to get a quote. This lack of transparency can make budgeting a bit of a headache.

Free Plan Availability

Here’s where Firstup falls short: it doesn’t provide a free plan or trial. If you want to explore their platform, you’ll have to go through their sales team, unlike Pebb, which offers a free, all-in-one solution right out of the gate.

Next, let’s dive into how Simpplr approaches internal communication and employee engagement.

7. Simpplr

Simpplr is geared toward large enterprises, offering a comprehensive suite of intranet and engagement tools. But with all those bells and whistles comes a level of complexity that stands in stark contrast to Pebb’s streamlined, all-in-one approach.

Features

Simpplr focuses heavily on intranet capabilities, content management, and a range of integrations. While these features can be useful, they often come with added layers of administrative complexity. On the other hand, Pebb keeps things simple by bundling everything you need - work chat, news feeds, groups, a people directory, and voice/video calls - into one seamless platform. Best of all, it’s designed to be intuitive, with minimal IT setup or training required.

Pricing (USD/user/month)

Let’s talk dollars and cents. Simpplr follows a tiered, quote-based pricing model, which can make budgeting a headache, especially for smaller teams. Pebb, however, keeps it straightforward with a flat premium plan at just $4 per user per month. No surprises, no hidden fees - just clear, predictable costs.

Free Plan Availability

When it comes to trying before buying, Simpplr falls short. They don’t offer a free plan or an easy way to fully test the platform, which can slow down your decision-making process. Pebb, on the other hand, gives teams a chance to hit the ground running with a free all-in-one plan. No drawn-out demos or complicated sales pitches - just sign up and start collaborating immediately.

Now, let’s dive deeper into how these platforms stack up against each other.

Platform Comparison

Let me walk you through why Pebb stands out when it comes to meeting the needs of modern teams. Simplicity, affordability, and functionality are what we’re all about, and here’s how we stack up against the competition:

Why the Right Platform Matters

Here’s the deal: poor communication isn’t just an inconvenience - it’s expensive. US businesses lose a staggering $1.2 trillion annually, which breaks down to about $12,506 per employee each year. And it’s not just the numbers; 86% of employees and executives point to ineffective collaboration and communication as the main reasons for workplace failures. With 77% of companies planning to stick with hybrid work setups, choosing the right platform is more important than ever.

Where Pebb Shines

At Pebb, we’ve made it our mission to offer a straightforward, all-in-one solution. Unlike Workvivo, which starts at a hefty $20,000+ annually, or Staffbase and Simpplr, which require custom pricing conversations, we keep things simple: $4 per user, per month. No hidden fees, no surprises.

Our free plan is just as transparent. You can onboard up to 1,000 users with unlimited message history - compare that to Slack, which limits free users to 90 days of message history, or Microsoft Teams, where the free plan comes with restrictions like limited group calling and storage. The other platforms? They skip free tiers entirely, meaning you’re stuck in sales calls before you even know if the tool works for your team.

Balancing Security and Usability

Sure, every platform listed meets basic US compliance requirements, but here’s where Pebb takes it a step further. We’ve designed the platform to be mobile-first, with AI-powered notifications that adapt to your team’s needs. And this matters - 63% of companies rely on video conferencing, and 56% use instant messaging apps daily to keep operations running smoothly.

Integration Without the Overwhelm

Now, let’s talk integrations. Slack is the go-to for integration-heavy workflows, but that premium pricing can add up fast. Microsoft Teams? Great if you’re already locked into the Microsoft ecosystem, though it can feel a bit overwhelming for smaller teams. Pebb, on the other hand, offers the integrations you need - without the complexity. It’s all about giving you the tools to work smarter, not harder.

In short, Pebb is built to simplify your team’s communication and collaboration, no matter the size or setup. It’s affordable, transparent, and packed with the features modern teams actually use.

Conclusion

After diving into the top Mattermost alternatives, it’s clear that picking the right communication platform is all about finding the sweet spot between functionality, simplicity, and cost.

Sure, competitors like Slack shine with their extensive integrations, and Microsoft Teams offers seamless collaboration within the Office 365 ecosystem. But let’s be honest - those perks often come with hefty price tags or layers of complexity that can slow you down. Many other options cater to large enterprises with steep pricing and overly intricate setups, leaving smaller teams feeling out of place.

That’s exactly why we built Pebb. We believe communication should be straightforward, affordable, and stress-free. Unlike many platforms that seem designed to squeeze every last dollar from enterprise-level budgets, we’ve kept things simple: $4 per user per month, with no hidden fees. And if you’re just starting out? Our free plan has you covered, supporting up to 1,000 users with unlimited message history - no time limits, no storage caps, and definitely no pushy sales calls.

Pebb delivers the essentials - work chat, live news feeds, voice and video calls, and analytics - without drowning you in unnecessary features or complexity. If you’re running a small to mid-sized team, a startup, or just want to avoid the chaos of juggling too many tools, Pebb is your answer. For larger organizations with a heavy focus on integrations, options like Microsoft Teams might make more sense. But for those who value simplicity and efficiency above all, Pebb is here to keep things easy and effective.

FAQs

Why is Pebb the best communication platform for small to medium-sized teams?

Pebb has become my go-to recommendation for small to medium-sized teams, and let me tell you why. It’s an all-in-one platform that brings together everything you need - work chat, a news feed, groups, voice and video calls, and more. Whether you're on the frontlines or working in an office, Pebb keeps collaboration smooth and engagement high.

Now, here’s the kicker: it costs just $4 per user. Seriously, that’s it. And don’t think for a second that the lower price means fewer features. Pebb packs in all the tools you need without the hefty price tag or complicated setup. Its intuitive design means your team can hit the ground running - no endless tutorials or tech headaches. For smaller teams wanting to boost productivity without breaking the bank, Pebb is a total game-changer.

How does Pebb provide a seamless communication experience for both office and frontline workers?

Pebb makes staying connected at work feel effortless with its mobile-first platform that’s built for everyone - whether you’re at a desk or out in the field. Features like real-time chat, push notifications, and a lively news feed keep teams in sync and in the loop, no matter where they’re clocking in from.

What sets Pebb apart is its all-in-one toolkit. It’s packed with essentials like employee profiles, group chats, voice and video calls, and easy content sharing - all designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. And for frontline workers? The platform's mobile-friendly approach ensures they have everything they need right at their fingertips, making communication smooth and hassle-free for the entire team.

How does Pebb's free plan compare to free plans from competitors like Slack and Microsoft Teams?

Pebb's free plan is a game-changer. It offers unlimited message history, built-in HR tools, and supports up to 1,000 users - a setup that works perfectly for both small teams and larger organizations. Now, let’s stack that up against the competition: Slack’s free plan caps message history at just 90 days and limits you to 5GB of storage. Microsoft Teams? Its free version misses out on several advanced features that are crucial for smooth team collaboration.

But here’s where it gets even better: Pebb’s premium plan is priced at just $4 per user per month. For that, you get a full suite of tools - work chat, news feeds, voice and video calls, and more. It’s a budget-friendly, all-in-one solution that’s hard to beat for businesses looking to streamline their communication without breaking the bank.

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