In 2025, choosing the right chat app for work can improve team collaboration, reduce email clutter, and support hybrid or remote work setups. Here’s a quick guide to the top workplace chat tools:

• Microsoft Teams: Great for companies using Microsoft 365. Features include AI meeting recaps, document summaries, and real-time translations. Pricing starts at $5.25/user per month.

• Slack: Ideal for teams needing integrations (over 2,600 apps). Offers features like conversation summaries and workflow automation. Pricing starts at $8.75/user per month.

• Google Chat: Best for Google Workspace users. Includes AI tools, seamless integration with Gmail, Drive, and Meet. Pricing starts at $6/user per month.

• Pebb: A new, cost-effective option with free unlimited message history, voice/video calls, and mobile-first design. Premium plan costs $3.50/user per month.

Quick Comparison

Each app fits different needs. For cost savings, try Pebb. For robust integrations, go with Slack. Choose Microsoft Teams or Google Chat if you're already using their ecosystems.

5 Best Secure Team Chat Apps for Business in 2024 | Top ...

1. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams has made significant updates in 2025, adding AI-driven tools designed to support hybrid teams. With its unified communication interface, the platform simplifies staying connected and working efficiently.

Here’s a breakdown of the features that make Teams stand out:

One of the standout AI tools is the real-time speech-to-speech translation, which supports 31 languages during meetings. This feature makes global collaboration seamless. Additionally, the Copilot feature delivers instant document summaries directly in chat, saving time and ensuring everyone is on the same page.

For companies navigating hybrid work, Microsoft Places integrates workspace management with communication tools. This helps optimize office space and improve team coordination. The feature is included in business-level subscriptions, making it a practical addition for distributed teams.

Teams’ pricing structure ranges from Enterprise Basic at $5.25 per user monthly to the Phone with Calling Plan at $17.00 per user monthly, both requiring annual commitments. Starting April 1, 2025, Microsoft will implement a 5% increase for monthly billing options.

The platform’s deep integration with Microsoft 365 is a major strength, providing smooth connectivity across the suite. Security has also been enhanced with QR Code Authentication and PIN verification, offering stronger protection while keeping it easy to use. For better meeting productivity, the Intelligent Meeting Recap feature (available in Premium) creates AI-generated notes and action items, making follow-ups faster and more effective.

2. Slack

Slack has come a long way in 2025, offering much more than just messaging. The platform now emphasizes AI-driven tools and a wide range of app integrations to help teams work more efficiently. Here's a closer look at its features, pricing, and performance.

Recent stats show that teams using Slack experience a 47% boost in productivity. On top of that, Slack's AI tools save an average of 97 minutes per person each week.

Slack Pricing Breakdown

One of Slack's standout features is its extensive app ecosystem, supporting over 2,600 integrations. On average, teams use 43 apps within Slack, making it a central hub for collaboration.

AI and Security

Slack's AI tools have become smarter while keeping security intact. Operating within AWS infrastructure, Slack AI doesn't use customer data to train its models. Key AI features include:

• Conversation summaries for quick updates

• Daily recaps to keep teams aligned

• Smart search to retrieve information fast

Enterprise Features

Slack Connect continues to be a favorite for enterprise collaboration, used by 80% of Fortune 100 companies to interact with external partners and clients. The workflow builder also simplifies automation without coding, saving teams 35% more time.

With these tools, Slack doubles as a searchable knowledge base, making it easier to access archived conversations and maintain context. Security remains a strong focus, offering enterprise-grade features like custom-built AI Assistants and Agentforce integration.

Next, we’ll explore what Google Chat brings to the table.

3. Google Chat

Google Chat saw major growth in 2025, now serving over 9 million businesses. Inspired by Slack's integrations, it uses the Google ecosystem to reshape workplace communication.

Core Features and Integration

Google Chat's standout feature is its tight integration with Google Workspace tools. Users can effortlessly switch between email, chat, and video calls. Plus, it comes with trusted anti-spam, anti-phishing, and anti-malware protections.

Here’s what it offers:

• Smart compose and autocorrect for quicker messaging

• Spaces for team collaboration (up to 500,000 members)

• Real-time huddles for quick problem-solving

• Direct links to Gmail, Calendar, Drive, and Meet

With these integrations, Google Chat also uses AI to enhance productivity.

AI-Powered Productivity

Gemini AI takes workplace efficiency to another level by simplifying tasks and boosting collaboration. It can:

• Provide automated summaries and detailed responses

• Find specific files across Google Workspace

• Assist with brainstorming and idea generation

Pricing Structure

Google Chat is included with Google Workspace at no extra cost, but organizations can opt for enhanced paid plans. Here’s a breakdown of the available options:

These plans cater to businesses of all sizes, offering flexibility and scalability.

Real-World Impact

"Email reliance has dropped dramatically, thanks to Google Chat. It brings much more immediacy to our work, which is a big win for everyone at SCL Health."

• Craig Richardville, Chief Information & Digital Officer at SCL Health

"...our previous productivity and collaboration tools added friction. Employees spent too much time toggling between communication apps and tracking down the latest document versions rather than moving projects forward. Reducing the amount of friction from thought to implementation is what we strive to do every day, and Google Workspace fits right into this philosophy."

Enterprise Security and Compliance

Google Chat prioritizes security with features like data loss prevention and content moderation tools. It uses the same anti-spam, anti-phishing, and anti-malware technology that protects billions of Gmail accounts. Additionally, it supports migrations from platforms like Slack or Teams, making transitions seamless.

4. Pebb

Pebb is an all-in-one communication platform launched in 2025, now serving teams across 24 countries. Unlike many other tools, Pebb provides a free platform that brings all employee communications under one roof. Designed with a mobile-first mindset, it caters equally to frontline and office teams.

Communication Tools That Deliver

Pebb's Work Chat ensures secure communication with end-to-end encryption and includes features like:

• Unlimited chat history

• Real-time file sharing

• Group conversations

• Voice and video calls

• Advanced search functionality

Beyond Messaging: A Complete Digital Workspace

Pebb stands out by offering more than just messaging. It provides a full suite of tools to handle communication, collaboration, and organization:

Built for Security

Pebb takes data protection seriously with features like:

• End-to-end encryption for all chats

• Enterprise SSO capabilities

• Advanced permissions management

• Premium SLA support for businesses

Simple and Affordable Pricing

Pebb offers two easy-to-understand plans:

This pricing model reflects Pebb's focus on providing accessible tools for teams of all sizes.

Customer Feedback

"Pebb has entirely redefined our communication. It feels like Facebook, but for work." - Loren, Consulting Firm (1,000 employees)

Organizations with diverse workforces praise Pebb for its ability to streamline communication and productivity. Its integration with over 50 HR and payroll systems makes workflow automation seamless.

Mobile-First Design

With native apps for iOS and Android, Pebb ensures teams stay connected no matter where they are. Whether on-site or remote, the platform keeps everyone in sync.

Features Overview

This comparison breaks down the main features of each platform, focusing on how they meet modern business communication needs.

Core Features Comparison

Each platform also brings distinct advantages beyond these core features.

Platform Strengths

Integration Capabilities

User Experience and Adoption

• Pebb: Designed for mobile use, offering a simple and intuitive interface.

• Slack: Polished design with a focus on threaded conversations.

• Microsoft Teams: Packed with features but can feel complex for new users.

• Google Chat: Lightweight and easy to use, fully integrated with Google Workspace.

Storage and Data Management

These storage options can significantly influence scalability and data management.

This comparison shows how each platform serves different business priorities. Slack's third-party integrations and Microsoft Teams' Office 365 capabilities make them strong contenders. Meanwhile, Pebb stands out by offering unlimited message history and robust communication tools for free - an appealing option for organizations focused on functionality and cost savings.

Summary and Recommendations

When choosing a communication platform, it's important to weigh factors like cost, scalability, integration options, and mobile accessibility.

Best Value Recommendations

These suggestions help match platforms to specific business needs based on pricing, integrations, and mobility.

Making the Right Choice

When evaluating chat platforms, keep these key considerations in mind:

• Cost: Pebb stands out with its free plan offering unlimited message history and essential features. Its premium plan, priced at $3.50 per user per month, is a cost-effective alternative to Slack, which starts at $8.75 per user monthly.

• Scalability: While Slack's free plan limits message history to 90 days, Pebb offers unlimited retention at no charge, making it ideal for teams needing long-term communication archives.

• Integration Needs: Each platform caters to unique workflows:

  • Microsoft Teams integrates seamlessly with Office 365.

  • Slack boasts one of the largest ecosystems for third-party apps.

  • Pebb includes key integrations for HR and payroll systems.

  • Google Chat is tightly connected to Google Workspace tools.

Mobility is another critical factor. Pebb's mobile-first approach ensures smooth communication on both iOS and Android devices.

Platform-Specific Advantages

• Pebb:

  • Best pricing with essential features

  • Unlimited message history on free plans

  • Premium features like voice and video calls

  • Integrated tools like a knowledge library and employee directory

• Slack: Great for teams requiring extensive third-party integrations.

• Microsoft Teams: Ideal for companies already using Office 365.

• Google Chat: Perfect fit for teams working within Google Workspace.

For businesses prioritizing affordability, simplicity, and functionality, Pebb offers a standout solution for workplace communication in 2025. Use these insights to choose a platform that fits your team's needs and budget.

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