Looking for better tools than SharePoint for your frontline teams? Here's a quick guide to the top alternatives designed for mobile, deskless workers. These platforms focus on user-friendly mobile experiences, real-time communication, and collaboration tools that meet the needs of on-the-go employees.

Key Takeaways:

• Pebb: Free for up to 1,000 users, $4/user/month for premium. Mobile-first, all-in-one solution with chat, news feed, and document access.

• Microsoft Teams: Starts at $4/user/month. Great for Microsoft 365 users, offering chat, video calls, and integrations.

• Workplace by Meta: Shutting down by May 2026. Previously strong in social features but no longer viable.

• Workvivo: Focuses on employee engagement, starting at $20,000/year for 250+ users.

• Staffbase: Enterprise-focused with advanced communication tools, starting at $30,000/year for 1,000 users.

• Simpplr: AI-driven intranet for large organizations, estimated $29/user/month.

• Slack: Popular for messaging and integrations, $7.25/user/month for Pro plan.

Quick Comparison Table:

For budget-friendly, mobile-first solutions, Pebb stands out with its free plan for up to 1,000 users and affordable premium pricing. Dive into the article for more details on each platform.

Exploring SharePoint Replacement Options: Which Collaboration Software is Right for You?

1. Pebb

Pebb is a budget-friendly alternative to SharePoint, designed specifically for frontline teams and deskless workers who need quick access to information and smooth communication on the go.

Mobile-friendliness

With its mobile-first approach, Pebb ensures an easy and intuitive experience on smartphones and tablets. The app comes fully equipped, letting users check company updates through a news feed, participate in group chats, search the employee directory, and access important documents - all with minimal effort.

Key features for deskless teams

Pebb is packed with tools tailored to help frontline workers stay connected and collaborate effectively:

The platform’s work chat, news feed, and searchable directory ensure teams can stay in sync and receive critical updates in real-time.

Private clubs allow teams to create focused spaces for projects, departments, or specific topics, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing. The employee directory simplifies connecting with colleagues across the organization, while the knowledge library ensures fast access to training materials, procedures, and other key documents.

One company with 2,000 employees transitioned from Slack to Pebb when they realized they needed more than just a chat tool. Pebb’s news feed, searchable profiles, and knowledge library streamlined their internal processes and saved valuable time for their frontline teams.

Pricing and plans

Pebb’s Standard plan is free for up to 1,000 users and includes core features like work chat, a news feed, a knowledge library, tasks, calendar, integrations, clubs, and branch management. For $4 per user per month, the Premium plan adds advanced features like analytics, voice and video calls, premium support, more integrations, and enterprise-level SSO.

2. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is more than just a messaging app - it's a versatile communication platform tailored for both frontline workers and desk-based employees, ensuring seamless mobile access to essential workplace tools.

Mobile-friendliness

Microsoft Teams brings almost all desktop functionalities - like chats, meetings, and external calls (for Teams Phone subscribers) - straight to smartphones and tablets.

With Teams Phone, users get a single business number that works across networks and devices. This feature enables frontline workers to switch calls between their mobile devices and desktops without any interruptions. By merging business and personal communication into one streamlined system, Teams simplifies connectivity.

This strong mobile integration lays the foundation for a range of tools designed specifically for frontline teams.

Key features for deskless teams

In 2025, Microsoft Teams introduced updates aimed at frontline workers. These enhancements include a simplified, mobile-friendly interface and task management apps that can be tailored to specific roles.

One standout feature is the Walkie Talkie, which supports wired headsets on iOS devices, enabling hands-free communication - perfect for warehouse staff, retail workers, or field technicians.

Other tools include:

• Storyline: A centralized hub for corporate updates, much like a company news feed.

• Engage app: Brings community-building experiences directly into the Teams mobile app.

• Queues app: Helps customer service agents manage interactions efficiently right from their phones.

Additionally, Teams offers flexible membership options that let IT administrators quickly set up location-based teams. Frontline managers can also manually adjust team structures, making it easier to scale Teams across various locations or departments.

Pricing and plans

Though Teams offers many frontline-focused features, its pricing structure differs from Pebb's free tier.

Business Plans:

• Microsoft Teams Essentials: $4.00 per user/month (annual) or $4.80 per user/month (monthly).

• Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $6.00 per user/month (annual) or $7.20 per user/month (monthly).

• Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50 per user/month (annual) or $15.00 per user/month (monthly).

For Teams Phone, licenses start at $10 per user/month, with a discounted version for frontline workers at $5 per user/month.

Microsoft has also introduced Microsoft Teams Enterprise as a standalone product for $5.25 per user/month in the US. However, Teams generally works best when paired with other Microsoft 365 applications and is not fully standalone.

While Teams Essentials aligns with Pebb's $4.00 per user premium plan, it includes 10 GB of cloud storage per user and supports up to 300 meeting participants. However, unlike Pebb's free all-in-one plan for up to 1,000 users, most of Teams' business features require a paid plan right from the start.

3. Workplace by Meta

Workplace by Meta, following in the footsteps of Pebb and Microsoft Teams, offers a business communication platform built on Facebook's familiar interface. However, with its impending shutdown, the platform faces significant challenges.

Mobile-friendliness

Workplace leans on Facebook's extensive reach to create a mobile-friendly experience. The platform provides dedicated mobile apps, such as Workplace Chat, and simplifies onboarding with access codes, allowing frontline workers to join without needing email accounts. Features like Live Video Auto-Captions make it easier for mobile users in noisy environments to stay engaged, even when sound is muted. These tools are designed to meet the needs of workers on the go.

Key features for deskless teams

Workplace equips deskless teams with tools that speed up communication. Updates on policies, work schedules, and safety procedures can be shared quickly through Groups, which support unlimited file uploads, tagging, comments, and search functionality. The Knowledge Library serves as a central hub for storing and sharing procedures and policies, accessible on both desktop and mobile devices. To overcome language barriers, the platform includes an auto-translate feature. Additionally, the Safety Center allows administrators to send urgent safety updates and request responses from employees in potentially hazardous situations.

"It brings to life the incredible work our people on the frontline are delivering every day across our business. Plus it's a great platform to share each other's passions and get to know each other better." – Glenn Macgregor, GM of Retail Operations, Supercheap Auto

Several companies, including Campbells, Hootsuite, and Starbucks, have successfully utilized Workplace. The platform has earned a 4.5-star rating on Gartner Peer Insights, with 89% of users recommending it.

Pricing and plans

Before its scheduled shutdown, Workplace offered three pricing options. The Essential plan was free for up to 50 groups, while the Advanced plan cost $4.00 per user per month. As part of the wind-down process, Meta introduced a 50% discount on Workplace subscriptions from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025. However, the platform will enter read-only mode on September 1, 2025, making it unsuitable for new users. Organizations should carefully consider these limitations and explore alternatives like Pebb, as Workplace is set to shut down entirely on May 31, 2026.

4. Workvivo

Workvivo is an employee experience platform tailored for larger organizations, setting it apart from Pebb, which provides a free, all-in-one communication solution.

Mobile-friendliness

Workvivo is designed to keep frontline teams connected through its mobile app and push notifications, ensuring important updates are delivered instantly. The platform goes beyond just mobile access, offering a suite of features specifically aimed at empowering deskless employees.

Key features for deskless teams

Workvivo includes tools like data-driven Employee Insights and an AI-powered knowledge search that eliminates the need for email - making it particularly effective for deskless teams.

"We're investing incredibly strongly in Workvivo for Frontline and have an amazing roadmap for the year ahead", said John Goulding, Workvivo CEO and Founder.

Pricing and plans

Workvivo’s pricing reflects its focus on larger organizations. It offers two main plans: Business and Enterprise. The Business plan starts at $20,000 per year, targeting companies with 250–2,000 employees. For organizations with over 2,000 employees, the Enterprise plan provides custom pricing options. However, the platform’s minimum requirement of 250 users makes it less practical for small businesses.

In comparison, Pebb offers a free plan for teams of up to 1,000 users and premium features for just $4 per user per month. As one source put it, "Workvivo price might stretch small wallets too thin", highlighting the affordability gap between the two platforms.

5. Staffbase

Staffbase is a communication platform designed primarily for large organizations, setting it apart from Pebb's free, all-in-one solution that caters to teams of all sizes. While Staffbase excels in improving communication for mobile workers, its focus on enterprise-level clients makes it less accessible for smaller teams.

Mobile-friendliness

Staffbase shines in mobile usability with its branded app, available through public app stores and featuring offline content sync capabilities. Impressively, the platform boasts a 97% adoption rate among its clients.

A standout example is the DHL Group, which launched its Smart Workspace app for 600,000 employees in April 2022. Within a short time, over 60% of employees signed up. Frank Schmalfeldt, VP of Employee Experience at DHL Group, highlighted the app's impact:

"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."

This high adoption rate underscores Staffbase's ability to deliver mobile solutions that meet the needs of deskless teams.

Key features for deskless teams

The platform offers a range of tools to support deskless workers, including personalized news, schedules, policies, and updates - all accessible within the app. Staffbase also supports content in over 70 languages and provides automated translations for 110 languages, making it ideal for global workforces.

Take Franciscan Children's Hospital, for instance. Within two months of launching their employee app, "TheFRAN", 80% of the workforce had registered, climbing to 85% after four months. The app has even been integrated into their onboarding process, demonstrating its practical value for healthcare workers.

Richard Mills-Tetteh, Director of Corporate Communications at Bethany Children's Health Center, shared how the platform has been instrumental:

"We've used our app to communicate about everything from disaster precautions and policies, to hospital-wide updates that had to be implemented immediately."

These examples highlight how Staffbase helps organizations streamline communication, especially for those with deskless employees.

Pricing and plans

Staffbase follows a quote-based pricing model, starting at $30,000 annually for 1,000 employees - equating to about $30 per employee per year. The platform offers three core modules: Employee App, Front Door Intranet, and Employee Email, with discounts available for bundling multiple channels. While this pricing structure is tailored for large enterprises, it may not suit small to medium-sized businesses.

In comparison, Pebb offers a free plan for up to 1,000 users and premium features at just $4 per user per month. This makes Pebb a much more cost-effective option for smaller organizations seeking robust communication tools without the hefty price tag of enterprise solutions.

6. Simpplr

Simpplr is an AI-driven intranet platform designed with enterprise-level features in mind, making it a competitor to Pebb's free, all-in-one platform that caters to teams of all sizes.

Mobile-friendliness

Simpplr offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android, giving employees access to their intranet on the go. The app includes real-time updates, personalized content, and push notifications to keep deskless workers informed and engaged. Its streamlined dashboard focuses on frequently used resources and integrates third-party apps with user-friendly navigation. However, administrative features are largely unavailable on mobile, which might limit managers' ability to perform tasks remotely. User reviews reflect this divide: the app scores 3.9/5 on Google Play Store and 4.9/5 on Apple App Store.

Globally, deskless workers make up 70-80% of the workforce, yet 67% still rely on in-person communication for work-related updates. Simpplr’s mobile features aim to bridge this gap by offering tools tailored to the needs of deskless teams.

Key Features for Deskless Teams

Simpplr centralizes communication, task management, recognition, and feedback into one digital space. Its AI-powered search and personalized content delivery ensure frontline workers can quickly find information relevant to their role, location, or department. The platform also supports instant messaging and custom app integrations, allowing businesses to create connectors for specific needs. With multilingual support and visual cues, Simpplr ensures that critical information is accessible to all employees.

Recognition and rewards features are a standout, addressing a common pain point for deskless teams. Research shows that nearly 1 in 5 of 13,000 frontline workers feel their efforts go unrecognized, and engaged employees are 87% less likely to leave their jobs. Laura Klieves, VP & Head of People at Malwarebytes, highlighted Simpplr's impact:

"Simpplr offered the best combination of innovative features and ease-of-use of any of the tools we tested."

The platform also tackles frustrations with workplace technology. While 75% of deskless workers rely on technology throughout their day, 60% report dissatisfaction due to inefficiencies and usability challenges.

Pricing and Plans

Simpplr’s pricing structure is tailored to each organization, factoring in size, complexity, and required support. It requires a minimum of 100 employees and uses a volume-based pricing model, with discounts available for companies with 500 or more employees. While unofficial sources suggest a starting price of around $29 per user per month, this hasn’t been confirmed. The pricing includes access to Simpplr One, technical support, and training, with premium features available for an additional fee. A 14-day trial is also available. As one user, Shannon M., Sr. Manager of Sales Enablement, remarked, "The cost is daunting but we're very happy with the product".

For comparison, Pebb offers a free plan for up to 1,000 users and premium features at just $4 per user per month, making it a more budget-friendly option for smaller teams or those with limited resources.

Despite its higher cost, Simpplr maintains strong ratings across review platforms, earning 4.8/5 on Capterra, 4.7/5 on G2, and 9.8/10 on TrustRadius. However, the platform’s complexity and pricing may make it less ideal for organizations seeking simpler, cost-effective solutions for their deskless workforce.

7. Slack

Slack is a well-known messaging platform that has extended its reach from traditional office settings to include deskless workers. Unlike Pebb, which offers a comprehensive all-in-one solution, Slack focuses on messaging and collaboration, supported by its extensive app ecosystem. Let’s take a closer look at Slack’s mobile capabilities and how its pricing stacks up against Pebb.

Mobile-Friendliness

Slack’s mobile app is designed to keep deskless workers connected, no matter where they are. The numbers speak for themselves: 76% of active weekly Slack users rely on the mobile app, and over 1 billion actions are performed on mobile during an average workweek.

The mobile app mirrors much of the functionality found on the desktop version. Users can access channels, direct messages, huddles, and file-sharing features. It also allows seamless switching between workspaces, customizable notifications, and status management - all features that make it easier for deskless workers to stay engaged while on the move. Additionally, Slack offers advanced notification controls, such as Do Not Disturb settings and custom status options, giving users the flexibility to manage their availability.

Real-world examples highlight Slack’s effectiveness for mobile teams. For instance, DevaCurl connects over 200 employees across offices, remote locations, and salons using Slack, with more than half of their team being mobile-based salon staff. CEO Robert Schaeffler shared:

"With Slack, we were finally able to connect people in an office, people that are remote and people that are on their feet all day long in a salon environment."

Another example is RPI Ambulance, which developed a custom Slack integration for their emergency medical services team. This integration sends instant notifications about emergency calls directly through Slack, helping their members respond to incidents more efficiently.

Key Features for Deskless Teams

Slack shines when it comes to messaging, offering over 2,600 app integrations, quick audio chats through huddles, and the ability to create custom integrations. However, it falls short in some areas compared to Pebb. For example, Slack lacks built-in tools for employee recognition, news feeds, and comprehensive people directories, which are part of Pebb’s offerings.

For organizations with unique needs, Slack’s flexibility allows for custom solutions. A great example is Splunk, which created a custom Slack app that lets managers use the command /splunkcapture to pull sales engineer dashboard data directly into Slack. This kind of integration keeps teams aligned, even when working remotely or on mobile.

Pricing and Plans

Slack’s pricing is structured in tiers, but costs can add up quickly for larger teams. The Free plan is $0, but it comes with notable limitations, such as 90 days of message history and a maximum of 10 app integrations.

Slack’s Pro plan is priced at around $7.25 per user per month (billed annually), which can become expensive for frontline teams. In comparison, Pebb’s premium plan costs $4 per user per month and offers a free tier that supports up to 1,000 users.

Pebb’s free plan allows unlimited message history, making it far more generous than Slack’s free option. For a team of 100 users, Slack’s Pro plan would cost approximately $725 per month, while Pebb’s premium plan would cost just $400 per month for the same number of users.

For larger teams, Pebb’s pricing model is much more budget-friendly compared to Slack’s escalating per-user costs, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious organizations.

Platform Comparison: Pros and Cons

Choosing the right SharePoint alternative for your frontline teams means weighing the strengths and drawbacks of each platform. Below, we break down the key aspects - cost, features, and limitations - of popular options.

Pebb offers the most affordable solution, with a free plan for up to 1,000 users and a premium plan priced at $4 per user per month. Designed with deskless workers in mind, its mobile-first approach combines essential communication and collaboration tools into one straightforward platform. Its user-friendly interface supports agile teams and streamlines workflows. However, as a newer player in the market, it lacks the established reputation of platforms like Microsoft Teams or Slack.

Microsoft Teams is an excellent choice for organizations already using Microsoft 365, thanks to its seamless integration with Office apps. It’s particularly effective for hybrid work environments and offers robust video conferencing features. On the downside, Teams can feel overly complex for simple communication needs, and its Essentials plan has a storage limit of 10 GB per user - less generous than Pebb's unlimited storage at the same $4 price point.

Workplace by Meta once stood out for its social networking features, but the platform is shutting down, leaving organizations needing to transition to other options.

Workvivo excels in employee engagement and fostering company culture, making it a strong choice for organizations prioritizing these aspects. However, its higher pricing tiers might be excessive for teams seeking basic communication tools.

Staffbase specializes in internal communications with advanced content management capabilities, which are particularly useful for large enterprises with complex communication needs. That said, it often requires significant setup and customization to get started.

Simpplr focuses on intranet functionality, offering AI-driven content recommendations for effective knowledge management. While powerful, it can be overly complicated for teams that just need simple communication tools, and its pricing is typically geared toward enterprise-level budgets.

Slack shines with its vast app ecosystem, boasting over 2,600 integrations, and is a go-to for fully remote companies. Notably, 76% of Slack’s weekly active users rely on its mobile app. However, Slack's Pro plan costs $7.25 per user per month, making it considerably pricier than Pebb. Additionally, Slack’s free tier limits message history and integrations, unlike Pebb’s free plan, which offers unlimited history.

For teams seeking straightforward, mobile-first communication without overspending, Pebb emerges as a standout option among SharePoint alternatives.

These comparisons underscore how different platforms cater to specific needs. Organizations already integrated with Microsoft tools may find Microsoft Teams a better fit, despite its limitations. Meanwhile, teams requiring extensive third-party integrations might justify Slack’s higher costs. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your team’s priorities, budget, and existing tech stack. For frontline teams prioritizing simplicity and affordability, Pebb offers unmatched value.

Conclusion

Choosing the right SharePoint alternative can transform how your frontline teams operate, equipping them with tools tailored to their specific needs. Among the top contenders, Pebb stands out as a top choice for US-based organizations seeking an affordable and feature-rich solution.

Pebb’s pricing is hard to beat: it offers a free plan for up to 1,000 users, while its premium plan costs just $4 per user each month. This affordability, combined with its proven success in global markets, makes it a standout option. With an impressive 5.0 rating on Gartner Peer Insights and 100% of reviewers recommending it, Pebb clearly resonates with users. Its easy-to-use mobile interface is another major advantage, catering directly to the needs of deskless workers.

Designed with a mobile-first approach, Pebb provides offline access, real-time communication, and AI-powered translation - all in one platform. This eliminates the need for juggling multiple apps. As Christina Matthews from Constructions shared:

"It combines everything - chat, tasks, news feed, knowledge, library - into one place and it's incredibly affordable."

Founded in 2022 and based in Dover, USA, Pebb is built with a deep understanding of the communication challenges faced by the American workforce. Whether you’re managing a small team or scaling up to a large organization, Pebb adapts seamlessly to your needs.

With features like unlimited work chat history, dynamic news feeds, voice and video calls, knowledge libraries, and integrations with over 50 HR platforms, Pebb delivers a robust and straightforward solution. For US organizations seeking a cost-effective yet comprehensive communication platform, Pebb offers a complete ecosystem designed for today’s mobile workforce.

FAQs

Why is Pebb the best SharePoint alternative for frontline and deskless teams?

Pebb shines as a top SharePoint alternative, especially for frontline and deskless teams, by offering a free all-in-one communication platform built specifically with their needs in mind. It includes essential tools like work chat, a news feed, groups, a people directory, and voice and video calls - making communication and collaboration effortless for non-desk employees.

What sets Pebb apart from competitors like Staffbase or Workvivo is its affordability and simplicity. While others may come with hefty price tags and complicated setups, Pebb keeps things straightforward with a premium plan priced at just $4 per user. This makes it an affordable and scalable choice for organizations aiming to boost real-time engagement and connectivity among their frontline teams - without stretching their budget.

How does Pebb's pricing compare to platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams?

Affordable Communication for Frontline Teams

Pebb delivers an all-in-one communication platform for frontline teams at an unbeatable price - just $4 per user/month for its premium plan. This plan comes packed with essential tools like work chat, news feeds, groups, a people directory, and voice and video calls. It’s everything deskless and frontline workers need to stay connected and efficient.

When compared to other options, Pebb stands out for its value. Slack’s Pro plan, for instance, comes in at $8.75 per user/month, and while Microsoft Teams also starts at $4 per user/month, it often requires a Microsoft 365 subscription, which can quickly drive up costs. Pebb offers a straightforward, cost-effective solution designed to meet the needs of both deskless and office-based teams.

What features make Pebb the ideal solution for deskless workers and frontline teams?

Pebb is built to support deskless workers and frontline teams by offering an easy-to-use, mobile-friendly platform that streamlines communication and teamwork. It combines essential features like work chat, a news feed, groups, a people directory, and voice and video calls - all conveniently housed in one app.

What makes Pebb stand out is its free, comprehensive communication solution, along with an affordable premium plan priced at just $4 per user. These tools are specifically designed to boost productivity and engagement, tackling the unique needs of employees who aren't tied to a desk.

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