We Tried 7 Employee Intranet Platforms - Here’s What We Learned

"Why is this so complicated?" That’s what I found myself asking a few months ago as we started hunting for the perfect employee intranet platform. Our team at Pebb.io was growing fast, and with more remote and hybrid setups than ever, our communication tools just weren’t cutting it. Conversations were scattered across emails, Slack threads, and random Google Docs. It felt like we were constantly chasing information instead of focusing on work.

Here’s the kicker: we’re not alone. According to a recent study, 60% of companies struggle to keep their teams connected in today’s distributed work environment. And the cost of poor communication? A whopping $62.4 million per year for large organizations. We knew we had to find a solution, fast.

So, we decided to go all in. Over the course of three months, we tested seven of the biggest players in the intranet world: Pebb (our own platform), Simpplr, LumApps, Interact Software, Workvivo, HubEngage, and MangoApps. We didn’t just skim the surface - we set up real workspaces, put them to the test in everyday scenarios, and got feedback from our entire team. The goal? To figure out what works, what doesn’t, and which platform truly delivers on its promises.

In this article, I’ll walk you through what we discovered - warts and all. Whether you’re a startup looking for your first intranet or a large company tired of outdated tools, this guide will save you time, money, and headaches. Let’s dive in.

1. Pebb

After three months of putting Pebb through its paces alongside six other platforms, we discovered something surprising - it didn’t just meet our expectations, it exceeded them in ways we didn’t anticipate.

Key Features

Pebb delivers an all-in-one solution straight out of the box, eliminating the need for third-party add-ons or costly upgrades. It’s a platform that brings everything together: unlimited work chat history, a live news feed, a knowledge library, task management, and calendar integration - all seamlessly connected.

One of the standout features was how effortlessly it synced across mobile and desktop. Picture this: you start a conversation on your phone during your morning commute, and later, you pick it right back up on your laptop without a hitch. And let’s talk about the advanced search - it’s a lifesaver when you need to dig up a conversation or document from weeks ago.

Managing groups is another area where Pebb shines. Whether it’s project teams, office locations, or interest-based clubs, organizing them is a breeze. We even set up various clubs for different purposes, and the platform kept conversations organized and relevant, ensuring the right people stayed informed without spamming everyone else.

Employee Engagement Tools

Here’s where Pebb really stood out - it’s designed to actively encourage employee participation. During our trial, we learned that engagement often boils down to how easy and intuitive the platform is to use. Pebb’s news feed became the go-to hub for company updates, team shoutouts, and project announcements. Its interface felt instantly familiar, almost like using a social media app, which made adoption incredibly quick.

The employee directory was another unexpected gem. Instead of wasting time scrolling through email threads or messaging apps to find the right person, team members could instantly locate colleagues, check their roles, and start a conversation. Plus, its mobile-first design made it easy for everyone to stay connected, no matter where they were.

Pricing and Scalability

Here’s the deal: Pebb’s Standard plan is completely free for up to 1,000 employees. Yes, free - no strings attached. It’s not a watered-down version either. You get the full package: work chat, a news feed, a knowledge library, tasks, a calendar, and unlimited clubs. For small to medium-sized businesses, this is a game-changer.

For larger organizations or those needing extra features, the Premium plan costs just $4 per user per month. What’s great is there are no hidden fees or sneaky charges - it’s all upfront and simple.

Scalability was another area that impressed us. We started with a small team and gradually expanded to include multiple departments. The platform handled the growth effortlessly, and the unlimited clubs and departments feature meant we never hit any frustrating limits that forced us into unnecessary upgrades.

Integration Capabilities

When it comes to integrations, Pebb keeps things simple. It works beautifully as a standalone platform for most communication needs. For those who need it, the Premium plan includes enterprise SSO support, making it easy to plug into existing authentication systems. We also appreciated the smooth integration with HR and payroll systems, which made onboarding new team members a breeze.

Unlike competitors that rely heavily on third-party add-ons, Pebb’s all-in-one design meant we spent less time juggling integrations and more time actually getting work done. The apps wall was another thoughtful touch, giving us quick access to frequently used tools without the headaches of deep integrations that can break or require constant upkeep.

In short, Pebb isn’t just a platform - it’s a productivity booster that simplifies communication and collaboration at every level.

2. Simpplr

Simpplr takes a unique approach to employee communication by leveraging AI, but after putting it through its paces for a few weeks, I noticed some trade-offs compared to Pebb.

Key Features

One of Simpplr's standout features is its AI-driven content curation, which personalizes the dashboard for each employee. These customized dashboards prioritize essential updates, making it easier for employees to stay informed. The platform also uses audience-based access control (ABAC), allowing updates to be tailored by role, shift, or location - perfect for companies with diverse teams.

Its mobile-first design ensures a consistent experience across iOS, Android, and web. Features like shift-aware "do not disturb" settings and location-aware updates (using geofencing and QR codes) are particularly useful for frontline workers. These tools create a solid foundation for its engagement features, which aim to encourage responsive communication.

Employee Engagement Tools

When it comes to engagement, Simpplr focuses on real-time feedback and AI-driven sentiment analysis. These tools help teams gauge how employees feel about company updates and initiatives. While its native messaging and video tools are convenient for quick communication, they don’t quite match the depth of Pebb’s offerings. However, Simpplr shines with its ability to send targeted broadcasts across multiple channels - mobile, SMS, and email - ensuring messages reach everyone and don’t get ignored.

Pricing and Scalability

Simpplr’s pricing model is custom, which can make things tricky for smaller businesses. While they do offer a free trial and demo, the lack of upfront pricing might be a roadblock for some. On the other hand, Pebb keeps things simple: $4 per user with a free option for up to 1,000 employees. Plus, Pebb scales seamlessly for both mid-sized and enterprise organizations, making growth a breeze.

Integration Capabilities

Simpplr integrates with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Zoom, which is great for maintaining existing workflows. Its native video features and cross-platform compatibility also reduce the need for extra third-party tools. That said, it doesn’t quite match the all-in-one simplicity that Pebb brings to the table.

With a 4.8/5 rating on Capterra and recognition as a Leader in the IDC MarketScape for Integrated Employee Workspaces 2025, Simpplr clearly delivers for many organizations. But for teams that value transparent pricing and a more comprehensive feature set right out of the box, Pebb’s approach is easier to navigate and more budget-friendly.

3. LumApps

LumApps positions itself as an enterprise intranet platform, but here’s the catch - there’s a noticeable lack of publicly available, concrete details about its features, engagement tools, pricing, or integrations. Without this information, it’s tricky for organizations to make an informed decision about whether LumApps is the right fit for their needs.

On the other hand, we at Pebb keep things transparent and simple. Our platform offers a free, all-in-one communication solution for teams of up to 1,000 users. Need more? Our premium plan is just $4 per user, providing an easy-to-use, seamless experience that connects teams without the guesswork.

4. Interact Software

When we took a closer look at Interact Software, we hit a wall of vagueness. The lack of detailed public information made it tough to get a clear picture of what the platform actually offers. From core features to pricing and integration capabilities, the gaps in transparency left us questioning whether it could truly meet the needs of today’s workplaces.

Key Features

One of the biggest hurdles? There’s no clear breakdown of its core features or how they’re supposed to foster communication and collaboration. Without that, it’s hard to judge if Interact Software is up to the task of supporting modern teams.

Employee Engagement Tools

We also couldn’t find any solid details about tools for employee recognition, team bonding, or community building. These are the kinds of features that help create a connected, engaged workforce, and their absence in the documentation raises more questions than answers.

Here’s where Pebb shines. We make sure you know exactly what you’re getting. Our platform is packed with tools like a dynamic news feed, interactive groups, a people directory, and real-time chat. Whether your team is on the frontlines or working from home, Pebb ensures everyone stays in the loop and engaged.

Pricing and Scalability

Another sticking point? Pricing. Interact Software doesn’t provide any clear information about costs or tiered service options. For businesses, budgeting and planning for growth are critical, and this lack of transparency makes it a guessing game.

At Pebb, we keep it simple and upfront. Our free plan supports up to 1,000 users, and our premium plan is just $4 per user. No hidden fees, no surprises - just straightforward pricing that scales with your needs.

Integration Capabilities

Finally, we couldn’t find any mention of integration capabilities. In a world where tools need to work together seamlessly, this is a big oversight. Without knowing if Interact Software can connect with other platforms, it’s hard to see how it could fit into an existing tech stack.

In comparison, Pebb is designed to integrate smoothly with the tools you already use, ensuring a seamless experience across your organization.

In short, while Interact Software leaves a lot of questions unanswered, Pebb prioritizes clarity, functionality, and transparency, making it easier for businesses to make informed decisions.

5. Workvivo

Workvivo brings a sleek, social media-inspired vibe to internal communications, making it feel a bit like scrolling through your favorite social platform - but tailored for work.

Key Features

At its heart, Workvivo offers a news feed-style interface where employees can post updates, celebrate wins, and interact with company content. Think of it as a digital bulletin board with a social twist. It covers the basics like messaging, announcements, and content sharing. Plus, it sprinkles in employee recognition tools and some light collaboration features to keep everyone in the loop and feeling appreciated. While these tools are solid for engagement, they act more as a foundation than a full-fledged collaboration suite.

Employee Engagement Tools

Workvivo shines with its recognition features, polls, and social elements that can give a morale boost. However, if your team is looking for tools to tackle day-to-day collaboration, it might not check all the boxes.

That’s where Pebb steps in. We blend social engagement with powerful collaboration tools, offering not just connection but also functionality. With integrated work chat, voice and video calls, and group collaboration spaces, Pebb ensures that teams can both bond and get things done.

Pricing and Scalability

Here’s where things get interesting. Workvivo uses a custom pricing model, which means you’ll need to reach out for a quote. While this allows for tailored solutions, it can make budgeting tricky - especially for smaller teams trying to weigh their options. On the other hand, Pebb keeps things simple and transparent. We offer a free plan for up to 1,000 users, and our premium plan is just $4 per user. No hidden fees, no surprises.

6. HubEngage

HubEngage takes a different route by centering its efforts on gathering employee feedback through engagement tools, rather than offering a broad set of collaboration features.

Focus on Engagement

At its heart, HubEngage is all about collecting employee sentiment. It leans heavily on tools like surveys and polls, which can be great for organizations that want detailed insights into how their teams feel. But here’s the catch - it stops short when it comes to collaboration essentials. You won’t find built-in tools for file sharing, project coordination, or team discussions here.

This is where Pebb stands out. Instead of sticking to one lane, we’ve built a platform that merges engagement with everyday collaboration. Think of it as a one-stop shop: integrated work chat, voice and video calls, and group collaboration spaces all rolled into one. With Pebb, your team can stay connected while tackling their to-do lists seamlessly.

Pricing and Scalability

When it comes to pricing, HubEngage is a bit of a mystery. You’ll need to reach out to the vendor to get the details. On the flip side, Pebb keeps things straightforward. We offer a free plan for teams of up to 1,000 users, and our premium plan is just $4 per user. No hidden fees, no surprises - just a complete communication and collaboration solution that grows with your team.

7. MangoApps

MangoApps earns a spot on our list of employee intranet platforms, but here's the catch: there's not enough verified information available to provide a thorough review of its features, interface, pricing, or integrations. So, while it’s mentioned here, details are scarce.

Key Features

When it comes to MangoApps' feature set, the specifics are a bit of a mystery. For example, does it include tools like company news feeds or employee directories? That’s unclear. If you’re curious about what MangoApps brings to the table, the best move is to contact them directly to get the lowdown on their features and engagement tools.

Employee Engagement Tools

Unfortunately, we don’t have enough verified information to evaluate MangoApps' employee engagement tools. For organizations looking to dive deeper into what they might offer in this area, reaching out to MangoApps directly is your best bet.

Pricing and Scalability

Details about MangoApps' pricing and scalability are also pretty vague. On the flip side, Pebb takes a completely transparent approach. We offer a free plan for up to 1,000 users and a premium plan at just $4 per user. This way, organizations know exactly what they’re investing in right from the start - no surprises, no hidden costs.

Integration Capabilities

When it comes to integrations, MangoApps leaves us guessing. But with Pebb, we’ve got you covered. Our platform combines work chat, voice and video calls, file sharing, and collaboration tools all in one place. It’s a seamless setup that eliminates the need for juggling multiple apps.

Up next, we’ll take a closer look at the overall strengths and weaknesses of all the platforms we’ve reviewed so far. Stay tuned!

Platform Strengths and Weaknesses

When we put these platforms to the test, it became clear that each has its own personality - strengths that shine and weaknesses that can’t be ignored. Let me walk you through what we found:

What Stood Out Across the Board

Beyond the specifics of each platform, some broader trends became obvious during our testing. Let me break it down:

1. Cost Matters More Than You Think
Pricing is a huge sticking point. Many platforms come with premium price tags or hide costs behind complicated tier structures. That’s where Pebb shines - it’s straightforward and transparent. No hidden fees, no surprises as your team grows.

2. Integration Can Be a Headache
How well a platform plays with other tools makes or breaks the experience. Take LumApps: it’s amazing if you’re all-in on Google Workspace, but if your team uses a mix of systems or leans on Microsoft tools, you might hit some walls. Pebb takes a different route, bundling everything you need into one platform. No app-switching, no integration nightmares.

3. Usability Is Non-Negotiable
Here’s the thing: if your team needs a training session just to figure out the basics, you’re already losing ground on engagement. Some platforms require a steep learning curve, while Pebb is designed to feel intuitive from day one. It’s like handing your team a tool they already know how to use.

4. Engagement Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought
Platforms that treat engagement as a secondary feature struggle with adoption. The ones that weave it into the core experience - like through easy-to-use chat and a news feed - perform much better. It’s not rocket science: people stick with tools that make their workday easier and more connected.

5. Scalability Is Key
Some platforms feel perfect for small teams but start to buckle as you grow, while others are built for massive enterprises and feel like overkill for smaller groups. The sweet spot? A platform that grows with you without ballooning costs. Pebb nails this balance, making it a solid choice no matter your team size.

All of these insights reinforce what we’ve seen firsthand: a unified platform like Pebb doesn’t just check the boxes - it simplifies work, saves money, and makes collaboration seamless. It’s designed to grow with your team, whether you’re a scrappy startup or scaling into the hundreds.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

After weeks of diving into these seven platforms, I’ve learned that picking the right intranet boils down to three things: budget, team size, and how much complexity you’re willing to deal with.

Let’s start with budget - because, let’s face it, that’s usually the deciding factor. For small to medium-sized businesses, those per-user fees can stack up fast. That’s where Pebb stands out. With a free plan for up to 1,000 users and a premium plan at just $4 per user per month, it’s hard to beat.

Then there’s team size and growth. Some platforms are perfect for small teams but start to buckle as your team grows. Others are built for massive enterprises but feel like overkill for smaller groups. Pebb strikes a balance here. Whether you’re a 50-person startup or scaling fast, it adjusts seamlessly to your needs.

Now, let’s talk about complexity. This is a big one - and often overlooked. Platforms like LumApps come packed with features, but they can demand a lot of setup time and ongoing management. If you don’t have a dedicated IT team, you might find yourself buried in the weeds of implementation. On the flip side, platforms like Pebb are built with simplicity in mind. You can get up and running quickly without compromising on the essentials. That’s been a consistent theme throughout this review: solutions that work out of the box win every time.

So, here’s my honest take: if you want the best all-around value - something that’s simple, efficient, and won’t give you a headache - go with Pebb. If your team has specific needs, like being deeply tied to the Google ecosystem or prioritizing social engagement, platforms like LumApps or Workvivo might be worth exploring.

At the end of the day, most businesses need a platform that’s easy to set up, keeps communication smooth, and doesn’t blow the budget. That’s exactly why Pebb was built - to make life easier for teams like yours.

The takeaway? Don’t overcomplicate it. Pick a platform that fits your budget and meets your core needs. Everything else is just icing on the cake.

FAQs

What should I look for in an employee intranet platform for a growing team?

When you're picking an employee intranet platform, it's all about finding something that boosts communication, teamwork, and keeps your team engaged. Let me tell you why Pebb has been a game-changer for us. It's a free all-in-one platform, and if you want to upgrade, the premium plan is just $4 per user - a steal compared to others out there.

What’s included? Everything you need: work chat, a news feed to keep everyone in the loop, groups for focused collaboration, a people directory for quick connections, and even voice and video calls. Whether your team is on the frontline or in the office, Pebb has you covered.

If your team is growing, you need a platform that can keep up. Pebb scales effortlessly, supports smooth collaboration, and aligns perfectly with your business goals - all while staying budget-friendly. It’s the perfect balance of affordability and functionality.

How does Pebb adapt to growing businesses and integrate with existing tools?

At Pebb, we’ve built a platform that evolves right alongside your business. Whether you're a small team just starting out or a growing enterprise, Pebb’s cloud-based setup makes it simple to scale without missing a beat. Need to bring on more users or add features? No problem. The process is smooth, and performance remains steady no matter how large your team gets.

What really sets Pebb apart is its open API integrations. It’s designed to work seamlessly with the tools and systems you’re already using. This means you can keep everything connected in one place, creating a workspace that feels unified for both your frontline workers and office staff. By simplifying communication, collaboration, and engagement, Pebb becomes the go-to solution for businesses, whether they’re just finding their footing or already well-established.

What makes Pebb's pricing model stand out compared to other intranet platforms?

Pebb's pricing approach is designed with accessibility in mind. We provide a free all-in-one communication solution, perfect for businesses of any size looking to streamline their operations without spending a dime. And if you're after some extra bells and whistles, our premium plan is available for just $4 per user - a price that's hard to beat in today's market.

By blending affordability with a robust set of features, Pebb helps organizations improve communication, boost collaboration, and increase employee engagement - all without breaking the bank.

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