Looking for the best intranet for your small business? Here's a quick breakdown of four popular platforms - Pebb, Microsoft Teams, Workvivo, and Simpplr - so you can make an informed choice.

• Pebb: Offers a free plan for up to 1,000 users and a $4/user Premium plan. Includes chat, video calls, news feed, and task management. Best for budget-conscious small businesses.

• Microsoft Teams: Starts at $4/user but often requires additional Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Great for companies already using Microsoft tools.

• Workvivo: Focuses on employee engagement but costs $20,000+/year, making it less accessible for small teams.

• Simpplr: Designed for large enterprises with custom pricing and a 100-user minimum. Features advanced AI tools but lacks built-in messaging.

Quick Comparison

Bottom Line: For most small businesses, Pebb delivers the best value with its free and affordable plans, all-in-one features, and scalability. Microsoft Teams works well for those in the Microsoft ecosystem, while Workvivo and Simpplr are better suited for larger enterprises.

AgilityPortal - Intranet Software for Small Businesses

1. Pebb

Pebb stands out as the only intranet offering a free all-in-one communication solution tailored for small businesses. With its Standard plan supporting up to 1,000 employees at no cost, it removes one of the biggest hurdles small businesses face - budget limitations.

Pricing

Pebb’s pricing model is hard to beat. The Standard plan is completely free and includes essential tools like unlimited chat history, a news feed, a knowledge library, task management, a calendar, and unlimited clubs. For a team of 50 employees, this means access to all the basics without spending a dime.

For those needing more, the Premium plan costs just $4.00 per user per month. This upgrade unlocks advanced features such as voice and video calls, analytics, enterprise single sign-on (SSO), unlimited admins, and premium support. When compared to competitors like Staffbase, which starts at $30,000 annually, or Simpplr at approximately $7.50 per user, Pebb’s pricing makes enterprise-grade tools affordable for businesses of all sizes.

Now that we’ve covered the cost, let’s dive into the features that make Pebb a standout choice.

Features

Pebb combines all the tools small businesses need into a single platform, eliminating the hassle (and expense) of juggling multiple subscriptions. Its features are designed to tackle common communication and collaboration challenges head-on.

One of Pebb’s standout features is its unlimited message history, even on the free plan - something many competitors restrict. The knowledge library serves as a centralized hub for company information, while tools like the apps wall integrate seamlessly with existing business software.

Pebb also boosts engagement: studies show employees are 75% more likely to watch a video than read text, and regular recognition can reduce turnover by 56%. With tools like dynamic profiles and unlimited clubs, Pebb fosters a connected and engaged workforce.

Scalability

Pebb is built to grow alongside your business. The free plan supports up to 1,000 employees, which is more than enough for most small businesses. For larger teams, the Premium plan offers unlimited users, ensuring your intranet can handle growth without breaking the bank.

The platform’s flexible department and branch structure makes it easy to adapt to organizational changes. Whether you’re onboarding new employees or restructuring teams, Pebb simplifies the process. Features like the knowledge library and unlimited clubs ensure new team members can hit the ground running. Plus, the Premium plan’s unlimited admin access means you won’t face additional costs as your management team expands.

Security

Security is a top priority for Pebb. The Standard plan includes basic security measures suitable for small businesses, while the Premium plan adds enterprise-level features like SSO for advanced authentication.

Premium users also benefit from a detailed permission control system, allowing businesses to manage access to sensitive information without hindering collaboration. For added peace of mind, Pebb provides SLA-backed support to quickly resolve any security or technical issues.

Whether accessed via mobile or desktop, Pebb maintains consistent security standards across devices. Its advanced search functionality ensures employees can find what they need quickly, without compromising data protection. Additionally, integrations with HR and payroll systems come with built-in safeguards to protect sensitive employee data during synchronization.

Pebb is designed not just to meet your business’s current needs but to evolve with them, offering a secure and scalable solution for internal communications.

2. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a communication platform widely considered by small businesses for internal collaboration. While it offers a range of features, it contrasts with Pebb's streamlined, cost-effective approach.

Pricing

Microsoft Teams' pricing can be a bit tricky for small businesses trying to budget effectively. The platform starts with Teams Essentials at $4.00 per user per month. This plan includes unlimited group meetings (up to 30 hours), support for 300 participants, 10 GB of cloud storage per user, and collaboration tools.

However, many small businesses find themselves needing more features, which often leads them to upgrade. For instance, Microsoft 365 Business Basic costs $6.00 per user per month, while Business Standard jumps to $12.50 per user per month. To put it in perspective, for a team of 50 employees, Teams could cost between $3,600 and $7,500 annually. In contrast, Pebb supports up to 1,000 users at no cost.

While Pebb offers straightforward pricing, Teams often requires additional Microsoft 365 subscriptions to unlock its full capabilities, potentially driving up costs.

Features

Microsoft Teams shines when it comes to meetings and document collaboration, thanks to its integration with Microsoft 365 apps. Features like video conferencing, meeting recordings with transcripts, and webinar hosting are available on higher-tier plans.

However, Teams has some limitations. Unlike Pebb, it doesn’t have a dedicated news feed, relying instead on chat channels that can quickly become cluttered. While it provides file sharing, task management, and a knowledge library, important company updates may not be as visible as they are on Pebb.

To match Pebb's all-in-one functionality, Teams often requires businesses to juggle multiple Microsoft services, which can lead to a more complicated user experience.

Scalability

Scalability is another area where Microsoft Teams has strengths but also challenges. Microsoft 365, which includes Teams, allows businesses to add or remove users and services as needed. Business Basic supports up to 300 users, and the platform can accommodate larger organizations. However, as companies grow, they often face higher costs and added complexity, needing to upgrade to advanced plans or purchase additional services.

In comparison, Pebb offers a free plan for up to 1,000 users and a Premium plan with unlimited users at a flat $4.00 per user rate, making it a simpler and more predictable option for growing businesses.

It’s worth noting that 53% of small business leaders believe productivity needs to improve, but employees often feel stretched thin. The complexity of managing multiple Microsoft services and training staff on various tools can sometimes slow productivity, which is less of an issue with Pebb's integrated approach.

Security

When it comes to security, Microsoft Teams delivers strong protections, including data encryption across all plans. It also benefits from Microsoft's enterprise-grade infrastructure, offering identity and access management starting with the Business Basic plan.

However, Teams' security is deeply tied to Microsoft's ecosystem, which can make managing permissions more complex for small business owners. Pebb, on the other hand, offers simpler, more intuitive controls, which may better suit businesses looking for ease of use alongside robust security.

3. Workvivo

Workvivo delivers an intranet platform that prioritizes employee engagement, blending traditional intranet tools with features inspired by social media. However, its pricing structure often makes it less accessible for small businesses.

Pricing

For small businesses, Workvivo's pricing can be a significant challenge. Unlike Pebb, which offers a free plan for up to 1,000 users, Workvivo requires a hefty upfront investment. The Business plan starts at $20,000 per year for companies with 250 to 2,000 employees, translating to about $80 per employee annually. In comparison, Pebb's premium plan costs just $4 per user per month, making it far more budget-friendly for smaller teams.

Moreover, Workvivo charges extra for add-on features like Chat, Workvivo TV, and Advanced Analytics. It does not provide a free trial, instead requiring businesses to schedule a personalized demo with a sales representative. This pricing model, combined with the additional costs for modules, can make Workvivo less appealing to smaller organizations with tighter budgets.

Features

Workvivo stands out for its focus on engagement, combining intranet functionality with interactive, social media–like tools. Some of its key features include:

• Engagement hub: A centralized space for company communications where employees can interact using likes, comments, and shares.

• Personalized news feed: Tailored updates keep employees informed about topics relevant to their roles and interests.

• Employee recognition tools: Features for recognizing achievements, managing events (with RSVP options), and ensuring mobile-friendly access.

However, Workvivo lacks built-in video calling capabilities, requiring integrations for this functionality. Similarly, advanced analytics and extensive customization often need supplemental tools. In contrast, Pebb provides an all-in-one solution, including video calls and other features, even in its affordable premium plan.

This side-by-side comparison highlights why small businesses often find Pebb's integrated and cost-effective approach more appealing.

Scalability

Workvivo is designed with larger organizations in mind, and its scalability is well-documented. For instance, Ryan Air, with 20,000 employees, reported a 30% rise in internal app usage after implementing Workvivo. Similarly, Nordell, a plastics manufacturer with about 200 employees, achieved 100% engagement among its night staff, a significant jump from 20%. Irish retailer Woodie also saw a 54% increase in employee engagement rates.

While these examples showcase Workvivo's ability to scale effectively, its pricing and reliance on integrations make it less accessible for smaller teams. Pebb, on the other hand, offers a straightforward $4 per user plan, making it a simpler and more predictable choice for businesses focused on cost-effective growth. This contrast underscores how Workvivo's premium model differs from Pebb's accessible and budget-friendly scalability.

4. Simpplr

Simpplr is tailored for large organizations, offering customized pricing and enterprise-level tools. However, its structure makes it less practical for smaller businesses.

Pricing

Simpplr’s pricing model isn’t small-business-friendly. To even get started, companies need a minimum of 100 employees, which excludes many smaller teams that might otherwise benefit from platforms like Pebb, which offers a free tier for up to 1,000 users.

Rather than transparent pricing, Simpplr provides custom quotes for its "Basic" plan. This volume-based approach lacks the clarity that smaller businesses often need for budgeting. Some users have expressed frustration over the cost structure, highlighting "expensive add-ons" and noting that "many features aren’t included in the basic package".

For small businesses seeking straightforward and predictable costs, Pebb’s clear pricing eliminates the guesswork. While Simpplr focuses on enterprise needs, Pebb’s pricing model is designed to scale with smaller teams.

Features

Simpplr delivers a robust intranet solution, featuring tools like employee intranet capabilities, newsletters, surveys, and employee recognition systems. Its AI-driven features, such as sentiment analysis and automated content creation, add an extra layer of sophistication.

One standout feature is its distributed content management system, which allows teams across an organization to manage their own content while maintaining overall quality standards. Simpplr also offers custom apps, enabling organizations to create tailored connectors and define API actions without needing advanced coding skills.

"By utilizing custom apps, we've been able to centralize more functionality within our core system, the Scoop. I'd highly recommend this solution to anyone looking to centralize operations and improve cross-functional efficiency."

• Duncan McHugh, Chief Operating Officer at Nutrition Warehouse

However, Simpplr falls short in communication tools. It lacks built-in options for 1:1 or group messaging, as well as native voice and video calling. Instead, these features require external integrations. By contrast, Pebb includes these communication tools directly within its platform, offering chat, voice, and video options without additional setup or costs.

While Simpplr’s tools are designed for large-scale operations, they may be excessive or inaccessible for smaller teams.

Scalability

Simpplr’s design is heavily focused on enterprise-level scalability. It’s well-suited for large organizations, boasting a 90%+ employee adoption rate and earning high ratings like 4.8/5 on Capterra and 4.7/5 on G2.

Forrester has specifically recommended Simpplr for businesses with over 1,000 employees, including those with remote and mobile workers. Additionally, organizations using structured governance frameworks for distributed content management are 63% more likely to rate their intranet as "highly effective".

"Simpplr is easy to use, deploys quickly, and requires minimal training, making the intranet platform a necessity in the digital workplace. Simpplr has saved us time, money, and helped decrease Crowdstrike's IT tickets."

• Chris Lewis, Senior Manager, Security Engineering, Crowdstrike

While Simpplr excels in serving enterprise clients, its 100-employee minimum and complicated pricing make it a poor fit for smaller businesses. Teams looking to grow gradually may find Pebb’s flexible, budget-friendly options more appealing. By offering a free tier and affordable upgrades, Pebb removes the barriers that Simpplr’s enterprise focus creates for smaller organizations.

Platform Comparison: Strengths and Weaknesses

Each platform brings its own advantages and challenges, helping small businesses decide based on their specific needs and budgets.

Pebb stands out for its exceptional value. According to Gartner Peer Insights, it boasts a perfect 5.0 rating, with 100% of users recommending it for administration and maintenance. That said, some users have noted that more customization options for the news feed layout would be a welcome addition.

"Pebb has entirely redefined our communication. It feels like Facebook, but for work."

• Loren Johnson, Restaurant Group

Microsoft Teams is a favorite among businesses already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. With a 4.3 rating from 308 reviews, it offers a broad array of features. However, unlocking its premium capabilities requires a Microsoft 365 subscription, which can make it a pricier option.

Workvivo focuses heavily on employee engagement, earning a 4.2 rating from 3 reviews. It provides strong engagement tools and detailed analytics, but its complex setup process and higher costs can be challenging for smaller teams.

Simpplr shines with its advanced AI capabilities and robust content management tools, achieving a 5.0 rating from 1 review. However, its enterprise-oriented design, including a requirement for at least 100 employees and custom pricing, makes it less accessible for smaller businesses.

Here’s a quick look at the key strengths and weaknesses of these platforms:

The comparison underscores important distinctions. Pebb offers features like native video calls, advanced analytics, and a robust news feed as part of its standard package. Competing platforms often require premium upgrades or subscriptions for similar capabilities.

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

• Christina Matthews, Constructions

For small businesses seeking simplicity and affordability, Pebb's transparent pricing model - free from minimum contracts - removes the hassle of juggling multiple subscriptions or navigating enterprise-level pricing. Its 5.0 rating for scalability further demonstrates its ability to grow alongside your business without added complexity. On the other hand, platforms like Workvivo and Simpplr demand significant financial investments, which can make their advanced features unattainable for smaller organizations. For businesses focused on cost-effective, all-in-one solutions, Pebb remains a standout choice.

Final Recommendations

Selecting the right intranet is crucial for ensuring smooth and effective communication within your business. Here’s a breakdown of how Pebb’s offerings cater to the unique needs of small businesses, alongside a comparison with other options.

For micro-businesses (1–10 employees): Pebb’s free Standard plan provides essential tools for internal communication, supporting up to 1,000 employees at no cost. This makes it a fantastic option for tiny teams seeking professional communication tools without stretching their budget.

For startups and growing businesses (10–50 employees): Pebb’s Premium plan, priced at $4 per user per month, includes advanced analytics for tracking team engagement and integrated voice and video calls. This eliminates the need for extra conferencing tools. With a perfect 5.0 rating on Gartner Peer Insights, it delivers enterprise-level reliability at a price small businesses can afford.

For multi-location companies: Pebb’s real-time news feed ensures all locations stay updated, while its departments and branches features make it easy to organize teams by location. The mobile app also ensures frontline workers can stay connected, no matter where they are.

These tailored solutions showcase why Pebb consistently outshines its competitors in providing value to small businesses. By comparison, Microsoft Teams may work well for those already using Microsoft 365, but its additional subscriptions and unused features can be a drawback for smaller teams. Similarly, Workvivo offers powerful tools, but its annual price tag of around $20,000 makes it less appealing for budget-conscious businesses.

With its combination of free and $4/month plans, Pebb delivers all the essential tools for communication, engagement, and collaboration without the unnecessary complexity or high costs seen in many alternatives. Its final score of 9/10 cements its reputation as the top choice for small business intranets. Whether you’re a small startup or a growing team, Pebb offers a balanced mix of affordability and functionality that’s hard to beat.

FAQs

How does Pebb’s free plan compare to other intranet solutions for small businesses?

Pebb's free plan is an impressive choice for small businesses, accommodating up to 1,000 users - a number that outpaces most competitors. It comes packed with essential tools like unlimited chat history, a live news feed, work chat, and video calls, all aimed at improving team communication and collaboration.

When you stack it up against other platforms, the difference is clear. Confluence’s free plan, for example, limits support to just 10 users and only includes basic features. Microsoft Teams offers a free version as well, but it comes with fewer capabilities compared to Pebb. With its robust features and high user limit, Pebb’s free plan is a standout option for small businesses seeking a well-rounded communication platform.

Why is Pebb the best intranet solution for small businesses?

Why Pebb Is the Ideal Intranet for Small Businesses

Pebb shines as a top intranet solution for small businesses, offering a combination of affordability, flexibility, and essential features designed for growing teams. For just $4 per user, Pebb delivers a complete communication platform that includes work chat, voice and video calls, a news feed, groups, and a people directory - all the tools your team needs to stay connected and collaborate seamlessly.

With a mobile-first design, Pebb ensures that both frontline workers and office teams can stay engaged, whether they're in the office or on the go. Its user-friendly interface and versatile tools make it simple for small businesses to enhance internal communication and teamwork - without breaking the bank. If you’re searching for a dependable and budget-friendly intranet solution, Pebb is a standout option.

How does Pebb protect your small business’s data and ensure user privacy?

Pebb takes the security and privacy of your small business seriously by implementing enterprise-grade encryption to keep your data safe. With features like advanced permission controls and single sign-on (SSO), it ensures secure and hassle-free access to your account.

The platform also incorporates strong defenses, such as firewalls and access controls, to block unauthorized users. On top of that, Pebb adheres to industry-standard privacy regulations, giving you peace of mind that your business is protected. It continuously monitors for potential threats, helping to detect fraud and stop misuse, so you can focus on collaboration without worrying about security issues.

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