It starts with one too many missed messages.
One minute you’re talking deadlines, the next you’re knee-deep in GIFs, off-topic rants, and someone asking (for the third time) if the meeting is still on.
If that sounds familiar, you’re probably ready to move on from GroupMe as your primary tool for team chat and collaboration.
This roundup of the best GroupMe alternatives is a good place to start. And before we dive in.
11 Best GroupMe Alternatives for Team Chat and Collaboration
- Why Go For GroupMe Alternatives
- GroupMe Alternatives at a Glance
- The Best GroupMe Alternatives to Use
- 1. ClickUp (Best for all-in-one team communication and project management)
- 2. Slack (Best for departmental communication and workflow automation)
- 3. Discord (Best for community building and casual team interaction)
- 4. WhatsApp (Best for global teams needing simple, secure messaging)
- 5. Flock (Best for budget-conscious teams seeking media sharing)
- 6. Telegram (Best for large communities with mixed privacy needs)
- 7. Microsoft Teams (Best for organizations deeply integrated with Microsoft 365)
- 8. Connecteam (Best for managing deskless and field-based teams)
- 9. Google Chat (Best for teams already using Google Workspace)
- 10. Rocket.Chat (Best for organizations requiring complete data sovereignty)
- 11. Signal (Best for teams prioritizing maximum security and privacy)
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhy Go For GroupMe Alternatives
GroupMe’s simplicity suits basic group chats, but its constraints can hinder teams needing better control or reliability. These limitations make switching to alternatives appealing for smoother team communication.
Here’s why you might want to explore other options:
- Lacks message search: Forces endless scrolling to dig up old messages, slowing team coordination
- Limited admin controls: Lets unmoderated posts flood public groups, burying important updates in noise
- Excessive notifications: Pings everyone for minor stuff like profile changes, clogging inboxes
- No pinned messages: Loses key info like event plans in busy threads, frustrating users
- Degraded media sharing: Heavily compresses photos and videos, making the quality of shared visuals blurry
- Clunky desktop experience: Delivers a sluggish web app, lacking polished PC functionality
- Complicated group management: Makes adding or removing members clunky, delaying team updates
🔍 Did You Know? 93% of communication is nonverbal. According to psychology researcher Albert Mehrabian, only 7% of meaning is conveyed through words. The rest? Tone (38%) and body language (55%). So next time you’re on a video conference, remember: your face says more than your words.
Summarize this article for me pleaseGroupMe Alternatives at a Glance
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick look at how the top GroupMe alternatives stack up. 📊
| Tool | Key Features | Best For | Pricing |
| ClickUp | Chat + project/task management, AI assistant, Docs, video calls, automations, integrations | All-in-one team communication & projects | Free Forever; Paid plans available |
| Slack | Channels, integrations, message search, huddles, workflow automation | Departmental comms & workflow automation | Free; Paid plans from $7.25/user/month |
| Discord | Voice/video channels, roles, bots, screen sharing, community tools | Global teams needing simple, secure chat | Free; Nitro: Custom pricing |
| End-to-end encryption, voice/video, broadcast lists, mobile/desktop sync | Global teams needing simple secure chat | Free | |
| Flock | To-do lists, shared notes, video calls, smart channels, productivity apps | Budget-conscious teams, media sharing | Free; Paid plans from $6/user/month |
| Telegram | Large groups/channels, bots, cloud storage, privacy features | Large communities, privacy-focused teams | Free; Premium plan available |
| Microsoft Teams | Office 365 integration, meetings, wikis, tags, transcripts, file sharing | Microsoft-centric organizations | Free; Paid plans from $4/user/month |
| Connecteam | Mobile-first, shift scheduling, digital forms, training, targeted comms | Deskless/field-based teams | Free; Paid plans from $35/month |
| Google Chat | Spaces, Google Workspace integration, search, Meet calls, file collaboration | Teams using Google Workspace | No free plan; Paid plans from $8.40/user/month |
| Rocket.Chat | Self-hosted, open-source, custom workflows, federated networks, encryption | Data sovereignty, regulated industries | Free; Paid plans from $8/user/month |
| Signal | End-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, voice/video, open-source | Teams prioritizing security & privacy | Free |
How we review software at ClickUp
Our editorial team follows a transparent, research-backed, and vendor-neutral process, so you can trust that our recommendations are based on real product value.
Here’s a detailed rundown of how we review software at ClickUp.
Summarize this article for me pleaseThe Best GroupMe Alternatives to Use
Ready to see what’s out there? Here’s a detailed look at the best GroupMe alternatives for instant messaging at work.
1. ClickUp (Best for all-in-one team communication and project management)
GroupMe keeps teams talking, but it does little to keep work moving. It wasn’t built for structured collaboration, so as soon as the conversation needs to become a task, a file, or an update, you’re forced to jump between tools.
ClickUp changes that. It’s the world’s first converged AI workspace that combines project management, knowledge management, and chat—all powered by AI that helps you work faster and smarter.
ClickUp Chat brings conversations into the heart of your workflow. Every Space, Folder, and List comes with its own Chat, so your team can discuss tasks, share updates, and take action without ever leaving the project.
The chat is the workspace.
ClickUp BrainGPT
A single message can become a task in seconds—manually if you prefer to customize it, or instantly via ClickUp BrainGPT.
The AI assistant picks up the context from the message and writes a clear task name and description, complete with a link back to the original conversation. If someone suggests creating a second variation of a pitch deck, it builds that task right away.
For days when you’ve been away or deep in other work, AI CatchUp summarizes what you missed. It pulls out decisions, task assignments, and key questions—so when you rejoin a project Chat, you’re already up to speed.
FollowUps in ClickUp Chat
Accountability doesn’t rely on memory or chat reactions either.
You can assign any message to a team member, and it becomes a FollowUpTM. Everyone knows what’s been delegated, and you don’t have to worry about pinging someone twice or chasing down next steps.
If your team’s tired of talking in circles, ClickUp Chat gives the conversation a direction.
SyncUps in ClickUp
SyncUps are built-in video/audio calls designed to keep everyone aligned and moving forward. With ClickUp, you can schedule and run syncups directly within your workspace, ensuring that discussions, decisions, and next steps are always captured where the work happens. AI-powered summaries and action item extraction ensure that nothing falls through the cracks—every sync-up leads to clear outcomes and tracked follow-ups.
Chat Agents in ClickUp
Agents in ClickUp are AI-powered assistants that can perform specific tasks on your behalf. They help automate routine tasks, answer questions, and provide instant support right where your team collaborates. Whether you need to summarize a long thread, generate a project update, or create a new task from a conversation, Chat Agents are always available to help. They keep your team productive by handling repetitive work and surfacing key information, so you can focus on what matters most.
ClickUp best features
- Clips that speak for you: Record and share screen walkthroughs or video updates right in chat via ClickUp Clips—perfect for supporting async comm when your team’s spread across time zones
- Posts that don’t disappear: Turn key updates, decisions, or meeting notes into Posts that stay pinned and easy to reference later
- SyncUps for quick calls: Start a voice or video call right from any Chat in ClickUp to align fast, clarify next steps, or collaborate in real time without switching tabs
- Notifications that work for you: Set channel-specific alerts, so you’re only notified about the updates that actually need your attention
- Docs where the convo is: Share and edit ClickUp Docs directly in Chat so everyone stays on the same page (literally!)
- Search that actually helps: Quickly find specific messages, tasks, or linked content from your workspace and integrated third-party apps using Enterprise Search and AI-powered filters
- Teammate profiles and scheduling: See someone’s priorities via ClickUp Calendar, which works right inside Chat so you can book time without the back-and-forth
- Chat automations that save time: Trigger task creation, send follow-ups, or respond using ClickUp Automation—all based on specific messages or conditions
ClickUp limitations
- The platform’s extensive suite of features may pose an initial learning curve
ClickUp pricing
free forever
Best for individual users
Free Free
Key Features:
60MB Storage
Unlimited Tasks
Unlimited Free Plan Members
unlimited
Best for small teams
$7 $10
Everything in Free +
Unlimited Storage
Unlimited Folders and Spaces
Unlimited Integrations
business
Best for mid-sized teams
$12 $19
Everything in Unlimited +
Google SSO
Unlimited Message History
Unlimited Mind Maps
enterprise
Best for many large teams
Get a custom demo and see how ClickUp aligns with your goals.
Everything in Business +
White Labeling
Conditional Logic in Forms
Subtasks in Multiple Lists
* Prices when billed annually
The world's most complete work AI, starting at $9 per month
ClickUp Brain is a no Brainer. One AI to manage your work, at a fraction of the cost.
ClickUp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (10,200+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (4,450+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about ClickUp?
This G2 review really says it all:
📮 ClickUp Insight: 92% of workers use inconsistent methods to track action items, which results in missed decisions and delayed execution.
Whether you’re sending follow-up notes or using spreadsheets, the process is often scattered and inefficient. ClickUp’s Task Management Solution ensures seamless conversion of conversations into tasks—so your team can act fast and stay aligned.
2. Slack (Best for departmental communication and workflow automation)
You know that feeling when you can’t find an important message because it’s buried in a massive group chat? Slack fixes that problem for good. It lets you organize conversations into channels so everything stays where you can find it (without relying on Slack hacks).
The Huddles feature is super handy—just click and talk for those quick questions without scheduling yet another Zoom call.
Slack best features
- Create dedicated channels for projects and teams that keep conversations organized by topic
- Leverage Slack integrations with productivity tools that connect directly to your workspace
- Search through your entire message history using filters and operators that help pinpoint specific conversations, decisions, or shared files from months ago
- Build custom workflows with simple automation tools for effortless Slack project management
Slack limitations
- The free plan limits message history access to 90 days, leading users to opt for Slack alternatives
- It can become overwhelming to use without proper channel organization
- Video calls lack some advanced features found in dedicated conferencing tools
Slack pricing
- Free
- Pro: $7.25/month per user
- Business+: $15/month per user
- Enterprise Grid Plan: Custom pricing
Slack ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (34,280+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (23,845+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about Slack?
A user review says:
3. Discord (Best for community building and casual team interaction)
Discord was built for gamers, but it’s perfect for any team that wants communication to feel natural. The voice channels are probably its best feature. You just hop in when you need to talk and leave when you’re done. No awkward ‘Can I call you?’ messages needed.
Remote teams love how this brings back those spontaneous conversations that spark new ideas. Screen sharing actually works properly, too, even when someone’s sharing design files or videos.
Discord best features
- Set up separate servers for different projects or departments that create clear boundaries
- Host live audio sessions using Stage Channels to present ideas, run team updates, or hold community AMAs in real time
- Assign custom roles with specific permissions that control who sees what, who can modify channels, invite new members, or manage other aspects of your workspace
- Add specialized bots that enhance productivity by handling routine tasks like meeting reminders and channel organization
Discord limitations
- Business-focused features aren’t as robust as enterprise communication tools
- File sharing size limits are restrictive on free plans
- Search functionality isn’t as powerful as some other GroupMe alternatives
Discord pricing
- Free
- Nitro: Custom pricing
Discord ratings and reviews
- G2: Not enough reviews
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (500+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about Discord?
See what this Capterra reviewer had to say:
💡 Pro Tip: Promote a culture where disruptive feedback is welcomed. This is feedback that challenges the status quo or suggests major changes, encouraging the team to think outside the box. It pushes boundaries and drives innovation in communication practices.
4. WhatsApp (Best for global teams needing simple, secure messaging)
You probably already use WhatsApp to chat with friends, but don’t overlook it for team communication too. The app shines when you need something straightforward that everyone already knows how to use. No training sessions needed here!
The end-to-end encryption gives you peace of mind when discussing sensitive information. Teams with international members especially appreciate that WhatsApp works perfectly even with spotty internet connections.
Its voice messages feature comes in handy when you need to explain something complicated that would take forever to type.
WhatsApp best features
- Create broadcast lists that allow you to send announcements to multiple people without putting everyone in a group chat where they’d see each other’s replies
- Share location data with team members for easy coordination during in-person events or meetings in unfamiliar locations
- Use WhatsApp Web or the desktop app to seamlessly continue conversations from your computer
- Back up chat history to the cloud and sync across devices to keep your data safe and accessible
WhatsApp limitations
- Limited organization tools for sorting or finding past conversations
- Groups capped at 256 members, restricting larger team communications
- No scheduling features for messages or reminders
- Requires phone numbers, which some team members might not want to share
WhatsApp pricing
- Free
WhatsApp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (95+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (16,055+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about WhatsApp?
A user review says:
🧠 Fun Fact: Studies show that emojis help convey tone and emotion in remote work, making digital conversations feel more human. A simple 😄 or 👀 can soften feedback or add playfulness to the team chat.
5. Flock (Best for budget-conscious teams seeking media sharing)
Flock might not be the most famous name on this list, but it deserves your attention. This platform packs surprising functionality into its clean interface.
Teams report being particularly impressed with the to-do list feature that turns conversations into actionable items with deadlines. If your team has been cobbling together multiple apps to handle different communication needs, Flock could streamline your workflow without straining your budget.
Flock best features
- Convert messages directly into tasks with deadlines and assignees, making it easy to track commitments made during team discussions
- Create shared notes during meetings that everyone can edit simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate document collaboration tools
- Launch video conferences with screen sharing capabilities directly from chat without requiring additional software downloads or links
- Set up smart channels that automatically filter in relevant messages based on keywords or sender roles to keep important information visible
Flock limitations
- A smaller user base means fewer integrations than more established GroupMe alternatives
- Mobile app occasionally lags behind the desktop version in functionality
- Limited customization options for notifications and alerts
Flock pricing
- Free
- Pro: $6/month per user
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Flock ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (270+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (340+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about Flock?
One G2 review puts it this way:
6. Telegram (Best for large communities with mixed privacy needs)
Telegram handles massive public groups of up to 200,000 members without breaking a sweat—perfect if you’re managing large communities or company-wide announcements. The channels feature allows you to broadcast updates to an unlimited number of followers while controlling who can respond.
Security-conscious teams appreciate the self-destructing message option for sensitive information that shouldn’t be retained. Plus, the bot ecosystem automates repetitive tasks from scheduling to data collection.
While some teams initially try Telegram for its security features, they stay for the surprising speed and reliability even when sharing large files.
Telegram best features
- Create public channels where unlimited followers can receive updates while administrators maintain complete control over who can post content
- Build custom bots using the simple API to automate routine tasks like collecting daily reports or answering frequently asked questions
- Access cloud storage that allows file sharing up to 2GB per file without cluttering your phone storage or requiring separate cloud accounts
- Organize chats using folders and pinned messages so you never lose track of important conversations
Telegram limitations
- Default encryption isn’t end-to-end for regular chats (only Secret Chats)
- Business-specific features are limited compared to enterprise platforms
- Some team members may have concerns about Russian origins despite the company’s current independence
Telegram pricing
- Free
- Premium plan available
Telegram ratings and reviews
- G2: Not enough reviews
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (6,370+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about Telegram?
A user review says:
💡 Pro Tip: Borrowing from Leigh Thompson’s concept of Creative Conspiracy, facilitate collaborative sessions where team members intentionally co-create innovative solutions. This method fosters a culture of intentional and focused creativity.
✅ We researched the best team communication tools, and here are the results:
7. Microsoft Teams (Best for organizations deeply integrated with Microsoft 365)
If your company relies on the Microsoft ecosystem, Teams makes everything click into place. The deep integration with Office apps means you can edit Excel spreadsheets together right inside your chat window.
Teams meetings feel surprisingly polished with features like background blur and breakout rooms that used to be premium offerings elsewhere. The tabbed conversations help keep projects organized without creating a million different channels.
Microsoft Teams best features
- Schedule and join meetings directly from chat with calendar integration that shows everyone’s availability and sends automatic reminders
- Create wikis for teams and projects that serve as central knowledge bases, reducing repetitive questions and onboarding time for new members
- Use tags to reach specific groups within large teams without creating separate channels or disrupting others with irrelevant notifications
- Access meeting transcripts and recordings to catch up or reference key decisions later
Microsoft Teams limitations
- The interface can feel cluttered and overwhelming for new users
- Performance can be sluggish on older computers or with limited bandwidth
- Strong dependence on the Microsoft 365 subscription for full functionality
- Thread-based conversations are less intuitive than some competing GroupMe alternatives
Microsoft Teams pricing
Home plans
- Microsoft Teams: Free
- Microsoft 365 Personal: $6.99/month
- Microsoft 365 Family: $9.99/month
Business plans
- Microsoft Teams Essentials: $4/month per user
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $6/month per user
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50/month per user
Microsoft Teams ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (15,985+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (10,055+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about Microsoft Teams?
This Reddit comment caught our eye:
🔍 Did You Know? Poor team communication slows things down and adds pressure. A report shows it leads to increased stress at 51%, lower productivity at 41%, strained relationships at 31%, and missed deadlines. Clear communication keeps teams aligned and work on track.
8. Connecteam (Best for managing deskless and field-based teams)
Connecteam solves problems that other communication tools don’t even recognize. It was built specifically for teams where most members don’t sit at desks all day. Think retail, construction, healthcare, or field service workers.
The mobile-first design ensures everyone stays connected regardless of their location. Teams particularly value the clock-in/clock-out features integrated directly into the communication platform. Even better? The training module allows you to distribute important information and confirm who has actually read it, which is helpful for meeting compliance requirements.
Connecteam best features
- Send targeted communications to specific locations, departments, or positions without creating separate groups
- Create digital checklists and forms that field workers can complete on their mobile devices, eliminating paper processes
- Distribute training materials and track completion status to ensure all team members receive critical updates regardless of their work schedule
- Schedule shifts and allow employees to claim open shifts or request time off directly through the platform
Connecteam limitations
- More focused on operational communication than casual team building
- The tool’s desktop experience is not as refined as the mobile application
- Higher learning curve for non-tech-savvy team members
Connecteam pricing
- Free
- Basic: $35/month
- Advanced: $59/month
- Expert: $119/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Connecteam ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (2,355 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (2,350+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about Connecteam?
Here’s a firsthand perspective:
9. Google Chat (Best for teams already using Google Workspace)
Google Chat makes team communication feel familiar from day one. If you’re already using Gmail and Google Drive, it slides right into your workflow without missing a beat. The threaded conversations help keep discussions focused, while the smart suggestions actually save you time by recommending relevant files and calendar events.
Teams appreciate how Chat spaces serve as persistent rooms for ongoing projects with all files, tasks, and messages in one organized spot. While it might not have the flashiest features, the tight integration with other Google tools means you spend less time switching between apps.
Google Chat best features
- Create spaces that automatically organize messages, files, and tasks related to specific projects or teams in a chronological timeline that’s easy to navigate
- Search across conversations with Google’s search capabilities that understand context and can find information even when you don’t remember exact phrasing
- Start Google Meet video calls directly from chat threads with one click, maintaining conversation context when switching from text to video
- Collaborate on Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides within the chat interface, with real-time editing and commenting
Google Chat limitations
- Limited functionality compared to dedicated team communication platforms
- Requires a Google Workspace subscription for full enterprise features
- Less customizable than specialized messaging applications since it lacks themes
- The notification system is not as refined as other GroupMe alternatives
Google Chat pricing
- Business Starter: $8.40/user per month
- Business Standard: $16.80/user per month
- Business Plus: $26.40/user per month
Google Chat ratings and reviews
- G2: Not enough reviews
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (2,365+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about Google Chat?
A TrustRadius reviewer summed it up like this:
🔍 Did You Know? Listening to employees is key to keeping communication flowing smoothly and making improvements where needed. In fact, 75% of communicators use engagement surveys to get detailed feedback, 54% rely on post-event feedback, and 52% turn to live Q&A sessions. These tools help teams stay on track, tackle issues, and fine-tune communication strategies.
10. Rocket.Chat (Best for organizations requiring complete data sovereignty)
Rocket.Chat puts you back in control of your communication data. Unlike most GroupMe alternatives, you can host this platform on your own servers, keeping sensitive conversations completely within your organization’s infrastructure.
Its open-source nature means developers can customize it to fit your exact workflow needs. Teams with strict compliance requirements, particularly those in regulated industries, value the ability to implement specific security policies.
While setup requires more technical knowledge than cloud options, the platform rewards that investment with unmatched privacy control.
Rocket.Chat best features
- Customize the interface and functionality through the open-source codebase to match your organization’s specific workflow needs without waiting for vendor updates
- Create federated networks where multiple separate Rocket.Chat instances can communicate securely between different organizations while maintaining independence
- Implement end-to-end encryption and custom retention policies that ensure sensitive conversations remain private and comply with industry-specific regulations
Rocket.Chat limitations
- Requires technical expertise to set up and maintain self-hosted instances
- The user interface is less polished than some commercial GroupMe alternatives
- Smaller marketplace of pre-built integrations compared to mainstream platforms
Rocket.Chat pricing
- Free
- Pro: $8/month per user (billed annually)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Rocket.Chat ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.2/5 (330+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.3/5 (150+ reviews)
What are real-life users saying about Rocket.Chat?
A user review says:
11. Signal (Best for teams prioritizing maximum security and privacy)
Signal’s focus on privacy shows in every feature (or sometimes lack of features when they might compromise security). Teams handling extremely sensitive information trust Signal because its open-source code has been thoroughly audited by security experts.
Voice and video calls are end-to-end encrypted, providing added clarity even over weaker connections. While it lacks many business collaboration tools, organizations in highly regulated industries or with confidential projects often choose Signal.
Signal best features
- Set custom disappearing message timers for each conversation that permanently remove sensitive information after being viewed
- Verify security codes between devices to confirm conversations remain secure from potential interception or man-in-the-middle attacks
- Use sealed sender technology that conceals who is messaging whom at the protocol level, protecting relationship patterns even beyond message content
- Manually verify contacts using safety numbers to confirm you’re talking to the right person
Signal limitations
- Limited organizational features, like public groups or workspaces
- No calendar integration or scheduling tools
- File sharing size restrictions are tighter than those of general-purpose GroupMe alternatives
- Lacks business-specific features like task management or polls to connect with teams
Signal pricing
- Free
Signal ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (440+ reviews)
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
What are real-life users saying about Signal?
Here’s what one user had to say about this app:
💡 Pro Tip: Encourage teams to schedule no meeting blocks in the calendar, ideally in the middle of the day, when everyone can focus solely on deep work. Having uninterrupted time helps reduce communication overload.
Summarize this article for me pleaseSmarter Chat Starts in ClickUp
Team conversations shouldn’t feel like a game of hide and seek. If you’re constantly losing context, chasing old messages, or switching apps just to stay on top of things, it’s time for a smarter setup.
ClickUp stands out amongst GroupMe alternatives by combining real-time chat with everything else your team needs to execute—tasks, docs, goals, and more. Every conversation lives in context, tied to actionable items, with AI features that summarize updates, assign next steps, and eliminate backtracking.
Sign up for ClickUp today and bring focus back to the conversation! ✅
Everything you need to stay organized and get work done.
