Imagine firing off a quick message, only to wonder who’s actually reading it—your friend, your coworker…or some random hacker halfway across the world?
Data breaches are making headlines, and cyber threats lurk everywhere. Today, instant messaging is more than just about finding the right platform to chat on—it’s also about keeping your instant messages locked down and truly yours.
And it’s not just you worrying about security—businesses are on high alert, too.
Nearly 90% of consumers prefer texting when interacting with brands, which means companies can’t afford to fumble when it comes to privacy. A single slip-up doesn’t just put data at risk; it can shatter trust, ruin reputations, and turn loyal customers into former ones.
But how many of these so-called ‘secure’ instant messaging apps actually walk the talk? This post explores the top 15 instant messaging apps that take privacy seriously, protect your data, and fit perfectly into your personal or professional life.
📮ClickUp Insight: According to our research, about 43% of workers send 0-10 messages daily. While this suggests more focused or deliberate conversations, it could also indicate a lack of seamless collaboration, with important discussions happening elsewhere (like email).
To prevent unnecessary platform hopping and context switching, you need an everything app for work, like ClickUp, that combines projects, knowledge, and chat in one place—all powered by AI that helps you work more efficiently.
Top 15 Instant Messaging Apps
- What Should You Look for in Instant Messaging Apps?
- The 15 Best Instant Messaging Apps
- 1. ClickUp (Best for all-in-one collaboration)
- 2. WhatsApp (Best for personal and small team communication)
- 3. Google Chat (Best for Google ecosystem users)
- 4. Brosix (Best for secure team collaboration)
- 5. RingCentral (Best for unified communication across platforms)
- 6. Microsoft Teams (Best for Microsoft 365 users)
- 7. Slack (Best for customizable team communication)
- 8. Troop Messenger (Best for small and mid-sized teams)
- 9. Rocket.Chat (Best for open-source communication)
- 10. WeChat (Best for global communication)
- 11. Flock (Best for small teams needing simplicity)
- 12. Discord (Best for community and informal collaboration)
- 13. Mattermost (Best for open-source flexibility)
- 14. Workplace (Best for social collaboration at work)
- 15. Ryver (Best for task-centric communication)
Summarize this article for me please⏰ 60-Second Summary
Here’s the list of the top 15 instant messaging apps:
- ClickUp: Best all-in-one collaboration tool
- WhatsApp: Best for personal and small team communication
- Google Chat: Best for Google ecosystem users
- Brosix: Best for secure team collaboration
- RingCentral: Best for unified communication across platforms
- Microsoft Teams: Best for Microsoft 365 users
- Slack: Best for customizable team communication
- Troop Messenger: Best for small and mid-sized teams
- Rocket.Chat: Best open-source communication tool
- WeChat: Best for global communication
- Flock: Best for small teams needing simplicity
- Discord: Best for community and informal collaboration
- Mattermost: Best for open-source flexibility
- Workplace: Best for social collaboration at work
- Ryver: Best for task-centric communication
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Should You Look for in Instant Messaging Apps?
Choosing the right instant messaging app isn’t just about accessing flashy features—it’s about finding a platform that meets your security, functionality, and usability needs.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- End-to-end encryption: Ensure the instant messaging app uses strong encryption protocols, meaning only the intended recipient can read your messages—not even the app provider
- Privacy controls: Look for features like disappearing messages, secure backups, and the ability to limit data collection. These tools give you control over how your information is used and stored
- Multi-device support: Whether for work or personal use, seamless syncing across devices is essential for flexibility without compromising security
- Group features: If you’re collaborating with teams or chatting with friends, instant messaging apps offering secure group chats, file sharing, and admin controls are a must
- User-friendly interface: Security doesn’t have to mean complexity. Choose instant messaging apps that balance advanced features with intuitive design for hassle-free use
- Reputation and transparency: Check for popular messaging apps with a proven track record in privacy and companies that are open about their data policies
💡Pro Tip: When evaluating instant messaging apps, don’t overlook integrations with productivity apps and ease of use—these can significantly enhance personal and professional communication efficiency.
Summarize this article for me pleaseThe 15 Best Instant Messaging Apps
Here are the 15 best instant messaging apps that are shortlisted for you to consider:
1. ClickUp (Best for all-in-one collaboration)
Have you ever considered the chaos of juggling multiple tools for communication, project management, and file sharing?
The friction between switching apps and tabs can disrupt the flow, making it harder for teams to stay on the same page. Not to mention, you lose all the time due to distractions.
📮ClickUp Insight: Nearly 60% of workers respond to instant messages within 10 minutes. While these quick responses are often equated to efficiency, they disrupt focus and hinder deep work.
Centralize projects, tasks, and chat threads in ClickUp to streamline your interactions and reduce context switching. Get the information you need without sacrificing focus!
That’s where ClickUp stands out with its everything app for work approach, consolidating multiple work functions and instant messages under one roof.
ClickUp Chat
The core of ClickUp’s collaboration features lies in ClickUp Chat. It’s a unified instant messaging feature where messages, task updates, and project discussions happen seamlessly.
It truly goes beyond just exchanging texts. With ClickUp Chat, you can link messages directly to specific tasks, projects, or documents, ensuring that every conversation on the instant messaging platform is contextually connected.
ClickUp Chat allows you to assign comments to keep team members informed without requiring immediate responses. Switching to the tool enables more nuanced and engaging voice and video messaging conversations.
ClickUp Clips
Do you prefer asynchronous communication with your team? ClickUp Clips allows you to record and share videos, simplifying complex explanations and saving time compared to long email chains or text-heavy messages.
To further organize your communication, you can use the ClickUp Instant Message Template to help teams maintain consistency and clarity in their messages.
This template enables you to craft and store messages in a structured manner, prioritize conversations, and respond quickly to requests. Additionally, it helps identify typos and ensures grammatical accuracy, improving the quality of internal and external communications.
With ClickUp, you manage projects while building a transparent, collaborative workflow that brings teams closer together.
ClickUp best features
- Create, assign, and prioritize ClickUp Tasks with ease. Break down complex projects into manageable subtasks, and set due dates to keep everything on track
- Choose from over 15 ClickUp Views, including List, Board, Calendar, Gantt, and Mind Maps
- Monitor how long tasks take through ClickUp Time Tracking, eliminating the need for external tools and improving project budgeting
- Integrate ClickUp with over 1,000 apps, including Google Drive, Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams, to bring all your tools into one streamlined platform
- Build personalized ClickUp Dashboards to aggregate project data, visualize progress, and monitor team performance with charts, graphs, and widgets
- Use ClickUp’s reporting tools to gain insights into team productivity, task completion rates, and project progress to make data-driven decisions
ClickUp limitations
- The tool has a steep learning curve and maybe a bit intimidating for new users
ClickUp pricing
- Free Forever
- Unlimited: $7/user per month
- Business: $12/user per month
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
- ClickUp Brain: Add to any paid plan for $7 per member per month
ClickUp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (9,500+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (4,000+ reviews)
2. WhatsApp (Best for personal and small team communication)
When it comes to simplicity and real-time messaging, WhatsApp continues to be a go-to for personal and professional connections alike. Its group chat functionality makes it perfect for team discussions, and the ability to share images, documents, and videos within chats keeps everything in one place.
One of WhatsApp’s strongest points is its end-to-end encryption, which ensures that all messages and calls are kept private and secure.
WhatsApp best features
- Quickly send photos, videos, and documents
- Make real-time calls, perfect for informal discussions or quick check-ins
- Use the app across phones, tablets, and desktops
- Separate work and private accounts with a WhatsApp Business account
WhatsApp limitations
- Doesn’t offer built-in tools for task tracking, project management, or collaboration
- Shares your phone number as a basic form of communication—a feature that may not be the best fit for professional connections
WhatsApp pricing
- Free Forever
WhatsApp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (50+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (15,500+ reviews)
What real-life users are saying about WhatsApp
🧠 Fun Fact: As of 2024, WhatsApp has over 100 million users in the U.S. alone!
3. Google Chat (Best for Google ecosystem users)
If your team is already embedded within the Google Workspace ecosystem, Google Chat is a natural extension. It allows for an easy transition between chats and video calls with Google Meet, keeping teams connected without switching platforms.
With threaded conversations, Google Chat ensures that discussions stay organized, and the ability to create dedicated rooms for teams or projects helps manage communications efficiently.
Google Chat best features
- Work in Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive with complete ease
- Move from text-based communication to video calls without switching platforms
- Share files and documents from Google Drive in chats
Google Chat limitations
- Compared to some other Google Chat alternatives, such as ClickUp, Google Chat offers fewer customization options
- Lacks advanced collaboration features found in tools designed specifically for project management
Google Chat pricing
- Business Starter: $6/user per month
- Business Standard: $12/user per month
- Business Plus: $18/user per month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Google Chat ratings and reviews
- G2: No ratings available
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (2,000+ reviews)
4. Brosix (Best for secure team collaboration)
Brosix offers private team networks, ensuring all communications remain secure. It eliminates the risk of external access, making it an excellent choice for industries such as healthcare, finance, and government organizations.
Beyond security, Brosix comes equipped with features like screen sharing, voice and video calls, and a file transfer system with encryption, ensuring data integrity throughout the communication process.
Brosix best features
- Collaborate visually in real time for brainstorming sessions
- Create rooms for specific teams or projects for organized discussions
- Leverage mobile compatibility across multiple platforms (Windows, Web, iOS, Android, Mac, Linux)
Brosix limitations
- Brosix lacks tools for task creation, tracking, or assignment
- Fewer integration options with other productivity tools
Brosix pricing
- Startup: Free
- Business: $5/month per user, per month
- Premium: $8/month per user, per month
Brosix ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (40+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (70+ reviews)
What real-life users are saying about Brosix
5. RingCentral (Best for unified communication across platforms)
Looking to integrate better chat etiquette at work? RingCentral is a unified communications solution that includes messaging, voice calls, video conferencing, and team collaboration.
With instant messages for teams, you can create dedicated threads for departments, projects, or topics, keeping conversations well-organized. Additionally, RingCentral Video enables seamless file sharing and integrates directly with tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Slack.
RingCentral best features
- Enable advanced VoIP features, including call forwarding, call recording, voicemail-to-text, and interactive voice response (IVR), to improve customer service and team communication
- Add users, phone numbers, and features as your business grows without needing complex infrastructure or hardware
- Access the full suite of features via RingCentral’s mobile app, allowing teams to stay connected and productive from anywhere
RingCentral limitations
- RingCentral’s comprehensive features can feel overwhelming for smaller businesses
- More expensive than tools focused solely on instant messaging at work
RingCentral pricing
- Core: $30/month for 1-5 users
- Advanced: $35/month for 1-5 users
- Ultra: $45/month for 1-5 users
RingCentral ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.1/5 (300+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (200+ reviews)
6. Microsoft Teams (Best for Microsoft 365 users)
If your organization already uses Microsoft 365, using Microsoft Teams is a no-brainer in your workflow. Teams integrates with Microsoft’s ecosystem tools, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive, making it a hub for instant messages and collaboration.
Its persistent chat functionality organizes ongoing conversations, while threaded replies help keep discussions focused and easy to follow. Microsoft Teams also stands out with its video conferencing capabilities, allowing up to 1,000 participants in a single meeting.
The instant messaging platform includes channel creation for team discussions and integrations with third-party apps for task management and project tracking.
Microsoft Teams best features
- Use one-on-one messaging or group chat for instant communication
- Share files, links, and emojis to keep conversations dynamic and engaging
- Save meetings with automatic cloud recording and transcription
- Add tabs for frequently used apps, files, or tools within channels
Microsoft Teams limitations
- Less effective if you don’t already use Microsoft 365
- The interface can feel cluttered for smaller teams or simpler use cases
Microsoft Teams pricing
- Microsoft Teams Essentials: $4/user per month
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $6/user per month
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50/user per month
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium: $22/user per month
Microsoft Teams ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 (15,500+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (9,500+ reviews)
What real-life users are saying about Microsoft Teams
👀 Did You Know? Microsoft Teams offers real-time translation in meetings, making it a good tool for global teams.
7. Slack (Best for customizable team communication)
A popular instant messenger app, Slack excels in group communications. You can create channels for every project, department, or discussion topic, ensuring that conversations remain focused and organized.
Its threaded messages prevent discussions from spiraling out of control, making it easier to track updates and respond without cluttering the main chat.
Slack connects seamlessly with over 2,000 third-party apps, including project management tools like Trello, Asana, and Jira. You can even automate repetitive tasks using Slack’s built-in workflow builder, saving valuable time.
Slack best features
- Pin key messages or files to channels so team members can quickly access essential information without digging through threads
- Upload documents, images, and videos directly into conversations
- React to messages with custom emojis or create polls using emoji responses
Slack limitations
- Advanced features like unlimited history come at a higher cost
- Teams with many channels can experience notification fatigue
Slack pricing
- Free Plan
- Pro: $7.25/user per month
- Business+: $12.50/user per month
- Enterprise Grid: Custom pricing
Slack ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (30,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (20,000+ reviews)
What real-life users are saying about Slack
💡Pro Tip: Leverage Slack’s app directory to integrate tools like Trello, Zoom, or Google Drive.
8. Troop Messenger (Best for small and mid-sized teams)
Troop Messenger focuses on core messaging features like group chats, one-on-one messaging, and audio/video calling.
One of its standout tools as an instant messaging platform is Burnout. This secure self-destructive chat feature ensures sensitive information disappears after a set time—an excellent addition for industries requiring confidentiality.
Unlike competitors, Troop Messenger includes screen-sharing capabilities and remote desktop control, making it a handy tool for troubleshooting or collaborative work.
Troop Messenger best features
- See who has read your messages in group chats
- Easily switch between private conversations and team discussions
- Send and receive documents, images, and more with ease
- Add external collaborators, such as clients or vendors, with the Guest Login feature
Troop Messenger limitations
- Fewer third-party app integrations compared to tools like Slack or ClickUp
- While simple, the design feels dated compared to modern competitors
Troop Messenger pricing
- Premium: $2.50/user per month
- Enterprise: $5/user per month
- Superior: $9/user per month
Troop Messenger ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (70+ reviews)
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
9. Rocket.Chat (Best for open-source communication)
With Rocket.Chat your business can host its servers to ensure complete data ownership. If you belong to an industry that requires strict data compliance requirements, it’s worth a look.
If you’re an organization looking for a highly flexible, open-source communication platform, Rocket.Chat can help you get complete control over your messaging.
One of Rocket.Chat’s strongest selling point is its extensibility. As an open-source platform, it allows developers to customize the tool with integrations and plugins tailored to their needs.
Rocket.Chat key features
- Built-in calling features for seamless communication
- Build custom features and workflows directly into the platform
- Use real-time messaging with features like threading, reactions, and mentions to keep conversations organized and engaging
Rocket.Chat limitations
- Setup and maintenance can be complex for non-technical users
Rocket.Chat pricing
- Starter: Free
- Pro: $4.60/user per month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Rocket.Chat ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.2/5 (300+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.3/5 (150+ reviews)
👀Did You Know? Rocket.Chat is not just open-source—it’s self-hosted, giving businesses complete control over their data.
10. WeChat (Best for global communication)
For businesses operating even partially from China, having the right messaging platform is crucial—and nothing dominates the space quite like WeChat.
As the country’s most widely used messaging app, it’s a powerhouse for global communication and business connections. Beyond instant messaging, WeChat offers personal and professional tools, including file sharing, voice and video calls, and robust mobile capabilities.
Its ‘Moments’ feature allows users to share updates, much like a social media feed, making it a unique option for fostering team connection and engagement. It’s ideal for bridging the gap between casual and professional communication in a single app.
Caveat: WeChat’s features outside of China are somewhat limited, and organizations may find its interface less suited to large-scale team collaboration than tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams.
WeChat best features
- Make high-quality calls for one-on-one or group communication
- Easily send documents, images, and videos directly through the chat
- Access business features like task management and employee tracking with WeCom integration
WeChat limitations
- Subject to strict local data laws, which may not align with global privacy standards
WeChat pricing
- Free: Basic messaging and calling features
- WeCom: Custom pricing
WeChat ratings and reviews
- G2: No ratings available
- Capterra: No ratings available
11. Flock (Best for small teams needing simplicity)
Simplicity is an underrated feature in instant messaging, but Flock fills that gap. It’s an affordable, straightforward messaging app designed for small teams.
With features like group chats, shared to-do lists, and polls, Flock keeps teams organized without overloading them with unnecessary functionality. Unlike more complex tools like Microsoft Teams, Flock’s lightweight design ensures quick onboarding and adoption.
Flock best features
- Track team tasks directly within the app using shared to-do lists
- Stay organized with built-in reminders and notes
- Conduct virtual meetings with team members
Flock limitations
- Not ideal for large organizations with complex needs
- Video conferencing tools lack advanced collaboration options
Flock pricing
- Starter: Free
- Pro: $4.50/user per month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Flock ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (250+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (300+ reviews)
What real-life users are saying about Flock
12. Discord (Best for community and informal collaboration)
Initially designed for gamers, Discord has become a community-driven communication tool gaining popularity in professional settings.
Its server-based structure allows teams to create dedicated spaces for different projects, departments, or interests, making it ideal for companies with creative and informal cultures.
Discord supports voice channels for quick drop-in conversations, eliminating the need for scheduled calls. The platform excels at real-time communication, with minimal voice or video chat lag. Discord offers screen sharing and streaming capabilities for remote or hybrid teams, which can be helpful for presentations or team-building activities.
Discord key features
- Present ideas or troubleshoot issues during video calls
- Share live updates or demonstrations with your team
- Manage access and responsibilities within your server
Discord limitations
- Lacks tools like task tracking and detailed reporting
- Few native connections to business productivity apps
Discord pricing
- Free Plan
- Nitro: $9.99/month
Discord ratings and reviews
- G2: No ratings available
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (450+ reviews)
13. Mattermost (Best for open-source flexibility)
Mattermost is an open-source alternative to platforms such as WhatsApp and Slack that caters to organizations needing control over their communication environment.
Designed for industries like healthcare, finance, and government, Mattermost prioritizes privacy and compliance by offering self-hosted deployments.
Its team chat features, including threaded messaging and channels, are intuitive and practical for day-to-day communication.
Mattermost key features
- Facilitate collaboration among development teams with GitHub/GitLab integrations, code snippet sharing, and in-channel DevOps updates
- Use Mattermost’s incident collaboration tools to manage critical events, ensuring quick resolutions and clear communication during crises
- Deploy built-in playbooks to automate repetitive tasks, standardize workflows, and enhance team efficiency in incident management or recurring processes
Mattermost limitations
- Requires IT expertise to configure and maintain the app
Mattermost pricing
- Free
- Professional: $10/user per month (Billed annually)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Mattermost ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 (300+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (150+ reviews)
14. Workplace (Best for social collaboration at work)
Teams that thrive on engagement and connection need more than just a basic messaging tool—they need a platform that feels natural to use. That’s where Workplace by Meta comes in, bringing a social networking twist to workplace communication.
With features like live video and groups, Workplace creates a familiar social media experience within a professional setting. It’s excellent for broadcasting company-wide announcements or fostering informal discussions.
Workplace also supports integrations with tools like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, allowing teams to collaborate seamlessly.
Caveat: Workplace by Meta ceases operations and transitions to a read-only mode till 2026. Here are the best Facebook Workplace Alternatives you can check out.
Workplace best features
- Use Workplace Chat for one-on-one or group conversations, with integrated video and voice call capabilities for seamless collaboration
- Track engagement and communication metrics through Workplace Insights to identify trends and optimize internal strategies
- Use the News Feed to post updates, share articles, and keep everyone informed about essential company happenings
Workplace limitations
- Lacks tools for task tracking or deadline management
- Some users may find the connection to Meta intrusive
- The Facebook Messenger-like UI may not be comfortable for most users
Workplace pricing
- Core Plan: $4/user per month
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing
Workplace ratings and reviews
- G2: 4/5 (1500+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (1000+ reviews)
15. Ryver (Best for task-centric communication)
Ryver combines instant messaging with task and workflow management, making it an ideal option for teams that want to centralize communication and project tracking.
Its task boards and team chats are deeply integrated, allowing users to create and assign tasks directly from conversations.
Ryver’s interface feels similar to Trello, with Kanban-style boards for visual task tracking. What makes Ryver unique is its focus on automation. It enables users to set up workflows that reduce manual effort.
Ryver best features
- Create open, private, or guest channels to keep conversations focused and relevant to specific topics or teams
- Use forums to host structured discussions, enabling teams to share ideas and collaborate without cluttering chats
- Leverage Ryver’s advanced search functionality to quickly locate messages, tasks, or files across your workspace
- Benefit from no cap on users, even in its basic communication plans
Ryver limitations
- Limited compatibility with external tools
- Best suited for simpler task management
Ryver pricing
- Starter: $69/month
- Unlimited: $129/month
- Medium pack: $4/user
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Ryver ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (150+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (40+ reviews)
Summarize this article for me pleaseInstant Messaging Made Easy with ClickUp Chat
When it comes to instant messaging apps, there’s no shortage of options to suit every need, from quick personal chats to professional team collaboration.
While apps such as WhatsApp and Slack excel in their niches, ClickUp Chat takes the top spot as an all-in-one solution for teams. It doesn’t just connect conversations—it links them directly to tasks, projects, and workflows, ensuring nothing gets lost in translation.
ClickUp’s features, such as message-to-task linking, comment assignments, and built-in tools like Clips and instant message templates, go beyond simple communication to enhance productivity and collaboration.
Unlike many apps that require constant switching or lack integration, ClickUp seamlessly combines messaging with project management, saving time and keeping teams aligned. If you’re serious about combining top-tier communication with efficient workflow management, ClickUp isn’t just an app—it’s the ultimate hub for getting work done.
Sign up to ClickUp today to get started!
Everything you need to stay organized and get work done.
