10 Best Communications Software Shortlist
In today's dispersed work culture, having an internal communication tool software is crucial for maintaining connections with colleagues and supervisors. As someone deeply involved in the world of technology, I have tried countless platforms. However, with so many options available in the digital world, finding the perfect fit can be a challenging task.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to the best communications software available in the market, focusing on its features, benefits, and how they can help leaders and HR staff improve internal communication and employee engagement. Each software here brings something special to the table.
What is Communications Software?
Communication software is a group of tools and applications that help make internal communication within an organization easier and more efficient. These tools allow leaders, managers, and HR staff to easily connect with their employees, share information, and collaborate on projects.
Effective communication software can improve productivity and engagement by offering instant messaging apps, video conferencing, file sharing, task management, and quick information dissemination.
Overviews of the 10 Best Communications Software
In this section, I will give a detailed overview of the top 10 communication software solutions. I will highlight their key features and benefits and explain how they can improve internal communication and employee engagement.
Connecteam
Best communications app for overseeing mobile or field-based operations
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management application designed to streamline operations, enhance communication, and address HR needs for mobile-first businesses. It includes a personalized company news feed, secure instant messaging, employee surveys, and an employee-facing knowledge base.
Why I picked Connecteam: I selected Connecteam due to its comprehensive features that facilitate real-time oversight of operations, a characteristic that sets it apart from other tools in the market. Connecteam offers a unique blend of communication, operation, and training tools all in one place, which is not commonly found in other software.
In addition to communicating directly with your employees or teams, you can also use Connecteam for time tracking, shift management, and task monitoring, making it an ideal solution for businesses seeking greater oversight of mobile or field-based operations.
Connecteam Standout Features & Integrations
Standout features for Connecteam include their communication and task management tools. Managers can communicate directly with employees through their secure instant messaging, then assign them follow-up tasks directly within the app, including additional comments and attachments. Employees can mark them as complete as they work, giving their managers an up-to-date progress report as they go about their tasks.
Other useful features include a dedicated employee communication channel with targeted updates, team engagement features, a digital suggestion box to collect employee feedback, a searchable company directory, and an organizational chart.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll, and others.
Pros
- Task management features help improve productivity and accountability
- All features are mobile-accessible
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
Cons
- Primarily designed for mobile devices, which may be a limitation for users who prefer desktop-based solutions
- Limited offline functionalities
Troop Messenger
Best communications software for instant messaging
Troop Messenger is a real-time messenger application that helps businesses manage team collaboration and communication.
Why I picked Troop Messenger: I selected Troop Messenger because of its burnout function, which provides an exclusive method for private chatting. You can set a timer, and once the time is up the message disappears. This is a clever way to have a discussion without any evidence left behind. Another exceptional feature is forkout, which lets you send a single message or attachment to numerous people without creating a group.
Troop Messenger Standout Features and Integrations:
One standout feature of Troop Messenger is the 'info' function, which provides information on each message sent and received, such as the time it was read and delivered. The 'recall' feature allows users to delete a message on both the sender and receiver's end, but only within ten minutes of sending it.
Additionally, messages can be marked as important, and the 'Respond Later' option allows users to set a reminder to reply when they have more available time.
Integrations through Zapier include Asana, GitHub, Gmail, Zoom, Google Calendar, Freshdesk, HubSpot, ClickUp, and Microsoft Outlook.
Pros
- Supports multiple languages
- Includes self-message
- Secure
Cons
- Chat filters hidden
- No built-in meeting recording
Slack
Best communication software for remote teams
Slack is an all-in-one platform that facilitates communication and collaboration among team members.
Why I picked Slack: I included Slack because I really like its channels feature. It helps me stay on top of all my work-related tasks and activities in an organized way. With channels, I can easily communicate with others in different departments, offices, and even other companies.
I also appreciate how customizable channels are, as they allow relevant people and information to be grouped together in one place. Whether I need to link two organizations through a shared channel or separate teams and projects, channels make communication clear, efficient, and organized. I also love how channels act as a dynamic archive, making accessing past discussions and identifying important messages incredibly easy.
Slack Standout Features and Integrations:
Some of the standout features of this platform include group messaging, allowing for discussions between multiple team members simultaneously. Additionally, the file-sharing function makes it simple for team members to share important docs and files with instant notifications. When face-to-face communication is necessary, the video conferencing feature allows teams to hold online meetings and collaborate in real-time.
Integrations include Google Drive, Trello, Asana, Zoom, Salesforce, Jira, GitHub, Dropbox, and Microsoft Teams. You can also connect Slack to a paid Zapier account to build additional integrations.
Pros
- Mobile app
- Includes video conferencing
- Easy to use
Cons
- Can be expensive for large teams
- Limited features on the free plan
AlertMedia
Best emergency communication software
AlertMedia is an emergency communication and mass notification software that helps companies notify employees of emergencies and ensures the right people receive critical information when needed.
Why I picked AlertMedia: I chose AlertMedia because of its unwavering dedication to keeping employees safe. This all-inclusive solution offers mass notifications and a 24/7 monitoring team for added assurance. The Employee Safety Monitoring App sets AlertMedia apart because it turns a standard mobile phone into a powerful safety device with one-touch access to law enforcement. Another important factor for me was the app's capability to read and respond to urgent organizational messages.
AlertMedia Standout Features and Integrations:
AlertMedia provides standout features that improve communication in both directions, enabling individuals to confirm their well-being or share information about current events. Users can effortlessly send notifications through various channels. AlertMedia also offers pre-made message templates that ensure consistent responses during emergencies, saving valuable time.
Integrations are available with the Fusion Framework System.
Pros
- Responsive customer support
- GDPR and CCPA-compliant system
- Real-time notifications
Cons
- Pricing not transparent
- No free trial
Flock
Best for communicating with clients
Flock is a communication and collaboration tool designed to streamline team communication and enhance productivity.
Why I picked Flock: I selected Flock because of its impressive ability to widen the circle of collaboration. Inviting guest users ensures that decisions aren't just made based on internal opinions but also factor in valuable feedback from external stakeholders.
Another distinguishing feature is its voice notes option. There are moments when typing can't capture the nuances of a message, so sending voice notes helps compare and judge tones, making it easier to determine the context or emphasis of a conversation.
Flock Standout Features and Integrations:
One of the standout features of Flock is its channel messaging system, which allows users to organize their conversations. With this feature, users can create channels for specific projects and priorities, making it easier to hold strategy meetings and brainstorming sessions and get instant feedback. Flock also supports in-app video and voice conferencing, enabling teams to meet even in different locations. Furthermore, the integrated search feature in Flock helps users find necessary information quickly.
Integrations include Asana, Dropbox Business, GitHub, Google Analytics 360, Google Drive, Google Workspace, Jira, Mailchimp, Trello, and Twitter.
Pros
- Special pricing for non-profits
- Mobile app
- User-friendly
Cons
- Busy interface
- Limited customization
Asana
Best asynchronous team communication tool
Asana is a task management and project collaboration tool that helps teams stay organized and on track. It is designed to streamline workflows and improve productivity by providing a centralized team communication and task management platform.
Why I picked Asana: I chose Asana because of its Intelligence feature that just blew me away. It's like having a personal helper that optimizes everything, ensuring tasks are streamlined and easy to handle. Communicating about tasks directly on the task is easy with a high-level overview. Comments and changes are automatically sent to all relevant project parties. And when things get a little tricky, it proactively alerts me and helps me communicate better with its writing assistance. Not to mention, it provides a coach who gives me personalized advice and project insights.
Asana Standout Features and Integrations:
Asana has a great workflow builder feature, which lets teams create automated processes to keep everyone on the same page. Also, the timeline feature allows users to quickly create visual Gantt charts that show project timelines. The Boards feature is like Kanban boards, which helps keep tasks organized and easy to track. Furthermore, the Calendar feature gives teams a clear view of all tasks and deadlines so nothing gets missed.
Asana integrates with over 100 apps, including Azure Active Directory, GitHub, Google Drive, Instagantt, Notion, Okta, Salesforce, Slack, Tableau Reporting, Trello, WhatsApp, and Zoom.
Pros
- Collaboration focused
- Expansive integrations
- Intuitive design
Cons
- No time tracking feature
- Slight learning curve
GoToConnect
Best virtual phone communication system
GoToConnect is an all-in-one phone, meeting, and messaging software built for small buisenesses.
Why I picked GoToConnect: I selected GoToConnect for its easy-to-use and advanced VOIP calling abilities, which enable teams to deliver excellent customer service from anywhere. With features like virtual receptionists and voicemail, connecting with clients and teammates is always possible. The virtual voicemail allows you to listen to messages from anywhere, making it easy to prioritize important ones.
GoToConnect Standout Features and Integrations:
GoToConnect lets businesses quickly set up new phone numbers or use their current ones. They offer audio conferencing for businesses, supporting calls with up to 250 people. Their video conferencing is safe and can be used from anywhere and on any device.
Integrations include Zendesk, Salesforce, Miro, Microsoft Teams, Google Calendar, Salesforce Lightning, Prezi, Docebo, and CirQlive.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- 24/7 customer support
- Easy to use
Cons
- No mobile app for admin portal
- Relies on internet connection
Atlas
Best for cohesive project communication
Atlas is a comprehensive project communication tool offered by Atlassian. It is designed to simplify the status reporting process and enhance team alignment within organizations.
Why I picked Atlas: I was drawn to Atlas mainly because of its 'Homepage for Every Project' feature. This unique hub centralizes all my crucial project information, offering instant answers to pivotal questions and fostering a common vocabulary for team alignment. It brilliantly outlines ownership and contributions while giving stakeholders a clear view of project updates and insights.
Atlas Standout Features and Integrations:
Atlas offers a few standout features, such as the ability to embed images, documents, and videos within project updates, providing extra context when needed. It also enables conversation and celebrates progress through comments and reactions, keeping teams motivated and engaged. Atlas Search is another feature-rich capability that provides an outstanding end-user search experience, combined with AI and enterprise search integration options across various content sources.
Integrations include Google Apps for Education, Microsoft Azure, Clever, LDAP, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Canvas, Schoology, Powerschool Unified Classroom, and Genesis.
Pros
- Project visibility
- Customizable updates
- Includes live reports
Cons
- No mobile app
- Slight learning curve
Zoom One
Best video conferencing communication software
Zoom is a video conferencing platform for online video conferences, webinars, and live chats through their desktop or mobile app.
Why I picked Zoom: I chose Zoom because of features that help me in a meeting. The virtual background that lets me place an image or video behind me helps keep my real location hidden while still looking professional. Another cool thing about Zoom is its translated captions feature, which makes it easy for employees who speak different languages to communicate without the need for an interpreter or translation services.
Zoom Standout Features and Integrations:
Zoom stands out for its high-quality video and audio calling, ensuring clear communication in every interaction. Users can interact more with features like screen sharing and hand-raising reactions. Breakout rooms facilitate focused small group discussions, while the polling and Q&A feature enhances participant engagement. Additionally, its phone call capabilities, complete with voicemail, call forwarding, and recording, make it a comprehensive communication tool.
Integrations include Salesforce, HubSpot, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, Dropbox Box, Trello, Asana, and Fireflies.ai.
Pros
- Wide range of integrations
- User-friendly interface
- High-quality video
Cons
- Call quality is sometimes low
- Meeting time is limited in the free version
Simpplr
Best for assessing employee sentiment to organizational shifts
Simpplr is an employee communication and engagement platform designed to streamline internal communications within organizations.
Why I picked Simpplr: I chose Simmplr for its prescriptive analytics feature, which uses AI-driven data to provide useful insights into employee engagement. It combines usage data, sentiment analysis, behavioral signals, and feedback to offer organizations tailored recommendations for future actions. Additionally, Simpplr includes a change management tool that assists leaders in understanding employee sentiment toward organizational changes.
Simpplr Standout Features and Integrations:
Simpplr has a smart search function powered by AI that assists users in finding the most suitable results. The platform has a simple and intuitive interface that even non-technical people can easily manage, allowing them to organize properties throughout their organization. With content delivery customization, each employee can receive information that is relevant to their needs.
Integrations include BambooHR, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, Okta, Salesforce, SharePoint/OneDrive, Slack, and Confluence.
Pros
- Mobile app
- Supportive implementation team
- Intuitive interface
Cons
- Cannot create hidden pages
- Custom quote required for precise cost
The Best Communications Software Comparison Chart
This comparison chart summarizes basic details about each of my top communications software selections. You can view pricing details and the availability of free trials or demos side-by-side to help you find the best software for your budget and business needs.
Tool | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Connecteam Best communications app for overseeing mobile or field-based operations | 14-day free trial + free plan available | From $29/month for 30 users (paid annually) | Website |
2 | Troop Messenger Best communications software for instant messaging | 7-day free trial | From $2.50/user/month | Website |
3 | Slack Best communication software for remote teams | 90-day free trial + free plan available | From $8.75/user/month | Website |
4 | AlertMedia Best emergency communication software | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
5 | Flock Best for communicating with clients | 30-day free trial + free plan available | From $6/user/month | Website |
6 | Asana Best asynchronous team communication tool | 30-day free trial + free plan available | From $13.49/user/month | Website |
7 | GoToConnect Best virtual phone communication system | 14-day free trial | From $27/user/month | Website |
8 | Atlas Best for cohesive project communication | 14-day free trial (standard plan) + 30-day free trial (premium plan) + free plan available | From $3/user/month | Website |
9 | Zoom One Best video conferencing communication software | Free plan available | From $15.99/user/month | Website |
10 | Simpplr Best for assessing employee sentiment to organizational shifts | 14-day free trial | From $8/user/month | Website |
Other Options
Here are some other communication tools that didn’t make it to my top 10 but are still worth considering:
- HubEngage
Best multi-channel communications software
- Mattermost
Best secure communication software
- Microsoft Teams - Frontline Workforce
Best communication platform for frontline workers
- Workvivo
Best communications software for fostering employee engagement
- Assembly
Best for small businesses
- Homebase
Best for communicating with hourly employees
- Workmates
Best for sending employees notifications
- Front
Best team communication software
- MyHub
Best for centralizing internal communication
Selection Criteria for Communications Software
Here’s a short summary of the main selection and evaluation criteria I used to develop my list of the best communications software for this article:
Core Functionalities & Features
To help you understand my selection process, here are the basic functionalities and key features that every tool on my list must cover in order to be considered for review. These core functionalities ensure that the selected communications software meets the essential requirements for effective internal communication and employee engagement.
- Real-time messaging: Every tool on this list provides real-time messaging capabilities, allowing team members to communicate and collaborate through text-based conversations.
- Video conferencing: All the tools support video conferencing, enabling face-to-face meetings and discussions through video calls, which is essential for collaboration, especially with remote work or hybrid teams.
- File sharing: Team members should be able to share documents, images, and other files.
Usability
The best business communications software should be user-friendly and intuitive, allowing users to quickly learn how to achieve the desired result with no glitches along the way.
Mobile Accessibility
The software should be accessible and functional on both Android and iOS mobile devices, ensuring that employees can stay connected and engaged even when they’re away from their desks.
Software Integrations
Effective communications software should integrate with a wide variety of other software and services, such as reporting, analytics, project management tools, and cloud storage solutions, to streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Additionally, it should be scalable to accommodate the varying number of users within an organization
Pricing
When it comes to choosing communications software, it's important to find a solution that fits your organization's budget and meets its needs. The tools listed here offer a range of pricing options, with costs ranging from as low as $2.50 to as high as $27 per user per month. This variety of options ensures that there is something available for every budget, while still providing essential communication functionalities.
People Also Ask
Here are some answers to common questions related to communications software and its benefits:
What are the benefits of using communications software?
What are some best practices for internal communication?
How can communication software improve business operations?
Other Communications Software Reviews
I’ve also conducted comprehensive reviews of other communications software. Feel free to check them out if you're interested:
- Employee Communications Software for Internal Comms
- Team Communication Apps for Hybrid Teams
- Intranet Software Solutions to Connect Teams
- Remote Working Software for Distributed Teams
- Remote Collaboration Software for Hybrid Teams
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right communication software for your organization depends on your specific needs and budget. Each tool on this list has its benefits and can aid you in managing various communication aspects. Remember, the ideal software integrates effortlessly with your existing workflows.
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