Best 7 Team Chat Apps in 2026: Feature Comparison

Introduction

Slack is the best overall team chat app, thanks to its channel-based messaging, integrations and huddles. This list covers seven mobile-friendly picks for workplace, community, budget and security-focused use. Comparisons rest on verified listings and published details, not hands-on testing.

Quick comparison table

Pumble's free plan includes unlimited message history.

1. Slack

Best for: Teams that want channel-based chat with many integrations.

Slack is channel-based workplace messaging with file sharing, on iOS and Android. Its standout feature is huddles, which let you jump into a quick audio chat without scheduling a call.

It takes the top spot because it is listed among the leading team chat apps.

2. Microsoft Teams

Best for: Organizations already using Microsoft 365.

Microsoft Teams puts chat, video meetings and file sharing in one app, with iOS and Android versions.

The standout is its close tie to Office apps. That makes sense if your team already lives in Word, Excel and Outlook.

3. Discord

Best for: Informal teams and communities that want voice and text together.

Discord offers text channels, voice channels and screen sharing. It's popular with communities, and some teams use it too.

The standout feature is voice channels that are always open, so you can drop in anytime. To be fair, the community-first design may feel less work-oriented than the other picks here.

4. Google Chat

Best for: Google Workspace users who want simple, free messaging.

Google Chat offers direct messages and spaces. It's free with a Google account and runs on Android and iOS.

The standout is spaces, which keep team conversations sorted by topic or project.

5. Troop Messenger

Best for: Businesses prioritizing secure internal communication.

Troop Messenger is business team messaging for iOS and Android, and it shows up in team chat app roundups.

Its standout is a security-focused pitch for internal messaging. We haven't verified pricing or features, so check the official site for current details.

6. Brosix

Best for: Small businesses wanting a secure instant messenger with remote support tools.

Brosix is a secure business messenger with screen sharing. Paid plans start at about $4 per user per month.

The standout is built-in remote desktop, handy when you need to help a colleague fix something on their machine.

7. Pumble

Best for: Budget-conscious teams that need a Slack-style chat.

Pumble is a budget-friendly team chat app on iOS and Android. Paid plans start at about $1.99 per user per month.

Its standout is a free plan with unlimited message history, which is rare among free tiers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best free team chat app?

Google Chat is free with a Google account, and Pumble's free plan includes unlimited message history. Slack and others have free tiers or limits, so check their sites for current terms.

Which team chat app is best for small teams on a budget?

Pumble (from about $1.99 per user per month) and Brosix (from about $4) are the cheapest listed paid options. Teams already on Google accounts can use Google Chat at no cost.

Is Discord good for work?

It suits informal teams and communities, thanks to voice channels and screen sharing. The trade-off is that it feels less workplace-focused than Slack or Microsoft Teams.

Which apps work on both iOS and Android?

All seven apps list iOS and Android versions. Check each app's store listing for current details.

The verdict

Slack is the strongest overall pick for its channel-based messaging, integrations and huddles. Microsoft Teams is the runner-up for Microsoft 365 organizations.

Pumble is the budget pick, and Google Chat suits Google Workspace users. Pick the app that fits your team's existing tools and budget.