Business instant communication software can therefore be regarded as the best tool required for communication in present-day workplaces. Regardless of whether the interaction is internal and with employees, or external and with customers, these tools provide features for real-time collaboration and are a necessity for businesses. This guide will briefly review and explain the 15 most popular instant messaging software for business in 2025 with an emphasis on the advantages and disadvantages, please usage, cost, and applicability.
What is Instant Messaging?
Instant messaging software is a software application that enables confined and real-time, voice and or video conferencing. They are widely applied in every day and working life to manage communication between people and organizations for better results. Beyond simple messaging, there are specific IM client software for business environments to operate closely with other project control tools, as well as more sophisticated security and safety measures such as file transferring, screen sharing solutions, and a lot more.
Key Features of Instant Messaging Software
- Real-Time Messaging: Facilitators the use of text, voice, and video calls leading to enhanced team performance.
- File Sharing: This enables users to upload and share pictures, documents, and other file types on the platform without downloading.
- Integration Capabilities: This can easily be incorporated with other programs such as CRM programs, and project management software among others as well as email programs.
- Security Features: Offers secure messaging by including capabilities such as encryption, data protection, and observing standards.
- Collaboration Tools: It also entails features of assignment tracking, collaboration tools, and shared interfaces to enhance group work.
Benefits of using Instant Messaging Software for Businesses
- Improved Communication: Enable smooth communication, between fellow team members and with customers.
- Increased Productivity: Saves time on response and reduces the number of emails that get sent to the recipients.
- Flexibility: Seamlessly usable across devices which makes working remotely possible.
- Cost-Effective: Saves time and expenses on making expensive telephone calls and face-to-face communications.
- Enhanced Customer Engagement: Lowers response time to client inquiries hence enhancing customer satisfaction and likely patronage.
Quick Overview
List of 14 Instant Messaging Software for Business
1. Slack
Rating: 4.6/5
Website: https://slack.com/intl/en-in
Slack is an example of a team collaboration application. It is instant messaging software for business team communication. It offers the possibilities for group, p2p, and even third-party apps to communicate. Through such basic options as search and messaging threads, the groups can easily control the discussion and work processes.
Key Features:
- Channel-Based Messaging: Arrange discussions into open or closed channels.
- Integration with Tools: Integrates with Trello, Google Drive, Zoom, and others.
- File Sharing: Get files, photos, and videos from and to your friends and colleagues without a hitch.
How to Use:
- Create channels for teams or projects.
- Use the search function to find messages and files.
- Schedule meetings directly within the app.
Ideal For: Remote teams, startups, and enterprises.
Pricing: Free for basic use; premium plans start at $7.25/user/month.
2. Microsoft Teams
Rating: 4.7/5
Website: https://www.microsoft.com
Microsoft Teams can be described as one of the best instant messaging software for business communication and is perfect for organizations that are already implementing Microsoft 365 programs. It provides the elements of the chat, including the way of video conferencing and sharing files, making it an all-inclusive tool for teamwork. Teams work well with Outlook, SharePoint, and OneDrive so there are no interruptions in the functionality.
Key Features:
- Team Chats: Permits personal and online conferencing with the capacity to sort conversations chronologically.
- Integration: Interfaces perfectly with MS Office applications such as Word and Excel.
- Meeting Features: Organize all meetings by scheduling, taking notes note-taking, and documentation.
How to Use:
- Set up channels for different teams.
- Schedule and join meetings through Outlook.
- Use tabs for quick access to shared files and apps.
Ideal For: Enterprises and Microsoft 365 users.
Pricing: Starts at $5/user/month.
3. WhatsApp for Business
Rating: 4.5/5
Website: https://business.whatsapp.com/
WAB is an all-inclusive instant messaging software for business which is developed to benefit business entities of all sizes, compact, and colossal. They provide a set of solutions that help companies maintain an effective line of communication with customers; this means that they can prop up an efficient system of responding to clients’ requests as soon as possible.
Key Features:
- Business Profile: Include sub-depth such as working time, address, and website.
- Quick Replies: #Save and #reuse often-used messages.
- Catalog: You can advertise products and services to be offered within the app itself.
How to Use:
- Download the WhatsApp Business app.
- Set up your business profile.
- Use templates for automated replies.
Ideal For: Small and medium-sized businesses.
Pricing: Free; API pricing varies.
4. Facebook Messenger
Rating: 4.5/5
Website: https://www.messenger.com/
Facebook Messenger is one of the most famous among peoples and is also instant messaging software for business too which can be downloaded alone or linked to the social network, and has about 931 million users worldwide. It includes text, voice, and video conferences and enables document sharing and the facility of bots for automation. The platform meets individual and business requirements and helps brands to reach their customers effectively.
Key Features:
- Communication Tools: Text, voice, and video calls.
- File Sharing: Post images, videos, documents, or news links.
- Automation: Chatbots for sharing and interacting with customers.
How to Use:
- Download the app and create a business account.
- Connect with customers via chat or automated responses.
- Share updates, files, and track interactions through analytics.
Ideal For: Businesses aiming to engage with customers on a widely used platform.
Pricing: Free to use; advanced features may incur additional costs.
5. REVE Chat
Rating: 4.7/5
Website: https://www.revechat.com/
In detail, REVE Chat is an instant messaging software for business and an application that replaces standard ones in online business and is powered by artificial intelligence to enhance customer interactions. It consolidates information originating from different sources, for instance, mobile applications, and social media including WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram Messenger and Instagram.
Key Features:
- Unified Inbox: Coordinate all communication processes in one location.
- Channel Integration: Integrate with popular instant messaging services such as WhatsApp Telegram, or Viber in this regard.
- Chatbot Support: Automated chatbot system that ensures instant and round-the-clock answers.
How to Use:
- Sign up for a REVE Chat account and integrate your channels.
- Customize chatbot workflows for automated responses.
- Use live chat and co-browsing for customer assistance.
Ideal For: Businesses aiming to streamline customer communication and boost lead generation.
Pricing: Offers a 14-day free trial; paid plans vary based on features.
6. Telegram
Rating: 4.4/5
Website: https://telegram.org/
Telegram is an online and instant messaging software for business that can be used securely by companies. It is effective with the number of text messages and voice as well as video calls, and file transferring of any size for internal and external communications. For reaching out to large audiences business orgs can create channels and groups.
Key Features:
- Unlimited File Sharing: Forward big files with no limit.
- Group Chats & Channels: Communicate with up to 200 000 members.
- Bot Integration: Transactional functions and service requests and service alerts – automate.
How to Use:
- Create a Telegram channel or group for your business.
- Share updates, files, or automated responses using bots.
- Use end-to-end encryption for secure communication.
Ideal For: Businesses needing secure communication and automation.
Pricing: Free for all features.
7. Viber
Rating: 4.3/5
Website: https://www.viber.com/en/
This is an instant messaging software for business that has protocol security features such as text communications, voice, and video calls, and sharing of files. It has become well known for real-time customer interaction and advertisement placement. Businesses may establish official accounts with which they can directly interact with consumers.
Key Features:
- Secure Messaging: Here, encryption of all the messages that take place between the users is provided via the end-to-end method.
- Official Accounts: Customers will appreciate if you are linking with them through a verified profile.
- Chatbot Integration: Automate response to increase productivity.
How to Use:
- Set up an official account on Viber.
- Use chatbots to handle customer queries.
- Share multimedia messages to promote products.
Ideal For: SMEs and businesses focusing on customer engagement.
Pricing: Free for basic use; Viber Out plans start at $0.019 per minute.
8. Clariti
Rating: 4.2/5
Website: https://clariti.app/
Clariti is a centralized IM or instant messaging software for business intended to enhance the level of collaboration and efficiency of a team. It combines all the communications within email, chat, messenger, social media, and calls into one platform. Clariti allows users to categorize the discussions as threads and share various files and docs; the platform also supports voice and video calls.
Key Features:
- Unified Messaging: Unifies emails, chats, and calls in one location.
- Threaded Conversations: Keeps discussions organized.
- File Sharing & Collaboration: It enables highly effective collaboration in the course of the work.
How to Use:
- Set up a workspace in Clariti.
- Connect your email and social media accounts.
- Use threads to manage conversations and tasks.
Ideal For: Businesses need a unified communication platform.
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans start at $6 per user/month.
9. Brosix
Rating: 4.3/5
Website: https://www.brosix.com/
Brosix targets safe communication and functions such as text conversation, sharing of files, and voice and video calls. This focuses on the protection of user data by recourse to end-to-end encryption and setting up controls for administrators. Some of the features also are screen share, virtual whiteboards, and access to a desktop of another person, which helps increase productivity when working in a team that is located in different geographical locations.
Key Features:
- Secure Communication: Gives end-to-end encryption.
- Collaboration Tools: Including; the use of a writing board and the ability to control from a distance.
- Administrative Controls: Enables the control of users and data.
How to Use:
- Download the Brosix app.
- Set up secure chat rooms for your team.
- Use whiteboards and remote desktop tools for collaboration.
Ideal For: Businesses prioritizing data privacy.
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans start at $4 per user/month.
10. Ryver
Rating: 4.2/5
Website: https://ryver.com/
Ryver integrates both Messaging and Tasks to ensure employees do not need to trend between different applications. Some of the features are Kanban boards for projects which allow project management and can link third-party apps like Zapier, and Trello among others. The organization can use Ryver for icon, voice, and video conferencing, texting, and document sharing.
Key Features:
- Task Management: Embedded with the Kanban boards for monitoring tasks.
- Team Communication: Supports text, voice, or video calls.
- Third-Party Integrations: Integrates with tools such as Zapier.
How to Use:
- Create teams and channels for collaboration.
- Assign tasks using Kanban boards.
- Host voice and video meetings within Ryver.
Ideal For: Small to medium-sized businesses.
Pricing: Free plan available; Premium plans start at $49/month for unlimited users.
11. Instagram Direct
Rating: 4.4/5
Website: https://about.instagram.com/features/direct
Instagram Direct is an instant messaging software for business. it is perfect for organizations that market themselves to young people. Businesses can use it for inquiries about their products, commercial product advertising, and sales promotion. Nowadays, Instagram Direct helps to improve customer interactions due to advanced options, such as automation, quick replies, and FAQs.
Key Features:
- Direct Messaging: In this case, one needs to deal with customers more personally.
- Automation Tools: Use saved replies and FAQs.
- Cross-Platform Integration: How to use Facebook Messaging Service.
How to Use:
- Enable Instagram Direct on your business profile.
- Automate responses using FAQs and quick replies.
- Use polls and interactive features for customer engagement.
Ideal For: Businesses targeting a younger audience.
Pricing: Free for all features.
12. RingCentral
Rating: 4.5/5
Website: https://www.ringcentral.com/
RingCentral is an live communication solution that includes features such as instant messaging, video and voice calling. It connects with CRM platforms and other software, so it is a reliable tool for messaging in businesses. In addition to this, RingCentral has security and scalable solutions that can suit numerous business industries and sizes.
Key Features:
- Unified Communication: A subset of which incorporates capabilities that include messaging, voice, and video.
- Third-Party Integrations: Includes Features such as Salesforce.
- Advanced Security: Protects the data through encoding and offers features that are secure at an enterprise level.
How to Use:
- Set up a RingCentral account for your team.
- Use messaging for collaboration and meetings.
- Integrate with your existing CRM tools.
Ideal For: Enterprises and growing businesses.
Pricing: Plans start at $19.99 per user/month.
13. Google Chat
Rating: 4.3/5
Website: https://chat.google.com/download/
Google Chat is one of the Google Workspace collaborative applications, which serves as an effective tool for immediate communication in companies. This feature provides real-time communication through one-to-one messaging as well as group messaging; businesses that are already using other related Google services such as Gmail or Google Drive will benefit from Asana.
Key Features:
- Integration with Google Workspace: Integrates seamlessly with Gmail, Google Drive, Calendar, and Meet, and is so much easier to use.
- Threaded Conversations: Arrange discussions under categories so that people can easily recall previous conversations.
- AI-Powered Smart Replies: A faster way of sending messages that offers desired responses as text suggestions.
How to Use:
- Open Google Chat via your Google Workspace account.
- Create rooms for group discussions or use direct messaging for private chats.
- Use the “@” mention to get team members’ attention.
Ideal For: Small to large businesses that use Google Workspace.
Pricing: Free for basic use; Premium plans start at $6 per user/month with additional features.
14. Mattermost
Rating: 4.5/5
Website: https://mattermost.com/
Mattermost is an open source, and it is secure instant messaging software for business and is specially designed for group communication. It is highly flexible, forgiving users’ custom options in most industries with data protection and regulatory needs in such sectors as healthcare, finance, and government. HIH companies are either run on-site or hosted from the cloud which gives organizations full say on sensitive data management.
Key Features:
- Open-Source Customization: Enables businesses to adapt to change the platform in order to achieve what they want to achieve.
- Enhanced Security: This service complies with the GDPR and the HIPAA Act among others.
- Rich Collaboration Tools: Includes files, integrations, and tasks for efficient collaboration for teamwork.
How to Use:
- Download Mattermost and set it up on your server or opt for a cloud-based plan.
- Create teams and channels for organized discussions.
- Use the integration hub to connect third-party tools.
Ideal For: Enterprises and industries require high-level security and customization.
Pricing: Free for basic use; Paid plans start at $10 per user/month.
How to Choose Instant Messaging Software for Business
- Identify Business Needs: Decide if you will be using Internal communication, Customer communication, or both.
- Consider Scalability: Opt for a system that will expand with your enterprise.
- Evaluate Integration: It is, for example, mandatory that the new tool will be compatible with existing applications.
- Focus on Security: Choose the most secure encryption and compliance solutions.
- Test Usability: Feedback on how easy it is to use the software should be sought as a trial of the program.
Conclusion
It is necessary to choose an appropriate instant messaging software for business in order to provide correct and fast communication and collaboration. From Slack and Microsoft Teams, BCC to WhatsApp and Viber, there is a solution for every business type and size. To make a proper decision compare the functionality, cost, and client experience of these tools.
FAQs:
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What is instant messaging software for business?
Again, the accuracy that you are looking for is a relative thing, and the best tool that fits the requirements you have is the best one you can use. The three examples are Slack, Business Microsoft Teams, and WhatsApp for Business.
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Am I allowed to use an instant messaging application for customer support?
Yes, social platforms such as REVE Chat and WhatsApp for Business are perfect examples of real engagement of customers.
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Instant messaging with free tools, is it secure?
The options that are available free of charge are usually simple services with fewer possibilities for functional additions and monitoring.
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How do people and organizations benefit from using instant messaging software for business?
It saves time for communication, unified communication within an organization, and can now interconnect with other business applications.
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What do I need to look out for when it comes to the security of the system?
Secure messaging, protection of data, and user authentication in the whole chain fulfill the requirements of data protection.
