# Best Business Instant Messaging Software - Page 7

*By [Neeraja Prakash](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/neeraja-prakash)*


Business instant messaging (BIM) software is a real-time, text-based internal messaging platform for businesses. It typically enables users to create small group chats for team collaboration, as well as larger channels for dispersing company-wide information.

The rapid nature of these instant messaging products provides an internal space to quickly address coworkers without using informal means such as texting from a personal phone number. This enables teams to share information faster and more efficiently, which can help enhance productivity across the enterprise. Regardless of the device used, BIM platforms provide security features via encrypted messages and channel access control. Similar to [email software](https://www.g2.com/categories/email), BIM software enables users to share files, thread messages, archive conversations, and search internally within chats.

A growing number of these products now have artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, which enable smart replies and auto-responses when activated, as well as sentiment analysis for mood detection with responses.

BIM platforms often have integrations with [AI chatbots software](https://www.g2.com/categories/ai-chatbots) and virtual assistant software to amplify productivity, especially in strengthening search capabilities and real-time language translation. AI also reinforces such platforms’ security features by continually monitoring communication channels and detecting threats to the platform.

Businesses of all types and sizes use BIM solutions with other products, either alongside them or via integrations. This type of communication software allows for customization based on the company’s needs. It can often be integrated with [productivity bots software](https://www.g2.com/categories/productivity-bots), [video conferencing software](https://www.g2.com/categories/best-video-conferencing-software), [screen sharing software](https://www.g2.com/categories/screen-sharing), [project management tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/project-management-tools) and more. Business instant messaging tools can also be integrated with software such as [employee intranet software](https://www.g2.com/categories/employee-intranet) or [employee engagement software](https://www.g2.com/categories/employee-engagement) as ways to strengthen the employee experience. However, there are standalone BIM solutions available that can integrate other productivity software natively. This allows for further personalization based on the needs of the enterprise.

To qualify for inclusion in the Business Instant Messaging (BIM) category, a product must:

- Allow users to engage in peer-to-peer conversations, group chats, or channels in an instant messaging format
- Provide secure file sharing capabilities
- Enable users to search within the channels and chat histories
- Track conversation history
- Integrate with chatbots, employee intranet, video conferencing or productivity apps





## Top Business Instant Messaging Software at a Glance
| # | Product | Rating | Best For | What Users Say |
|---|---------|--------|----------|----------------|
| 1 | [Microsoft Teams](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-teams/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (17,555 reviews) | Microsoft-365-native persistent team messaging | "[Easy, All-in-One Collaboration Hub for Staying Connected](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/microsoft-teams-review-12721034)" |
| 2 | [Slack](https://www.g2.com/products/slack/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (37,428 reviews) | Channel-based messaging with cross-app workflow integration | "[Slack as a Searchable Team Memory with Powerful Workflow and ChatOps Integrations](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/slack-review-13068265)" |
| 3 | [Google Workspace](https://www.g2.com/products/google-workspace/reviews) | 4.6/5.0 (45,614 reviews) | Cross-app messaging inside Google&#39;s productivity ecosystem | "[Seamless Collaboration and Sync Across Google Workspace Apps](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/google-workspace-review-13034949)" |
| 4 | [Zoom Workplace](https://www.g2.com/products/zoom-workplace/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (53,502 reviews) | Persistent team chat with AI-captured meeting context | "[Reliable Meetings with Smart AI Summaries and Seamless Collaboration](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/zoom-workplace-review-12831216)" |
| 5 | [Microsoft 365](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft365/reviews) | 4.6/5.0 (5,521 reviews) | Cross-app messaging inside Microsoft 365 ecosystem | "[All-in-One Office Ecosystem with Reliable Apps and Seamless Collaboration](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/microsoft-365-review-12834956)" |
| 6 | [Webex Suite](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-webex-suite/reviews) | 4.2/5.0 (17,655 reviews) | Unified messaging inside Cisco-anchored collaboration workflows | "[All Your Collaboration Tools United with Brilliant AI Audio and Ironclad Security](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/webex-suite-review-13050555)" |
| 7 | [Connecteam](https://www.g2.com/products/connecteam/reviews) | 4.6/5.0 (3,491 reviews) | Deskless-team messaging with workforce operations consolidation | "[Connecteam Review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/connecteam-review-10735494)" |
| 8 | [ClickUp](https://www.g2.com/products/clickup/reviews) | 4.6/5.0 (12,457 reviews) | Task-anchored team chat with cross-functional context | "[ClickUp centralizes everything and boosts productivity with flexible workflows](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/clickup-review-13075440)" |
| 9 | [RingCentral Video](https://www.g2.com/products/ringcentral-video/reviews) | 4.2/5.0 (494 reviews) | Unified calling, messaging, and AI-transcribed meetings | "[Instant On, Seamless Notetaking](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/ringcentral-video-review-12585915)" |
| 10 | [Missive](https://www.g2.com/products/missive/reviews) | 4.7/5.0 (839 reviews) | In-thread team chat for shared inboxes | "[Managing Patient Follow Ups and Clinic Communication Became More Organized](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/missive-review-12858905)" |

---
## What Are the Most Common Questions About Business Instant Messaging Software?
*AI-generated · Last updated: May 26, 2026*
### Which messaging platform integrates with project management tools?
Based on G2 reviews, Slack is the clearest fit when buyers want a messaging platform that connects closely with project management and developer workflows. According to verified users, Slack is frequently used with tools like Jira, GitHub, Google Drive, and CI/CD notifications, helping teams centralize updates and respond quickly inside channels. G2 reviewers mention that these integrations reduce app switching, keep conversations tied to ongoing work, and support faster coordination across engineering and cross-functional teams. Reviewers also note tradeoffs such as notification overload and pricing concerns, but recent feedback most consistently highlights Slack for integration-heavy collaboration.


### Top messaging platforms for customer support teams?
Based on G2 reviews, customer support teams often value tools that keep conversations organized, speed up responses, and reduce email back-and-forth. G2 reviewers mention shared inbox visibility, searchable history, fast internal coordination, and easier handoffs as important benefits. According to verified users, products in this category are especially helpful when teams need to manage customer questions, assign ownership, and keep context in one place. Reviews also show that support teams watch for tradeoffs like notification overload, search limitations, or basic reporting. The strongest patterns in recent feedback point to platforms that combine messaging with conversation organization and simple collaboration features.

**Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:**

- [Slack](https://www.g2.com/products/slack/reviews) – helps support and cross-functional teams keep conversations organized in channels and searchable threads
- [Microsoft Teams](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-teams/reviews) – supports internal coordination, meetings, file sharing, and quick stakeholder communication in one workspace
- [Zoom Workplace](https://www.g2.com/products/zoom-workplace/reviews) – brings chat, meetings, and collaboration together for faster customer and team communication


### Top-rated tools for real-time business messaging?
Based on G2 reviews, buyers looking for real-time business messaging consistently mention fast communication, searchable conversations, organized channels, and fewer email threads as key outcomes. According to verified users, the strongest products in this category help teams move quickly, share files, coordinate across locations, and stay aligned without switching among too many apps. G2 reviewers mention that notification control, search quality, and performance during busy workflows can shape the day-to-day experience just as much as chat itself. Across the recent review set, the most frequently praised options are the ones that combine immediate messaging with practical collaboration features for internal teamwork and cross-functional coordination.

**Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:**

- [Microsoft Teams](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-teams/reviews) – centralizes chat, meetings, file sharing, and channels for daily business communication
- [Slack](https://www.g2.com/products/slack/reviews) – organizes real-time discussions with channels, threads, reminders, and strong workflow integrations
- [Google Workspace](https://www.g2.com/products/google-workspace/reviews) – supports quick team communication through Chat alongside connected collaboration tools


### Best instant messaging tools for large organizations?
Based on G2 reviews, large organizations often prioritize centralized communication, broad integrations, and support for distributed teams. G2 reviewers mention Microsoft Teams most often in this context because it brings chats, meetings, channels, file sharing, and Microsoft ecosystem access into one platform for enterprise coordination. According to verified users, it helps reduce scattered communication across offices, campuses, and global teams while keeping projects and stakeholders connected. Reviewers also call out challenges such as notification volume, search friction, and heavier system use, but the overall pattern shows strong fit for large environments that need one broad collaboration hub rather than a lightweight point solution.

**Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:**

- [Microsoft Teams](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-teams/reviews) – supports enterprise-wide messaging, meetings, file sharing, and cross-office collaboration
- [Slack](https://www.g2.com/products/slack/reviews) – organizes high-volume team communication with channels, search, and integrations across departments
- [Google Workspace](https://www.g2.com/products/google-workspace/reviews) – keeps global teams connected with Chat plus linked docs, files, and calendars


### Top tools for secure corporate messaging?
Based on G2 reviews, secure corporate messaging buyers focus on privacy, centralized control, and keeping sensitive conversations in approved systems. According to verified users, security-related themes appear across products that emphasize encrypted communication, controlled workspaces, or enterprise administration. G2 reviewers mention that secure messaging is especially valuable when teams want to avoid fragmented tools, protect confidential information, and keep communication inside a managed environment. Review patterns also show that security alone is not enough; buyers still care about usability, file sharing, and reliable day-to-day collaboration. The best-reviewed secure options balance internal control with enough ease of use for broad employee adoption.

**Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:**

- [Microsoft Teams](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-teams/reviews) – keeps communication, files, and meetings in one monitored workplace for internal collaboration
- [Slack](https://www.g2.com/products/slack/reviews) – provides centralized team communication with organized channels and searchable history for internal work
- [Google Workspace](https://www.g2.com/products/google-workspace/reviews) – combines Chat with shared docs, email, and files in one managed collaboration suite


### Best instant messaging software for remote collaboration?
Based on G2 reviews, Microsoft Teams is the most frequently supported choice for remote collaboration in this dataset. According to verified users, it helps remote and hybrid teams keep chats, meetings, scheduling, channels, and file sharing in one place, which reduces the need to jump between tools. G2 reviewers mention reliable video meetings, threaded conversations, document collaboration, and easier coordination across offices and time zones. They also note common drawbacks like heavier performance, notification overload, and occasional search frustration. Even with those tradeoffs, the review volume and consistency most strongly point to Microsoft Teams for buyers who need one platform for everyday remote teamwork.


### Which platform offers the most robust mobile app?
Based on G2 reviews, Microsoft Teams shows the strongest mobile-related coverage in this category because reviewers repeatedly mention using it across devices for chats, meetings, scheduling, and daily communication. According to verified users, it is valued for keeping work accessible on desktop and mobile while supporting calls, file sharing, and calendar-based collaboration. G2 reviewers mention mobile convenience as a practical benefit for staying connected outside the desk, though some also report occasional sync delays or lag in certain situations. Overall, recent review volume and recurring cross-device feedback make Microsoft Teams the best-supported answer for buyers prioritizing mobile access.


### Best solutions for encrypted internal communications?
Based on G2 reviews, encrypted internal communication buyers care most about keeping messages, files, and team discussions inside secure, controlled environments. G2 reviewers mention this need most often when discussing workplace tools that reduce fragmented communication while keeping collaboration centralized. According to verified users, the strongest solutions also need to remain practical for daily work, offering simple messaging, searchable history, and file sharing rather than security that slows everyone down. In this review set, larger collaboration suites are more heavily represented than niche encrypted chat tools, so the most evidence-backed recommendations come from products that pair internal communication with broader workplace coordination and managed access.

**Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:**

- [Google Workspace](https://www.g2.com/products/google-workspace/reviews) – keeps chat, files, and collaboration linked in one managed workspace for internal teams
- [Microsoft Teams](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-teams/reviews) – supports internal messaging, meetings, and file sharing inside a centralized collaboration hub
- [Slack](https://www.g2.com/products/slack/reviews) – centralizes team discussions, searchable history, and workflow notifications for internal communication


### Which business messaging platform has the best file sharing features?
Based on G2 reviews, Microsoft Teams stands out most often for file sharing because reviewers repeatedly mention sending documents, screenshots, logs, PDFs, and shared resources directly inside conversations. According to verified users, its value comes from combining chat with document access and Microsoft ecosystem connections, making file collaboration easier during meetings, project work, and daily messaging. G2 reviewers mention quick sharing and centralized access as major benefits, though they also note that finding older files or organizing content can sometimes be less intuitive. Even with those limitations, the review evidence most strongly supports Microsoft Teams for business messaging tied closely to file sharing.


### Which is the best business instant messaging platform for teams?
Based on G2 reviews, Slack appears as the strongest overall fit when teams want a business instant messaging platform centered on organized communication. According to verified users, it helps replace long email chains with channels, threaded conversations, reminders, and searchable history that support both quick updates and ongoing collaboration. G2 reviewers mention that it works especially well for keeping departments, projects, and updates in one place while integrating with common tools teams already use. Some users do report notification fatigue, pricing pressure, or occasional performance concerns, but recent review coverage most consistently supports Slack as the best-supported team messaging choice in this category.




## G2 Grid® for Business Instant Messaging Software
![G2 Grid® for Business Instant Messaging Software plotting products by satisfaction and market presence](https://www.g2.com/categories/business-instant-messaging/grids.png?focus%5B%5D=25592&focus%5B%5D=3437&focus%5B%5D=1434&focus%5B%5D=7372&focus%5B%5D=663&focus%5B%5D=18255&focus%5B%5D=20433&focus%5B%5D=25675)
Highlighted products: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace, Zoom Workplace, Microsoft 365, Webex Suite, Connecteam, and ClickUp.
Underlying data: [Grid® JSON](https://www.g2.com/categories/business-instant-messaging/grids.json?focus%5B%5D=microsoft-teams&amp;focus%5B%5D=slack&amp;focus%5B%5D=google-workspace&amp;focus%5B%5D=zoom-workplace&amp;focus%5B%5D=microsoft365&amp;focus%5B%5D=cisco-webex-suite&amp;focus%5B%5D=connecteam&amp;focus%5B%5D=clickup)


## How Many Business Instant Messaging Software Products Does G2 Track?
**Total Products under this Category:** 114

### Category Stats (Jul 2026)
- **Average Rating**: 4.45/5 The average rating of products in this category, based on all submitted ratings
- **Top Trending Product**: Jostle (+0.15%) - Among all products in this category, Jostle recorded the largest rating increase compared to last month
*Last updated: July 08, 2026*


## How Does G2 Rank Business Instant Messaging Software Products?

**Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:**

- 30 Analysts and Data Experts
- 214,500+ Authentic Reviews
- 114+ Products
- Unbiased Rankings

G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category.


## Which Business Instant Messaging Software Is Best for Your Use Case?

- **Leader:** [Microsoft Teams](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-teams/reviews)
- **Highest Performer:** [Missive](https://www.g2.com/products/missive/reviews)
- **Easiest to Use:** [morningmate](https://www.g2.com/products/morningmate/reviews)
- **Top Trending:** [Google Workspace](https://www.g2.com/products/google-workspace/reviews)
- **Best Free Software:** [Slack](https://www.g2.com/products/slack/reviews)


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---


## What Is Business Instant Messaging Software?

[Internal Communications Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/internal-communications)

## What Software Categories Are Similar to Business Instant Messaging Software?

- [Video Conferencing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/video-conferencing)
- [Employee Intranet Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/employee-intranet)
- [Project Collaboration Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/project-collaboration)


---

## How Do You Choose the Right Business Instant Messaging Software?

### What You Should Know About Business Instant Messaging Software

### What is Business Instant Messaging Software?

Business instant messaging software provide users with instant messaging platforms that allow direct and group messaging capabilities within an organization. These tools aim to facilitate quick conversations between team members. Business messaging tools make communicating with coworkers as easy as chatting with friends on social media or via text. Most business instant messaging options include emoji and GIF capability to promote authentic and natural conversation within the workplace.

Key Benefits of Business Instant Messaging Software

- Offer instant communication capability between team members
- Allow teams to connect regardless of location
- Make messages easily searchable
- Provide a less formal virtual space for team communication
- Connect an organization horizontally and vertically

### Why Use Business Instant Messaging Software?

Most modern businesses leverage some type of business instant messaging software. They provide a cornucopia of benefits, making them a mainstay of the modern software stack.

**Rapid —** Business messaging tools support employees by bringing instant messaging to a workforce. Teams can rapidly communicate with one another, facilitating collaboration between remote employees, across teams, or across offices.

**Informal —** Email etiquette is notoriously difficult to master and can feel unnecessarily formal for simple questions. Business messaging tools allow teams to toss out overly professional decorum and focus on content over etiquette.

**Mobile —** All competitive business instant messaging products tout a robust, intuitive mobile application to pair with their desktop offering. Today, business requires people to reachable to support their peers at all times. Business instant messaging platforms are easy to use at work and on the go.

**Adoptable —** Instant messaging feels natural for most users at this point. Millennials now constitute the bulk of the workforce, and business instant messaging software is a natural step for this generation. Adoption rates are high since business messengers feel familiar.

### Who Uses Business Instant Messaging Software?

Organizations across industries use business instant messengers to connect their employees. The software equips users with a quick, streamlined method of communicating with peers for all topics These platforms provide a time-effective alternative to passive mediums such as email or intrusive in-person meetings. The benefits provided by business instant messaging software are useful to businesses of any size—from three people to 3,000 people. Whether coordinating shifts in a university’s psychology lab or meetings in a Fortune 500 company, efficient communication is paramount.

### Kinds of Business Instant Messaging Software

**Stand-alone —** Many business instant messengers are stand-alone products integrations. Dedicated business instant messaging tools sometimes provide additional features like video conferencing, limited VoIP capability, and employee directories to create a comprehensive communication hub.

**Embedded —** Instant messaging might come as an additional feature in other types of software or larger collaboration suites. Business instant messaging functionality is often found in [employee intranet software](https://www.g2.com/categories/employee-intranet), [employee engagement software](https://www.g2.com/categories/employee-engagement), or virtual workspaces. Other types of communication software, like [video conferencing software](https://www.g2.com/categories/video-conferencing), can also provide instant messaging.

**Industry-specific —** Some business instant messengers are built for specific industries with their unique needs in mind. For example, business instant messaging tools for manufacturing and field service will often include [push-to-talk (PTT) software](https://www.g2.com/categories/push-to-talk-ptt) built in so remote employees have multiple instant communication channels. There are also [clinical communication and collaboration platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/clinical-communication-and-collaboration) and [HIPAA compliant messaging software](https://www.g2.com/categories/hipaa-compliant-messaging) built specifically for health care organizations. These platforms take patient confidentiality into consideration. Some popular, generalized business messengers have started to create industry-specific solutions or build compliance into their product so they’re available for specific industries.

### Business Instant Messaging Software Features

Business instant messaging software share a few basic features across all products. As the space continues to become more competitive, some vendors have added additional communication and productivity features to help their product stand out.

**Instant messaging —** Instant, direct messaging is the main feature of business messenger applications. Users can instantly send direct or group messages. Depending on the administrator’s permissions, additional groups can be made by users or administrators.

**Status updates —** Users can leave a status attached to their profile to indicate their availability.

**Activity feed —** An activity feed is available to update users on new direct messages sent to them or new messages in groups. The feed will sometimes present replies to posts made by the user.

**Notifications —** Business messaging tools provide notifications when a user receives a direct message or a message is posted in a group. Additionally, users can turn notifications off or set certain permissions for notifications.

**Emojis —** Business messaging apps will often come loaded with emojis. Some applications even allow users to create their own.

**Search —** A search bar enables users to use keywords to easily find old messages.

**File sharing —** One of the main benefits of business messaging is the ability to easily and quickly share files and documents. Users can send links to documents hosted in the cloud or attach files saved on a desktop. Some tools even integrate with file repositories for streamlined file sharing.

**Surveys and polls —** Business messengers often provide simple survey and polling features allowing users to rapidly make decisions within the app.

#### Additional Business Instant Messaging Features

**Conferencing —** There has been increased effort to include audio and video conferencing functionality within business instant messaging products. When users can quickly move between text-based and audio-based communications, problems are resolved and questions are answered more efficiently.

**Knowledge base integration —** Some knowledge management tools serve as connectors between business instant messaging apps and knowledge bases. This type of integration attaches questions to answers then sends both to a searchable knowledge base.

**Automatic translation —** Some business messaging applications can automatically translate messages from one language into another via [machine translation software](https://www.g2.com/categories/machine-translation).

**Screen sharing —** Business messengers with video conferencing capability often allow screen sharing between conference participants.

**AI assistants —** AI assistants are sometimes included in business messaging apps. They guide users to behaviors based on the messages they’ve sent. For example, if a user types to another that they need to meet at a certain date or time, an embedded AI assistant can open a prompt for the user to add an event to their calendar.

### Trends Related to Business Instant Messaging Software

**Addition of conferencing features —** Traditionally, businesses relied on one tool for instant messaging and another for video and audio conferencing. This was beneficial since conferencing often includes external entities without access to internal tools. However, more businesses are recognizing the benefits of video conferencing and VoIP for internal use cases. It’s inconvenient for users having a conversation in one application to move to another, even if it would be a more fruitful exchange if they did so.

Subsequently, more businesses are looking for instant messaging tools that provide avenues for voice and video conferencing. More business messengers include video conferencing and VoIP capability in their offering, albeit not the best of breed since they’re not the main feature of the product. This may change as more vendors prioritize audio and video conferencing within their products.

### Potential Issues with Business Instant Messaging Software

**Contextual inappropriateness —** The convenience of instant messaging in the workplace is often a boon. As useful as business instant messaging software is, it is not always the most efficient or appropriate channel for certain situations. Problems can arise when individuals haven’t created clear distinctions for when it is appropriate to use a business messenger over email or another communication channel. While one-line emails could easily be relayed in an instant messenger, long-form messages with potential external participants aren’t appropriate on a business instant messaging platform.

This potential problem can be avoided with the implementation of clear guidelines identifying which communication channels should be used in a given situation. Businesses and organizations should include these guidelines in their onboarding and training process and make them available in a knowledge base for reference. Individuals who don’t use the appropriate channels should be gently reminded to break these habits.

### Software and Services Related to Business Instant Messaging Software

[**Productivity bots**](https://www.g2.com/categories/productivity-bots) **—** There are productivity bots built for specific instant messaging software to extend their functionality. Productivity bots can serve as AI assistants if a product doesn’t have one embedded, or provide helpful features that aren’t otherwise available to users on the native platform. For example, productivity bots can add polls or surveys to products that don’t offer them natively, or connect the app to other tools.

[**Employee intranet**](https://www.g2.com/categories/employee-intranet) **—** Some employee intranet solutions provide a business instant messaging tool within their product. If one isn’t provided, products often integrate with other popular business messaging options to fill this gap. Users benefit from having instant messaging tools deployed within their intranet since the intranet can serve as a consolidated collaboration and communication suite.



