collaboration

5 best team chat apps for startups

Only powerful toolsets get teams closer to results. Discover the top team chat apps that enhance communication and streamline projects.

Sabina Vardanashvili

• 3 min read

Let's face it, team communication has never been more important. Whether your team works remotely, in a hybrid setting, or in-office, having the right chat tool can make or break productivity. In 2025, businesses need chat apps that are more than just messaging tools — they need to be collaboration powerhouses.

In this article, we'll explore the top 5 team chat apps for business in 2025 that can help your team communicate better, streamline projects, and keep everyone in sync.

Slack: classic chat tool that keeps evolving

When it comes to team communication, Slack has been a favorite for years — and for good reason. It offers channels for organizing conversations, direct messaging for quick chats, and integrations with hundreds of apps like Google Drive, Trello, and Zoom.

But what makes Slack a top choice in 2025? The platform keeps evolving with new features to support remote and hybrid teams. Its AI-powered search tool helps you find information in seconds, and the recent addition of video messaging makes asynchronous communication even easier.

Main features

  • Channels for topic-specific conversations.
  • Powerful search functionality.
  • Extensive app integrations.
  • Video messaging and huddles for quick check-ins.
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Why do teams like it? Slack is perfect if your team relies on multiple tools. Its integrations keep everything connected, so you can manage projects and conversations in one place.

Microsoft Teams: ultimate collaboration suite

Microsoft Teams isn't just a chat app; it's a complete collaboration suite. It's tightly integrated with Microsoft 365, making it ideal for businesses that already use Word, Excel, and Outlook. With Teams, you can chat, hold video meetings, share files, and even collaborate on documents in real time.

What’s new in 2025? Microsoft has doubled down on AI, introducing tools that automate meeting notes, summarize chats, and even suggest tasks based on conversations. This helps teams stay productive and organized without missing a beat.

Main features

  • Deep integration with Microsoft 365.
  • AI-powered meeting summaries and task suggestions.
  • Built-in video conferencing.
  • Secure file sharing and collaboration.
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Why do teams like it? If your team already uses Microsoft tools, this is a no-brainer. Teams offers a seamless experience that keeps everything you need in one platform.

Discord: more than just a gamer's paradise

Originally popular among gamers, Discord has found its way into the business world — and it's here to stay. Its voice channels, chat rooms, and screen-sharing capabilities make it a versatile tool for teams that need real-time collaboration. In 2025, Discord for Work offers enhanced privacy settings and integrations with tools like Notion, GitHub, and Zapier.

The platform's flexibility allows teams to create spaces for focused discussions or casual chats, making it ideal for creative industries where brainstorming is key.

Main features

  • Voice channels for spontaneous conversations.
  • Rich media sharing (videos, GIFs, images).
  • Integrations with productivity tools.
  • High-quality screen sharing.
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Why do teams like it? Discord is perfect for teams that thrive on real-time interaction. It’s great for brainstorming sessions, quick updates, and creating a sense of community among remote workers.

ClickUp: task management meets team chat

While ClickUp is known primarily as a project management tool, its chat feature has made it one of the best all-in-one platforms for 2025. The chat functionality is seamlessly integrated with task management, so you can discuss projects, assign tasks, and track progress — all in one place.

In 2025, ClickUp has introduced AI-powered automations to reduce repetitive tasks and enhance productivity. This means less time spent managing projects and more time getting work done.

Main features

  • Integrated chat and task management.
  • AI-powered automation tools.
  • Customizable dashboards.
  • Real-time project updates.
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Why do teams like it? ClickUp is ideal for teams that need a chat tool and a project management solution rolled into one. It's perfect if your focus is on staying organized and efficient.
Orchestrate your workflow

Orchestra: smart gem among collaboration tools

Orchestra is a comprehensive platform designed to simplify communication and task management for teams.

Main features

  • Chat-centric interface.
  • Seamless task tracking.
  • Built-in video calls.
  • AI agents in every chat and channel.
  • Various API integrations.
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Why do teams like it? Teams appreciate its intuitive design, which boosts productivity without overwhelming users. Orchestra allows real-time updates, efficient workflows, and smooth transitions between discussions and tasks, all within one platform.

Finding the right team chat app can transform the way your team communicates and collaborates. In 2025, the focus is on tools that not only support chat but also integrate with other tools your team uses daily. 

There's a chat app on this list that fits your needs.

  • Slack for its flexibility and integrations.
  • Microsoft Teams if you're already in the Microsoft ecosystem.
  • Discord for real-time collaboration and creativity.
  • ClickUp if you want an all-in-one chat and project management tool.
  • Orchestra for communication-first cooperation.

Join Orchestra now and discover how much better collaboration and productivity can be

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