HR & Engagement Writer
1
The Best Communication Tools for Startup Businesses in 2024
8 min read
Published: Aug 14, 2023
Revised on: Mar 1, 2024
Here’s our curated shortlist and our reasons for liking each company; please click into each company to get more details:
- Assembly
- Easy to use and intuitive interface. Many reviews mentioned Assembly is simple, easy to navigate, and user-friendly.
- Good customer support. Reviews mentioned Assembly's support team is responsive in resolving issues.
- Rewards redemption process is smooth. Users liked the gift card and other reward options that can be redeemed with points.
- Integrates well with Slack and Microsoft Teams. The integration makes giving recognition quick and seamless.
- Good for employee recognition and engagement. Reviews highlighted Assembly's peer-to-peer recognition features that help boost employee morale.
- ClickUp
- Flexible and customizable features allow users to tailor ClickUp to their specific needs and workflows.
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and manage tasks and projects.
- Robust collaboration tools like comments, chat, and assign mentions facilitate team communication and coordination.
- Multiple task views like list, board, Gantt chart provide flexibility to organize tasks.
- Integration with common tools like Google Drive, Slack improves workflows.
- Google Workspace
- Collaboration tools .Allows for real-time collaboration on documents and projects between team members. This streamlines workflow and improves productivity.
- Integration with other Google products. Provides a seamless experience by integrating tools like Gmail, Drive, Calendar, etc. Makes it easy to access everything in one place.
- Accessibility.Cloud- based nature allows access to files/tools from any device with an internet connection, enabling remote work.
- User-friendly interface. Intuitive and easy to use interface with minimal learning curve. Useful for teams of all technical skill levels.
- Security features.Offers robust security such as encryption, 2-factor authentication to protect sensitive data.
- Loom
- Easy to use and intuitive interface. Many reviews mention how simple Loom is to get started with, both the desktop and browser versions. The interface is straightforward.
- Quick recording and sharing. Users like how fast it is to record a video, and then instantly get a shareable link to send out. Saves time compared to other options.
- Screen/camera recording options. Ability to record screen, camera, or both is useful for demonstrations, explanations, etc. Gives flexibility.
- Video quality. Several reviews specifically praise the high video and audio quality produced by Loom. Important for professional use.
- Collaborative features. Options to share videos, get notified of views, and add comments/reactions on the timeline aids collaboration and feedback.
- Slack
- Easy to use interface and intuitive navigation. Many reviews mentioned Slack is simple to get started with and user-friendly.
- Facilitates team communication and collaboration. Slack provides channels, threads, and direct messaging for organizing conversations and working together.
- Integration capabilities. Slack seamlessly integrates with many apps like Google Drive, Trello, Zoom etc.
- Customizable notification settings. Users can customize notifications to control interruptions.
- Powerful search function. Slack's search allows quickly finding messages, files, and conversations.
Everyone is familiar with potential external stressors at work: the state of the economy, complex regulators, and even overbearing customers.
However, the less apparent stressors are the ones that originate from within the company, all the obstacles that prevent employees from doing their best work.
Ask any business owner about their biggest internal struggle, and you'll hear four times out of five: “My employees just don’t communicate with each other!”
Team communication is crucial to 21st-century work and can make or mar a business. In fact, research shows that poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, critical delays, and even work conflicts.
The last thing your business needs are deadweights that can reduce productivity and revenue. As it happens, tools are designed to enhance communications, regardless of whether you work in a virtual workspace or a physical office.
The most effective tool for business communication depends on the specific context and needs of the organization. Which Is the Most Effective tool for Business Communication?
Ultimately, the choice of the most effective tool should align with the nature of the communication, the preferences of the team, and the technological infrastructure in place.
How Do I Choose a Communication Tool?
Selecting a communication tool is based on various factors, including the needs of your team, the nature of your work, and the preferences of team members.
- Consider the level of collaboration required and whether real-time or asynchronous communication is more suitable for your workflow.
- Evaluate the features offered by different tools, such as messaging, file sharing, video conferencing, and integration capabilities with other software your team uses.
- Take into account the ease of use and accessibility for all team members, for example, user interface and platform compatibility.
- Assess the security and privacy features of the communication tool to ensure the protection of sensitive information.
It's essential to involve team members in the decision-making process to gather insights into their preferences and requirements, fostering better adoption and collaboration. Regularly reassess your choice of communication tool to adapt to evolving team needs and technological advancements.
Let's examine the best team communication tools for startups.
Pricing
$2.80 per user/month
- Free version
- Free trial available
- Seat Minimum: 1 User
Assembly’s easy-to-use, modern, and secure intranet is the shortcut to helping your team work smarter, not harder. Picture an automated, all-in-one communication, collaboration, and engagement hub that helps you engage, find meaning, stay informed, and save time at work. Assembly's flexible intranet streamlines your communication, drives idea management, and simplifies common processes. It's a flexible communication platform that brings together people, knowledge, and engagement into one secure place.
Why It’s a Top Communication Tool:
- AI assistant for quick and accurate answers to all your burning questions
- Engagement initiatives like employee recognition and rewards, a variety of culture rewards, custom swag, and charity donations — all customizable to fit your company goals
- You can store, locate, and manage documents or presentations across all tools and apps effortlessly with Assembly’s streamlined intranet workplace search
Drawbacks, According to Users:
- No language localization feature at the moment
- Reporting analytics could be more detailed
Pros
- Easy to use and intuitive interface. Many reviews mentioned Assembly is simple, easy to navigate, and user-friendly.
- Good customer support. Reviews mentioned Assembly's support team is responsive in resolving issues.
- Rewards redemption process is smooth. Users liked the gift card and other reward options that can be redeemed with points.
- Integrates well with Slack and Microsoft Teams. The integration makes giving recognition quick and seamless.
- Good for employee recognition and engagement. Reviews highlighted Assembly's peer-to-peer recognition features that help boost employee morale.
Cons
- Limitations in analytics and reporting features. Some reviews wanted more detailed analytics and user statistics.
- Creating flows and automations can be tricky. Reviews noted workflows and automations are sometimes hard to setup.
- Limited customization options for recognitions. Users wanted more ways to customize recognitions with images/GIFs.
- Lack of mobile apps earlier on. Reviews mentioned lack of mobile apps made it hard to use when not by a computer.
- Confusion due to branding changes. Reviews noted frequent name changes of the reward units was confusing initially.
2
ClickUp
Pricing
$7.00 per user/month
- Free version
- No Seat Minimum
ClickUp is a project management tool that helps teams and individuals manage tasks, projects, and workflows. It provides a central platform for organizing and collaborating on tasks, communication, and documentation. ClickUp’s collaboration tools have brainstorming and ideation features that offer different ways to visualize and communicate ideas. Its wide range of customizable features means teams can bend Clickup’s features to suit their needs. ClickUp can be used by teams of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises, across any industry.
Why It’s a Top Communication Tool:
- Features like chats, comments, and notifications facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among team members
- Information-finding feature for quick information on project progress, updates, blockers, owners, and overall dependencies
- Multiple task views like lists, boards, and Gantt charts provide flexibility to organize tasks
- Try a full demo here
Drawbacks, According to Users:
- Limitations on the mobile app compared to the web version
- Steep learning curve due to the number of features and configurations
Pros
- Flexible and customizable features allow users to tailor ClickUp to their specific needs and workflows.
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and manage tasks and projects.
- Robust collaboration tools like comments, chat, and assign mentions facilitate team communication and coordination.
- Multiple task views like list, board, Gantt chart provide flexibility to organize tasks.
- Integration with common tools like Google Drive, Slack improves workflows.
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to overwhelm from number of features and configuration options.
- Occasional bugs, glitches and performance issues hamper user experience.
- Mobile app lacks some functionality compared to web/desktop.
- Limitations of free version like number of tasks, features restricted.
- Difficulty finding specific help documentation among extensive support content.
Pricing
$5.40 per user/month
- Free trial available
- No Seat Minimum
How do teams of all sizes communicate, collaborate, and create?
Answer: Through Google Workspace, a communication platform that combines all the familiar productivity and collaboration tools built by Google into one product. This all-in-one package enhances collaboration and productivity, allowing your team to focus on what truly matters — getting work done together.
Why It’s a Top Communication Tool:
- Google Workspace bundles all the tools for work — calendar, email, spreadsheet — into one central place, making it the perfect productivity and collaboration software
- This communication software also comes with generous amounts of integrations and extensions
- State-of-the-art security with the added benefit of cloud storage for all your work documents
Drawbacks, According to Users:
- Google Workspace is entirely reliant on the Internet, so unstable connections might be an issue
- Multiple apps and features in one communication tool can be overwhelming to some users
Pros
- Collaboration tools .Allows for real-time collaboration on documents and projects between team members. This streamlines workflow and improves productivity.
- Integration with other Google products. Provides a seamless experience by integrating tools like Gmail, Drive, Calendar, etc. Makes it easy to access everything in one place.
- Accessibility.Cloud- based nature allows access to files/tools from any device with an internet connection, enabling remote work.
- User-friendly interface. Intuitive and easy to use interface with minimal learning curve. Useful for teams of all technical skill levels.
- Security features.Offers robust security such as encryption, 2-factor authentication to protect sensitive data.
Cons
- Reliant on internet connection. Being cloud-based, requires a stable internet connection to function optimally. Limitations offline.
- Data privacy concerns. Some concerns around data privacy since files stored on Google's servers.
- Steep learning curve. Can be overwhelming to learn and utilize the wide array of features offered.
- Limited customization. Provides limited customization options compared to more specialized software tools.
- Customer support. Customer service response times and issue resolution varies. Technical support lacks for complex issues.
4
Loom
Pricing
$12.50 per user/month
- Free version
- Free trial available
- No Seat Minimum
Why do 21 million people across 200,000 companies choose Loom?For starters, it’s because a video is worth a thousand words. Another reason is probably because Loom’s video messaging reduces distractions and helps your team work smarter. Getting started on Loom is as easy as pressing “play” to align your team, close deals, and optimize time management. With this communication tool, you can record and share videos that move work forward, whether you’re at home or on the move.
Why It’s a Top Communication Tool:
- This communication tool comes with video-sharing options, notifications, and comments and reactions, all of which aid collaboration and feedback
- Loom gives users the ability to record high-quality videos of screens or cameras, making it perfect for explanations and demonstrations
- Loom’s communication software is easy to use and requires little to no previous technical know-how
Drawbacks, According to Users:
- Short video time limits, capped number of videos, and a lack of advanced features on the free plan are common complaints
- Unstable internet connections can disrupt the recording and sharing of videos
Pros
- Easy to use and intuitive interface. Many reviews mention how simple Loom is to get started with, both the desktop and browser versions. The interface is straightforward.
- Quick recording and sharing. Users like how fast it is to record a video, and then instantly get a shareable link to send out. Saves time compared to other options.
- Screen/camera recording options. Ability to record screen, camera, or both is useful for demonstrations, explanations, etc. Gives flexibility.
- Video quality. Several reviews specifically praise the high video and audio quality produced by Loom. Important for professional use.
- Collaborative features. Options to share videos, get notified of views, and add comments/reactions on the timeline aids collaboration and feedback.
Cons
- Limits of free version. Short video time limits, capped number of videos, and lack of advanced features on the free tier is a common complaint.
- Occasional technical issues. Some users report glitches with the software crashing or videos failing to record/upload properly at times.
- Basic editing capabilities. Editing options like trimming are useful but some want more advanced editing tools within Loom.
- Reliant on good internet. Unstable internet connections can disrupt recording and sharing of videos.
- Minor interface annoyances. Small UI complaints like always having to re-enable camera/audio and the avatar taking up space during recording.
5
Slack
Pricing
$7.25 per user/month
- Free version
- No Seat Minimum
Slack is unarguably one of the most popular workplace communications software today. It streamlines communication and collaboration into one platform. Slack brings everyone to the same page with features like instant messaging [calls and chats], company-wide search, and other cool integrations. It’s, therefore, no surprise that this communication tool is known as the place “where work gets done.”
Why It’s a Top Communication Tool:
- Slack has an intuitive and easy-to-use interface
- It also integrates easily with other collaboration and communication tools
- Slack has a robust search function that allows users to find messages, files, and conversations quickly
Drawbacks, According to Users:
- There’s a limit to the number of old messages users can access in the free plan
- The number of notifications and channels can be overwhelming for some users
Pros
- Easy to use interface and intuitive navigation. Many reviews mentioned Slack is simple to get started with and user-friendly.
- Facilitates team communication and collaboration. Slack provides channels, threads, and direct messaging for organizing conversations and working together.
- Integration capabilities. Slack seamlessly integrates with many apps like Google Drive, Trello, Zoom etc.
- Customizable notification settings. Users can customize notifications to control interruptions.
- Powerful search function. Slack's search allows quickly finding messages, files, and conversations.
Cons
- Can be distracting with too many notifications and channels. This was a common downside mentioned in reviews.
- Expensive compared to competitors, especially for larger teams. Pricing was seen as a drawback.
- Message history limitations in free version. The free plan only stores 10,000 messages.
- Learning curve. Slack has many features so completely mastering it takes time.
- Privacy concerns and data security risks were also cited as potential issues.
Pricing
$8.00 per user/month
- Free version
- Free trial available
- No Seat Minimum
Monday.com is a work management solution that manages to bundle tools for all aspects of work under one roof. From communication tools to collaboration tools and many more, Monday.com frees up teams to focus on executing tasks and projects efficiently and achieving shared goals at scale. Monday.com is a productivity paradise because not only does it make communication easier, but it also integrates with popular work tools for seamless collaboration.
Why It’s a Top Communication Tool:
- Users can visualize workflows and track project progress through boards and timelines
- There’s a central hub for storing project information, and this makes retrieving information and project collaboration easier
- Monday’s communication software allows users to assign tasks, communicate with colleagues, and get real-time updates that improve collaboration
- Try a full demo here
Drawbacks, According to Users:
- The initial learning curve can be complex and time-consuming
- Key features like automation are only available for paid users
Pros
- Easy to use and intuitive interface. Many reviewers mentioned how user-friendly Monday.com is.
- Visual project management. Reviewers liked the ability to visualize workflows and track progress through boards and timelines.
- Enhanced team collaboration. Monday.com facilitates task assignment, communication, and real-time updates to improve collaboration.
- Customizable boards and workflows. Users appreciated the ability to fully customize boards and automations to match their needs.
- Centralized hub. Storing all project information and files in one centralized place made managing projects easier.
Cons
- Steep learning curve. Some reviewers found the initial setup and learning process time-consuming and complex.
- Limitations of free plan. Key features like automations are only available on paid plans.
- Integration issues. Some users faced challenges integrating Monday.com with other tools they use.
- Slow performance. A few reviewers complained about occasional lagging or platform slowness with heavy usage.
- Price. Monday.com's pricing model makes it cost prohibitive for larger teams to use all features.
7
Asana
Pricing
$10.99 per user/month
- Free version
- Free trial available
- No Seat Minimum
Asana built its communication tool on one principle: teams do their best work when they communicate effectively. That’s why Asana helps you manage your “team’s work to communicate the right information at the right time.” With Asana, everyone knows project owners, tasks' due dates, and project progress. You can also assign tasks, discuss them, create planning templates, and celebrate wins — all inside Asana!
Why It’s a Top Communication Tool:
- Asana enables easy collaboration through task assignment, file sharing, and real-time communication
- It integrates with communication tools like Slack and file-sharing tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.
Drawbacks, According to Users:
- Asana looks a bit cluttered, and this can get overwhelming to some users
- A lot of the advanced perks are only available on the paid plan
Pros
- User-friendly and intuitive interface
- Powerful features for task management and project tracking
- Enables easy collaboration through task assignment, file sharing, and real-time communication
- Customizable workflows and views like Kanban boards and Gantt charts
- Integrations with other tools like Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox etc.
Cons
- Steep learning curve, especially for beginners
- Can be overwhelming with extensive notifications
- Limitations in advanced reporting capabilities
- Expensive pricing plans for larger teams
- Lack of robust time tracking and resource management features
8
Zoom
Pricing
$14.99 per user/month
- Free version
- No Seat Minimum
Zoom bundles team chats, audio and video meetings, and so much more into one offering. As a result, you get a flexible platform that enhances modern collaboration and communication. Need to keep up and share updates with your remote team members? Zoom’s video chat has you covered. Wondering how to improve a product or process? Gather feedback from your employees with Zoom Events. Zoom provides practical communication tools needed to “power the modern workforce.”
Why It’s a Top Communication Tool:
- Features like screen sharing, chat, breakout rooms, and the ability to record meetings make this communication software valuable for collaboration and engagement
- Zoom produces high-quality video and audio conversations, resulting in smooth, clear communication between employees
- Zoom’s communication software rarely crashes or lags, even on slow internet connections
Drawbacks, According to Users:
- Many users complained about the 40-minute limit on the free plan
- Small business owners complained about the pricing of paid plans
Pros
- Easy to use and intuitive interface - Many reviewers mentioned Zoom is very easy to use, even for those less tech-savvy. The interface is clean, simple, and intuitive.
- High quality audio/video - Reviewers consistently praised the high-quality video and audio provided by Zoom, resulting in smooth, clear communication.
- Useful features like screen sharing, chat, recording - Features like screen sharing, chat, breakout rooms, and the ability to record meetings make Zoom useful for collaboration and engagement.
- Reliable performance - Reviewers said Zoom provides a reliable conferencing experience, even on slower networks. It rarely crashes or lags.
- Widely used/cross-platform - Zoom works across devices and platforms, and its widespread use makes it easy when inviting others to meetings.
Cons
- Privacy/security concerns - There were complaints about previous security issues like Zoombombing and privacy concerns around data handling.
- Meeting limits in free version - The 40-minute limit on group meetings in the free version was frequently cited as a downside.
- Video meeting fatigue - Staring at screens for hours during back-to-back Zoom meetings can be tiring and draining.
- Technical glitches - Occasional issues with audio, connectivity problems, or other technical glitches were mentioned as frustrations.
- Pricing concerns - Some felt the pricing for paid plans is too high, especially for smaller teams/businesses.
Pricing
$6.00 per user/month
- Free trial available
- No Seat Minimum
Built in 2017, Microsoft Teams helps to unite people, conversations, and work tools under one roof. It offers a range of tools to chat, share files, hold meetings, and organize tasks. Standout features like channels, direct messaging, and integrations also help to bring your team closer, making collaboration effortless. This communication tool provides a virtual workspace where projects take shape, ideas flow freely, and collaboration happens in real time.
Why It’s a Top Communication Tool:
- Interconnectivity — users can start a meeting on their computers and transfer it to their phone to finish up
- Teams integrate seamlessly with other Microsoft products in your communication tools arsenal
- Microsoft Teams provides a comprehensive suite of collaboration tools, including chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and project management features, making it a centralized hub for communication and collaboration
Drawbacks, According to Users:
- Users mention that Teams can be glitchy on slower internet connections
- Reviews also mention that a few integrations are missing or difficult to set up
Pros
- Integration with other Microsoft products like Outlook, OneDrive, SharePoint, etc. makes collaboration easy.
- Offers a wide range of features like chat, video conferencing, file sharing, task management, etc. in one platform.
- User-friendly and intuitive interface. Easy to get started.
- Robust security features like encryption, 2-factor authentication, etc.
- Available across platforms like desktop, web, iOS, Android. Provides flexibility.
Cons
- Can be overwhelming for some users due to large number of features. Steep learning curve.
- Occasional technical glitches and bugs.
- Limited customization options for branding and UI.
- Integration with non-Microsoft tools and platforms can be limited.
- High resource usage and performance issues reported by some users.
10
Basecamp
Pricing
$15.00 per user/month
- Free version
- Free trial available
- No Seat Minimum
Basecamp helps you work better, stay organized, and negotiate work-life balance - all through its project management and team communications software. With Basecamp’s communication tool, you can send a Ping (direct message) to team members, set up daily or weekly questions on the Message board, or have an informal chat in Campfire. Basecamp also has reports to summarize essential communications and notification protection so you aren’t constantly distracted. All these features (and more) make Basecamp an excellent communication tool for collaborating on projects, whether you’re managing remote teams or working in person.
Why It’s a Top Communication Tool:
- Centralized communication and collaboration: one place to store conversations, files, and tasks related to projects, improving teamwork and transparency
- Clean, user-friendly interface allowing for a quick learning curve
- Task management features like the ability to assign tasks, set due dates, track project progress, and manage to-do lists across projects
Drawbacks, According to Users:
- Limited customization options — a few users mentioned that they would love the option to move things around to suit their specific needs
- Basecamp’s flat pricing fee may be expensive for smaller teams/teams with smaller budgets
Pros
- Easy to use interface and intuitive navigation. Many reviews mentioned Basecamp is user-friendly with a clean and simple interface, allowing for a short learning curve.
- Centralized communication and collaboration. Multiple reviews liked having one place to store conversations, files, and tasks related to projects, improving teamwork and transparency.
- Task management features. Reviews highlighted useful capabilities like assigning tasks, setting due dates, tracking progress, and managing to-do lists across projects.
- Affordable pricing. Several reviews said Basecamp provides good value, with one flat monthly fee regardless of number of users or projects.
- Mobile app accessibility. Some reviews appreciated being able to access Basecamp via iOS and Android apps, enabling remote work and availability on-the-go.
Cons
- Reporting and analytics limitations. A common complaint was Basecamp lacks robust reporting features to get detailed insights on project progress.
- Steep learning curve. Despite the simple interface, some reviews mentioned new users still face a learning curve in fully leveraging all of Basecamp's functionalities.
- Limited customization options. Multiple reviews wanted more ability to customize projects, workflows, notifications and integrate with other tools.
- Chat limitations. Compared to dedicated chat tools, reviews cited Basecamp's chat functionality can be basic and inconvenient.
- Lack of key PM features. Reviews noted limitations around time tracking, calendars, Gantt charts, dependencies, and workflows for larger projects.
Conclusion
Simplicity always pays off no matter what communication tool(s) you settle on. Avoid information overload, and limit the number of business tools your team members use daily by choosing an all-in-one communication tool with numerous integrations. Streamlining communication will keep from overwhelming employees. Check out our list of must-have tools for businesses to further increase your team’s chances of success.
