The Top 10 Intranet Software of 2024
10 min read
Published: Jan 31, 2024
Revised on: Mar 1, 2024
- Workvivo
- Easy to use and intuitive interface, similar to popular social media platforms like Facebook. Makes it easy for employees to adopt.
- Improves employee engagement, connection, and internal communications across distributed teams and offices. Helps employees feel more informed.
- Allows sharing of company news, events, photos, videos easily. Replaces email for some internal communications.
- Provides analytics on usage and engagement that help HR and managers measure success of initiatives.
- Ability to give recognition and shoutouts is motivating. Helps strengthen company culture.
- Simpplr
- Easy to use and intuitive interface. Many reviews mentioned Simpplr is simple to navigate and user-friendly.
- Great for employee engagement. Customers found Simpplr helped connect employees and increase collaboration.
- Robust features like content validation and analytics. Customers liked built-in features that help keep content updated and provide insights.
- Easy implementation and setup. Customers had an easy time implementing Simpplr with help from the support team.
- Integrations with tools like Slack and Office 36
- Customers appreciated the ability to integrate with other workplace apps.
- Haystack
- Centralized communication and knowledge sharing. Haystack provides a single platform to find company info, resources, announcements, etc.
- Easy to use and intuitive UI. The interface is clean, simple, and easy for employees to navigate.
- Improved collaboration. Features like groups and integrations allow for better communication and teamwork.
- Employee profiles and org charts. These help employees learn about each other and see company structure.
- Search capabilities. The search makes it easy to quickly find documents, people, and information.
- Happeo
- Easy to use and intuitive interface
- Good integration with Google Workspace/Drive for easy file sharing
- Useful features like pages for static info and channels for discussions
- Helps improve internal communications and engagement
- Powerful search makes finding information easy
- 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.
A centralized data hub, like an intranet software package, is a valuable tool for enhancing team performance. It streamlines communications and fosters a collaborative work environment, making it an excellent solution for improving team dynamics.
Every business, regardless of its sector or industry, can benefit from an intranet platform. These software solutions aren’t just a luxury but a necessity for businesses that need to stay agile and connected in a competitive marketplace. Integrating an intranet system can improve how your teams interact and operate, whether you are a small startup or a large multinational corporation.
Read on to learn about intranet software’s functions and advantages and find out the best-performing intranet products currently on the market.
What Is an Intranet?
An intranet is a private network within an organization designed to facilitate internal communication and information sharing among employees. It’s like a mini version of the internet, but accessible only to organization members.
Intranets provide a centralized platform for storing and accessing company documents, news, policies, and other resources. They often include tools for collaboration, such as message boards, chat functions, and email.
Modern intranets are web-based, making them easy to use and accessible from various devices. They’re vital for improving workflows, building a collaborative work environment, and consolidating organizational knowledge in one easily accessible location.
What Is the Difference Between an Intranet and the Internet?
The primary difference between an intranet and the internet lies in their accessibility and usage scope. An intranet is a private network confined to an organization, accessible only to its members, allowing them to share internal information and resources and communicate among employees.
In contrast, the internet is a public network, open to anyone around the world. It provides access to information and services across websites and online platforms.
While the intranet is focused on internal communication and collaboration within a specific group, the internet facilitates broader information exchange and connectivity on a global scale.
What Are the Characteristics of an Intranet?
Intranet software solutions are characterized by the features they provide to businesses and organizations. The most important features common to most intranet designs include:
- Security and privacy measures - The intranet solution for your company is exclusively accessible to team members. This requires a secure member login system, firewalls to guard against external intrusions, and data encryption for safe data transmission between devices and during interactions with the internet.
- Internal communication tools - Most intranets are designed with at least one team member communication feature, such as instant messaging, internal emails, message boards, or forums.
- Resource centralization - An intranet includes or facilitates file storage and sharing access. It may also have data organization tools to help team members find necessary information.
What Are the Key Features to Look for in an Intranet Platform?
When choosing an intranet platform for your organization, pick one that encompasses all the features necessary to enhance productivity, communication, and workflow efficiency. Essential features to consider include:
- Customization options - Optimal intranet software allows your organization to customize its functionality, appearance, and settings to align with your needs and branding.
- Team collaboration tools - Intranet software for business supports team collaboration. Key features include collaborative editing, document sharing, team forums, and message boards.
- Ease of use - Intranet software features user-friendly interfaces with options that are easy to locate and access. This helps minimize the learning curve, allowing your team to concentrate on their tasks.
- Scalability - Intranet software must adapt to your organization’s growth and evolving requirements. Scalable intranet solutions maintain consistent functionality and convenience as your business expands and changes.
How to Choose the Best Intranet Platform for an Organization?
To select the most appropriate intranet platform for your organization, consider these essential steps:
- Assess your needs - Evaluate your organization’s requirements, including size, structure, and communication needs.
- Evaluate the features and functions - Match your requirements against the features provided by an intranet software provider. The more key features they offer, the higher the likelihood they’ll meet your needs.
- Read reviews - Client reviews and testimonials, especially from those in your industry, can offer valuable insights.
- Request a demo - If available, schedule a demo of the intranet software to give your organization a hands-on trial. Demos allow your team to interact with the software and offer feedback about its fit for your needs.
The Top Intranet Software Today
Now is the time to enhance your organization with an all-in-one intranet software solution. Explore our compilation of the top intranet platforms available and evaluate their features and functionalities to find the best fit for your needs.
Workvivo is designed to make communications within your organization easier and more efficient at every level. It aims to boost your team’s engagement with tasks, helping keep productivity high.
Workvivo’s capabilities can turn your company’s intranet into a unified digital workspace, establishing a single, integrated hub for all team members. Whether your employees are in the office, on the road, or working from home, Workvivo offers everyone its complete range of features.
Its mobile app mirrors the functionality of the desktop version, ensuring that all team members have the tools they need to work effectively, no matter where they are.
Workvivo Key Features:
- Interface inspired by social media - Workvivo is designed to be as easy to navigate as modern social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or X. It helps team members stay engaged and easily find the information they need.
- Centralize company news - Workvivo’s Activity Feed enables organizations to create, organize, and distribute company-wide news, ensuring that all team members are updated.
- Powerful collaboration tools - Workvivo’s intranet solution includes collaborative writing features, account delegation, an article ghostwriting mode, and employee milestone recognition systems.
Pros
- Easy to use and intuitive interface, similar to popular social media platforms like Facebook. Makes it easy for employees to adopt.
- Improves employee engagement, connection, and internal communications across distributed teams and offices. Helps employees feel more informed.
- Allows sharing of company news, events, photos, videos easily. Replaces email for some internal communications.
- Provides analytics on usage and engagement that help HR and managers measure success of initiatives.
- Ability to give recognition and shoutouts is motivating. Helps strengthen company culture.
Cons
- Mobile app functionality needs improvement - some inconsistencies vs desktop, slower, missing some features.
- Notifications can be too frequent or irrelevant at times. Ability to better customize alerts needed.
- Formatting limitations for text, links, images in posts. Some find the editor clunky.
- Navigation and layout of pages could be better organized or simplified. Too busy for some users.
- Adoption not consistent across all employees in some cases. Full value requires high usage.
Simpplr
Simpplr’s intranet software package provides a wide range of features for businesses and organizations aimed at transforming the overall work experience.
Simpplr has been offering its intranet solution to over 700 companies since it was established in 2014. The platform features efficient communication channels, a user-friendly interface, and a variety of AI-powered tools designed to enhance employee performance and information retrieval.
Simpplr Key Features:
- Comprehensive content management - Simpplr uses AI to power its productivity features, such as automatic content categorization, smart search, and interface tailoring.
- Fully mobile friendly - Simpplr also comes as a mobile application, allowing remote employees and those on the go to access the platform’s complete range of features.
- Detailed analytics - Simpplr’s AI systems can analyze intranet usage trends and produce detailed reports, helping organizations manage their needs more efficiently.
Pros
- Easy to use and intuitive interface. Many reviews mentioned Simpplr is simple to navigate and user-friendly.
- Great for employee engagement. Customers found Simpplr helped connect employees and increase collaboration.
- Robust features like content validation and analytics. Customers liked built-in features that help keep content updated and provide insights.
- Easy implementation and setup. Customers had an easy time implementing Simpplr with help from the support team.
- Integrations with tools like Slack and Office 36
- Customers appreciated the ability to integrate with other workplace apps.
Cons
- Limitations to customizations and branding. Some customers wanted more ability to customize themes, colors, etc.
- Steep pricing and add-on costs. Pricing was called out as high and key features required add-ons.
- Search needs improvement. Some customers felt search results could be more relevant.
- Dependence on Salesforce. Reliance on Salesforce for licensing created difficulties for some.
- Mobile limitations. Some features like admin posting weren't fully available on mobile yet.
Haystack
Haystack is an intranet software package designed to enhance the employee experience. It’s user-friendly and affordable, offering businesses a no-code solution that’s simple to manage. Using Haystack’s features doesn’t require advanced technical skills or specialized staff members. Although Haystack prioritizes user experience, it also comes with a high level of security. This platform integrates the latest security and data privacy features, protecting your organization, its data, and your team members from cyber threats.
Haystack Key Features:
- Efficient multi-channel communications - Team members can create detailed user profiles. These profiles enable other organization members to learn more about their colleagues and support various communication and notification methods, such as email, mobile, or integrated third-party apps.
- Customizable with no code - Haystack allows for easy customization of its appearance without any need for coding skills. You can tailor Haystack to match your company’s branding and visual identity, ensuring it aligns with your organization’s values.
- Convenient software integrations - Haystack supports integrations with the most popular productivity tools, including Microsoft 365, Google Drive, Okta, Slack, and LinkedIn.
Pros
- Centralized communication and knowledge sharing. Haystack provides a single platform to find company info, resources, announcements, etc.
- Easy to use and intuitive UI. The interface is clean, simple, and easy for employees to navigate.
- Improved collaboration. Features like groups and integrations allow for better communication and teamwork.
- Employee profiles and org charts. These help employees learn about each other and see company structure.
- Search capabilities. The search makes it easy to quickly find documents, people, and information.
Cons
- Permission/settings can be complex. The permission system is powerful but has a steep learning curve.
- Information organization. Large amounts of data can be hard to organize logically.
- Customization limitations. Some users wanted more customization options for templates, pages, etc.
- Mobile issues. Some bugs and issues have been reported on the mobile experience.
- Cost. Pricing may be expensive for some smaller companies.
Happeo
Happeo was developed to address issues associated with implementing intranet software, like prolonged adoption processes or challenges locating information. Happeo’s intranet software solution reduces time wastage and ensures easy access to all the tools necessary for team productivity. It accomplishes this for organizations by efficiently centralizing information and features, including internal communications and IT tools.
Happeo Key Features:
- One-click away from most features - When logging into Happeo’s intranet, its interface ensures you are either one click or keyword away from finding what you need.
- Flexibility with integrations - Happeo is highly customizable, letting organizations use software integrations to personalize the experience. It supports Google Workspace, Slack, Zendesk, Trustpilot, Google Forms, and many other apps.
- Powerful analytics engine - Happeo’s Advanced Analytics system lets managers and decision-makers see detailed intranet usage statistics. View every relevant data point, from most-searched keywords to time spent obtaining results.
Pros
- Easy to use and intuitive interface
- Good integration with Google Workspace/Drive for easy file sharing
- Useful features like pages for static info and channels for discussions
- Helps improve internal communications and engagement
- Powerful search makes finding information easy
Cons
- Mobile app functionality lags behind desktop
- Limitations in page layout/design customization
- Analytics functionality could be improved
- Lack of native integrations with some tools like Slack or Asana
- Adoption and engagement of employees takes effort
Assembly
Assembly is designed as an intranet software package that provides team members with information, feedback, and resources to boost productivity. It’s used by over 4,000 organizations, including globally recognized brands like Amazon and Coca-Cola. Assembly streamlines communication across your company with the Daily Standup, which allows your team members to discuss projects, blockers, priorities, and tasks to ensure everyone is on the same page. Use the Team Feed for real-time updates and group messaging for broader communication. The software’s one-stop Knowledge Base can supercharge your workflow by allowing you to seamlessly access, organize, and share information with your team. You can also use the Ideas Portal to break down information silos and share information across all departments, teams, and remote workforces.
Assembly Key Features:
- AI-powered search with DoraAI - Assembly’s integrated AI assistant efficiently retrieves important information from the internet for your team, helping them focus on their primary tasks.
- Organize information in one place - Assembly’s intranet solution offers an extensive information and knowledge hub. It enables your staff to store, organize, and share documents seamlessly across teams and departments, facilitating quicker decision-making.
- Keep your team engaged - Assembly integrates holistic employee engagement tools that highlight the significance of each team member’s contributions. Use it to broadcast company-wide announcements, conduct surveys, and leverage the platform’s integrated employee analytics to assess your team’s morale and engagement levels.
- Recognize good performance - Employee recognition programs are vital to making staff feel appreciated and valued. With Assembly, you can acknowledge and reward employees from the intranet through achievement celebrations, nominations for top performers, and gift card programs.
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.
Confluence is an intranet solution with knowledge management and team collaboration features. Atlassian launched the first version of Confluence initially as a wiki-based business knowledge management system. Over time, the product received upgrades and additions, becoming a full-stack intranet solution and collaboration platform. Today, Confluence is available under the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, allowing businesses and companies to subscribe and scale Confluence to their needs.
Confluence Key Features:
- Wiki-based business knowledge management - Confluence’s core feature is its business-oriented, wiki-based knowledge base-building system. Your team can access, create, edit, and build a business database using wiki articles with no prior coding experience required.
- Mobile and remote work friendly - Confluence is also available as an Android and iOS app. The mobile apps allow your team members to collaborate, edit articles, and communicate, even when away from the office.
- Integrates with other Atlassian software - Confluence is designed to integrate with Jira, Trello, and Bamboo, helping you manage your projects and facilitate workflows.
Pros
- Easy collaboration and knowledge sharing - Confluence makes it easy for teams to collaborate on content and share knowledge in one centralized platform.
- Integration with other tools - Seamless integration with other Atlassian products like Jira streamlines workflows.
- Content organization - Confluence provides ways to organize content in spaces, pages, and hierarchies that make information easy to find.
- Customization - The platform is highly customizable with themes, templates, and add-ons to fit specific needs.
- User-friendly interface - Most reviews mentioned Confluence's intuitive user interface and easy content creation.
Cons
- Steep learning curve - Many noted Confluence has a steep learning curve, especially for new users.
- Clunky formatting - Reviews cited issues with formatting content and working with tables.
- Slow performance - Several reviews mentioned slow load times and laggy editing, especially with large pages.
- Confusing navigation - Finding content can be difficult with confusing organization and search.
- Expensive pricing - Many noted Confluence's pricing plans are expensive, especially for smaller teams.
Staffbase intranet software package offers various employee communication and engagement features. It is a part of Staffbase’s wider strategic communications platform and employs the same technologies, ensuring employees can access the company’s intranet from any device. Administrators and team leaders can easily set up, configure, and personalize the platform for their organization without needing any programming skills. As a result, employees gain access to a user-friendly homepage and features that consolidate all necessary resources in a single location.
Staffbase Key Features:
- Mobile-first design - The interface adopts a mobile-first approach, arranging its features in an intuitive and straightforward layout. This design ensures employees can quickly locate the information they need, minimizing time spent sifting through superfluous menus and options.
- Integrated content management system - Staffbase enables structuring your company’s data and knowledge through its intranet content management system (CMS). The information within the CMS is accessible across all Staffbase platforms, including its mobile apps, making it easier to access and collaborate on.
- Strong security guarantees - The intranet platform uses the highest security protocols to safeguard company data and communications. The software package uses TLS 1.2 and PFS encryption for data security and meets the standards of ISO 27001, GDPR, and various other security frameworks.
Pros
- Intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making it accessible for all employees.
- Has a mobile-friendly platform, enabling convenient access for remote and on-the-go employees.
- Robust content management system, allowing for easy creation and publishing of diverse content types.
- Credited with improving internal communication and employee engagement through various features like surveys, polls, and social interactions.
- Customization options allow companies to tailor the platform to fit their branding and culture.
- The platform offers analytics tools that provide valuable insights into employee engagement and content performance.
Cons
- Difficulties integrating Staffbase with other existing software or systems within their organization.
- Some features are lacking or could be more robust.
- The pricing structure may not be budget-friendly.
- Occasional technical glitches or bugs have been reported, impacting user experience.
- Limitations of customization. Desiring more flexibility in design and functionality.
Igloo
Igloo has won numerous awards for its digital workplace and enterprise intranet platform, primarily aimed at connecting frontline employees with their office-based counterparts. Igloo’s functionalities cater to businesses in industries with a strong frontline presence, like manufacturing, logistics, and hospitality. These features centralize communications between departments and company knowledge distribution across the entire workforce, reducing information silos and ensuring all employees are equally informed.
Igloo Key Features:
- Fully customizable interface - Your company can customize Igloo’s appearance and capabilities to suit its specific requirements, ranging from visual identity and branding to the layout of menus and organization of features. This allows Igloo to align with your existing workflows rather than your team adjusting to the platform.
- Enhanced by AI and ML - All intranet functions leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for added functionality. Examples include an AI assistant, ML algorithms providing content search recommendations, and enhanced data analytics.
- Multiple out-of-the-box integrations - Igloo’s intranet solution can connect with and integrate an existing Microsoft 365 installation, letting you access all data and documents. It can also integrate with complementary communications and file storage tools like Slack or Dropbox.
Pros
- User-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and adopt within their organizations.
- Various customization options allow users to tailor their digital workplace to meet specific needs.
- Collaboration tools facilitate teamwork, file sharing, and communication among users.
- Supports integration with other software and apps, enhancing its functionality and compatibility with existing systems.
- Effective for managing and organizing content, making it accessible and searchable.
- Robust security features to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance.
Cons
- Initial setup and customization can be challenging for some, requiring time to get accustomed to the platform.
- Certain features or functionalities lacking or not as extensive as expected.
- Customer support can have delayed responses and resolve problems.
- Depending on the plan and features required, pricing can be relatively high compared to similar solutions.
- The mobile app's performance or missing features have been reported by some users.
Jostle
Jostle began as a typical intranet software package offering fundamental analytics and communication tools. Over time, it has embraced new and emerging technologies to improve its functionality. Notable additions include cloud computing, mobile app versions, and enhanced security features. Today, Jostle is a complete intranet solution on the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, making it highly scalable and adaptable for companies of any size or industry.
Jostle Key Features:
- Keep your employees in the loop - A key feature of Jostle’s intranet is the News Feed, designed to be the central hub for news updates and announcements within your organization. Additionally, Jostle offers department-specific, private chat rooms, enabling efficient and confidential communication among team members in each department.
- Streaming platform for employee communication - Jostle incorporates JostleTV, a communication platform for workers and employees without access to computers or mobile devices. JostleTV streams intranet announcements and updates to any compatible screen, ensuring all team members stay informed about the latest happenings.
- All the info your team needs and nothing it doesn’t - Jostle is designed to minimize distractions and irrelevant information. It is a gathering point for news, events, employee accomplishments, and company updates that any team member can use and understand.
Pros
- Its intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface makes it accessible for employees at all levels.
- Provides tools and features that enhance employee engagement, collaboration, and communication within organizations.
- Offers customizable features and functionalities to tailor the platform according to an organization's specific needs.
- Helps in fostering transparency within the organization by providing a centralized platform for sharing information, updates, and company news.
- The availability of a mobile app allows users to access the platform from anywhere, improving connectivity and accessibility.
Cons
- Limitations in integrations with other software or systems, impacting workflow efficiency.
- Some might still experience a learning curve while adapting to the platform.
- Occasional technical glitches or downtime, disrupting the user experience.
- Can be complex or time-consuming to set up specific customizations for certain users.
- Depending on the scale and features required, pricing can be on the higher side compared to alternatives.
Workplace
Workplace by Meta is an all-inclusive intranet solution and communication platform for businesses. It merges an extensive suite of team collaboration and communication tools with other valuable features. These include file storage, document sharing, customizable news feeds, an event planner to boost engagement, and an intuitive knowledge library system. Your company can use Workplace as a comprehensive intranet solution or as an addition to existing tools. Despite being a Meta product, Workplace is engineered to seamlessly integrate with intranet and communication software from other providers, such as Google, Microsoft, Cisco, and Salesforce.
Workplace Key Features:
- Familiar and easy-to-use interface - As a Meta product, Workplace has an interface that closely mirrors Facebook’s. It incorporates many similar features and design elements, making it an ideal choice for creating an easy-to-navigate environment for your enterprise.
- Designed to strengthen your company culture - Workplace enables employees to create detailed user profiles for self-introduction. Additionally, managers can conduct tailor-made internal polls and surveys to collect data and feedback. These functionalities make every team member feel recognized, listened to, and valued by the organization.
- Powered by Meta’s analytics - Workplace’s analytics and insights dashboard measures all the data your company needs to measure views, content, and employee engagement rates.
Pros
- User-friendly interface, resembling the familiar Facebook layout, making it easy for employees to adopt.
- The platform offers a variety of collaboration tools such as groups, chats, video calling, file sharing, and project management, facilitating seamless teamwork.
- It integrates well with other workplace tools and software, enhancing productivity and connectivity across different applications.
- Its mobile app allows employees to stay connected and engaged on the go, improving accessibility and flexibility.
- Features like polls, reactions, and announcements help in engaging employees and fostering a sense of community.
Cons
- Pricing is relatively high, especially for small to medium-sized businesses.
- Despite its similarities to Facebook, new users might face a learning curve while navigating and utilizing all the available features effectively.
- Lack of customization options for certain businesses looking for more tailored solutions.
- Being a part of Meta (formerly Facebook), concerns about data privacy and security have been raised by some users.
- Occasional complaints about the responsiveness and effectiveness of customer support.
Conclusion
An intranet solution is more than just a tool for storing files or a secondary channel for sending messages to your team. Today’s intranet packages are fully-featured systems integrating easy-to-use team communication and collaboration features.
Internal websites and knowledge bases, simultaneous document editing, automation features, and AI-powered modules are a small fraction of what modern intranet systems can do for your company. Selecting the right intranet software for your business’s needs, team, and workflows is vital to maximize productivity and keep your employees engaged and focused.