Top 10 Google Chat Alternatives 2026
Work smarter, collaborate better.
Trusted by 2M+ software buyers annually.
Main Features
- Calendar Management
- Chat (Messaging)
- Collaboration Tools
- Document Management
Pricing
Starts from $6/User/Month
Free Trial available
Google Chat is a Business Instant Messaging Software platform. Teams looking for alternatives typically need better pricing flexibility, easier deployment, or a closer feature fit for their specific use case. Below you'll find 10 vetted Business Instant Messaging Software alternatives ranked by user rating, with filters to narrow by pricing, platform, and features — so you can find the right fit for 2026.
Google Chat vs Top Alternatives at a Glance
Side-by-side comparison of pricing, user rating, and free trial availability to help you decide faster.
| Tool | Best For | Pricing | Rating | Free Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chat Current | Business Instant Messaging Software | $6 | No reviews | ✓ Yes |
 Hubgets | Business Instant Messaging Software | $2.50 | 4.7 ★ | ✓ Yes |
 Chanty | Business Instant Messaging Software | $3 | 5.0 ★ | ✓ Yes |
 Mattermost | Business Instant Messaging Software | $3.25 | 4.8 ★ | ✓ Yes |
 Element | Business Instant Messaging Software | $10 | 4.5 ★ | ✓ Yes |
 Rocket.Chat | Business Instant Messaging Software | $2 | 4.4 ★ | ✓ Yes |
Showing 1-10 out of 10
List of the Top Google Chat alternatives as of November 2026
Compare business software, products, and services to find the best solution for your business or organization. Use the filters on the left to drill down by category, pricing, features, market segment, user ratings, and more.
Hubgets — from $2.50 · 4.67★
Communicate better, collaborate smarter with Hubgets.
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What is Hubgets?
Hubgets is a business instant messaging software which includes Instant Messaging, Colloboration, Virtual Meeting and Integrations to popular enterprise applications. If used discreetly, Hubgets is an effective way to increase communication levels within organizations. Users gain a competitive ...
Read moreWhat reviewers like about Hubgets
- Collaboration features
- Integrates with enterprise apps
- Virtual meeting options
Where Hubgets falls short
- Can be overwhelming for new users
- Limited customization
- May require training
Common Features
-
Chat (Messaging)
-
Real-time Chat
-
Collaboration Tools
+ 3 more
Unique Features
No unique features
Pricing
Starts from $2.50/User/Month when Billed Yearly, also offers free forever plan
Chanty — from $3 · 4.95★
Collaborate better, grow faster with Chanty.
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What is Chanty?
Chanty is a complete instant messaging software solution to help small businesses collaborate, manage and grow. Features include: Instant Messaging, Desktop Notifications, File Sharing, Team Calendar and much more. Chanty also has a chat feature allowing user to communicate with employees or ...
Read moreWhat reviewers like about Chanty
- Comprehensive collaboration tools
- Real-time messaging
- File sharing capabilities
Where Chanty falls short
- Limited scalability for larger teams
- Basic features compared to competitors
- May lack advanced integrations
Common Features
-
Chat (Messaging)
-
Real-time Chat
-
File Sharing
+ 3 more
Unique Features
-
Task Management
-
Alerts
Pricing
Starts from $3/User/Month when Billed Yearly, also offers free forever plan
Spotsaas Buyer Intelligence
Own the software buyers are comparing here? See who's weighing you against rivals — and who's comparing your competitors while you're not in the running.
Mattermost — from $3.25 · 4.76★
Streamline team communication and collaboration.
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What is Mattermost?
Mattermost is an open source messaging platform that brings all business communication into one place. More than just chat, Mattermost is built around a modern team communication workflow. It includes integrated video conferencing and IP telephony, along with integrations to CRM, LDAP ...
Read moreWhat reviewers like about Mattermost
- Open source flexibility
- Integrated video conferencing
- Multiple app integrations
Where Mattermost falls short
- Steeper learning curve
- Requires self-hosting
- Limited mobile features
Common Features
-
Chat (Messaging)
-
Real-time Chat
-
File Sharing
+ 3 more
Unique Features
-
Authentication
-
Push Notifications
Pricing
Free Trial available
Starts from $3.25/User/Month, also offers free forever plan
Element — from $10 · 4.5★
Streamline communication and boost productivity with Element.
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What is Element?
Element is an instant messaging software for small and medium business from element14. Quickly and easily create IM groups, manage employees' contact details and schedule meetings on the go. Watch screencasts about Element business instant messaging software by clicking the Instant Messaging ...
Read moreWhat reviewers like about Element
- Easy group creation
- Mobile scheduling
- No IT support needed
Where Element falls short
- Limited advanced features
- Basic customization options
- May lack scalability
Common Features
-
Chat (Messaging)
-
Real-time Chat
-
File Sharing
+ 3 more
Unique Features
-
End-to-End Encryption
-
Encryption
Pricing
Free Trial available, Try Now
Starts from $10/Month, also offers free forever plan
Rocket.Chat — from $2 · 4.37★
Effortlessly connect and collaborate with Rocket.Chat.
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What is Rocket.Chat?
Rocket.Chat is an instant-messaging and team collaboration platform for enterprises and organizations that need private messaging, persistent chat rooms, direct messages, persistent user presence and file transfer capabilities. It does not require the installation of any client software, which ...
Read moreWhat reviewers like about Rocket.Chat
- Enterprise-level collaboration
- Private messaging features
- Persistent chat rooms
Where Rocket.Chat falls short
- May require technical setup
- Limited customization options
- Performance can vary
Common Features
-
Chat (Messaging)
-
Real-time Chat
-
File Sharing
+ 3 more
Unique Features
-
End-to-End Encryption
-
Push Notifications
Pricing
Free Trial available, Try Now
Starts from $2/User/Month when Billed Yearly, also offers free forever plan
HCL Sametime — 3.93★
Streamline collaboration and boost productivity with HCL Sametime.
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What is HCL Sametime?
HCL Sametime is a complete collaboration solution built for small and medium businesses that want to nurture their employees' ideas, streamline internal processes, and enhance customer relationships. It's a smart instant messaging software that helps user work smarter and faster. It will keep ...
Read moreWhat reviewers like about HCL Sametime
- Complete collaboration solution
- Enhances internal processes
- Smart messaging features
Where HCL Sametime falls short
- Complex setup process
- Limited integrations
- May not suit very small teams
Common Features
-
Chat (Messaging)
-
Real-time Chat
-
Video Conferencing
+ 2 more
Unique Features
-
Contact Management
Pricing
HCL Sametime offers custom pricing plan
Pronto — 4.7★
Unify your team with seamless communication.
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What is Pronto?
Pronto is simple instant messaging software that allows colleagues to communicate on the job from virtually any computer attached to the network. In Pronto, e-mail, instant messages, and other forms of group communication are all handled in one convenient location. Keep all the information in ...
Read moreWhat reviewers like about Pronto
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Centralized communication hub
- Supports multiple devices
Where Pronto falls short
- Limited advanced features
- Not suitable for large teams
- Basic integrations only
Common Features
-
Chat (Messaging)
-
Real-time Chat
-
File Sharing
+ 2 more
Unique Features
-
Task Management
-
Push Notifications
Pricing
Pronto offers custom pricing plan
Cbox — from $1.67 · 4.5★
Streamline your communication and workflow with Cbox.
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What is Cbox?
Cbox has been designed around a set of powerful features that are easier-to-use. It includes a full set of tools to help user manage its day-to-day business or personal workflow as well as social communication needs. Cbox also provides advanced functionality not found in other instant messaging ...
Read moreWhat reviewers like about Cbox
- Powerful features
- User-friendly design
- Supports multimedia
Where Cbox falls short
- Limited integrations
- May require training
- Not suitable for large teams
Common Features
-
Chat (Messaging)
-
Real-time Chat
-
Video Conferencing
+ 1 more
Unique Features
No unique features
Pricing
Starts from $1.67/Month, also offers free forever plan
Teamwork Chat — from $4 · 4.33★
Enhance teamwork and productivity with seamless communication.
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What is Teamwork Chat?
Teamwork Chat is your ultimate team collaboration platform for improved communication and teamwork. With options such as team channels, personalized messages, file sharing, integrated Teamwork modules and more, this software solution helps organizations reach higher productivity levels while ...
Read moreWhat reviewers like about Teamwork Chat
- Facilitates instant collaboration for efficient task completion and client responsiveness.
- Offers a variety of features like file sharing, video calls, emojis, and task management within the chat platform.
- Easy to use interface with the ability to segment conversations by project or channels.
Where Teamwork Chat falls short
- Lack of an "Unread" feature for better organization and tracking of messages.
- Limited options in the Marketplace for additional integrations and connectors, potentially limiting advanced functionalities.
Common Features
-
Chat (Messaging)
-
File Sharing
-
Collaboration Tools
+ 1 more
Unique Features
No unique features
Pricing
Free Trial available, Try Now
Starts from $4/User/Month when Billed Yearly
Slack — from $2.67 · 4.82★
Stay connected and organized with Slack.
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What is Slack?
Slack is the only unified communication platform for chatting, sharing, and collaborating. Whether in one-on-one conversations or a large group, Slack's threaded conversations keep everyone on the same page. No more email threads about a project that went sideways. No more meeting minutes ...
Read moreWhat reviewers like about Slack
- Unified communication platform
- Threaded conversations
- File sharing capabilities
Where Slack falls short
- Can be overwhelming for new users
- Pricing can escalate with features
- Requires internet connectivity
Common Features
-
Chat (Messaging)
-
Real-time Chat
-
File Sharing
+ 2 more
Unique Features
-
Collaboration
-
Workflow Automation
-
Alerts
Pricing
Free Trial available
Starts from $2.67/Month, also offers free forever plan
The main Google Chat competitors
There are 10 direct Google Chat competitors in Business Instant Messaging Software. The ones that come up most often are Hubgets, Chanty and Mattermost. Each is compared against Google Chat on rating, pricing and feature coverage below.
Tools similar to Google Chat
Searches for "sites like Google Chat" and "apps like Google Chat" land on the same set of options as "Google Chat alternatives" — the 10 options below cover both, whether you want a like-for-like replacement or something lighter.
Why each option earned its place
Collaboration features
Watch for: Can be overwhelming for new users
Comprehensive collaboration tools
Watch for: Limited scalability for larger teams
Enterprise-level collaboration
Watch for: May require technical setup
Complete collaboration solution
Watch for: Complex setup process
Facilitates instant collaboration for efficient task completion and client responsiveness.
Watch for: Lack of an "Unread" feature for better organization and tracking of messages.
Unified communication platform
Watch for: Can be overwhelming for new users
Why teams look for a Google Chat alternative
Why do teams want a Google Chat alternative? Most point to issues like these:
- Limited customization options
- Dependent on Google ecosystem
- Basic features compared to competitors
- Privacy concerns with data
How to evaluate a Google Chat alternative
Where the 10 business instant messaging software alternatives stand on price and rating: 8 offer a free tier; and Chanty is the highest rated at 4.95★ across 24 reviews.
How we put this in order.
Which Google Chat Alternative Is Right for You?
- If you need a free or low-cost option: Hubgets — offers a free plan or trial suitable for small teams.
- If user satisfaction is your top priority: Chanty — holds the highest user rating (5.0★) among Google Chat alternatives.
- If you want a mid-range option: HCL Sametime — sits in the middle of the list by rating and may fit teams with mixed requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Stuck on something? We're here to help with all the questions and answers in one place.
The top-rated alternatives to Google Chat for Business Instant Messaging Software are Chanty (5.0★), Slack (4.8★), Mattermost (4.8★). Compare all 10 alternatives side-by-side above.
When evaluating alternatives to Google Chat, prioritize: Chat (Messaging), Real-time Chat, File Sharing, Collaboration Tools, Video Conferencing, transparent pricing, free trial availability, and integrations with tools you already use. Use the filters above to compare by feature, budget, and team size.
For small businesses, the best Business Instant Messaging Software tools are Discord, Arkchat, Message Whiz. Look for affordable per-seat pricing, quick setup (under 1 day), no long-term contracts, and strong onboarding support to reduce time-to-value.
Google Chat starts from $6 /User/Month. Many alternatives offer similar functionality at different price points — some with free tiers, others with more flexible per-seat pricing. Use the filters above to narrow by budget.
Migration difficulty depends on how deeply Google Chat is integrated into your workflows. Most alternatives offer data export/import tools and dedicated onboarding support. We recommend narrowing to 2–3 options, running a free trial, and checking each vendor's migration guides before committing.
About the reviewer
Rajat Gupta is the founder of Spotsaas, where he has built software research covering 25,000+ products across CRM, HR, AI, and finance. He applies hands-on product research and a background in commerce and the CFA program to evaluate software through a business and ROI lens. His goal: help teams make software decisions they won't regret.
Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].