Software category
Video calling, messaging, and team collaboration apps
10 programs reviewed · Updated August 9, 2026
Communication software is judged less on raw features and more on reach — a video calling or messaging app is only as useful as the number of people already on it that you need to talk to, which is why this category has strong network effects and relatively few genuine switches once a team settles on a tool.
Team-focused tools add persistent channels, file sharing, and integrations with other work software on top of basic messaging, aimed at ongoing collaboration rather than one-off conversations. Consumer messaging apps prioritize simplicity and, increasingly, end-to-end encryption by default.
This hub covers video calling, messaging, and team collaboration tools, along with guides for common questions like which apps offer end-to-end encryption by default, how to record a video call, and comparing free tiers across the major platforms.
Directory
Free voice, video, and text chat app built around persistent servers and channels, popular with gaming and hobby communities.
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Workplace messaging app built around channels, threads, and integrations, aimed at teams rather than casual community chat.
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Microsoft's chat, meetings, and collaboration app, tightly integrated with Microsoft 365 and common in schools and workplaces.
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Video meeting app known for reliable large-group calls, webinars, and screen sharing, with optional end-to-end encryption per meeting.
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Cloud-based messaging app with large groups and channels; regular chats are cloud-stored, while Secret Chats add optional end-to-end encryption.
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Nonprofit messaging app that end-to-end encrypts every chat and call by default using the widely-audited Signal Protocol.
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Meta-owned messaging app with end-to-end encrypted chats and calls by default, linked to a phone number and widely used internationally.
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Open-source chat client for the decentralized Matrix protocol, with optional end-to-end encryption and support for self-hosted servers.
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Phone number-based messaging and calling app with end-to-end encrypted chats by default, plus public communities and business features.
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Low-latency voice chat client built around self-hosted or rented servers, long popular with gaming clans and communities that want their own server.
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Several major messaging apps enable end-to-end encryption by default for one-to-one and group chats, though the specifics vary by app and by whether it covers backups as well as live messages — check the current documentation for the app in question.
Many video calling services cap free group call length as a way to encourage upgrading to a paid tier, while one-to-one calls are often unlimited even on the free plan.
Most team collaboration platforms offer a free tier with limits on message history, storage, or integrations, which is usually enough for a very small team but becomes restrictive as the team or history grows.