Productivity

Best Team Communication Apps for Distributed Teams

This list is essential for distributed teams seeking effective communication tools. It features apps designed to enhance collaboration and streamline workflows across different time zones.

7 Apps
4.4 ★ Avg Rating
Productivity Category
Last updated December 2024
Zoom

Zoom

4.7 ★ Free

Zoom is primarily known for video conferencing but also offers team messaging features. It's widely appreciated for its high-quality video calls and ease of use, making it a popular choice for distributed teams needing reliable face-to-face communication tools.

Best for: Teams needing reliable video communication

Pros:

  • High-quality video calls
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • Frequent updates
  • Security concerns
Available on
iOS Android
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Trello

Trello

4.6 ★ Free

Trello is a collaboration tool that organizes projects into boards. It's highly visual and easy to use, perfect for teams that need to manage workflows effectively. While not a communication tool per se, it supports asynchronous communication through comments and attachments on tasks, making it useful for distributed teams.

Best for: Teams needing visual workflow management

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Visual task management

Cons:

  • Limited native communication features
  • Basic free version
Available on
iOS Android
Visit Website
Slack

Slack

4.5 ★ Free

Slack is a messaging app for teams that allows for organized conversations through channels. It's highly customizable and integrates with a wide range of tools, making it a favorite for distributed teams needing to collaborate asynchronously and keep all communication in one place.

Best for: Teams needing to collaborate asynchronously

Pros:

  • Highly customizable
  • Wide range of integrations
  • Easy file sharing

Cons:

  • Notification overload
  • Can become disorganized with too many channels
Available on
iOS Android
Visit Website
Google Workspace

Google Workspace

4.5 ★ Free

Google Workspace, formerly G Suite, includes Gmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar, and Meet. It's a comprehensive suite for communication and collaboration, making it vital for distributed teams to work seamlessly across different locations with integrated tools.

Best for: Teams needing an integrated suite of tools

Pros:

  • Integrated cloud-based tools
  • Reliable performance

Cons:

  • Requires internet connection
  • Subscription-based
Available on
iOS Android
Visit Website
Asana

Asana

4.3 ★ Free

Asana is a web and mobile application designed to help teams organize, track, and manage their work. It offers project planning features that enable distributed teams to communicate task statuses and progress updates efficiently.

Best for: Teams needing project planning and task management

Pros:

  • Strong project management features
  • User-friendly interface

Cons:

  • Can be complex for new users
  • Limited native communication features
Available on
iOS Android
Visit Website
Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams

4.0 ★ Free

Microsoft Teams is a platform that combines persistent workplace chat, video meetings, and file collaboration. It's integrated with the Office 365 suite, making it ideal for teams already using Microsoft products. This app helps distributed teams stay connected and productive across different locations.

Best for: Teams using Microsoft Office 365

Pros:

  • Built-in Office 365 integration
  • Robust video conferencing

Cons:

  • Complex interface
  • Requires Office 365 for full functionality
Available on
iOS Android
Visit Website
Discord

Discord

4.0 ★ Free

Originally designed for gamers, Discord is now used by various communities for voice, video, and text communication. Its servers and channels model allows distributed teams to have organized discussions and meetings in separate rooms, enhancing teamwork efficiency.

Best for: Teams needing flexible communication options

Pros:

  • Flexible communication options
  • Free core features

Cons:

  • Can be resource-intensive
  • Not traditionally business-focused
Available on
iOS Android
Visit Website

Comparison Overview

App Rating Price Best For
Zoom 4.7 ★ Free with premium plans Zoom is primarily known for video conferencing but also offers team messaging features.
Trello 4.6 ★ Free with premium plans Trello is a collaboration tool that organizes projects into boards.
Slack 4.5 ★ Free with premium plans Slack is a messaging app for teams that allows for organized conversations through channels.
Google Workspace 4.5 ★ Subscription Google Workspace, formerly G Suite, includes Gmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar, and Meet.
Asana 4.3 ★ Free with premium plans Asana is a web and mobile application designed to help teams organize, track, and manage their work.
Microsoft Teams 4 ★ Free with Office 365 subscription Microsoft Teams is a platform that combines persistent workplace chat, video meetings, and file collaboration.
Discord 4 ★ Free with premium features Originally designed for gamers, Discord is now used by various communities for voice, video, and text communication.

Quick Tips

  • Utilize app integrations to streamline workflows.
  • Set clear communication guidelines for effective use.
  • Leverage video conferencing for face-to-face meetings.
  • Use channels or groups to organize discussions.
  • Schedule regular check-ins to maintain team cohesion.

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