Rocket.Chat
by Rocket.Chat Free plan Free trial Open source AndroidiPhone & iPadWebWindowsMacLinux+2
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Best Instant Messaging Software 2026
Facts read 20 Sep 2026 – 15 Oct 2026
Instant messaging software supports text conversations, group chats and file sharing across connected devices. Use this list to find a tool that fits your phone, computer and communication needs.
The standings: top 10
| Name | In a line | Record score | Price from | Try it free | Runs on | Facts read |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Rocket.Chat | 6.6 | Free plan | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Web, Windows | 15 Oct 2026 | |
| 02 Zulip | Zulip suits teams that want channel-based chat, guest access and a choice between cloud and self-hosted plans. | 6.6 | $3.50 a month | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Web, Windows | 15 Oct 2026 |
| 03 Pumble | Pumble may suit businesses that want team messaging and meetings in one app, including startups and nonprofit organizations considering its free plan. | 6.5 | $2.49 a month, billed yearly | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Web, Windows | 2 Oct 2026 |
| 04 Discord | Discord suits people who want to communicate in community servers, group conversations, or direct messages, especially around gaming. | 6.2 | $29.99 a year | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Web, Windows | 28 Sep 2026 |
| 05 Microsoft Teams | Teams suits people who need chat, calls, meetings, and screen sharing across desktop, mobile, or web. | 6.2 | $4 a month, billed yearly | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Web, Windows | 27 Sep 2026 |
| 06 Beeper | 6.1 | $9.99 a month | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows, Mac | 11 Oct 2026 | |
| 07 JANDI | 6.1 | $6 a month | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Web, Windows | 9 Oct 2026 | |
| 08 Chanty | Chanty may suit small and medium teams that want chat, calls, and task coordination in one tool. | 5.9 | $36 a year | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Web, Windows | 28 Sep 2026 |
| 09 SimpleX Chat | It suits people looking for messaging across mobile and desktop platforms, with encrypted messages, calls and groups. | 5.9 | Free plan | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows, Mac | 14 Oct 2026 |
| 10 Slack | Slack suits teams that coordinate through channels and messages and want connected apps or workflow automation. | 5.9 | $8.75 a month | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Web, Windows | 27 Sep 2026 |
Entries are ordered by newest releases first, using figures makers publish; nothing is scored. Use the listed free-plan status, starting paid price, message-history details, encryption, group and file limits, platform support and guest access to compare services.
02
Zulip
Zulip suits teams that want channel-based chat, guest access and a choice between cloud and self-hosted plans.
AndroidiPhone & iPadWeb+5 Record6.6 Visit
03
Pumble
Pumble may suit businesses that want team messaging and meetings in one app, including startups and nonprofit organizations considering its free plan.
AndroidiPhone & iPadWeb+4 Record6.5 Visit
04
Discord
Discord suits people who want to communicate in community servers, group conversations, or direct messages, especially around gaming.
AndroidiPhone & iPadWeb+4 Record6.2 Visit
05
Microsoft Teams
Teams suits people who need chat, calls, meetings, and screen sharing across desktop, mobile, or web.
AndroidiPhone & iPadWeb+3 Record6.2 Visit
8
Chanty
AndroidiPhone & iPadWeb+5 $36 a year Record5.9 Visit Chanty may suit small and medium teams that want chat, calls, and task coordination in one tool.
9
SimpleX Chat
AndroidiPhone & iPadWindows+4 Free plan Record5.9 Visit It suits people looking for messaging across mobile and desktop platforms, with encrypted messages, calls and groups.
10
Slack
AndroidiPhone & iPadWeb+3 $8.75 a month Record5.9 Visit Slack suits teams that coordinate through channels and messages and want connected apps or workflow automation.
12
Troop Messenger
AndroidiPhone & iPadWeb+3 $2.50 a month Record5.7 Visit It suits teams that need messaging across desktop and mobile devices, with guest access and connections to the listed services.
13
Wire
AndroidiPhone & iPadWeb+3 €7.45 a month, billed yearly Record5.7 Visit Wire may suit organizations that need encrypted communication and collaboration across devices.
14
Session
AndroidiPhone & iPadWindows+2 $2.99 a month Record5.5 Visit Session may suit people who want private messaging without signing up with a phone number or email address.
15
Telegram
AndroidiPhone & iPadWeb+4 Free plan Record5.4 Visit Telegram may suit people who want messaging across devices, large groups, or broadcast channels.
16
imo
AndroidiPhone & iPadWeb+2 Free plan Record5.3 Visit imo may suit people seeking free internet calls and messaging across mobile, desktop, and web platforms.
17
Signal
AndroidiPhone & iPadWindows+2 Free plan Record5.3 Visit Signal suits people who want private messaging and internet calls across mobile and desktop platforms.
18
Briar
AndroidWindowsMac+1 Free plan Record5.1 Visit Briar suits activists, journalists, and others who need private communication across online and offline connections.
19
Viber
AndroidiPhone & iPadWindows+2 Free plan Record5.1 Visit Viber suits people who want messaging and calls across mobile and desktop, as well as admins who need large Communities with moderation controls.
20
Twist
AndroidiPhone & iPadWeb+3 $6 a month, billed yearly Record5.0 Visit Twist suits teams that need channel-based messaging across desktop and mobile platforms.
23
Flock
AndroidiPhone & iPadWeb+4 Free plan Record4.7 Visit Flock suits teams wanting channels, guest access, cross-platform clients, and many listed integrations.
Before you choose
Check device support
Confirm that the service runs on the devices you use. Platforms represented in this category include Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux and the web.
A web option can help when you move between computers, while a native app may suit a regular phone or desktop workflow.
Review the cost model
Compare the free plan with the paid-from price shown for a service. A free trial can provide a way to assess a paid option before subscribing.
Check which capabilities belong to the free plan and which require payment before you move conversations or files.
Compare privacy details
Look for the end-to-end encryption information provided for the service. Encryption coverage can affect how you handle personal or work conversations.
Some entries provide access to their source code. If code access matters to you, check the tool's licence and the scope of the published code.
Match chat and file limits
Compare the listed maximum group size with the way you plan to use group chats. Check message-history details if you need to find older conversations.
Review the file-size limit before sending documents, photos or other large files.
Consider guest access
If participants from outside your usual chat group may join, guest access could be relevant. Look at the service's guest-access field.
Questions
What platforms do these messaging tools support?
Platforms represented here include Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux and the web. Check the supported-platforms field for the service you want.
Can I use an instant messaging service for free?
Free plans are offered by tools in this category. A free trial is also offered by tools on the list; review the pricing details before choosing.
How should I compare privacy?
Compare the end-to-end encryption details shown for a service. Some entries make their source code available, so you may also want to review licence terms.
What matters for group conversations?
Compare maximum group size, message history and guest access. These fields show whether a service fits your group and collaboration needs.
How do I check file-sharing limits?
Review the file-size limit listed for the service, then compare it with the documents or media you expect to send.
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