For online communication, various softwares with features such as chat and file sharing are essential. Today, more and more companies are considering the introduction of such tools to communicate with each other regardless of time and place.
On the other hand, there are many people who are considering the introduction of online communication tools but are unsure of the differences between them and wonder “which tool we should choose”.
In this issue, we will explain 7 free online communication tools for below people.
- “I am considering going online because verbal and e-mail communication is too cumbersome.”
- “There are so many different types of tools that it is hard to know which one to choose.”
- “You want to compare and contrast free tools based on the differences in their features.”
If you are a person in charge of a company that is looking for the best online communication tool for your company, this article will help you find the best it for your company.
Contents
- 1 7 best tools for online communication for free
- 1.1 Stock| The easiest tool for online communication
- 1.2 Loom| For video recording and sharing by asynchronous
- 1.3 Slack| A chat tool with many users all over the world
- 1.4 Confluence| Project management tool for large companies
- 1.5 Google Drive| A tool specialized for file management
- 1.6 Microsoft Teams| A Groupware works well in conjunction with Office
- 1.7 Zoom| A video chat tool for communication on remote working
- 2 Comparison chart 7 online communication tools
- 3 Summary of the best tools for online communication tools
7 best tools for online communication for free
Below are 7 of the best online communication tools.
When choosing a tool, you must be clear about your objectives and the functions you need for your company. For example, if you choose a tool because it is multifunctional and looks convenient, employees unfamiliar with IT will not be able to use it, so choose one that is simple to use regardless of IT literacy.
However, simple chat tools with message function tend to be quickly introduced, but they are not suitable for business communication because information can get mixed up and be buried. Therefore, the ability to store information by theme is essential.
In conclusion, the best choice for online communication is Stock, which is so simple that even a non-IT company can use it and store information without flowing.
Stock allows you to easily store information in “Note”, and “Message” associated with the notes are exchanged by topic, so topics do not get mixed up. In addition, notes are managed in folders, so you can quickly access the information you need.
Stock| The easiest tool for online communication
The simplest tool to stock information "Stock"
https://www.stock-app.info/en/
Stock is the simplest tool to stock information. Stock solves the problem, "there is no easy way to stock information within the company".
With Stock, anyone can easily store all kinds of information, including text information such as requirements, images, and files, using the Note feature.
In addition, by using the "Task" and "Message" functions, you can communicate with each topic described in the Note, so that information is not dispersed here and there and work can always be carried out in an organized manner.
＜Why do we recommend Stock?＞
- A tool for companies that are not familiar with ITYou don't need to have any IT expertise to get started.
- Simple and usable by anyoneStock is so simple that anyone can use it without any unnecessary features.
- Amazingly easy information storing and task managementIt is amazingly easy to store information such as shared information within a company, and intuitive task management is also possible.
＜Stock's pricing＞
- Free plan ：Free
- Business plan ：$5 / User / Month
- Enterprise plan ：$10 / User / Month
*Minimum number of users: 5 users
Loom| For video recording and sharing by asynchronous
Features of Loom
- Functions are specialized into video creating and sharing
- Easy to use
You can convey the information to others accurately rather than only text communication by Loom.
As Loom is set up speedy by anyone, it will be increase productivity in the remotework.
Actual image of Loom
- Wealth of tutorial guide you
Since the tutorial video are in Loom such as design system collaboration, how to recording and so on.
Note of Loom
- Free plan has some restrictions
Free plan of Loom is limited some functions that time of recording is up to 5 minutes and up to 25 videos you can create.
Pricing of Loom
- Starter: Free
- Business: $15/user/month (monthly payment)
- Enterprise: You need inquiry
Slack| A chat tool with many users all over the world
Features of Slack
- Topics can be separated by channels.
- You can exchange files.
You can create an unlimited number of “channels” with any number of members, so you can avoid topics of conversation.
You can instantly exchange not only messages, but also files such as Word and PDF files.
Actual image of Slack
- Speedy Communication
If you create Channel to communicate with other members, you will be able to
Note of Slack
- There is a limit to the number of messages that can be viewed with a free plan.
Messages that can be viewed with the free plan are limited to “the past 90 days. Therefore, if you want to review messages from six months ago or projects from a year ago, you will need to subscribe to a paid plan.
Pricing of Slack
- Free: Free of charge
- Pro: $7.25/user/month (monthly payment)
- Business Plus: $12.50/user/month (monthly payment)
- Enterprise Grid: Inquire for details
Confluence| Project management tool for large companies
Features of Confluence
- Organize information in pages and spaces
- Templates are available.
Confluence manages information in the form of “pages,” which are created with text, and “spaces,” which are created by individuals, teams, and projects.
You can create documents not only by typing on blank pages, but also by selecting from over 75 templates.
Actual image of Confluence
- For project management mainly
You can add the member for each project to manage project, also, if you already use apps for work, integrate with them.
Notes of Confluence
- Downstream plans have limited support
24/7 support is only available for Premium and Enterprise plans, and you may not receive prompt support if you choose a lower-priced plan.
Confluence’s fee structure
- Free: Free of charge
- Standard: $6.05/user/month (monthly payment)
- Premium: $11.55/user/month (monthly payment)
- Enterprise: You need inquiry
Google Drive| A tool specialized for file management
Features of Google Drive
- All kinds of files can be stored
- Can be used from any device
Google Drive can store not only document files, but also images, audio, markup, and other files.
If you have a Google account, you can access it not only from your PC, but also from your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to communicate regardless of time or location.
Actual image of Google Drive
- You can intuitively search information you need
You can narrow down by terms regarding File type and Person you shared information already.
Note of Google Drive
- Difficult to find information quickly
Google Drive manages information hierarchically in folders, so you may find it difficult to quickly access the information you are looking for.
Pricing of Google Drive
- Google Drive is free with a Google account.
Microsoft Teams| A Groupware works well in conjunction with Office
Features of Microsoft Teams
- Various types of communication
- Integration with other Microsoft Office apps
Microsoft Teams is a tool that integrates various means of communication such as chat, file sharing, and web conferencing.
It features smooth integration with Microsoft Office apps. For example, you can easily collaboratively edit Word files shared in Teams.
of Microsoft Teams
Note of Microsoft Teams
- Free version ends on April 12, 2023
The free version of the service for corporate users will end on April 12, 2023. The free plan for small businesses will continue to be offered after the end of the service, but it should be noted that data must be migrated manually.
Pricing of Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft Teams (free): Free of charge
- Microsoft Teams Essentials: $4.00/user/month
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $6.00/user/month
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50/user/month
Zoom| A video chat tool for communication on remote working
Features of Zoom
- Message function
- Whiteboard function
A message function is provided for chatting during meetings and sending necessary documents.
A whiteboard function is provided to allow participants in a meeting to edit together.
Actual image of Zoom
- Set up meeting easily
Once you log in Zoom, you can set the meeting that you want to hold the date easily from buttons above image.(Red frame)
Note for Zoom
- Be careful about security
While there is a setting that allows users to participate simply by clicking on a URL, note that a password is required to prevent access by third parties.
Pricing of Zoom
Below is the fee structure for the business plan.
- Basic: Free of charge
- Pro: $15.99/user/month (monthly payment)
- Business: $21.99/user/month (monthly payment)
- Business Plus: $26.99/user/month (monthly payment)
- Enterprise: You need inquiry
Comparison chart 7 online communication tools
Below is a chart of the 7 online communication tools we have introduced. (You can scroll left and right)
| Stock (most recommended) | Loom | Slack | Confluence | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Features | The easiest tool for online communication | For video recording and sharing by asynchronous | The most popular chat tool all ver the world | Communication tool that can manage project for large companies |
| Pricing | ・Free of charge ・Free plan ：Free ・Business plan ：$5 /user/month ・Enterprise plan ：$10 /user/month | ・Starter: Free ・Business: $15/user/month (monthly payment) ・Enterprise: You need inquiry | ・Free: Free of charge ・Pro: $7.25/user/month (monthly payment) ・Business Plus: $12.50/user/month (monthly payment) ・Enterprise Grid: Inquire for details | ・Free: Free of charge ・Standard: $6.05/user/month (monthly payment) ・Premium: $11.55/user/month (monthly payment) ・Enterprise: You need inquiry |
| Google Drive | Microsoft Teams | Zoom | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Specialized tool for file sharing and management | A tool suitable for integration with Office | A tool that can be used for communication under remotework |
| Pricing | Free with a Google account | ・Microsoft Teams (free): Free of charge ・Microsoft Teams Essentials: $4.00/user/month ・Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $6.00/user/month ・Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50/user/month | ・Basic: Free of charge ・Pro: $15.99/user/month (monthly payment) ・Business: $21.99/user/month (monthly payment) ・Business Plus: $26.99/user/month (monthly payment) ・Enterprise: You need inquiry |
Summary of the best tools for online communication tools
We have focused on the 7 best online communication tools.
There are various types of communication tools, but to operate them without making mistakes, choose the ones that meet the following conditions.
- “Simplicity” that anyone can easily use
- “Stock function” to accumulate shared information
- “Accessibility” to obtain necessary information when needed.
In particular, it is important that the system be simple enough that anyone can easily use it. If a tool is selected based on criteria such as “it is convenient if it has many functions” or “it is well-known”, without considering IT literacy within the company, employees who are not familiar with IT will not be able to use the tool and it will not spread throughout the company.
For example, Stock, introduced here, is so simple that even non-IT company members can use it instantly. Stock also has the functionality and accessibility to store information.
Free registration takes only 1 minute, so we encourage you to implement Stock to revitalize your company’s online communication and improve the efficiency of information sharing.
