To meet this demand, 46% of businesses use AI to improve communication. The goal isn’t just to do things faster, but to make interactions more thoughtful and personal for everyone. Since clients tend to stay with responsive and trustworthy businesses, having the right communication platform is crucial for keeping them satisfied, retaining their business, and driving long-term sales growth.
Below you’ll find a list of available business communication tools and robust solutions that can transform how your team collaborates and engages with clients. Explore the best options on the market to discover the one that fits your needs.
Table of Contents
| Top Business Communication Platforms (A Quick Comparison) | |||
| Provider | Considered as | Best for | Starting price |
Nextiva | Best Overall Business Communication Platform | Businesses need a reliable all-in-one platform to streamline internal collaboration and external client communications, especially businesses looking to scale without juggling multiple tools. | $15 per user per month (when billed annually) |
| Slack | Best for Real-Time Messaging and Workflow Integration | This tool is for teams that prioritize real-time, channel-based messaging for project collaboration, quick discussions, and reducing email overload. | Free (with basic features) |
Microsoft Teams | Best for Microsoft-Centric Organizations | Organizations deeply integrated into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem prioritize comprehensive communication alongside document collaboration and productivity tools. | Included in most Microsoft 365 plans |
| Zoom | Best for Video-First Collaboration | This tool is designed for businesses and individuals who need reliable, high-quality video conferencing and online meeting solutions, especially for remote work and significant virtual events. | Free (for basic 40-minute meetings) |
| RingCentral | Best for Enterprise VoIP and Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) | Businesses seeking a robust all-in-one cloud phone system with integrated team messaging, video conferencing, and contact center capabilities will benefit from this tool. | $20 per user per month (billed annually for the MVP Core plan) |
| ClickUp | Best for Project-Based Communication | This tool is for teams and businesses that require a highly customizable project management platform with integrated communication features for task-specific discussions. | Free (for personal use, with basic features) |
The State of Business Communications in 2025
Business communication is evolving fast in 2025. The rise of AI, the shift to hybrid work, and a stronger focus on digital well-being, security, and employee empowerment are driving this shift. In response, top companies invest in advanced platforms that consolidate all communication into one central location, serving as their digital headquarters.
To remain competitive, businesses need a complete system that ensures all communication is clear, swift, and consistent. A business communication tool should go beyond simple team chat, combining calls, video, messages, and file sharing into one cohesive system. This integration helps teams make decisions faster, collaborate more effectively, and maintain greater internal and external flexibility.
What to expect from business communication platforms in 2025
- Smart Help From AI: Expect more innovative business communication platforms powered by AI. These platforms will anticipate needs, summarize lengthy discussions, and even assist in drafting emails and reports. This shift means spending less time on mundane tasks and more time on impactful work, fostering more personal customer interactions. Gartner highlights this trend, predicting that by 2025, 80% of customer service organizations will apply generative AI to improve agent productivity and CX.
- Smooth Support for Hybrid Work: Business communication platforms are key for today’s hybrid workforce, ensuring seamless collaboration regardless of location. Improved virtual meeting tools, such as advanced cameras and interactive whiteboards, will boost inclusion for remote teams. This hybrid approach, adopted by 64% of large companies, is crucial for employee satisfaction and retention. Owl Labs’ 2024 State of Hybrid Work Report confirms that 40% of workers would seek new jobs if they lost their hybrid flexibility, underscoring its direct link to talent retention.
- All-in-One Communication Hubs: Instead of juggling countless apps for calls, messages, and file sharing, businesses want one platform that does it all. These new systems will bring everything together (voice, video, chat, and all your other work tools) into a single seamless experience. This unified communication approach is rapidly growing, with its market expected to expand by over 17% by 2032. This will reduce app fatigue and increase streamlined workflows.
What To Look for in a Top-Tier Business Communication Platform
A good business communication platform seamlessly supports internal teamwork and external client interactions. To meet the demands of 2025, a modern platform must combine flexibility, integration, and reliability across every touchpoint.
Below are the core features that distinguish top-performing platforms in today’s evolving workplace.
- Unified Communication: Consolidates chats, calls, and video into a single platform for seamless internal and external interactions
- AI-Powered Efficiency: Leverages AI for features, such as meeting summaries, call transcriptions, and suggested responses to automate and enhance communication
- Integrated Workflows: Connects with existing tools (CRM, project management) to streamline operations and provide context for all communications
- Robust Security: Offers strong encryption and compliance features to protect data and ensure secure, private interactions with internal teams and external clients
- Easy Adoption and Scalability: Promotes quick adoption with its user-friendly design and effortlessly scales to support business growth and increasing demands
The Best Business Communication Platforms in 2025
In 2025, the best business communication platforms will do more than connect teams. They will be the backbone of productivity, alignment, and digital efficiency. This comparison breaks down the leading solutions on the market, helping you choose the right fit based on features, flexibility, and support for modern, hybrid workforces.
1. Nextiva: Best overall business communication platform
Nextiva is a leading provider of cloud-based business communication solutions, focusing on helping businesses build stronger connections with their customers and teams. It offers a comprehensive Unified Customer Experience Management (Unified-CXM) platform that combines various communication channels, including voice, video, team chats, SMS, emails, social media, and customer reviews, into a single workspace.
Nextiva’s robust features make it a wise choice for hybrid workforces. Employees can collaborate in real-time, manage conversations across multiple channels, and access centralized data without needing to switch between disconnected tools. The platform also integrates advanced AI to streamline workflows and enhance customer engagement. With AI-powered features like conversation intelligence and intelligent automation, Nextiva empowers businesses to respond more quickly, personalize communication, and make more informed decisions.
Nextiva supports over 1 million users across more than 100,000 businesses, demonstrating its widespread adoption and ability to deliver reliable and scalable communication services. Its commitment to usability and value has been recognized by the U.S. News & World Report, which named Nextiva the Best Business Phone System and Best Small Business Phone System.
Nextiva’s key features
- Unified Communications: Combining phone systems (VoIP), video conferencing, team messaging, and customer management tools
- Omnichannel Support: Enabling businesses to interact with customers across various platforms, including traditional phone calls, text messages, live chats, social media, and review sites
- AI and Automation: Utilizing AI for features like voicemail transcription and automating repetitive interactions to enhance efficiency and customer service
- Unified CXM: Providing tools to manage customer journeys, gain real-time insights, and optimize interactions for improved customer lifetime value
- Scalability and Reliability: Catering to businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises, and focusing on high uptime and robust performance
The pros and cons of Nextiva
Pros of Nextiva
- All-in-One Communication Suite: VoIP, video, messaging, SMS, email, and social tools in one unified platform
- Excellent Call Quality: Consistently clear voice calls, even in low-signal environments
- Robust Analytics: Call metrics, team activity, and real-time customer engagement tracking
- Strong Customer Support: 24/7 U.S.-based support with high satisfaction ratings from users
- Scalable for Growing Teams: Flexible plans and features that scale from small teams to large enterprises
Cons of Nextiva
- No Free Trial: The platform does not offer a free trial, which may deter users who want to test its features before committing to a paid plan.
- Extra Costs for Advanced Features: Premium tools like CRM integration and call recording may require upgrades.
Pricing:
- Core: $15/user/month (annually) or $23/user/month (monthly)
- Engage: $25/user/month (annually) or $50/user/month (monthly)
- Power Suite CX: $75/user/month (annually)
- Contact Center: $75+ per agent/month (annually)
Whether you are a small team or a large enterprise, Nextiva offers the tools, reliability, and support to serve customers better and scale confidently. It’s more than a phone system—it’s your all-in-one business communication hub.
2. Slack: Best for real-time messaging and workflow integration
Slack is a powerful messaging platform for real-time communication across teams, projects, and departments. Originally popular among tech startups, it has become a staple in SMBs and large enterprises for its flexibility, integrations, and intuitive user experience.
Its channel-based structure makes organizing discussions by topic, team, or client easy. At the same time, integrations with over 2,000 tools (from Google Drive to Jira to Zoom) allow users to centralize workflows without leaving the platform. Slack also supports asynchronous communication, threaded replies, file sharing, and bots that automate repetitive tasks.
Slack’s key features
- Real-Time Messaging: Instant, searchable chat supporting threads, emojis, reactions, mentions, and more — keeping conversations organized and accessible
Workflow Builder: Automation of routine processes, like onboarding or approvals, with no-code workflows inside Slack - Extensive Integrations: Connection with tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Trello, HubSpot, and thousands more to streamline work across systems
- Huddles and Clips: Lightweight audio/video conversations and screen recordings designed for remote collaboration and async updates
The pros and cons of Slack
Pros of Slack
- Great for Real-Time Collaboration: Suits fast-moving teams needing quick updates and decisions
- Highly Customizable: Offers extensive support for bots, integrations, and custom workflows to tailor the experience to team needs
- Channel-Based Organization: Enables structured, cross-functional collaboration and streamlined project tracking
- User-Friendly Experience: Provides a clean, responsive interface across desktop and mobile platforms
- Vibrant Ecosystem: Includes support from a robust third-party app marketplace and an active user community
Cons of Slack
- Can Be Distracting: Slack can become a source of noise and interruptions without proper notification settings and channel management.
- Limited Native Call Features: Slack’s built-in voice and video tools are less advanced than those offered by platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
- Paywalled Features: A paid subscription is required to access full message history, advanced app integrations, and administrative controls.
Pricing:
- Free Plan: Limited history and integrations; suitable for small teams
- Pro: $8.75/user/month
- Business+: $18/user/month
- Enterprise Grid: Custom pricing for large organizations with advanced needs
Slack excels as a messaging-first platform that reduces email clutter, accelerates collaboration, and improves team transparency. For organizations focused on speed, flexibility, and tool integration, Slack is a best-in-class choice.
3. Microsoft Teams: Best for Microsoft-centric organizations
Microsoft Teams is a powerful collaboration platform seamlessly integrated into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Ideal for organizations already using tools like Outlook, SharePoint, and OneDrive, Teams combines messaging, video conferencing, file sharing, and workflow automation in a single interface.
Teams is particularly well-suited for enterprises and educational institutions that rely heavily on Microsoft’s suite of productivity apps. With robust admin controls, security features, and compliance tools, Teams is also a top choice for industries with strict governance needs.
Microsoft Teams’ key features
- Deep Microsoft 365 Integration: Connects with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and Outlook, allowing users to co-author files and manage tasks within the same workspace
- Video and Audio Conferencing: Supports HD meetings, screen sharing, webinar hosting, breakout rooms, and meeting recordings
- Team and Channel Structure: Organizes communication by department, client, or project with threaded conversations and file repositories
- Collaboration Tools: Includes built-in apps for task management (Planner, To Do), whiteboarding, and third-party app integrations
The pros and cons of Microsoft Teams
Pros of Teams:
- Seamless for Microsoft 365 Users: Delivers a smooth, integrated experience for businesses already using the Microsoft ecosystem
- Enterprise-Grade Security: Offers advanced security, compliance, and administrative controls suited for regulated industries
- Reliable Video Conferencing: Supports high-quality meetings, webinars, and large-scale virtual events
- Centralized Collaboration: Combines chat, meetings, file sharing, and app integration in a single workspace
- Ideal for Structured Communication: Suits teams managing complex, project-based workflows and documentation
Cons of Teams:
- Steep Learning Curve: It can be complex for new users or non-Microsoft environments.
- Performance Issues: Older devices or slower connections may seem heavy or sluggish.
- Limited Customization: It has fewer design and UI personalization options compared to Slack.
Pricing:
- Microsoft Teams (Free): Unlimited chat, video calling, and file sharing
- Microsoft Teams Essentials: $4/user/month
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $6/user/month
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard: Starting at $12.50/user/month
For Microsoft-first organizations, Teams is the natural choice. Its deep integration, enterprise features, and comprehensive toolset make it a powerful communication hub, especially for structured, document-heavy collaboration.
4. Zoom: Best for video-first collaboration
Zoom became the go-to video conferencing tool during the shift to remote work, and it has since evolved into a full-fledged communication platform. With crystal-clear video and audio quality, it’s ideal for teams that rely on frequent virtual meetings, webinars, and online events.
Now offering features like team chats, VoIP calling, whiteboards, and productivity integrations, Zoom has become more than a meeting tool — it’s a hub for modern collaboration with a strong emphasis on video-first experiences.
Zoom’s key features
- High-Quality Video Meetings: Reliable HD video and audio with screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, breakout rooms, and recording options
- Webinars and Events: Interactive webinars, online training, and large-scale virtual events hosting with audience engagement tools
- Zoom Phone: Cloud-based VoIP system offering call routing, call queues, voicemail, and global telephony
- Zoom Chat and Whiteboard: Built-in messaging and visual collaboration features for async teamwork
The pros and cons of Zoom
Pros of Zoom:
- Best-in-Class Video Conferencing: Recognized for its high-quality video, audio, and user-friendly interface across all experience levels
- Device Flexibility: Lightweight and reliable on both desktop and mobile, making it ideal for remote and hybrid teams
- Scalable for Any Audience Size: Support for everything from 1:1 meetings to webinars with thousands of participants without sacrificing quality
- Continuous Innovation: Regular introduction of new features, such as AI-powered notetaking, meeting summaries, and smart collaboration tools
Cons of Zoom:
- Fragmented Workflow: Lack of deep integration with non-Zoom tools unless paired with third-party apps
- Limited Chat Functionality: Inferior performance compared to Slack or Teams when it comes to persistent messaging
- Security Concerns: History of privacy issues that led to increased scrutiny, with many of them already resolved
Pricing:
- Basic (Free): 40-minute limit on group meetings and unlimited 1:1 meetings
- Pro: $16.99/user/month (monthly)
- Business: $21.99/user/month (monthly)
- Zoom One (Unified Communications Suite): Custom pricing for phone, meetings, and team chat
If video is your team’s primary mode of communication, Zoom offers unmatched quality, reliability, and flexibility. It’s an excellent choice for remote teams, educators, consultants, and any organization where face-to-face interactions matter.
5. RingCentral: Best for enterprise VoIP and UCaaS
RingCentral is a leading UCaaS provider, offering a robust enterprise-grade solution for voice, video, messaging, and contact center operations. It’s designed for larger organizations that need a reliable, flexible system to manage high communication volumes across departments and global locations.
With advanced VoIP capabilities, powerful admin controls, and deep integrations with tools like Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Google Workspace, RingCentral is well-suited for complex, high-demand environments.
RingCentral’s key features
- Business VoIP Phone System: Cloud-based PBX with call routing, IVR, voicemail-to-text, toll-free numbers, and call analytics
- Team Messaging and Video: Built-in chat and video meetings with team huddles, screen sharing, and whiteboarding
- Contact Center Solutions: Omnichannel support (voice, chat, SMS, social media), AI-assisted routing, and real-time analytics for service teams
- Admin and Compliance Tools: Enterprise-level security, call recording, audit trails, and role-based permissions for regulatory compliance
The pros and cons of RingCentral
Pros of RingCentral:
- Enterprise-Grade Scalability: Works perfectly for large, distributed teams and multi-location businesses requiring a robust communication backbone
- Comprehensive Feature Set: Covers voice, messaging, video, and contact center solutions in one unified platform
- Reliable Uptime: Guarantees 99.999% availability through a global carrier-grade infrastructure
- Customizable Workflows: Allows tailored configurations and automations to match complex business needs
- CRM and Helpdesk Integrations: Connects seamlessly with tools like Salesforce, Zendesk, and others for enhanced workflow efficiency
Cons of RingCentral:
- Complex Setup for Small Teams: The extensive capabilities may feel overwhelming for startups or smaller organizations.
- Premium Pricing: Many advanced features, such as in-depth analytics and integrations, are limited to higher-tier plans.
- Outdated User Interface: The UI feels less modern and intuitive than newer platforms like Zoom or Slack.
Pricing:
- Core: $20/user/month (annually)
- Advanced: $25/user/month (annually)
- Ultra: $35/user/month (annually)
- Contact Center Plans: Custom pricing depending on size and support channels
RingCentral is a powerful platform for enterprises that need advanced VoIP, unified communications, and contact center functionality under one roof. It’s best suited for organizations prioritizing performance, reliability, and global scalability.
6. ClickUp: Best for project-based communication
ClickUp is a powerful all-in-one productivity platform that blends project management, team collaboration, and internal communication into a single customizable workspace. Unlike traditional communication tools, ClickUp centers around task-based collaboration, making it ideal for teams that want conversations tied directly to workflows.
It’s especially effective for agencies, product teams, and operations-heavy businesses that need to streamline tasks, documents, chats, and goals in one platform. This reduces tool sprawl and improves visibility.
ClickUp’s key features
- Task-Based Chat and Collaboration: Built-in chats allowing team members to communicate directly within tasks, docs, and dashboards
- Customizable Workspaces: Tailored workflows using Lists, Boards, Gantt charts, calendars, or timelines — adaptable for teams of any size
- Docs, Whiteboards, and Goals: Real-time collaboration on wikis, strategy documents, visual brainstorms, and OKRs — all linked to execution
- Automation and Integrations: Automated repetitive workflows and integration with tools like Slack, Zoom, GitHub, Google Drive, and more
The pros and cons of ClickUp
Pros of ClickUp:
- All-in-One Work Hub: Combines project management, task tracking, and team communication in a single platform
- Highly Customizable: Adapts to various departments, workflows, and use cases with flexible views and automations
- Context-Rich Collaboration: Keeps conversations, tasks, and documentation together for improved clarity and focus
- Frequent Feature Updates: Introduces new features and improvements based on user feedback regularly
- Scalable for Teams: Suits individuals, startups, and large teams needing a centralized productivity solution
Cons of ClickUp:
- Steep Learning Curve: It can feel overwhelming due to its depth and flexibility.
- Notification Overload: Without careful setup, users may receive too many alerts.
- Performance Lag: Load time can be slow on large teams or complex setups.
Pricing:
- Free Forever: Limited features; ideal for personal use
- Unlimited: $7/user/month (annually)
- Business: $12/user/month (annually)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for advanced security, permissions, and support
ClickUp is perfect for teams that want communication deeply embedded into their workflows. If you value structure, visibility, and flexibility over quick chats, ClickUp delivers a powerful ecosystem to align goals, tasks, and team communication in one place.
What Sets Nextiva Apart
Nextiva leads in 2025 as an all-in-one business communication platform built for modern teams. It includes voice, SMS, video, team chat, live chat, email, and social media messaging. Everything is managed from one simple, powerful dashboard.
It works seamlessly with tools you already use, such as Salesforce, Microsoft Outlook, Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, and WhatsApp, keeping your communication system connected and efficient.
Nextiva offers 99.999% uptime to ensure your business runs without interruption. Its AI features help you work smarter with tools like real-time sentiment analysis and automatic call summaries.
Security is a top priority: Nextiva complies with ISO/IEC 27001, SOC 2, PCI, and HIPAA. It also uses TLS and SRTP encryption to keep your communications private and protected.
The CEO, Tomas Gorny, highlights how Nextiva helps businesses transform customer engagement. This is made possible through AI-powered technology and a strong focus on providing Amazing Service. Here are even more ways Nextiva goes above and beyond:
✔︎ Team Size and Scalability: Supports unlimited users and grows your business
✔︎ Tool Integration: Works with major CRMs and productivity platforms like Salesforce, Outlook, and Google Workspace
✔︎ Omnichannel Communication: Covers voice, video, SMS, email, live chat, and social media in one platform
✔︎ Customer Support: Offers 24/7 support with its industry-recognized Amazing Service
✔︎ Value for Budget: Combines several tools into one and helps save money while improving efficiency
✔︎ Security and Compliance: Meets top industry standards to protect your data and ensure regulatory compliance
Choose Nextiva To Future-Proof Your Business Communications
In 2025, business communication is not just about convenience — it’s about speed, clarity, flexibility, and meaningful interactions. Many platforms offer strong features, but Nextiva provides a complete solution that stands out in every area.
Whether you are a small team looking to unify calls and messaging or a growing company that needs advanced VoIP and CRM integration, Nextiva can meet your needs. It adapts as your business grows and helps you focus on what matters most.
If you are serious about building a secure, modern, and scalable communication system, Nextiva should be your first choice.
