Best collaboration tools for any team in 2024

With innovations in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and hybrid work models, better flexibility and seamless collaboration is the name of the game. From tried-and-true tech to breakout stars, we put together a list of the best collaboration tools to support every team’s needs so you can get your best work done in 2024. 

Best collaboration tools at a glance

1. Mentimeter

Best for: Interactive meetings, training, and presentations

Price: Free to join, with paid plans starting at $11.99 /presenter/month

We don’t mean to toot our own horn, but we really do believe Mentimeter makes collaboration so much easier!

Mentimeter brings life to the party (read: meeting) by letting participants actively contribute, share opinions, and give feedback in real time. 

No more glazed-over eyes. Mentimeter keeps your audience on their toes, making your presentations not just informative but downright enjoyable!

Mentimeter is for anyone tired of the old-school one-way presentation style. Teachers making lectures feel like a TED Talk, team leaders jazzing up boring meetings, or event organizers making virtual gatherings more than just another Zoom call — Mentimeter caters to the innovators who want to involve their audience in the conversation.

It’s the go-to collaboration tool for those looking to craft dynamic presentations that captivate audiences and drive engagement — whether they’re working in-office or reporting live from their living room. 

Top features:

• Interactive presentations: Engage your audience with live, interactive presentations where every slide is a conversation starter.
• Real-time polls and surveys: Get a pulse on your audience’s thoughts right when you need it.
• Live Q&A sessions: Create dynamic and engaging discussions by letting your team ask questions and vote on the most relevant ones. 
• Word clouds for brainstorming: Crowdsource ideas and watch them come to life in a visually captivating way. 
• Quiz competitions: Add a dash of fun while testing knowledge and retention.
• Collaborative Mentimeter documents: Make decisions, outline plans, and capture insights — all in one shared space.
• Integration with Microsoft Teams and PowerPoint: Elevate your collaboration without disrupting your existing tools.
• Customizable templates: Save time and streamline your collaboration process with hundreds of customizable templates.
• Analytics and reporting: Gain valuable insights into participant responses and engagement with analytics and reporting features. 

2. Slack

Best for: Easy communication

Price: Free to join, with paid plans starting at $7.25 /active user/month

Slack is a messaging platform that turns scattered workplace conversations into a centralized, organized hub. Picture it as your digital office water cooler, where you can chat, share files, and collaborate without drowning in email chaos. 

From project management and file sharing to quick-fire discussions and impromptu virtual coffee breaks, Slack keeps the communication flow alive. And it's not just for corporate suits; developers, marketers, remote teams, and even your neighbor's garage band find it incredibly handy.

Slack swoops in to rescue us from the dark ages of endless email threads and scattered messages. It solves the "Where did I see that message?" mystery by creating channels for specific topics or projects. With features like integrations and searchable archives, Slack makes collaboration seamless and efficient. 

Top features:

• Organized channels: Create channels for specific projects or topics, keeping conversations organized and preventing information overload.
• Direct messaging: Quickly reach out to team members for one-on-one conversations or private discussions without cluttering the main channels.
• File sharing: Seamlessly share documents, images, and other files within channels or through direct messages.
• Integrations: Integrate with many third-party apps and tools, bringing all your favorite tools into one central hub for streamlined collaboration.
• Searchable archives: Easily find past conversations, files, and information with a robust search feature, eliminating the frustration of hunting through endless threads.
• Notifications and customization: Stay in the loop with customizable notifications so you're alerted to important updates without being overwhelmed.
• Video and voice calls: Initiate video or voice calls directly within Slack.
• Channel mention and announcements: Use @mentions to notify specific team members or make important announcements in designated channels.

3. Asana

Best for: Project management

Price: Free for up to 10 teammates, with paid plans starting at $10.99 /user/month

With Asana, you can ditch the sticky notes and tangled email threads and say hello to a clear roadmap for your projects. It's your digital command center for keeping track of who's doing what and when. 

Whether you're managing a marketing campaign, wrangling a software development project, or planning the ultimate office potluck, Asana is for the organized minds and the creatively chaotic alike. It's a lifesaver for teams big and small that want to stay on top of their game without losing their sanity.

Asana stands out for its easy-to-use interface, powerful task management features, and the ability to view project timelines, making it excellent for project-based teams seeking accountability and transparency at work. ​​

Top features:

• Task assignments: Easily assign tasks to team members, clarifying responsibilities and keeping everyone in the loop.
• Project timelines: Visualize project timelines to understand task dependencies, deadlines, and overall project progress.
• Collaborative workspaces: Create workspaces and projects to bring teams together.
• Comment threads: Keep discussions organized with comment threads on tasks and projects.
• Attachments and file sharing: Share files directly within tasks, reducing the need for scattered email attachments and improving version control.
• Calendar view: Gain a holistic view of project timelines and deadlines with a calendar view.
• Customizable dashboards: Tailor dashboards to display key project metrics, allowing teams to focus on the most relevant information.
• Milestones: Set milestones to celebrate achievements and track progress toward larger project goals.
• Team pages: Centralize information with team pages, providing a hub for team resources, goals, and ongoing projects.
• Task dependencies: Set up task dependencies so that one task's completion triggers the start of another for unmatched efficiency. 

4. Zoom

Best for: Hybrid and remote teams

Price: Free for meetings up to 40 minutes with fewer than 100 attendees, with paid plans starting at $12.49 /user/month

Zoom is a video conferencing tool that turns your screen into a shared space for everything from team huddles and virtual happy hours to webinars and online classes. No more garbled audio, frozen screens, or awkward delays — Zoom offers a seamless and reliable way to connect.

Known for its high-quality video and audio, reliability, and ease of use, Zoom is as much for the tech-challenged as it is for the tech-savvy. Whether you're a remote team looking for a lifeline of human connection, a teacher bringing the classroom home, or just hosting a virtual game night with friends, Zoom is the go-to platform.

Those managing hybrid and remote teams know how important this video conferencing tool has been since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's the antidote to the isolation blues, fostering face-to-face interactions when physical proximity isn't possible.

Top features:

• Video conferencing: Host high-quality video meetings with individuals or groups, fostering collaboration with crystal clear face-to-face interactions.
• Screen sharing: Share your screen in real time for collaborative discussions, presentations, and document reviews.
• Breakout rooms: Divide larger meetings into smaller, private rooms for focused discussions or group activities.
• Chat and messaging: Communicate in real time with text-based chat during meetings.
• Virtual backgrounds: Customize your video background with virtual backgrounds for a touch of professionalism or personalization.
• Recording and transcription: Record and share meetings and use transcription services to accurately capture meeting notes.
• Calendar integrations: Seamlessly integrate Zoom with your favorite calendar app, making scheduling and joining meetings hassle-free.
• Webinars: Host webinars for larger audiences, with features like Q&A sessions and participant engagement tools for interactive presentations.
• Security features: Robust security measures, including password protection, waiting rooms, and end-to-end encryption, ensure secure collaboration.

5. Google Workspace

Best for: Document sharing and collaboration

Price: Starting at $6 /user/month

Google Workspace is a cloud-based suite of productivity tools that includes Gmail, Google Drive, Google Meet, and more. From drafting documents and sharing files to scheduling hybrid meetings and collaborating in real time, this platform transforms your digital workspace into a productivity powerhouse.

Google Workspace solves the age-old problem of collaboration headaches. No more version control nightmares or attachments lost in the email abyss. It's the remedy for the disarray of disconnected tools, offering a unified platform where teams can edit documents simultaneously, hold virtual meetings, and share files effortlessly.

Top features:

• Gmail and Google Chat: Streamline communication with built-in email and chat functionalities all in one platform. 
• Google Drive: Eliminate the need for back-and-forth file sharing with real-time editing and commenting on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. 
• Google Meet: Host virtual meetings with integrated video conferencing.
• Google Calendar: Simplify scheduling and coordination with a shared calendar, making it easy to plan meetings, set deadlines, and keep everyone on the same page.
• Collaborative apps: Access a suite of cloud-based applications like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

6. Jira

Best for: Agile teams

Price: Free for up to 10 users, with paid plans starting at $8.15 /user/month

Created by Atlassian, Jira is a powerful tool designed to wrangle even the most complex Agile projects. With features like customizable workflows, Scrum boards, and real-time collaboration, this platform allows teams to plan, track, and manage their work in one centralized space.

Jira is often used by software development teams for issue and bug tracking. It can be a bit complex for beginners, but it's incredibly robust for those needing a tool with deep customization options.

Top features:

• Customizable workflows: Tailor workflows to match your team's unique processes so everyone is aligned on tasks from start to finish.
• Scrum and Kanban boards: Allow agile teams to track and manage work with visually interactive Scrum and Kanban boards.
• Real-time notifications: Foster team collaboration with real-time updates and notifications so everyone is aware of changes, progress, and any potential roadblocks.
• Advanced reporting and dashboards: Gain insights into project performance and team productivity with customizable reporting and dashboards.
• Integration capabilities: Integrate Jira with other tools commonly used in software development like Confluence, Bitbucket, and Slack for a seamless workflow across platforms.

7. Airtable

Best for: Managing databases

Price: Free to join, with team plans starting at $20 /seat/month

Airtable is like the Swiss Army Knife of databases, a versatile tool that blends the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the complexity of a database. It's a collaborative workspace where you can organize, manage, and visualize your data without needing a Ph.D. in coding.

With its user-friendly interface and customizable features, Airtable is a dream come true for anyone struggling to make sense of scattered information. From creative teams tracking project timelines to event planners managing guest lists, Airtable caters to those needing an all-in-one database without the headache of complicated software. 

Top features:

• App building: Enable your teams to build custom apps to suit their workflow — no coding experience needed. 
• AI capabilities and integrations: Streamline repetitive tasks with automation features, and integrate Airtable with other tools and platforms for a cohesive workspace. 
• Connected data: Create relationships between records across different tables to establish connections and maintain data consistency.
• Access controls: Manage security, access, and data protection at scale.

8. Confluence

Best for: Content management

Price: Free to join, with paid plans starting at $6.05 /user/month

Another heavy hitter from Atlassian, Confluence is a collaboration software designed to help teams create, organize, and discuss work. With a user-friendly interface and a knack for keeping information organized, Confluence allows teams to build a collective brain for their projects.

Confluence is especially useful for teams that need to share and collaborate on written content, and it integrates well with Jira, making it a popular choice for software development teams.

Top features:

• Page templates: Get a head start on your project with templates for everything from meeting notes to project plans.
• Centralized knowledge hub: Stash all your crucial info — project docs, meeting notes, the works — all in one place. 
• Flexi spaces and pages: Ditch the one-size-fits-all approach with tailored spaces and pages that match how your team operates.
• Dynamic content embedding: Spice up your pages with dynamic content from other apps.
• Access controls: Keep your info on a need-to-know basis with robust access controls. 
• Mobile accessibility: Access and contribute to your collaborative spaces and pages from your smartphone or tablet.

9. Monday.com

Best for: Managing workflows

Price: Free for teams of two, with paid plans starting at $9 per seat / month

Tired of missed deadlines, miscommunication mishaps, or the constant struggle to keep everyone on the same page? Monday.com can help address all your workflow woes with a streamlined solution for project tracking, task management, and real-time collaboration. 

With a clean and colorful interface, users love Monday.com for its centralized and visually appealing workspace. It's a solid choice for teams of all shapes and sizes, from marketing squads planning campaigns to software development teams wrangling code.  

Top features:

• Colorful boards: Looks aren’t everything, but Monday.com helps breathe life into a boring workday with colorful boards and customizable displays. 
• Killer workflow management: Assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress — all in one spot. 
• Timeline views: Drag, drop, and dance through deadlines with a visual representation of your project's journey.
• Workflow automation: Automate workflows so you can focus on the cool, creative parts of your job.
• Dynamic forms: Create custom forms to gather info from your team or clients without the hassle of back-and-forth emails.
• Data tracking: Track and visualize data effortlessly with robust reporting and analytics features.
• Access anywhere: Access it from your desk, your couch, or that hipster coffee shop — wherever work takes you.

10. Notion

Best for: Creatives

Price: Free to join, with paid plans starting at $8 /user/month

Notion is more than just a note-taking app — it's a workspace where you can craft your to-do lists, jot down thoughts, and even build databases, all in one sleek platform. Switch between writing, planning, and organizing without missing a beat.

Whether you’re a creative trying to turn ideas into action or a meticulous planner obsessed with lists, Notion can adapt to your workflow. Although it may require more effort to learn, users highly appreciate Notion for its robust capabilities and the option to tailor-make their workspace.

Top features:

• Focus mode: Notion's focus mode helps you cut out distractions, providing a clean, minimalist view when you need to get into the productivity zone.
• Linked databases: Connect the dots between different databases and turn separate pieces of info into a dynamic network.
• Version history: Oops, did something go haywire? Notion's got your back with version history, letting you roll back to a previous state and undo the uh-oh moments.
• Embed everything: Embed Google Docs, Trello boards, or even your favorite cat meme.
• Kanban boards: Visualize tasks, move them around, and feel the satisfaction of ticking off to-dos on your virtual Kanban board.

11. Planable

Best for: Content management

Price: Free to join, with paid plans starting at $11 /user/month

Planable brings all your must-have social media accounts together into one simple platform designed to make planning and scheduling content a breeze. It's not just a content calendar; it's where teams can come together, brainstorm ideas, and visualize their social media strategy. 

With standout features like a realistic content simulation and intuitive publishing schedule, Planable is a go-to for marketing teams, social media mavens, and anyone looking to bring order to their content strategy. 

Top features:

• Content simulation: See how your post will actually look across different social media platforms with features like dynamic text wrapping and hashtag suggestions.
• Client-friendly approval process: Clients can easily preview and approve content directly within the platform, eliminating the need for cumbersome email exchanges.
• Content collaboration hub: Discuss ideas, share feedback, and collaborate on posts in real time. 
• Content mockups and templates: Level up your aesthetic with the help of content mockups and templates. 
• Customizable publishing schedule: Tailor your publishing schedule to match the optimal posting times for each social media channel.

12. Mockplus

Best for: Designers

Price: $199 / year for individuals, with team plans starting at $1,999 /year

If your design team is constantly juggling draft edits, code snippets, and messy PMs, Mockplus might just be the solution for you. This cloud-based collaboration platform isn't just any prototyping tool; it's the go-to for designers and developers tag-teaming from different corners of the world. 

Perfect for boosting productivity in product design squads, Mockplus covers everything — PRDs, design reviews, handing off designs, and even conjuring specs, assets, and code snippets.

Top features:

• Rapid prototyping: Swiftly build interactive prototypes and wireframes directly on Mockplus.
• Cloud-based platform: Streamline design collaboration and handoff workflows, no matter where your team works.
• Productivity supercharge: Scale productivity with features for crafting PRDs, facilitating design reviews, and effortlessly handing off designs, along with automatically generating specs, assets, and code snippets.
• Consistent design systems: Provide a central space for teams to create and evolve consistent design systems. 
• Effortless feedback loop: Create product documents from scratch, insert prototypes or document references for detailed explanations, and easily share and gather feedback on prototypes without the need for back-and-forth emails.

13. Brandfolder

Best for: Digital asset management

Price: Book a demo for pricing

Brandfolder is like the VIP lounge for all your brand assets — a slick digital platform designed to keep your brand game strong. It's the go-to space where you can stash and showcase all your visual goodies, like logos, images, videos, you name it. With Brandfolder, no more endless searches or asking, "Where's that logo?" 

Whether you're a solo creative or part of a mega marketing team, Brandfolder aims to rescue you from the clutter. It's for those who want to easily flaunt their brand assets without drowning in a sea of scattered files.

Top features:

• Visual asset showcase: Brandfolder turns into your brand's red carpet, showcasing all your visual treasures — logos, images, and videos — in a sleek and organized space.
• Effortless organization: Organize and categorize your brand assets with a snap. 
• Easy sharing: Share brand assets with ease and make sure everyone's on the same visual wavelength.
• Access control: Control who sees what. Brandfolder lets you decide who gets VIP access to certain assets, avoiding any unauthorized visual escapades.
• Version control: Make sure everyone uses the latest and greatest without the madness of multiple versions.
• Search and find: No more lost assets. Brandfolder's search feature is like a brand asset GPS, helping you find what you need without the headache of endless scrolling.

14. GitHub

Best for: Developers

Price: Free to join, with team plans starting at $3.67 /user/month

GitHub is a collaborative platform where developers can join forces, code together, and bring projects to life. At its core, it's a version control system that keeps track of code changes, allowing multiple developers to work on a project simultaneously without stepping on each other's toes. 

While solo coders can definitely use GitHub, this platform truly shines when it comes to open-source projects, collaborative project management, and version control. It's the sweet spot for developers looking to collaborate seamlessly, no matter their physical location.

Top features:

• Pull requests: Propose changes, review code, and discuss modifications before merging for a controlled and collaborative code integration process.
• Code review: Facilitate collaborative coding by letting developers review and give feedback on one another's code changes.
• Project management: GitHub comes with project management tools like Boards and Milestones, helping teams organize and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Access control: Set permission levels to control who can view, contribute, or manage the repository.
• GitHub Actions: Automate workflows, from code building to testing and deployment, streamlining the development process.
• GitHub Pages: Host static websites directly from the repository so developers can showcase their projects and documentation seamlessly.
• Repository forking: Easily fork and contribute to existing projects, fostering collaboration within the open-source community.

How to choose the right collaboration tool

With hundreds of options out there, choosing the best collaboration tool for your team can be a bit overwhelming. But there are a few key things to look out for to help guide your decision.

1. Effective communication capabilities

The right collaboration tool should be your team's ultimate communication wingman, making sure everyone's on the same page without drowning in a sea of messages. 

Look for features like real-time messaging, threaded conversations, and notifications to keep everyone in the loop. Whether you're tossing around ideas, giving project updates, or cracking the occasional joke, a collaboration tool that nails communication makes sure no one's left in the digital dark. 

2. File sharing and document collaboration

Collaboration isn’t about dumping files on everyone and hoping they can put the pieces together; it’s about a seamless exchange of ideas. 

When choosing a collaboration tool, look for features that let you share files effortlessly and collaborate on presentations, documents, and projects in real time — bonus points if there are version and access controls. 

3. Task management

Whether you're tackling big projects or handling daily tasks, a collaboration tool that excels in task management ensures everyone knows their role. 

When selecting your task management ally, think about how seamlessly it can turn your team's to-dos into check marks. Features that let you to assign tasks effortlessly, track progress with a glance, and hit all your deadlines keep everyone on their A game. 

4. Integration capabilities

Wasting time jumping through dozens of different productivity apps sort of defeats the purpose. When scouting for a collaboration tool, think about how well it can integrate with the tech you’re already using.

A collaboration tool that has the ability to connect with other tools and services your team uses, such as email, calendar apps, or project management software, can help streamline your workflow.

5. Accessibility and ease of use

Look for a tool that's easy to navigate, with a user-friendly design that doesn't require a tech manual. Accessibility is key — it should be a smooth ride whether you're on your laptop, tablet, or phone. 

A collaboration tool that nails ease of navigation and works seamlessly across devices ensures your team stays connected and productive without the hassle of a complicated user experience.

H2: Benefits of collaboration tools and software

Collaboration tools are the unsung heroes of team success, bringing a slew of benefits to the digital table. From ironing out communication wrinkles to turning project chaos into order, these tools are the MVPs your team didn’t know they needed. 

Benefits of collaboration tools: 

• Improved communication with tools offering real-time chats, video conferencing, and file-sharing capabilities, enabling swift and transparent information exchange
• Better project management with features like task assignment, progress tracking, and deadline reminders that keep all team members aligned and projects on schedule 
• Seamless remote work experience allowing teams dispersed across different locations to collaborate as effectively as they would in a physical office setting 
• Reduced information silos with centralized resources and workflows in one accessible platform

Level up collaboration with Mentimeter

Now, if you happen to be looking for something that will help improve your presentations, run great surveys, boost your feedback culture, or make training better, then there is only one that happens to tick all of those boxes.

Mentimeter has a wide range of features that will help you do all of this and more. So why not discover Mentimeter's versatility for yourself for free?