Online collaboration software has grown in popularity as a result of the globalisation of the work-from-home lifestyle. Even when employees are working remotely outside of the office, these technologies support the creation of the office environment. Although it was first believed that this type of work would undermine the traditional approach, it has been shown that the online collaboration tools have boosted productivity and efficiency. This guide will assist you in identifying the best online collaboration tool for your company and coworkers if you haven’t already begun using such tools.
You’ll need a few key characteristics in an online platform for collaboration, including:
- This programme needs to be cross-platform, working on both computers and mobile devices.
- People must be able to communicate with other interdepartmental coworkers as well as other team members using the software.
- Deadline notifications, task management, and other features like ease of use and tutorials to help with understanding should all be included.
- The software must allow simultaneous use of private and group conversations. Additionally, the team members must use a secure, safe method to exchange data.
- Systems that are cloud-based are more favoured since they make it possible to view all recent activity and adjustments. Depending on the permissions allowed, any team member can access this information from anywhere.
The Top 10 Online Collaboration Tools for 2024
1. Microsoft 365
With word processors, spreadsheets, a presentation builder, etc., Microsoft Office may appear to be an office tool. However, thanks to Microsoft 365, office products have been transformed into some of the best online collaboration tools available. Reports and spreadsheet calculations can now be made online and shared with a group of users who can examine and amend them in real time. This makes it possible for a team to work together on the same documents at any time. Other characteristics are:
- Easy to use and well-known.
- The Microsoft 365 package now includes the Microsoft Teams app, enabling unified communications.
- This cloud-hosted app is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
- This online collaboration tool costs money; it can be used for as little as $6.99 per month.
2. Slack
Without a doubt, Slack is one programme that consistently enters the list when discussing free collaboration tools. Even if the given free edition has some restrictions, the majority of the features are thought to be exactly right. Millions of users utilise this app, which is accessible on desktop and mobile devices and has a clever platform. Among the numerous features are:
- Users have the option of sending one or more recipients Direct Messages (DM) with attachments.
- Additionally, users may share files with merely the drag and drop function and make secure video calls.
- Simple and intuitive user interface.
- Other cloud storage services like Google, Dropbox, etc. are all available for integration.
3. Asana
Asana, another programme that has been around since 2008, has made it onto the list of online collaboration tools. Its premium clients, including Uber, Intel, Pinterest, and TED, serve as a marketing tool that attracts users away from competing online collaboration software. With the aid of this software, businesses can keep incredibly organised and even have brief team-level discussions on the status of their work.
- aids organisations in keeping track of each employee’s specific work
- provides managers with the ability to make to-do lists and set reminders for them.
- Within the app, you may delegate jobs, leave comments, and request things of your coworkers.
- Users can also choose to view all of the projects as a list, which makes it simple to find your work within the list.
4. Trello
Trello, which can be used as a browser application on your PC and as a mobile application on your smartphone, is one of the best free online collaboration tools ever created. Managers can assign comments to team members through Trello, giving them prompt feedback as work is being done.
- extremely user-friendly for organising projects.
- Users of the app can create unique task-specific boards that are only accessible by their team.
- Each team member is given a to-do list with their assigned tasks once the project has been assigned to them.
- Famous third-party programmes like Github, Google Drive, Slack, and Evernote can all be integrated with Trello.
- The premium edition, which costs around $10 each month, includes numerous additional functions. The free version can still handle simple jobs and projects and is more than adequate.
5. Rocket.Chat
Rocket is another application that may be used for free online collaboration. A free tool for team collaboration is chat. The On-Premise component of this software is present, and it is simple to set up on cloud servers. The programme has all essential features and is free to use, but it lacks support options like email or phone. You do, however, have access to a large number of software docs that have all the solutions.
Other characteristics include:
- a limitless number of users.
- Members of the team have access to messages, channels, video calls, and file sharing.
- Your data is always secure because it forces people to use their server.
- both configurable and open source
- Online message translation is available
6. Canva
Canva is the software for you if you’re seeking for an intriguing online collaboration tool. There are numerous things to consider, and doing so can take a long time. One of the most well-liked tools for creativity, this browser-based programme enables you to make infographics, flyers, eBooks, and even social network postings. Other qualities include:
- Anyone, regardless of artistic ability, can utilise Canva because it is simple to use and self-explanatory.
- This programme comes with a vast library of stock photos and graphic elements.
- The basic version is free to use, and for $11.99 a month, it offers some options.
7. Hootsuite
The best online collaboration software for managing your social media is Hootsuite, which can help you schedule posts for your social media accounts. With the help of this programme, users may connect all of their company’s social media accounts to a single interface and pre-schedule updates. For those that have embraced social media as a source of growth and clients through online forums, this function is crucial. Other characteristics are:
- simple to use With the simple interface, you can manage all of your social media networks in one location.
- Any amount of Social Media postings can be bulk-scheduled for the future.
- Report on real-time analytics
- Costs start at $19 per month for a maximum of 10 social media accounts.
8. Podio
Podio is an essential software of any list of online collaboration tools. The most versatile and individualised tool for team members to communicate and collaborate is this app. This software is used by team leaders all over the world since it enables them to organise heavy workloads, allocate them among their team members, and monitor the progress of each team member’s work.
- enables users to distribute files and work among team members.
- shows the status of active projects.
- You may manage the entire project using one of its many mobile apps on your smartphone.
- It’s simple to use and lets people send feedback.
- Integration with third-party applications including Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, and Zendesk.
9. Ryver
Despite the fact that Ryver and Slack are comparable in many ways, this online collaboration tool has some special characteristics of its own. It gives the person in charge of management and administration the utmost control over each team member’s rights. This implies that a team member can only see the components of the project that he or she is currently working on.
- It provides a comprehensive channel for team members to communicate.
- You can establish many teams and categorise them with this app.
- Chatboxes can be made by users for both individuals and groups.
- You can view the organization’s important messages and postings in your Facebook Newsfeed.
- Advanced team management and workflow automation are features of the Premium version.
10. Flock
Flock is a free online collaboration tool that you may already be familiar with because it is widely used for managing teams throughout the world. Users of this software are able to have both private and public talks via a variety of channels. The transmitted messages and shared files can be saved and searched for later.
Users of Flock can communicate with coworkers via voice and video calls and screen sharing. Along with the ability to delegate tasks to team members, it includes productivity tools like surveys, note sharing, and reminders. Other qualities include:
- Google Drive, Twitter, and other third-party software integrations, etc.
- With five more app integrations, the free edition has a 5 GB storage restriction.
- More features are available with the Pro Plan and Enterprise Plan.
The Last Word On The Top 10 Online Collaboration Programs For 2022
The list of the Best Online Collaboration Software that you may use to do your task from a distance is now complete. Any company, in any situation, is free to use these apps. The best benefit of adopting such apps is that they do away with all informal and manual reporting, feedback, and project tracking tasks. Every action and activity that is automated is made visible and documented for later use. Please let us know which online collaboration tool is the best and why in the comments.