10 Popular Chat Solutions For IT Industry [Ranked & Reviewed]

Abirami Elangovan Published On November 27th, 2024 Tech Talks

Check out our top picks for instant messaging solutions you should consider if you’re looking to create an app for your IT team.

Is your IT team still using a third-party chat app to discuss projects?

Is it safe?

Do they find it convenient, specific to their project needs?

While doubtfully think if its an ‘yes’ or ‘no’, we’ve come up with the recommendations:

• Reasons why you should build your own chat app
• Things to consider while choosing a chat solution for your business
• Our top 10 picks of the solutions

Curious? Let’s get started! 

What is a Chat Solution?

A chat solution refers to a service or piece of software that provides functionalities such as allowing users to engage or communicate in real-time through text-based messages. In simple terms, exchanging messages between users instantly can be termed a chat solution.

Why Does Your IT Project Need A Custom Chat App?

In the modern communication era, chat provides multiple ways to eradicate communication gaps. Here are a few benefits of chat solutions in IT projects:

1. Save time: Having someone respond to your messages instantly without them being stuck in their mail inbox might save you plenty of time and increase productivity.

2. Reduce cost: Proper communication is the key to proper business, which produces profit as an outcome. However, any additional cost spent on communication might be reduced by having a proper chat solution.

3. Customer satisfaction: Addressing your customer’s queries in real-time in a hassle-free manner with the help of chat increases their satisfaction level. This will help you retain users, and you can count on them.

These are some of the few benefits that a chat solution might create in your IT projects.

How To Choose The Best Chat Solution For Your IT Project?

In order to provide the right chat solution for your IT projects, there are plenty of things to consider based on your project needs. Here are some of the five basic points that must be considered:

1. Multi-platform support

This might sound anonymous, but I am sure it isn’t. Basically, when you target mobile platforms, there are two leading operating systems that rule them: Android and iOS. Make sure the chat SDK you choose supports both.

2. Chat security

A primary characteristic of a chat app SDK is that it must be secure and allow privacy. Data breaches and theft are the greatest threats, so don’t allow them in your chat apps. Look for a secure chat app provider with end-to-end encryption and AES128 security standards to ensure your users safety.

3. Scalablity

You must be aware that the chat SDK is not like a fixed deposit. It must be scalable based on your users’ needs in the future. If the chat app isn’t allowing you to scale, then you must reconsider choosing that provider.

4. Customizable

If you are going with an uncustomizable chat SDK, then you will regret that decision any time soon. Look for providers with customization options; if possible, go further and own white-label solutions.

5. Added Features

We are all concerned about the basic amenities of a hotel room on vacation, where we go once in a while. Why not implement tools like chat SDKs and the best Chromecast solution for hospitality to create a seamless, technology-driven environment for guests?

Look for basic features like push notifications, presence indicators, location access, typing indicators, etc. to create effective and efficient communication.

These are some of the basic characteristics of a chat SDK. Based on your project preferences, you can prepare a checklist and strike out the providers that don’t meet your expectations.

What Are The Primary Messaging API Features Used In The IT Industry?

The IT industry is a fast-paced industry that is preparing the world to meet the expectations of the future. For such industries, formal mail communication can’t fix the communication gaps.

In order to be futuristic, chat APIs do the job with some of their advanced features, which are used in the IT industry to eradicate communication gaps.

• Real-time messaging: It helps you text instantly with a person in private or in a group to know the updates, clarify your queries, get product explanations, have team meetings, etc. in real-time communication.
• Push notifications: stay connected Even while you are concentrating on other tasks, you can control the notifications according to your preferences and never miss any important conversations that go unattended.
• Presence indicators: Get an update on the person you are texting at your fingertips. See their presence status, like online, offline/active, or away, and then set your priorities based on it.
• Typing indicators: Avoid frustration by not knowing when you will be replayed. Just keep an eye on the typing indicators, which show when the person on the other end is typing your reply. Saves you time and keeps your users relaxed.
• Delivery or read receipts: Know the status of the text, whether it is delivered or read by the receiver. Before dragging them into a quarrel, check whether the text got into their brains or just their inbox.
• Security: Encrypted messages can be read only by the sender and the receiver, so make your business conversation fearless. Make sure your provider has secure end-to-end encryption and AES security standard features to rely on.
• Message formatting: Having insights like formatting texts in bold, italic, underline, and highlighting helps users save time and never miss important texts that lack readability due to a lengthy paragraph.

These are some of the modern chat features that are required by the IT industry to keep the communication vibes going.

What Are The Benefits Of Choosing An In-App Chat Solution?

Have you ever wondered what benefits an in-app chat can provide for your IT project? Continue reading below, and you might be surprised.

• 100% customizable solution: In-app chat allows you to customize the SDK and its features in the way you want. Flexibility is at its core.
• White-label solutions: With in-app chat, you can get complete white-label solutions, which means you never have to compromise your brand identity.
• Complete ownership: It’s your IT project, and you own it. In the same manner, you can own an in-app chat and provide your customers with all-under-one-roof solutions.
• One-time license cost: With all these benefits, this is an additional one. You pay only once and own the in-app chat forever. One-time license cost and complete ownership.
• On-premise hosting/ Hosting Flexibility: Never worry about hosting being stuck with someone else. You choose the way you want it. Host it on your own infrastructure, or if you want, you can host it on the provider’s cloud hosting.
• Hire a dedicated team: Don’t think about recruiting developers for setup; you can hire a dedicated team from some of the providers to support you in the cause.

Benefits are right, aren’t they? This is why most IT projects choose an in-app chat API for their enterprise chat solution.

Best Chat API Solution Providers For IT Industries

Here is the list of the 10 best in-app chat solutions 1.MirrorFly, 2.Apphitect, 3.Agora, 4. Zulip, 5. Ably, 6. ClickUp, 7. Cometchat, 8. TalkJS & etc.

1. MirrorFly

White-label Chat Solution For Enterprise Apps

MirrorFly is popular among a lot of developers for its CPaaS solutions. It is uniquely picked for its customization options. You can literally change any part of the solution to make your app look and feel super-personalized. 

The hosting freedom is great! Only a few providers offer this flexibility to self-host apps and MirrorFly is a pioneer in this. You can choose to host your team app on your own servers, data centers, or any private cloud. 

And you’ll love its white-labeling options. Simply put, you will build with MirrorFly, customize with elements that perfectly fits your business demands, and still not mention MirrorFly anywhere on the app. 

There’s a lot more we could talk about MirrorFly, but we’d leave it to you to explore and experience the best perks. 

Key IT Communication Features Of MirrorFly

• Ultra-low latency
• 100% customizable
• Secure: end-to-end encryption and AES128 security standards
• Privacy regulations compatible with HIPAA, GDPR, and OWASP
• 1000+ enriched modern chat features (ex: push notifications, presence indicators, read receipts, typing indicators, etc.)

Which Platforms Do MirrorFly Support?

• Web
• iOS
• Android
• Desktop (Windows, macOS)
• React Native
• Flutter + more

How Much Does MirrorFly Cost?

MirrorFly has 2 different pricing models:

1. CPaaS

Offers 2 packages:

• Essentials: $399/ 5k users/ month
• Premium: $999/ 5k users/ month

2. Self-hosted

You’ll get a lifetime access to the license key. The cost depends on the custom features you choose for your platform. 

 

Looking To Build A White-label Chat Solution For Your App?

Request Demo

2. Apphitect

Secure Chat Solution For Enterprise Communication

Apphitect has been in the game for over a decade and the expertise speaks for itself. This UAE-based solution provider makes it easy for you to build your enterprise communication apps, with its super-flexible API and SDKs. 

The solution is built with scalability in mind. This means, whether you are a startup or a large corporation, Apphitect lets you develop apps more effortlessly than you could imagine. 

Just like MirrorFly, Apphitect also offers white-labeling options. You can make full use of it to deliver personalized experiences to your users.

Key IT Communication Features Of ApphiTect

• 100% customizable
• White label solution
• One-time license cost
• Secure
• 99.999% uptime SLA

Which Platforms Do Apphitect Support?

• Web
• iOS
• Android
• Desktop (Windows, macOS)
• React Native

How Much Does Apphitect Cost?

Apphitect offers a custom pricing plan. You need to contact their team to understand how the cost structure works.

3. Agora

Reliable Solution For Real-time Communication

Agora is well-known for its real-time communication solutions that focus on video and audio interactions. Your IT apps will have a lot of meetings happen, and Agora might just be a right fit if you are looking for a solution that can accommodate 1000s of participants in a single session. 

Developers have reviewed this provider as a secure option, and a highly scalable solution for enterprises. 

Key IT Communication Features Of Agora

• One-time license cost
• Privacy regulations compatible: HIPAA, GDPR
• White label solutions
• Fully customizable
• Supports low latencies

These are a few in-app chat SDK providers who might have checked more boxes on your checklist. Now you might be surprised at how MirrorFly fulfilled all your needs.

Which Platforms Do Agora Support?

• Web
• iOS
• Android
• Desktop (Windows, macOS)
• React Native

How Much Does Agora Cost?

Agora’s chat SDK starts at $349.00 per month. The provider also offers free messaging for up to 500 monthly users

4. Ably

Scalable Chat Solution Built For Enterprises

Ably offers reliable performance, especially during peak loads. This typically means that your users will receive their messages instantly without delays.

The platform also features built-in data persistence and synchronization capabilities. Using this, users can access messages even if they temporarily lose connectivity. 

Key IT Communication Features Of Ably 

• Real-time messaging (data streams)
• Secure presence channels
• Scalable for large user bases
• Global data centers for low latency
• Offline message delivery

Which Platforms Do Ably Support?

• Web
• iOS
• Android
• Desktop (Windows, macOS)

How Much Does Ably Cost?

For in-app messages, Agora charges $2.50 / million with Message throughput 1300 / sec

5. ClickUp

Modern Chat Solution For Teams

Clickup is very friendly project management and easy to use. This platform comes with chat functionalities that you can use for your team collaboration. 

What’s amazing about Clickup is its all-in-one workspace that your teams can use to manage their tasks, all while having quick chit-chat about their projects, within the same platform. 

Don’t ever imagine it is all going to be rigid, and you can use only the features that Clickup offers you. With Clickup, you can customize the workflows, specific to your team. 

Key IT Communication Features Of ClickUp

• Unified team chat with threaded conversations
• Task management with real-time updates
• File sharing and document collaboration
• Video conferencing and screen sharing
• Customizable dashboards for project visibility

How Much Does ClickUp Cost?

Clickup comes in 4 different pricing plans:

• Free
• Unlimited (Best for small teams): $10
• Business (Best for mid-sized teams): $19
• Enterprise (Best for many large teams): Custom pricing

6. Cometchat

Easy-to-use Chat Solution For Workplace Communication

You’ll need Cometchat if you need a chat app built in the next few hours. The solution offers an extensive range of pre-built UI components, which you can just plug and play to build a fully functional chat app for your IT projects. 

Most of CometChat’s features are designed uniquely to meet the expectations of modern users. Your users will have an overall smooth and easy chat experience if you build your IT app with CometChat’s APIs  and SDKs. 

Key IT Communication Features Of CometChat

• Multi-platform messaging (web, mobile, desktop apps)
• One-on-one and group chat with file sharing
• Chatbots for automated communication
• User roles and access control
• In-app notifications for real-time updates

How Much Does Cometchat Cost?

Cometchat offers 4 different pricing plans:

For 1k users,

• Build: $0/ month
• Basic: $239/ month
• Advanced: $339/ month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

7. TalkJS

Custom Chat Solution For Unique Team Chat Experience

We picked TalkJS for this list, first and foremost for its user-friendly Chat API. You need not sweat it all out with extensive coding to build your IT chat app. 

Within minutes, TalkJS lets you build a feature-rich platform with a custom interface. You can bring up all the branding elements, simply by integrating their UI Kit. 

The platform supports both one-on-one messaging and group chats, catering to various interaction needs within enterprises. Additionally, TalkJS includes features like typing indicators and read receipts to enhance team engagement during conversations.

Key IT Communication Features Of TalkJS

• Easy chat integration with existing applications
• Customizable chat UI with branding options
• Guest chat functionality for non-registered users
• Chat transcripts and analytics reporting
• Integrations with popular business tools

How Much Does TalkJS Cost?

TalkJS offers 3 different pricing plans:

• Basic: $279/ month
• Growth: $569/ month
• Customized

8. Pubnub

Enterprise Chat Solution Built For Global Reach

If you are running an IT business that spreads out operations across various regions of the globe, Pubnub might be your best shot. It offers a chat API that supports global scalability and yes, the latency is super-low. 

Is it modern enough for modern users? Yes! The solution integrates well with IoT devices, enabling real-time interactions between users and connected devices seamlessly. You can typically connect your app to your car, laptop, or smartwatch. 

Key IT Communication Features Of PubNub

• Real-time data synchronization across devices
• Push notifications for mobile and desktop users
• High-performance APIs for custom development
• Secure communication with encryption protocols
• Global data delivery network with low latency

Which Platforms Do Pubnub Support?

• Web
• iOS
• Android
• Desktop (Windows, macOS)
• Node.js

How Much Does Pubnub Cost?

Pubnub comes in 3 different pricing plans:

• Platform Free: Free
• Platform Pro: Custom
• Platform Starter: $98/ month

9. Rocket.chat

Open-source Chat Solution For Team Communication

Rocket.chat took a unique direction as MirrorFly is offering self-hosted chat services. You’ll see that most of its features are customizable and flexible. You can brand it all your way and integrate with any third-party tool. 

With Rocket.Chat you can go beyond the basic chat functionalities and white-label your entire app, giving your IT Team a personalized chat experience. 

Key IT Communication Features Of Rocket.chat

• Open-source platform for self-hosted deployments
• Unlimited channels for team organization
• Video conferencing with screen sharing and recording
• File sharing and document collaboration features
• Integrations with external services and tools

Which Platforms Do Rocket.chat Support?

• Web
• iOS
• Android
• Desktop (Windows, macOS)
• Self-hosted (Linux, Windows, macOS)

How Much Does Rocket.chat Cost?

Rocket.chat is available in 3 different pricing plans:

• Starter: $0/user/ month
• Pro: $4/ user/ month (self-managed)
• Enterprise: Custom quote

10. Proofhub

Flexible Chat Solution For Project Management

ProofHub is an all-in-one project management tool. If you build your app with ProofHub, you team can typically discuss tasks while tracking progress simultaneously. The platform’s intuitive interface makes it easy for your teams to navigate around easily between project planning and team discussions. 

People also can create discussions linked directly to specific projects or tasks. That will make relevant information stay organized in one place.

Key IT Communication Features Of Proofhub

• Built-in chat with task and project context
• Online proofing and feedback tools for creative teams
• Gantt charts for project scheduling and visualization
• Kanban boards for agile workflow management
• Team reports and analytics for project tracking

Which Platforms Do Proofhub Support?

• Web
• iOS
• Android
• Desktop (Windows, macOS)

How Much Does Proofhub Cost?

Proofhub comes in 2 different plans:

1. Essential: $45/ month
2. Ultimate Control: $89/ month

Editor’s Recommendation: MirrorFly

When we reviewed this list, we took up 27 chat solutions and filtered out 10. Among them, we had several reasons to place MirrorFly at the top of the list:

• 100% Customizable Chat & Call features 
• You get Full Source Code Ownership
• Users can make and receive Unlimited Chat & Call
• You can implement SIP & VoIP Call
• You can Hire a Dedicated Team to build your app end to end
• Customize the Security Features as much as you need 
• Whitelabel your app effortlessly
• Flexible host your app anywhere – on-premise or cloud 
• Scale up to 5 billion Conversation 
• Build the app swiftly with Low Code SDK
• Upload Huge Files without any limitations

Well, these reasons were sufficient for us to compare with other chat solutions and still recommend you to go with MirrorFly, without any doubt. If you’d like to explore more about the product, visit the features page. 

What IT projects are supported by MirrorFly?

MirrorFly supports every IT project in its cause. Yet here are a few that could be highly benefited through its in-app messaging SDKs.

1. Online events: Events are one of the more complicated parts of IT projects. Gathering users online for an event might feel critical, but in-app chat, voice, and video SDKs make it easy.

• File upload
• Audio and video calling

2. Live streaming: Stream endlessly, show your users the milestone you are crossing together, and make them part of the achievement. All of these are now made easy with in-app chat SDKs.

• Moderation
• Message reactions
• Engagement

3. On-demand services: Post COVID, now the world relies on delivery services for food, groceries, retail, cabs, and a lot more. Connecting your delivery partners with your customers and service agents via in-app chat helped in eradicating the communication gap that existed in on-demand services.

• Presence indicators
• Audio calling
• Location access

4. CRM projects: Customer relationship management primarily focuses on customer satisfaction, streamlining marketing and sales, customer retention, and optimizing customer service and support. All these processes are held together through effective communication, and in-app chat provides that solution.

• Performance monitoring
• Real-time chats
• Team meetings

These are a few of the IT projects that are mostly benefited by in-app chat providers like MirrorFly.

Overall Recommendation: MirrorFly

Yes, it’s us. However, we have a strong point and features that will support your IT projects through communication. 

When we reviewed this list, we took up 27 chat solutions and filtered out 10. Among them, we had several reasons to place MirrorFly at the top of the list:

100% Customizable Chat & Call Features: Like you own your IT projects, you can own the chat and call features with complete freedom.

Full Source Code Ownership: As the self-hosted chat platform, with MirrorFly you can own complete source code data ownership.

Unlimited Chat Features: No limit on text messaging, one-on-one group calls, video conferencing, and other interactive features for personal and business messaging.

SIP & VoIP Calls: You can establish a professional business communication environment with programmable SIP and VoIP calls with unlimited customization.

Dedicated Team to Hire: Get support for whatever chat support, consultation, integration, and migration needs are needed with the dedicated development team. 

Additional Key Features and Characteristics

• White-label chat API and SDK
• Flexible Hosting
• Scale up to 5 Billion conversations
• Supports any tech stack, browsers and platforms
• Upload huge files without any limitations

Well, these reasons were sufficient for us to compare with other chat solutions and still recommend you to go with MirrorFly, without any doubt. If you’d like to explore more about the product, visit the features page. 

Open the doors to experience

Despite knowing the features and benefits, experience is the best teacher before making any decisions.

MirrorFly offers you the best way to experience it; all you have to do is open the door and experience it. But how? Simple in-terms Click the link below to get a free product demo and explanation. Because you deserve it.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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