The Best Output Messenger Alternative for Seamless Team Communication
Output Messenger is a robust intranet messenger designed to enhance internal communication and productivity within offices. It offers a secure, private environment with features like one-on-one chats, group chats, chat rooms, file sharing, voice messages, screen clipping, and even voice and video calls. However, while excellent for its specific purpose, many users seek an Output Messenger alternative that might offer broader integration, cloud-based flexibility, or specific advanced features not natively available. This article explores some of the top alternatives to Output Messenger, helping you find the perfect fit for your team's communication needs.
Top Output Messenger Alternatives
Whether you're looking for a more feature-rich solution, better cross-platform support, or a different pricing model, these alternatives provide excellent options for fostering effective team collaboration.
Skype
Skype is a well-known instant messaging and video chat application that serves as a versatile Output Messenger alternative. Available across various platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, Web, Android, and iOS, Skype offers features like screen sharing, video calling, voice calls, and group messaging. Its long-standing presence and broad user base make it a reliable choice for general communication needs, though it operates on a freemium model.
Slack
Slack has become a dominant force in real-time team communication, offering extensive features for modern teams to stay focused and productive. As a robust Output Messenger alternative, Slack provides group chat, multi-channel support, app integration, and live push notifications. It is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS, operating on a freemium model with paid tiers offering advanced features, making it ideal for teams requiring deep integration and extensive customization.
Mattermost
Mattermost is an excellent open-source, self-hosted Output Messenger alternative, providing a secure and private messaging solution comparable to proprietary SaaS platforms. It supports group chat, team collaboration, integrated file sharing, Markdown support, and a plugin API. Mattermost is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS, perfect for organizations prioritizing data ownership and the flexibility of self-hosting.
Rocket.Chat
Rocket.Chat is another compelling open-source and free Output Messenger alternative, offering a versatile web chat server with a focus on real-time communication. It provides group chat, channels, live chat, video conferencing, integrated file sharing, and screen sharing. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and self-hosted environments, Rocket.Chat is ideal for teams seeking a customizable and highly flexible communication platform without licensing costs.
Trillian
Trillian is a long-standing instant messaging client that acts as a solid Output Messenger alternative by unifying various chat services. It offers synchronized chats across phones, tablets, and desktops (Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iOS), and features support for multiple protocols including Facebook, IRC, Twitter, and XMPP. Trillian is a freemium offering that caters to users who manage multiple communication channels from one interface.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams, part of the Microsoft 365 suite, is a comprehensive team collaboration software and a strong Output Messenger alternative. It integrates chat, voice and video calls, shared calendars, and various Microsoft Office applications, making it ideal for organizations heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS, Teams offers a freemium model with advanced features through Microsoft 365 subscriptions, including noise reduction and real-time collaboration.
Gitter
Gitter is a free, open-source chat and collaboration tool specifically popular among developers and open-source communities. As an Output Messenger alternative, it offers unlimited public chat rooms, cross-platform support (Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iOS), and real-time collaboration. It's a great option for projects that thrive on public discussion and transparency.
Ringcentral Glip
Ringcentral Glip is a comprehensive team messaging and project management tool that serves as a robust Output Messenger alternative. It integrates chat with task management, document sharing, shared calendars, and video conferencing. Glip is available on Windows, Web, Android, and iOS, operating on a freemium model, making it suitable for teams looking for an all-in-one platform to streamline communication and workflow.
Empathy
Empathy is a free, open-source messaging program primarily for Linux and BSD, offering text, voice, and video chat, along with file transfers across various protocols. While more niche than other options, it functions as a basic Output Messenger alternative for users within these operating systems who need a versatile communication client supporting XMPP and SIP.
Flock
Flock is a rapidly growing team messenger and a strong Output Messenger alternative, offering a powerful platform with integrated productivity tools. It provides group chat, integrated file sharing, task management, notes, and extensive app integrations (Google Calendar, Asana, Jira). Available on Mac, Windows, Web, Android, and iOS, Flock operates on a freemium model and is ideal for teams seeking a blend of communication and project management features.
Choosing the right communication tool depends on your team's specific needs, budget, and desired features. By exploring these top Output Messenger alternatives, you can find a solution that best enhances your internal communications, productivity, and team collaboration.