Best Free Collaboration Tools Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 22 tools reviewed.
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
Collaboration tools are a valuable asset for any company. With the right software, teams can work together remotely or in person more efficiently and maintain alignment on important tasks. But finding the right collaboration tool can be a challenge, especially with so many options available.
Using my experience in project management software, I tested and compared several of the top collaboration tools available. From there, I compiled my results into in-depth reviews to help businesses find the best software for their unique needs. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, I’m confident that you’ll locate your next collaboration tool in the list below.
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Best Free Collaboration Tools Summary
Tools | Price | |
---|---|---|
Zoom | From $149.90/year/license | Website |
Dropbox | Starts from $9.99/user/month | Website |
Google Workspace | From $6/user/month | Website |
Loom | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Trello | From $5/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Jira | From $7.16/user/month + free plan available | Website |
HubSpot | From $45/user/month | Website |
Miro | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Slack | From $7.25/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Hive | From $5/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow To Choose Free Collaboration Tools
As you work through your unique software selection process, keep the following points in mind:
- Ease of Use: The tool should be intuitive and easy to navigate to ensure quick adoption by your team. An overly complex tool can slow down productivity and deter team members from using it.
- Integration Capabilities: Ensure the tool will integrate with your team’s existing tech stack. This can streamline workflows and reduce the need to switch between different applications. For instance, if your team uses Google Drive for file storage, choosing a collaboration tool that integrates with Google Drive will save time and improve efficiency.
- Customization Options: Different teams have different workflows and preferences, and a customizable solution adapts to various working styles to enhance productivity. For example, a tool that allows personalized dashboards and workflow automation will cater to the unique needs of each team member.
- Security Features: Protecting sensitive information is crucial. The tool should have strong security measures to safeguard user data. For example, if your team handles confidential client information, choosing a tool with strong encryption and compliance with data protection regulations will help prevent data breaches.
- Cost and Budget: While the tools listed here all offer free options, consider any potential costs associated with premium features or scaling up as your team grows. A free version might be sufficient for a small team, but you might need to upgrade to a paid plan for additional features as your team expands.
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Wrike
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
Hub Planner
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
Miro
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8
Best Free Collaboration Tools Reviews
This section provides an in-depth analysis and overview of each free collaboration tool. I’ll go over each one’s pros and cons, features, and best use cases.
Zoom is a video conferencing platform that enables seamless virtual meetings, webinars, and team collaboration across devices. It supports HD video, audio, and screen sharing, making it ideal for both small team meetings and large-scale conferences.
Why I picked Zoom: Zoom provides high-quality video and audio that ensure clear communication, even in large meetings. The platform's ease of use, combined with features like breakout rooms and real-time chat, fosters collaboration and engagement during meetings. The platform’s ability to support large-scale webinars and virtual events further distinguishes it as a leading choice for enterprise-level communication.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include breakout rooms that allow for smaller group discussions within meetings, seamless screen sharing with annotation tools that enhance collaboration, and extensive integration options with tools like Slack, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Teams, enabling streamlined workflows and better team coordination.
Integrations include Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Calendar, Outlook, Dropbox, Salesforce, HubSpot, Trello, Asana, and Zapier.
What’s Free? Zoom has a free version that allows for up to 100 participants per meeting.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust security features
- User-friendly interface
- High-quality video and audio
Cons:
- Requires stable internet connection
- Free plan only allows for 40 minutes of meeting time
Dropbox is a cloud storage platform that enables users to store, share, and collaborate on files securely from anywhere. It simplifies file management with its intuitive interface and supports access across devices.
Why I picked Dropbox: Dropbox is incredibly secure, with encryption and access controls that ensure sensitive data remains protected. The platform’s ability to sync files across multiple devices in real-time makes it an ideal solution for teams needing consistent access to their work from anywhere, ensuring that collaboration is smooth and efficient.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include advanced security measures such as file encryption and two-factor authentication, which safeguard data across all devices. Dropbox offers real-time file synchronization that keeps work up-to-date across multiple devices, ensuring teams always have access to the latest versions of their documents.
Integrations include Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Trello, Asana, Adobe Creative Cloud, Salesforce, Docusign, and HelloSign.
What’s Free? Dropbox offers a free plan with 2 GB of storage, and users can access 30-day free trials of paid plans.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Cross-device access
- Easy file sharing
- Strong security features
Cons:
- Requires internet access
- Limited free storage
Google Workspace is a comprehensive suite of cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools that comprises Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, and more. It’s designed to help teams communicate, collaborate, and manage their work efficiently, regardless of their location.
Why I picked Google Workspace: Google Workspace is a useful collaboration and productivity tool because of how it integrates several tools into a comprehensive network. Every Google tool is designed to work together seamlessly with the rest, enabling efficient team collaboration. The platform's cloud-based nature ensures that teams can access their work from anywhere, on any device, with real-time collaboration features that keep everyone on the same page.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include real-time collaboration in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, which allows multiple team members to work on the same document simultaneously. The suite of tools also boast robust security features, including advanced encryption and compliance certifications, which protect sensitive business data.
Integrations include Salesforce, Slack, Trello, Zoom, Dropbox, Asana, HubSpot, Microsoft Office, Zapier, and Docusign.
What’s Free? A 14-day free trial allows users to test out Google Workspace before purchasing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong security features
- Seamless integration across tools
- Comprehensive tool suite
Cons:
- Syncing delays
- Limited offline access
Loom is a video messaging platform that enables users to quickly record and share videos to enhance communication and collaboration. It’s designed to help teams convey their messages more effectively through video, whether for feedback, project updates, or asynchronous communication.
Why I picked Loom: Loom allows users to capture their screen, voice, and face simultaneously, making it a versatile tool for remote and hybrid work environments. The platform’s video messaging capabilities reduce the need for lengthy meetings and emails, allowing teams to share information quickly and efficiently.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include the ability to record and share videos instantly, and viewer engagement insights that help track how recipients interact with the videos.
Integrations include Google Workspace, Slack, Jira, Trello, Zoom, Dropbox, Asana, Miro, Airtable, and HubSpot.
What’s Free? Loom offers a free-forever plan for individuals to record up to 25 5-minute videos.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Secure sharing
- AI transcription
- Easy video recording
Cons:
- Requires internet connection
- Free plan lacks importing & downloading
Trello is a visual task management tool that helps teams organize their work through boards, lists, and cards, making it easy to track projects and tasks at a glance. It’s highly flexible and suitable for a wide range of workflows, from simple to-do lists to complex project management.
Why I picked Trello: Trello provides an intuitive and highly visual task management solution. The platform's drag-and-drop interface, along with customizable boards and cards, provides a clear, at-a-glance overview of project progress. Additionally, Trello's ability to automate workflows using Power-Ups makes it an effective solution for teams looking to streamline their processes while maintaining a clear visual representation of their tasks.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include a highly visual drag-and-drop interface that makes task management intuitive and flexible, customizable boards and cards that can be tailored to fit any workflow, and Power-Ups that allow users to integrate other tools and automate tasks, enhancing productivity and collaboration.
Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence, Evernote, GitHub, Salesforce, and Zendesk.
What’s Free? Trello’s freemium plan allows individuals and teams to manage up to 10 project boards.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Highly customizable boards
- Flexible workflows
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- No offline mode
Jira is a powerful project management tool designed for teams of all sizes to plan, collaborate on, and manage projects. It supports agile methodologies, offering features like Scrum and Kanban boards, customizable workflows, and detailed reporting to help teams optimize their processes and deliver high-quality outputs efficiently.
Why I picked Jira: Jira stands out for its capacity to support complex projects, particularly in software development environments. The platform offers advanced features like custom workflows, detailed issue tracking, and real-time reporting that enable teams to manage even the most intricate projects with precision.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include customizable workflows that allow teams to tailor project processes to their unique needs, advanced reporting and analytics tools that provide real-time insights into project progress and performance, and seamless integration with other Atlassian products like Confluence and Bitbucket, enabling a unified and efficient development environment.
Integrations include Slack, Trello, Zoom, Dropbox, Google Workspace, Asana, Miro, Airtable, HubSpot, and Loom.
What’s Free? Jira offers a completely free version for up to 10 users with unlimited goals, projects, tasks, and forms
Pros and cons
Pros:
- AI-driven task suggestions
- Real-time data insights
- Customizable workflows
Cons:
- Comes with a learning curve
- Complex setup process
HubSpot is an all-in-one customer relationship management (CRM) platform that offers a suite of tools designed to help businesses with inbound marketing, sales, customer service, and content management.
Why I picked HubSpot: HubSpot earned its spot on my list because of its powerful inbound marketing and sales tools, which are specifically designed to align with the inbound methodology. This approach focuses on attracting customers through valuable content and personalized engagement rather than traditional, interruptive marketing methods. HubSpot’s automation, CRM integration, and AI-powered features make it easy for teams to collaborate, manage campaigns, and analyze performance all in one place.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include powerful marketing automation tools that allow for personalized, multi-channel campaigns, as well as advanced analytics and reporting that provide deep insights into customer behavior and campaign performance.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Zendesk, Shopify, WordPress, Zapier, Slack, Google Analytics, Mailchimp, and SurveyMonkey.
What’s Free? HubSpot’s free version is available for up to 5 users.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust analytics
- User-friendly interface
- Comprehensive toolset
Cons:
- Reporting features are somewhat basic
- Steep learning curve
Miro is an online collaboration tool designed to help teams brainstorm, plan, and execute projects using virtual whiteboards. It provides an intuitive digital workspace where teams can collaborate in real-time or asynchronously, using tools like sticky notes, diagramming, wireframing, and mind mapping to drive innovation.
Why I picked Miro: Miro is a good option for visual collaboration and brainstorming, which are essential for fostering team creativity and alignment. The platform's intelligent canvas allows teams to ideate and iterate quickly, making it easier to visualize ideas, plan projects, and make informed decisions. With AI-powered tools built in, Miro simplifies complex tasks and enhances productivity, making it an invaluable tool for teams looking to innovate faster.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include a dynamic intelligent canvas that supports real-time and asynchronous collaboration, and AI-driven tools that automate routine tasks and enhance decision-making.
Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Zoom, Jira, Microsoft Teams, Dropbox, Trello, Asana, Confluence, and Sketch.
What’s Free? Miro has a freemium plan that supports unlimited users with up to 3 editable boards.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time collaboration
- Extensive template library
- AI-powered tools
Cons:
- Occasional lag with large boards
- Limited advanced analytics
Slack is a collaborative platform designed to streamline team communication and enhance productivity by centralizing all messaging, file sharing, and integrations in one place. It supports real-time communication through channels, direct instant messaging, and video calls, making it easier for teams to collaborate, share ideas, and stay aligned.
Why I picked Slack: Slack is primarily a team communication platform, offering a user-friendly interface that supports both synchronous and asynchronous collaboration. The platform's integrations allow teams to bring all their work into one centralized location, reducing context switching and improving efficiency. Customizable channels, powerful search functionality, and automation through Slackbot enable teams to communicate effectively and stay organized.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include customizable channels that allow teams to organize conversations by project or topic, powerful search capabilities that make it easy to find specific messages or files, and extensive integration options that connect Slack with other tools and services, enabling seamless workflows and enhanced productivity.
Integrations include Google Drive, Microsoft Office 365, Trello, Zoom, Dropbox, Salesforce, Jira, GitHub, Asana, and Zendesk.
What’s Free? Slack offers a basic version free of charge for small teams.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly mobile app interface
- Customizable notifications
- Organized communication channels
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for new users
- Limited video conferencing features
Hive is a project management and collaboration tool designed to help teams plan, track, and execute their work efficiently. It consolidates all projects, tasks, deadlines, approvals, and communications into a single platform, making it easier for teams to stay aligned and manage their workflows effectively.
Why I picked Hive: Hive stands out for its focus on teamwork in project management, and supports both agile and traditional project management methodologies. The platform's flexibility allows teams to customize their workflows, collaborate in real-time, and automate routine tasks, enhancing overall productivity.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include customizable project views such as Kanban, Gantt, and Calendar, which allow teams to visualize their work in the format that suits them best. The platform also offers powerful automation tools to reduce manual work and improve efficiency.
Integrations include Google Drive, Salesforce, Slack, Zoom, Dropbox, Microsoft Teams, Trello, Asana, Jira, and HubSpot.
What’s Free? Hive’s free plan supports up to 10 workspace members and unlimited tasks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable workflows
- Comprehensive project views
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Integration issues with some third-party apps
- Limited customization for task views
Other Free Collaboration Tools
Below is a list of additional free collaboration tools that I shortlisted. While they didn’t make the top 10, they’re still valuable and worth further research.
- Quire
For visual task management
- Airtable
For no-code custom app building
- Asana
For goal-oriented project management
- Freedcamp
For comprehensive project management
- monday.com
For customizable workflows
- Nifty
For project timeline tracking
- OneDrive
For cloud storage and file sharing
- Bitrix24
For integrated communication tools
- Lucidspark
For collaborative brainstorming
- Taskworld
For task and project visualization
- Excel
For data analysis and spreadsheets
- same-page.com
For real-time team collaboration
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- Time Tracking Software
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- Gantt Chart Maker
- Productivity Tools
- Project Tracking Software
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Free Collaboration Tools Selection Criteria
The criteria for choosing free collaboration tools should directly address buyer needs and common pain points, ensuring that the software serves its intended purpose effectively. As an expert who has personally tried and researched these tools, here are the requirements I use when evaluating software:
Core Functionality: 25% of total weighting score
- Assigning, tracking, and managing tasks
- Uploading, sharing, and collaborating on documents
- Real-time messaging and video conferencing
- Scheduling and managing events
- Monitoring project progress and milestones
Additional Standout Features: 25% of total weighting score
- Tools that offer integrations with other popular software
- Features like virtual whiteboards or advanced project templates
- Ability to tailor the tool to specific workflows
- Robust mobile apps for on-the-go collaboration
- Advanced security measures like end-to-end encryption
Usability: 10% of total weighting score
- Clean, intuitive, and user-friendly design
- Simple and logical layout
- Minimal time is required to become proficient
- Ability to personalize the interface to user preferences
Onboarding: 10% of total weighting score
- Availability of training videos and webinars
- Guided tours to help new users.
- Pre-built templates to get started quickly.
- Assistance with data migration and setup.
Customer Support: 10% of total weighting score
- 24/7 support options
- Multiple support channels like chat, email, and phone
- Quick and efficient response to queries
- Comprehensive documentation and FAQs
Value For Money: 10% of total weighting score
- Transparent and competitive pricing
- The rich feature set for the price
- Evaluation of what is included in the free version
- Cost and benefits of upgrading to paid plans
Customer Reviews: 10% of total weighting score
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Frequent issues reported by users
- Features that users find most valuable
- User feedback on customer support experiences
Trends For Free Collaboration Tools
Here are some trends I’ve noticed among the best online collaboration tools, plus what they might mean for the future. I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs to tease out the most important insights.
- AI-Powered Features: AI is being integrated into collaboration tools to automate tasks. This reduces manual work and increases efficiency, which is essential because it allows teams to focus on more strategic activities.
- Cross-Platform Integration: Collaboration tools are increasingly compatible with various platforms, ensuring seamless workflow across different devices. Teams must use diverse technologies.
- Enhanced Security: Free tools offer better security features, including encryption and multi-factor authentication. Protecting sensitive information is essential.
- Customizable Workflows: Users can now tailor workflows to their specific needs. This flexibility improves productivity and user satisfaction. It's interesting as it allows for personalized project management.
What Are Free Collaboration Tools?
Free collaboration tools are software applications that enable individuals and teams to work together on projects, free of charge. These tools are commonly used by remote teams, freelancers, and small businesses to share files, communicate, and manage tasks. Users need these tools to coordinate efforts, share information, and ensure everyone is aligned on project goals.
Free collaboration tools may include file sharing, real-time messaging, task management, and video conferencing. These features allow teams to communicate effectively, track progress, and collaborate on documents and tasks in a centralized platform.
Features Of Free Collaboration Tools
Choosing the right collaboration tool is essential for improving virtual and in-person teamwork and keeping team members aligned. When selecting a free collaboration tool, consider several key features that can significantly impact business success, such as:
- Unified Communication: This feature consolidates emails, chats, documents, and calendar events into a single platform. It eliminates the need to toggle between multiple applications, enabling seamless access to all relevant information and communication from a centralized hub.
- Real-Time Collaboration: This feature allows team members to share updates and provide instant feedback. It fosters a dynamic, interactive environment that transcends geographical boundaries, enhancing productivity and team alignment.
- Calendar Integration: Connects calendar events with broader communication contexts. This functionality helps users stay apprised of team activities, track deadlines, and plan meetings with a comprehensive understanding of relevant discussions and documentation.
- Voice Calling and Screen Sharing: Facilitates engaging, face-to-face interactions within distributed teams. Combined with contextual awareness, these capabilities elevate the quality of team discussions and decision-making processes.
- Security and Privacy: Implements strong security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure privacy. Features like data encryption, secure access controls, and regular security updates are crucial for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of user data.
- Integration with Third-Party Apps: Enhances collaboration software by integrating with popular applications like project management tools, file storage platforms, and productivity apps. This integration streamlines workflows and consolidates communication efforts within a single platform.
- Customization and Personalization: This feature allows users to customize their collaboration experience by choosing themes, setting preferences, and organizing their workspace. It promotes productivity by providing a personalized and enjoyable user experience.
- User-Friendly Interface: Ensures that the platform is easy to navigate and use. A clean and intuitive layout minimizes the learning curve, allowing users to focus on their work rather than struggling with complex navigation or confusing layouts.
- Presence and Status Indicators: This feature shows team members' availability and status. It helps in efficient and timely communication by allowing users to see who is online, busy, or away and choose the most appropriate mode of interaction.
- Live Updates and Comments: This feature provides real-time updates and live comments to facilitate rapid iteration and communication. It is essential for maintaining the flow of information and ensuring that all team members are on the same page.
Benefits Of Free Collaboration Tools
Here are five primary advantages of using free collaboration tools:
- Saving Time and Resources: Free collaboration tools streamline communication and project management, reducing the time spent on administrative tasks. This allows employees to focus on more critical activities, increasing overall productivity.
- Increasing Productivity: By automating routine tasks and simplifying workflows, collaboration tools enable teams to accomplish more in less time. This leads to higher efficiency and allows employees to concentrate on strategic initiatives.
- Improving Communication: These tools facilitate real-time communication and information sharing, ensuring all team members are on the same page. This is particularly beneficial for remote or hybrid teams, as it minimizes the risk of miscommunication and ensures that important updates are not missed.
- Enhancing Remote Collaboration: Free collaboration tools make it easier for teams to work together from different locations. They provide a centralized platform for document sharing, project tracking, and communication, essential for maintaining productivity in a remote work environment.
- Boosting Team Morale: When employees have the tools to work efficiently and effectively, it can lead to higher job satisfaction and morale. Collaboration tools also make it easier for team members to recognize and appreciate each other's contributions, fostering a positive work environment.
Costs And Pricing Of Collaboration Tools
Selecting collaboration tools requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. While all of the tools outlined above offer a free version or trial, they all also have paid plans with additional features and functionalities. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features.
Plan Comparison Table for Collaboration Tools
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
Free Plan | $0 | Basic task management, limited storage, basic integrations, limited user access |
Personal Plan | $5-$10/month | Enhanced task management, more storage, advanced integrations, more user access |
Business Plan | $10-$20/month | Advanced project management, extensive storage, premium integrations, team collaboration tools |
Enterprise Plan | $20+/month | Customizable features, unlimited storage, enterprise-level integrations, advanced security and compliance features |
Free Collaboration Tools FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about free collaboration tools.
How do I choose the best free collaboration tool for my team?
Choosing the best free collaboration tool for your team involves evaluating your specific needs and comparing them against the features offered by various tools. Consider factors such as the size of your team, the nature of your projects, and the level of integration required with other software. Look for tools that offer robust communication features, task management capabilities, and file-sharing options. Additionally, read user reviews and case studies to understand how other teams have benefited from the tools you are considering.
Are there any limitations to using free collaboration tools?
Yes, free collaboration tools often have limitations compared to their paid counterparts. These limitations include restricted storage space, a limited number of users, fewer integrations, and reduced customer support. Some tools may also limit the number of projects or tasks you can create. It’s essential to review the terms and conditions of the free version to ensure it meets your team’s needs without causing disruptions.
Can free collaboration tools integrate with other software?
Many free collaboration tools offer integrations with other popular software, although the extent of these integrations can vary. Standard integrations include email platforms, cloud storage services, project management tools, and communication apps. Check the tool’s integration capabilities on their website or within the app to ensure it can connect regularly with the other software your team uses.
How secure are free collaboration tools?
The security of free collaboration tools can vary significantly. Reputable tools typically offer basic security features such as data encryption, secure login protocols, and regular updates to protect against vulnerabilities. However, they may not provide the same level of security as paid versions, which often include advanced features like two-factor authentication, compliance certifications, and dedicated security support. Always review the tool’s security policies and consider whether it meets your organization’s security requirements.
What are some common challenges when using free collaboration tools?
Common challenges when using free collaboration tools include limited features, user restrictions, and potential data security concerns. Teams may also face difficulties with scalability as their needs grow, requiring a transition to a paid plan or a different tool altogether. Additionally, free tools may have less reliable customer support, which can be problematic if technical issues arise.
Can I migrate data from a free collaboration tool to a paid version or another?
Most free collaboration tools offer seamless data migration options to their paid versions. However, migrating data to a different tool can be more complex and may require exporting data in specific formats or using third-party migration services. It’s advisable to check the tool’s documentation or support resources for detailed instructions on data migration.
How do free collaboration tools handle user permissions and roles?
Free collaboration tools typically offer essential user permission and role management features. These can include assigning admin, editor, and viewer roles and setting permissions for accessing specific projects or files. However, the granularity of these permissions may be limited compared to paid versions. Ensure that your chosen tool allows you to manage user roles effectively to maintain control over your team’s collaboration environment.
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