Top Remote Collaboration Software Comparison
By Amanda Reyes | Published: 2025-03-06 | Category: Remote Collaboration Software
About Remote Collaboration Software
Remote collaboration software encompasses tools designed to help teams communicate, share information, manage projects, and work together effectively regardless of physical location. These platforms typically integrate messaging, video conferencing, file sharing, and task management features.
Scoring Criteria
- → Communication Features
- → Task/Project Management
- → Collaboration Tools
- → Integrations
- → User Interface & Ease of Use
- → Pricing & Value
- → Security & Compliance
The Best Remote Collaboration Software
#10
ClickUp
By ClickUp
A highly customizable productivity platform aiming to replace multiple apps by offering docs, reminders, goals, calendars, chat, and project management.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Best For: Project Management, Task Tracking, Process Management, Document Collaboration, Goal Tracking, Team Collaboration
Key Features
- ✓Multiple Views: Over 15 views including List, Board, Calendar, Gantt, Mind Map, Workload.
- ✓Customization: Custom statuses, fields, and workflows.
- ✓Docs: Collaborative document creation integrated with tasks.
- ✓Goals: Set and track targets linked to tasks.
- ✓Chat View: Real-time chat within tasks or dedicated views.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free Forever
Contact Vendor
- Unlimited tasks
- Unlimited members
- 100MB storage
- Collaborative Docs
- Real-time Chat
- Limited views and features
Limitations: Storage limit, Limited uses of advanced views/features (Gantt, Mind Maps, etc.)
Unlimited
$10.00 / per user/month
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited storage
- Unlimited integrations
- Unlimited Gantt charts, dashboards
- Goals, Portfolios
- Custom Fields
Limitations: Limited uses of automations/API
Business
$19.00 / per user/month
- Everything in Unlimited, plus:
- Advanced automations
- Advanced time tracking
- Workload management
- Advanced dashboard features
- Custom exporting
Pros
- + Extensive feature set aiming to be 'one app'
- + Highly customizable
- + Generous free tier
- + Multiple project views available
- + Competitive pricing
Cons
- - Interface can feel overwhelming and complex
- - Steep learning curve
- - Some features feel less polished than dedicated tools
- - Performance can be inconsistent
Verdict
"A powerful, highly customizable platform for teams looking to consolidate many work tools into one, provided they invest time in setup and learning."
#9
Notion
By Notion Labs, Inc.
An all-in-one workspace combining notes, docs, wikis, project management, and databases into a highly flexible and customizable platform.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Best For: Note Taking, Knowledge Base/Wiki, Task Management, Document Creation, Lightweight CRM, Personal Organization
Key Features
- ✓Blocks: Build pages using various content blocks (text, images, tables, databases, embeds).
- ✓Databases: Create flexible databases with different views (Table, Board, List, Calendar, Gallery, Timeline).
- ✓Templates: Extensive library of user and Notion-created templates.
- ✓Real-time Collaboration: Co-edit pages and leave comments.
- ✓Integrations & API: Connect with other tools and build custom workflows.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Unlimited blocks for individuals
- Limited block trial for teams
- Collaborative workspace
- Basic page analytics
- 7 day page history
Limitations: Block limit for teams, Limited file uploads, Limited page history, Limited guests
Plus
$10.00 / per user/month
- Unlimited blocks for teams
- Unlimited file uploads
- 30 day page history
- Up to 100 guests
Limitations: No SAML SSO, Basic admin tools
Business
$18.00 / per user/month
- Everything in Plus, plus:
- SAML SSO
- Private teamspaces
- Advanced page analytics
- 90 day page history
- Up to 250 guests
Pros
- + Extremely flexible and customizable
- + Combines notes, docs, and project management
- + Powerful database features
- + Good value free and paid tiers
Cons
- - Can have a steep learning curve due to flexibility
- - Not ideal for real-time chat
- - Performance can slow down with complex pages/databases
- - Mobile app less robust than desktop/web
Verdict
"An incredibly versatile workspace ideal for teams wanting to consolidate documentation, notes, and project management in one highly customizable place."
#8
Figma
By Figma, Inc.
A collaborative interface design tool that runs in the browser, focused on UI/UX design, prototyping, and developer handoff.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Windows, macOS, iOS (Mirror), Android (Mirror)
Best For: UI/UX Design, Prototyping, Design Systems Management, Developer Handoff, Collaborative Design Reviews, FigJam for Whiteboarding
Key Features
- ✓Vector Editing Tools: Robust tools for creating and editing vector graphics.
- ✓Real-time Collaboration: Multiple users designing in the same file simultaneously.
- ✓Prototyping: Create interactive prototypes with transitions and animations.
- ✓Components & Libraries: Build and manage reusable design system components.
- ✓FigJam: An online whiteboard tool integrated within the Figma ecosystem.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Starter (Free)
Contact Vendor
- 3 Figma & 3 FigJam files
- Unlimited personal files
- Unlimited collaborators
- Plugins and templates
Limitations: Limited number of team files, Limited version history
Figma Professional
$15.00 / per editor/month
- Unlimited Figma files
- Unlimited version history
- Sharing permissions
- Team libraries
- Audio conversations
Limitations: No org-wide libraries or design system analytics
Figma Organization
$45.00 / per editor/month
- Everything in Pro, plus:
- Org-wide libraries
- Design system analytics
- Branching & merging
- SSO
- Centralized file management
Pros
- + Excellent real-time design collaboration
- + Cross-platform accessibility (web-based)
- + Powerful design and prototyping features
- + Strong community resources (plugins, templates)
- + FigJam adds whiteboarding capabilities
Cons
- - Primarily focused on design workflows
- - Steeper learning curve for non-designers
- - Offline access is limited
Verdict
"The industry standard for collaborative interface design and prototyping, offering unparalleled real-time co-editing for design teams."
#7
Miro
By RealtimeBoard, Inc.
An online collaborative whiteboard platform designed for brainstorming, diagramming, workshops, and visual project management.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Surface Hub
Best For: Brainstorming & Ideation, Virtual Workshops, Diagramming & Mind Mapping, Agile Workflows, Visual Project Planning
Key Features
- ✓Infinite Canvas: A limitless digital whiteboard space.
- ✓Rich Toolset: Sticky notes, shapes, connectors, drawing tools, templates.
- ✓Real-time Collaboration: See cursors, co-edit, use built-in video chat.
- ✓Templates Library: Pre-built templates for various use cases (e.g., retrospectives, user story maps).
- ✓Integrations: Connects with tools like Jira, Asana, Slack, Teams, Zoom.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- 3 editable boards
- Pre-made templates
- Core integrations
- Basic attention management
Limitations: Limited number of boards, No private boards, No voting/timer, No video chat
Starter
$10.00 / per user/month
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited editable boards
- Private boards
- Custom templates
- Voting, timer
- Basic collaboration tools
Limitations: No external editors
Business
$20.00 / per user/month
- Everything in Starter, plus:
- Unlimited external viewers/commenters/editors (with day passes)
- Miro Smart Diagramming
- Advanced security (SSO)
- Bulk license management
Pros
- + Exceptional visual collaboration capabilities
- + Vast template library
- + Highly intuitive interface for whiteboarding
- + Strong integration options
- + Supports diverse use cases
Cons
- - Not a primary communication or task management tool
- - Can become expensive for larger teams needing advanced features
- - Performance can degrade on very large boards
Verdict
"The leading online whiteboard for teams needing a powerful visual space for brainstorming, planning, and collaborative workshops."
#6
Trello
By Atlassian
A simple, flexible, and visual collaboration tool based on Kanban boards, ideal for managing tasks and projects.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Best For: Task Management, Simple Project Tracking, Visual Workflow Management, Personal Organization, Idea Board
Key Features
- ✓Kanban Boards: Visualize tasks on boards with lists and cards.
- ✓Cards: Represent tasks with details like descriptions, checklists, due dates, attachments.
- ✓Power-Ups: Add integrations and features like calendars, custom fields, and automation.
- ✓Butler Automation: Automate actions within Trello boards.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Unlimited cards
- Up to 10 boards per Workspace
- Unlimited storage (10MB/file)
- Unlimited Power-Ups (limited selection)
- Limited automation runs
Limitations: Board limit, File size limit, Limited automation, Basic views
Standard
$6.00 / per user/month
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited boards
- Advanced checklists
- Custom Fields
- Unlimited storage (250MB/file)
- More automation runs
Limitations: No advanced views like Calendar, Timeline, Map
Premium
$12.50 / per user/month
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- Multiple views (Calendar, Timeline, Table, Dashboard, Map)
- Workspace-level templates
- Priority support
- Admin and security features
Pros
- + Extremely easy to learn and use
- + Highly visual Kanban approach
- + Flexible for various workflows
- + Good free tier
- + Power-Ups add significant functionality
Cons
- - Less suited for highly complex projects
- - Scalability can be challenging for large teams/portfolios
- - Reporting features are basic without Power-Ups/Premium
Verdict
"Perfect for individuals and teams seeking a simple, visual way to manage tasks and projects, especially those who favor the Kanban methodology."
#5
Asana
By Asana, Inc.
A project and work management platform designed to help teams organize, track, and manage their work, from small tasks to strategic initiatives.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Project Management, Task Tracking, Workflow Automation, Team Coordination, Goal Setting
Key Features
- ✓Multiple Project Views: Visualize work with Lists, Boards, Timelines (Gantt), and Calendars.
- ✓Task Management: Assign tasks, set deadlines, add dependencies, and track progress.
- ✓Workflow Automation: Automate routine processes with rules.
- ✓Reporting Dashboards: Visualize project progress and team workload.
- ✓Goals: Set, track, and manage company objectives.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
Pricing
Basic (Free)
Contact Vendor
- Unlimited tasks, projects, messages
- List, Board, Calendar views
- Assignees and due dates
- Up to 15 collaborators
Limitations: Limited project views (No Timeline), Basic reporting, Limited automation
Premium
$13.49 / per user/month
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- Timeline view
- Workflow Builder (automation)
- Unlimited dashboards
- Advanced search
Limitations: No portfolio management, Limited integrations compared to Business
Business
$30.49 / per user/month
- Everything in Premium, plus:
- Portfolios
- Goals
- Workload management
- Custom rules builder
- Approvals
Pros
- + Powerful task and project management features
- + Flexible project views
- + Strong workflow automation capabilities
- + Clean and intuitive interface
Cons
- - Primarily focused on task/project management, not real-time communication
- - Can become expensive
- - Free tier lacks key views like Timeline
Verdict
"An excellent choice for teams needing robust project management and workflow automation, best used alongside a dedicated communication tool."
#4
Google Workspace
By Google
An integrated suite of cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools, including Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, and Chat.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Email Communication, Document Collaboration, Video Conferencing, Cloud Storage, Team Scheduling
Key Features
- ✓Google Meet: Secure video conferencing integrated with Calendar.
- ✓Google Chat: Direct messaging and team chat rooms (Spaces).
- ✓Real-time Document Collaboration: Simultaneous editing and commenting in Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
- ✓Google Drive: Cloud storage and file sharing.
- ✓Shared Calendars: Easy team scheduling and event planning.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.9 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free (Personal Google Account)
Contact Vendor
- Gmail, Drive (15GB), Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet (100 participants, 60 min limit)
Limitations: Limited storage, No custom email domain, Basic support
Business Starter
$6.00 / per user/month
- Custom business email (@yourcompany)
- 100 participant video meetings + recording
- 30 GB cloud storage per user
- Standard support
Limitations: Limited storage compared to higher tiers
Business Standard
$12.00 / per user/month
- Everything in Starter, plus:
- 150 participant video meetings + recording, noise cancellation
- 2 TB cloud storage per user
- Shared drives
Limitations: Fewer admin/security controls than Enterprise
Pros
- + Excellent real-time document collaboration
- + Seamless integration between apps
- + Generous storage options
- + Familiar interface for Gmail users
- + Strong value proposition
Cons
- - Chat features less mature than Slack/Teams
- - Task management requires separate tools or basic integrations
- - Interface can sometimes feel disjointed between apps
Verdict
"A superb choice for teams prioritizing document collaboration and seeking a tightly integrated suite of familiar productivity tools at a competitive price."
#3
Zoom
By Zoom Video Communications
A leading video conferencing platform known for its reliability and ease of use, expanding into chat, phone, and events.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Best For: Video Conferencing, Webinars, Online Meetings, Team Chat, Cloud Phone System
Key Features
- ✓High-Quality Video/Audio: Reliable and clear video and audio conferencing.
- ✓Screen Sharing & Annotation: Easy screen sharing with collaborative annotation tools.
- ✓Breakout Rooms: Split meetings into smaller groups for focused discussions.
- ✓Zoom Team Chat: Persistent chat channels and direct messaging.
- ✓Zoom Apps: Integrate apps directly into the Zoom meeting experience.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.1 / 10.0)
Pricing
Basic (Free)
Contact Vendor
- Meetings up to 100 participants
- 40-minute limit on group meetings
- Unlimited 1:1 meetings
- Team Chat
Limitations: 40-minute group meeting limit, Limited cloud recording
Pro
$15.99 / per license/month
- Meetings up to 100 participants
- Group meetings up to 30 hours
- 5 GB cloud recording
- Social media streaming
Limitations: Minimum host licenses may apply
Business
$19.99 / per license/month
- Meetings up to 300 participants
- Everything in Pro, plus:
- Single Sign-On (SSO)
- Managed domains
- Company branding
- Recording transcripts
Pros
- + Exceptional video/audio quality and reliability
- + Very easy to use
- + Feature-rich meeting controls
- + Robust free tier for basic meetings
Cons
- - Primary focus is video, other collaboration features are secondary
- - Can be costly for features beyond basic meetings
- - Past security concerns (though largely addressed)
Verdict
"The top choice for reliable video conferencing and webinars, with improving chat capabilities, but less suited as an all-in-one collaboration hub."
#2
Slack
By Salesforce
A popular channel-based messaging platform focused on streamlining team communication and integrating with numerous third-party tools.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Best For: Team Communication, Instant Messaging, Workflow Automation, Community Building, Integration Hub
Key Features
- ✓Channels: Organized spaces for conversations, projects, and topics.
- ✓Direct Messaging: Private one-on-one or small group conversations.
- ✓Slack Connect: Communicate securely with external partners and clients within Slack.
- ✓Extensive App Directory: Integrates with thousands of third-party applications.
- ✓Workflow Builder: Automate routine tasks and communications.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.1 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Access to 90-day message history
- 10 app integrations
- 1:1 video calls
- File sharing
Limitations: Limited message history, Limited integrations, No group video calls
Pro
$8.75 / per user/month
- Unlimited message history
- Unlimited integrations
- Group video calls (up to 50)
- Screen sharing
- Slack Connect
Limitations: Standard support
Business+
$15.00 / per user/month
- Everything in Pro, plus:
- SAML-based SSO
- Data exports
- 99.99% guaranteed uptime SLA
- 24/7 support with 4-hour response time
Pros
- + Excellent user interface
- + Best-in-class integrations
- + Powerful search functionality
- + Strong community features (Slack Connect)
Cons
- - Free tier limitations (message history)
- - Can become expensive for large teams
- - Less native support for complex project management
Verdict
"The gold standard for team messaging and integrations, particularly effective for tech-savvy teams and fostering cross-functional communication."
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#1
Microsoft Teams
By Microsoft
An integrated communication and collaboration platform within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, combining chat, video meetings, file storage, and application integration.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Best For: Team Communication, Video Conferencing, Document Collaboration, Project Coordination, Enterprise Collaboration
Key Features
- ✓Persistent Chat: Organized chat channels and direct messaging.
- ✓Video Conferencing: HD video meetings with screen sharing, recording, and live captions.
- ✓File Sharing & Co-authoring: Deep integration with OneDrive and SharePoint for real-time collaboration on Office documents.
- ✓App Integrations: Extensive integration with Microsoft 365 suite and third-party apps.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Unlimited group meetings up to 60 minutes
- 100 participants per meeting
- 5 GB cloud storage per user
- Unlimited chat
Limitations: Limited meeting duration, Basic storage
Microsoft 365 Business Basic
$6.00 / per user/month
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Meetings up to 30 hours
- 300 participants
- 1 TB OneDrive storage
- Web and mobile versions of Office apps
- Team SharePoint site
Limitations: Desktop Office apps not included
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
$12.50 / per user/month
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- Desktop versions of Office apps
- Webinar hosting
- Attendee registration and reporting tools
Pros
- + Deep integration with Microsoft 365
- + Comprehensive feature set
- + Strong security and compliance
- + Generous free tier features
Cons
- - Interface can feel cluttered
- - Best value requires commitment to Microsoft ecosystem
- - Steeper learning curve for some users
Verdict
"Ideal for organizations already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, offering a powerful, integrated hub for communication and collaboration."
Final Thoughts
The remote collaboration software landscape offers diverse solutions catering to different needs. Tools like Microsoft Teams and Slack excel in communication, while Asana and ClickUp dominate project management. Google Workspace provides a strong, integrated productivity suite, Trello offers simplicity, Miro and Figma lead in visual collaboration and design respectively, Zoom remains king of video conferencing, and Notion offers unparalleled flexibility for knowledge management and beyond. Choosing the right tool depends on a team's primary focus, existing ecosystem, budget, and tolerance for complexity.