search
Get Started

emoji_events Best Chat Software

Top-rated chat software ranked by our AI-powered scoring system.

#2
Mattermost

Mattermost

Ideal for large teams that require a customizable...

8.2 Very Good
Visit
emoji_events #1
Gitter

Gitter

Developers working on open-source projects or thos...

8.7 Very Good
Visit
#3
Matrix.org

Matrix.org

Ideal for teams that require real-time messaging a...

7.5 Good
Visit
5
Products Ranked
7.4
Avg Score
8.7
Top Score
Summary: The best chat software in 2026 is Gitter with a score of 8.7/10, followed by Mattermost (8.2) and Matrix.org (7.5). This ranking is based on Lunoo's AI-powered scoring system which evaluates 5 chat software across quality, features, user satisfaction, and value. Rankings are updated daily.

table_chart Top 5 at a Glance

Rank Name Score Price Best For
#1 Gitter 8.7 Free Developers working on open-source projects or those who need... Visit
#2 Mattermost 8.2 Free / $5/user/month for the paid plan Ideal for large teams that require a customizable and secure... Visit
#3 Matrix.org 7.5 Free / Free or N/A Ideal for teams that require real-time messaging and collabo... Visit
#4 Zoho Cliq 7.4 Free / $10/user/month Ideal for small teams or businesses looking for a cost-effec... Visit
#5 Chanty 5.4 Free / $4/user/month Chanty is best for teams that prioritize real-time communica...

compare Quick Comparisons

Gitter
Gitter
VS
Mattermost
Mattermost
Compare
Mattermost
Mattermost
VS
Matrix.org
Matrix.org
Compare
Matrix.org
Matrix.org
VS
Zoho Cliq
Zoho Cliq
Compare

leaderboard Full Chat Software Rankings

Best 1 Gitter
Gitter
Free Plan Available

Gitter is an open-source chat and collaboration tool designed for developers. It offers real-time messaging, file sharing, and issue tracking in a single platform. Gitter's features include topic-base...

Team Collaboration Communication Project Management Integration Open Source Chat Code Review Group Chat Chat Software Real Time Messaging
8.7 Very Good
Visit
2 Mattermost
Mattermost
Free Plan Available From $5/user/month for the paid plan

Mattermost is the premier open-source alternative to Slack, designed specifically for teams that prioritize security, privacy, and control. It offers a familiar interface that makes migrating from Sla...

Video Conferencing Large Team Communication Team Collaboration Open Source Self Hosted Cross Platform Extensible Non Profit Team Communication Secure Messaging Chat Software
8.2 Very Good
Visit
3 Matrix.org
Matrix.org
Free Plan Available From Free or N/A

Matrix.org is an open-source platform for real-time messaging and collaboration that supports multiple clients and integrates with various tools. It offers features like voice calls, video conferencin...

Team Collaboration Communication Open Source End To End Encryption Cross Platform Issue Tracking Chat Software
7.5 Good
Visit
4 Zoho Cliq
Zoho Cliq
Free Plan Available From $10/user/month

Zoho Cliq is a robust team communication tool that integrates seamlessly with the broader Zoho suite of business applications. It offers a clean, modern interface with features like 'Channels', 'Bots'...

Team Collaboration Business Productivity Communication Affordable Integration User Friendly Zoho Ecosystem Integrated Chat Software
7.4 Good
Visit
5 Chanty
Chanty
Free Plan Available From $4/user/month

Chanty is a simple, AI-powered team chat platform designed to boost productivity. It stands out by including a built-in task manager that allows users to turn any message into a task with a single cli...

Help Desk Software Communication Project Management Team Collaboration Collaboration Customer Support Cloud Based Ticketing System Live Chat Voice Calls Chat Software
5.4 Average
Browse All Chat Software arrow_forward code Embed This Ranking

help Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Chat Software in 2026?
According to our AI-powered rankings, Gitter is currently rated as the best Chat Software with a score of 8.7/10. Other top-rated options include Gitter, Mattermost, Matrix.org.
How are these Chat Software ranked?
Our rankings use an AI-powered scoring system that analyzes features, user reviews, expert opinions, market presence, and value for money. Each Chat Software receives an objective score from 0 to 10.
How often are the rankings updated?
Our rankings are updated continuously as new data becomes available. Scores are recalculated regularly to ensure you always see the most current and accurate ratings.
What are the top 5 Chat Software in 2026?
The top 5 Chat Software in 2026 are: Gitter, Mattermost, Matrix.org, Zoho Cliq, Chanty. These are ranked by our AI-powered scoring system based on features, quality, and user satisfaction.
How many Chat Software are ranked on Lunoo?
Lunoo currently ranks 5 Chat Software. New options are added and scored regularly.
Which Chat Software has the highest score?
Gitter currently holds the highest score at 8.7/10 in our Chat Software rankings.
Is Gitter worth it?
Gitter scores 8.7/10, making it one of the highest-rated Chat Software available. Its strong rating reflects excellent performance across our evaluation criteria.
What should I look for when choosing a Chat Software?
Key factors include your specific use case, budget, features offered, ease of use, and long-term value. Our scoring system evaluates these factors objectively. Compare the top options above to find the best fit.
Are there any free Chat Software options?
Some Chat Software offer free plans or trials. Check each option's website for current pricing. Our rankings focus on overall quality regardless of price point.
What is the difference between top-rated Chat Software?
While Gitter and Mattermost are both highly rated, they differ in features, pricing, and target audience. Use our comparison tool to see detailed side-by-side differences.
Can I compare Chat Software on Lunoo?
Yes! Lunoo offers a detailed comparison tool. Click the compare icon on any two items to see a side-by-side analysis of scores, features, pros, and cons.
How accurate are Lunoo's Chat Software rankings?
Our AI-powered scoring system is calibrated against established ground truth sources and continuously improved. We analyze features, expert reviews, user feedback, and market data to provide the most objective rankings possible.

science How We Rank

Every chat software is scored across 12 weighted criteria from hundreds of verified sources:

  • Features & Capabilities - Comprehensive analysis of what each option offers
  • User Reviews - Aggregated feedback from real users across platforms
  • Expert Opinions - Professional reviews and industry recognition
  • Value for Money - Cost-effectiveness relative to features
  • Reliability & Support - Track record and customer service quality

Rankings are updated continuously as new information becomes available.

Disclosure: Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our rankings — all scores are determined by our independent AI-powered evaluation system.

Save to your list

Create your first list and start tracking the tools that matter to you.

Track favorites
Get updates
Compare scores

Already have an account? Sign in

Welcome back

Sign in to your account

google Sign in with Google
OR CONTINUE WITH EMAIL
Forgot password?
Don't have an account? Sign up

Create your account

Start discovering the best tools

google Continue with Google
or sign up with email
Already have an account? Sign in
lock_reset

Reset your password

Enter your email and we'll send you a reset link

arrow_back Back to sign in
close

Compare Items

See how they stack up against each other

Comparing
VS
Select 1 more item to compare
compare_arrows Compare