Not too long ago, the idea of “working from anywhere” seemed impossible—or something reserved for just a select few. But now, it’s becoming a widespread trend. However, there’s a catch: many collaboration tools create more work than they solve. Some are overly complicated, while others require hours of training just to get started.
That’s why we tested over 30 tools to uncover the 10 that deliver the best results. In this guide, we’ll break down the 10 best collaboration tools for remote teams in 2025—solutions designed to help businesses of all sizes manage projects, communicate effortlessly, and thrive in this new era of work.
The remote work trend
The rise of remote work has transformed business operations. According to research, it was found that 76% of employers in Singapore now have policies allowing employees to work remotely two to four days a week, up from 54% in 2023. Additionally, another study states that nearly 58% of Americans can work from home at least part-time. This shift has pushed companies to adopt communication tools for remote teams to stay connected and maintain productivity.
With more teams spread across different time zones, having the best remote collaboration tools is essential. These tools foster communication, accountability, and efficiency, ensuring remote workers can collaborate just as effectively as in-office teams.
What to look for in collaboration tools
Not every collaboration tool will suit your remote team's needs. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting your next collaboration tool:
Team size and budget: Assess the number of users and your budget limitations when reviewing pricing plans.
Features and functionality: Determine which features are essential for your workflow, such as high-quality video conferencing, real-time document collaboration, project management capabilities, and time management tools.
User-friendliness: Opt for tools with intuitive interfaces to reduce onboarding time and enhance user acceptance.
Integrations: Ensure that the tools can integrate with your current software ecosystem to prevent data silos and improve workflow efficiency.
Security and data privacy: Select tools that emphasize strong security practices to safeguard sensitive information.
Scalability: Think about future growth and choose tools that can adapt as your team grows.
In addition, check that the collaboration tool gives you the support you need to start projects, kickoff meetings, and organize your team. For example, you can use hundreds of free templates from Lark, including:
Best collaboration tools for remote teams at a glance
1. Lark - Best all-in-one collaboration tool
2. Google Workspace - Best tool for Google users
3. Slack - Best communication software
4. Trello - Best task management platform
5. Zoom - Best video conferencing tools
6. Microsoft Teams - Best tool for Microsoft 365 users
7. Asana - Best task management tool for complex projects
8. Miro - Best virtual brainstorming and whiteboard software
9. Monday.com - Best easy-to-use project management software
ClickUp - Best collaboration tool for customization
10 best collaboration tools for remote teams in 2025
Lark - Best all-in-one collaboration tool
Lark stands out as an all-in-one super app designed to integrate every aspect of teamwork into a single platform. In a remote environment where switching between multiple tools can hinder productivity, Lark eliminates this inefficiency by combining messaging, virtual meetings, document collaboration, file sharing, project management, and workflow automation.
With Lark, you can:
Chat privately or in groups, @mention colleagues, send files, add custom bots, and more in Lark Messenger. You can also schedule messages to be sent to colleagues in different time zones.
Co-create documents with multiple members at the same time in Lark Docs. Your team can also comment, @mention colleagues, and track document updates in real time.
Hold audio and video calls at any time. Share your screen or document, or collaborate on an interactive whiteboard during meetings. Lark Meetings also supports translation, meaning you can chat effortlessly with colleagues or clients overseas.
Create calendars, view when your colleagues are busy, and quickly schedule meetings with Lark Calendar. Changes you make to scheduled meetings are automatically synced with other attendees.
Streamline project management through Lark Base, designed to organize projects, gather data, and complete tasks. Project managers can assign tasks, set up automation, sync progress in real time, and add views including Gantt, Kanban, Gallery, and more.
Lark can translate over 100 languages into 24 target languages for messages and documents.
If there’s one thing to keep in mind, it’s that Lark offers a wide range of powerful features—so there may be a bit of a learning curve. Luckily, the Lark Help Center and YouTube channel are packed with tutorials to help you get up to speed quickly.
Pricing: Free forever plan. Paid plans start at $12/month per user.
2. Google Workspace - Best tool for Google users
Image source: m.io/blog/google-chat
Google Workspace, previously known as G Suite, is a suite of collaboration tools for hybrid teams that has become a go-to solution for remote teams. It seamlessly integrates tools like Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, and Google Meet to help teams stay connected and work efficiently from anywhere.
With Google Workspace, you can:
Collaborate in real time on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations from anywhere.
Sync seamlessly with Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, and other Google tools.
Store and share files securely in the cloud with Google Drive.
Host reliable, high-quality video meetings with Google Meet.
One limitation is that Google Workspace doesn’t offer built-in project management tools, so you might need to pair it with other apps for task tracking. Still, its simplicity and reliability make it a top choice for teams that want to stay in the Google ecosystem.
Pricing: No free plan. Paid plans start at $7/month per user - Learn more.
3. Slack - Best communication software
Image source: pcmag.com
When it comes to fostering communication and connection among remote teams, Slack has become a household name. Known for its intuitive interface and chat functionality, Slack is one of the best communication tools for remote teams.
With Slack, you can:
Organize conversations with dedicated channels and direct messages.
Integrate with tools like Zoom, Trello, Google Drive, and more.
Share files, links, and updates in just a few clicks.
Search message history to find past conversations and files easily.
Collaborate with external partners using Slack Connect.
One thing to watch out for is information overload—when everything runs through chat, it’s easy to miss something important. Still, Slack’s structure and flexibility make it a go-to communication hub for remote teams.
Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $8.75/month per user - Learn more.
4. Trello - Best task management platform
Image source: startupstash.com
For remote teams juggling multiple tasks and workflows, Trello offers a visual and intuitive way to manage projects and organize work. Built with remote collaboration in mind, Trello uses customizable Kanban boards to help teams track progress, assign tasks, and keep everyone aligned.
With Trello, you can:
Organize tasks with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
Create customizable boards, cards, and lists to visualize your workflow.
Integrate with tools your team already uses, like Slack and Google Drive.
Stay productive on the go with an easy-to-use mobile app.
Trello excels at task management, but it doesn’t include built-in real-time communication or document co-editing. For teams that want a simple, visual way to manage projects, though, it remains a favorite.
Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $5/month per user - Learn more.
5. Zoom - Best video conferencing tool
Image source: Zoom
Zoom has become synonymous with virtual meetings and video conferencing. For remote teams looking to maintain face-to-face communication despite physical distances, Zoom provides a reliable platform for HD video and audio calls, webinars, and collaboration.
With Zoom, you can:
Hold high-quality video and audio meetings.
Create breakout rooms for smaller group discussions for brainstorming.
Share your screen and record your meetings.
While Zoom checks boxes for virtual meetings and remote communication, you may need to look elsewhere for project management and other collaboration features.
Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $13.33/month per user.
6. Microsoft Teams - Best tool for Microsoft users
Image source: ntiva.com
Microsoft Teams delivers a robust platform that integrates communication, file sharing, and productivity tools into one workspace. Similar to Google Workspace, if your remote teams are already familiar with Microsoft products, this suite might be what you need.
With Microsoft Teams, you can:
Create documents, spreadsheets, and more with Microsoft Office legacy products such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Hold video calls that include features such as screen sharing, breakout rooms, live captions, and real-time reactions.
Translate text into more than 100 languages.
Keep your data in Teams safe with Microsoft’s security features.
One thing to consider is the cost of Microsoft Teams if you’re a small business. Its free version is designed for personal use only, and to access the full suite, you’ll need to make a large financial investment.
Pricing: Free plan available for 1 user. Prices start at $4/month per user - Learn more.
7. Asana - Best task management tool for complex projects
Image source: g2.com
Asana provides a powerful, user-friendly collaboration platform to break down tasks and track progress. With features like task assignments, deadlines, and multiple project views, Asana makes it easy for remote teams to stay organized and aligned, no matter the size of the project.
With Asana, you can:
Set task assignments, deadlines, and track progress.
Create multiple project views including lists, boards, and calendar views.
Set up automation for repetitive tasks to help your team become more efficient.
Integrate with 100+ apps, allowing you to keep the tools you love.
A recurring issue for some tools in this list, Asana’s free plan is not ideal for remote teams due to its limited features. Still, if you’re willing to invest in a task management tool, then Asana is a reliable option.
Pricing: Free plan available. Prices start at $10.99/month per user - Learn more.
8. Miro - Best virtual brainstorming and whiteboard software
Image source: pinterest.com
Designed to facilitate visual thinking and team creativity, Miro offers a virtual canvas where remote teams can brainstorm, map workflows, and create diagrams in real time. Its intuitive interface and pre-built templates make it easy for teams to collaborate from anywhere.
With Miro, you can:
Brainstorm and create diagrams on an intuitive canvas with your team.
Get started quickly with pre-built templates.
Integrate Miro with tools such as Slack or Trello.
Experience real-time collaboration with your team all working on the same canvas.
One potential drawback is that while Miro is a great choice for visual thinking, it can become overwhelming and messy if you're brainstorming on large-scale projects. To avoid this, we recommend limiting the number of collaborators working at the same time.
Pricing: Free plan available. Prices start at $8/month per user.
9. Monday.com - Best easy-to-use project management software
Image source: capterra.com
Monday.com provides a visually engaging platform that adapts to diverse workflows. With its customizable dashboards, time-tracking capabilities, and automation features, Monday.com empowers remote teams to streamline their processes and stay on top of their projects.
Build customizable dashboards and workflows tailored to your team.
Track time and generate reports to monitor productivity.
Automate repetitive tasks to save time and reduce manual work.
Integrate with tools your team already uses, like Slack and Google Drive.
For teams new to project management software, Monday.com can feel a bit overwhelming at first. But once you’re up and running, it’s a powerful tool for keeping remote work organized and efficient.
Pricing: Free plan available. Prices start at $9/month per user - Learn more.
10. ClickUp - Best collaboration tool for customization
Image source: clickup.com
ClickUp is a collaboration tool designed to meet the diverse needs of remote teams. With features like task management, time tracking, and document collaboration, ClickUp eliminates the need to juggle multiple tools, making it an ideal choice for remote teams seeking a centralized solution.
With ClickUp, you can:
Choose from customizable task views like list, board, or calendar.
Collaborate on built-in docs and track goals and time all in one place.
Integrate with tools your team already uses—over 1,000 supported apps.
Tailor workflows to match your team’s specific collaboration style.
One drawback is the lack of built-in language options like Mandarin, Japanese, or Vietnamese, which can make ClickUp a less suitable choice for businesses in the Asia–Pacific (APAC) region. If you’re a global team, we suggest checking alternatives.
Pricing: Free plan available. Pricing starts at $7/month per user.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best tools for remote teams?
The best collaboration tool depends on your team’s specific needs. However, Lark is an outstanding choice for remote teams seeking an all-in-one platform that combines messaging, virtual meetings, document collaboration, project management, and scheduling. For teams focused solely on project management, tools like Trello or Asana can also be effective, but they lack Lark’s comprehensive functionality.
Are there any free collaboration tools for remote workers?
Many collaboration tools for remote teams offer a free plan, such as Slack, Zoom, and Trello, but with limited features. However, Lark’s free version stands out with its robust functionalities, including 100 GB of cloud storage, real-time document collaboration, integrated messaging, and project management tools—all without requiring an upgrade to a paid plan.
How to manage remote teams?
Here are some tips on how to manage remote teams in your company:
Set clear goals: Clearly define roles, tasks, and deadlines to keep remote workers aligned.
Communicate regularly: Schedule team meetings and one-on-ones to stay connected and address issues.
Encourage transparency: Create an open environment where team members share updates and challenges.
Track progress: Monitor tasks and provide feedback to keep the team on track.
Provide remote training: Set up remote training for remote teams when you introduce new processes or employees to the department.
Build team morale: Organize virtual activities and team building for remote teams to maintain a sense of connection.
Conclusion
The right collaboration tools are key to remote team success. While choices such as Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Slack, and Trello each have their strengths, Lark is the ultimate choice.
Unlike other tools that require juggling multiple apps, Lark combines messaging, meetings, document collaboration, project management, and scheduling in one seamless platform. Features like real-time document co-creation, scheduled messages, built-in meeting translations, and powerful project management tools help eliminate inefficiencies and simplify workflows.
Lark saves you time, reduces complexity, and empowers your remote teams to collaborate effortlessly. Ready to take your team’s productivity to the next level? Start using Lark today.
