The Meta Workplace platform is shutting down. Don’t panic! There’s still some time to prepare for the inevitable curtain call. Everyone who uses the platform (and that’s over 7 million paying users) will be able to continue as-is till August 2025. with further platform access being available till May 2026. That’s ample time for everyone to find a suitable alternative. However, that might be easier said than done.

The reason why the platform was so popular is the way it brought everyday social media interaction to the workplace. Even those who aren’t that tech-savvy were familiar with the interface and all the functions that they didn’t shy away from using the platform. This, in turn, helped to build a more cohesive office where information, ideas, and messages flowed quickly and efficiently.

How to Find the Best Meta Workplace Alternative

Because Meta Workplace was in such a unique position to provide such an easily accessible solution, it’s virtually impossible to replicate it beat-for-beat. Having said that, it’s important to know, that there’s a plethora of stellar solutions on the market, each of which brings something special to the table. What businesses need to do is figure out what works best for them and there are a couple of key points that should be addressed before making your choice:

• Accessibility – we’re not talking about knowledge or simplicity (every software can be learned with enough usage), but comfort. Meta Workplace worked because it was familiar, people were used to all the mechanics and were comfortable with the UI. Therefore, they used it freely and frequently. Find something that’s equally accessible on all levels.
• Compatibility – all businesses use a multitude of apps in their day-to-day workings. An email provider, CRM solution, accounting, purchasing and sales software, etc. and you’ll need to find a platform that works with all of these. There’s no chance you’ll change your entire digital infrastructure just to build it around a communications platform.
• Security – businesses handle sensitive information daily. Security of those data transfers should be of the highest priority, both regarding your internal data and that of your clients.
• Support – if something prevents you from working, chances are, you’re losing money. Also, there isn’t a piece of software, app, or platform out there that’s guaranteed to work without a hitch forever. In those cases where something breaks down you need a customer support service that’s available 24/7 and able to efficiently fix any issue you might have.

The Best Meta Workplace Alternatives

What follows is a list of the best alternatives on the market today. Most of them you’ve probably already heard of since they’re widely used already. None of these can be classified as a direct, 100% replacement, but all are stellar solutions, and most even bring something new and unique to the table.

Connecteam

Connecteam is an all-in-one platform that looks to combine all aspects of staff collaboration, communication, and management into one easy-to-use dashboard that’s applicable on all levels, across the board.

Outside of the core functions that are common in these kinds of apps such as chat and data sharing (directly and/or through a shared repository), Connecteam provides you with a plethora of advanced features such as shift scheduling, task management, creating a general intranet feed, time-off management, etc. All of this is packaged in an intuitive, easy-to-use UI, that works equally well on a desktop as it does on mobile devices – perfect for those in the office and on the road.

When you first boot it up, you’ll have the option to go through a quick setup wizard that, with a couple of inputs, helps you narrow down the optimal set of features you’ll be primarily using. Naturally, all of this can be changed afterward as you get more acquainted with the platform.

The visual style, while not a carbon copy of Meta Workplace, is very approachable, and designed in a recognizable way so that no major learning curve will be expected. Within the chat, you’ll be able to create channels and groups for even easier communication.

Connecteam rounds up its features with a full staff management section that enables you to implement shifts, individual tasks, and time-off for each user. Furthermore, it’s easy to assign and follow up on tasks within the calendar and send manual or automated notifications with the provided tools. Your entire scheduling can be run through the platform, so you won’t have to invest in a separate app.

PROS

• Multitude of features – provides a host of features divided into three sections (operations, communication, and HR & skills) that enable full employee management in every aspect.
• Supports mobile devices – the platform works equally well on the go and a desktop, making it ideal for businesses with diverse staff roles.
• Customizable UI – choose the features you want/need to be featured on the dashboard, those that are surplus can be left out altogether.

CONS

• No significant drawbacks

Happeo

Happeo is a social intranet platform that integrates with the Google Workspace solution. For businesses that have their digital infrastructure built around Google and the many services it provides, Happeo could be considered the logical solution. It will enable you to enhance not only the communication within your firm but also build an intranet system that goes far beyond the simple chat function. Every benefit Google provides will count double, because of the native ecosystem. However, if you’re using it only sparingly, you won’t be able to come close to maximizing the app’s potential.

PROS

• Google integration – all Goole Workspace services such as Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, etc. are integrated within the app’s interface, meaning you’ll be able to access some of the most frequently used software on the same page.
• Search – all the benefits of the famed Google search algorithm are used on your intranet data (pages, staff, messages, etc.) making finding something extremely easy.
• Create pages – with the user-friendly UI, designated staff will be able to quickly and easily create and share intranet pages that are then available companywide.

CONS

• Google-reliant – all the major features are directly tied to Google services, if you’re not using them, Happeo isn’t much of an option.
• No real-time analytics
• Intranet pages are limited to predefined templates with minimal customization options.

Pebb

Pebb is unique in the way it was designed primarily with mobile use in mind. An all-in-one solution, with Pebb you’ll be able to create your business intranet hub which includes feeds, channels/clubs, a knowledge library, and even create an app repository for staff to easily download. At the same time, you’ll have chat functionality across all devices used around the office. While it shares many of the features of Meta Workplace, the UI is entirely self-contained, which translates into a steep learning curve.

PROS

• User designations – create specific profiles for users and enable them to create private clubs and/or channels for easier communication.
• Feeds – companywide feeds can be sent within the intranet interface
• Upload helpful data – easily build your internal document and app repository that all staff members can access

CONS

• Not user-friendly – it isn’t like the commonly used, everyday apps, which relates to allocating resources for training sessions and tech support,
• Limited customization – while you have free reign of the content you’re uploading, the design of the UI is very rigid with few customization options

Slack

Slack is a relatively popular solution, especially with businesses that work on projects that require a high degree of collaboration (either within the same team or across the whole firm). It offers a wide range of third-party integrations, but at its core, it’s still primarily a chat solution and then everything else (if you decide to enhance it with the integrations).

PROS

• Third-party integrations – a substantial integration repository allows businesses to adjust Slack in a variety of ways, customizing it specifically for their needs.
• Automated processes – create bots that help and guide projects and conversations and send notifications once conditions are met
• Channels – create multiple communication channels for teams, departments, projects, etc.

CONS

• Limited video conference options
• Leans on third-party integrations for advanced features (like Trello, Google Drive, etc.)
• Overly customizing the UI can lead to a lack of standardization among channels, which translates to a steeper learning curve for beginners.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is probably the easiest for businesses that use Windows to implement. It’s native to the OS, with the UI and overall mechanics being almost identical to those of Windows and MS Office. Outside of the seamless integration with all Microsoft products, however, it lacks advanced features found in other solutions.

PROS

• Office 365 integration – enables you to work directly from the app (Word, Excel, etc.)
• File sharing – exchange files through the chat, or work together on the same document
• Microsoft security – the level of security found in Windows is equal to the one in Teams

CONS

• No feed feature – can’t post or share content on a unified “general” feed
• Severely lacking outside of the Microsoft ecosystem
• Essentially an advanced chat with file-sharing options

Simpplr

Simpplr is a platform that aims to create a hub accessible to everyone, with a feed for sharing posts, along with a data transfer feature. Many of the main features found, are powered by AI making them suitable for novice users who need help with day-to-day operations. This, in turn, eliminates the need for excessive training sessions and saves time on tech support. What you see is mostly what you get, however, because support for third-party integrations is limited.

PROS

• AI bots – AI bots can be used as troubleshooting guides when someone runs into issues, or to automate straightforward actions speeding up workflow
• User interface – the interface looks and feels like the ones we use in our social media apps every day, making it a viable replacement for Meta Workplace
• Data sharing – the efficient interface makes for easy data sharing and storing of all file types

CONS

• Poor customization – virtually no significant customization options
• Integrations – very limited third-party integration options

Conclusion

Replacing your business’s intranet and internal communication method is no small feat, especially if it’s a well-known platform such as Meta Workplace. However, it can also be viewed as an opportunity to enhance your platform for even better results. As you’ve seen, there are platforms on the list like Connecteam that, for the “price” of a slightly different UI, provide even more features than Meta Workplace ever did. You’ll have to change either way, so why not make an upgrade?