8seats vs LockChat
8seats
8seats.comLockChat
lockchat.comSide by side
| Figure | 8seats | LockChat |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $2.99/mo | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Secure Team Chat Software | 8.9 (#1) | 8.3 (#6) |
| Encryption | The maker says messages are encrypted in transit with TLS 1.3 and at rest with AES-256. | LockChat says it provides pure end-to-end encryption and lets users select the device to which a message is delivered. |
| Headquarters | North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia | St Albans, United Kingdom |
| Intended users | The maker describes 8seats as built for frontline and deskless workforces, including retail, hospitality, facilities management, transport, logistics, and construction teams. | The maker describes LockChat as designed for enterprise organisations, including regulated and security-sensitive environments. |
| Product | 8seats is a work messaging platform designed as a WhatsApp alternative for frontline and deskless teams. | LockChat describes itself as an end-to-end encrypted instant messaging platform for business communications. |
| Support | The Help Centre offers tutorials, FAQs, troubleshooting information, support requests, and bug reports. | The LockChat contact page lists [email protected] and phone support at +44 (0) 333 150 6660. |
Plans
In their own words
8seats
8seats is a work messaging platform for frontline and deskless teams. Rooms support team-wide broadcasts, Tables organize focused group conversations, and Direct Messages provide private one-to-one chats. Employees can join with a phone number rather than a company email address. An admin dashboard manages users and communications across locations, and teams can connect with external guests and partners. Organizations can customize the app's look and feel. The maker says messages are encrypted in transit with TLS 1.3 and at rest with AES-256; role-based permissions govern conversation access, and administrators can remove access instantly. The Starter plan is free for up to 10 employees, with unlimited guests, 365 days of message history and 1 GB of storage. Business costs $2.99 a month, billed user/mo, with monthly and yearly options. 8seats is available on Android, iOS, macOS, web and Windows. Its stated audiences include retail, hospitality, facilities management, transport, logistics and construction teams.