Best Client Communication Tools for Agencies (2026)

Loom lets you record quick video messages—screen share, face-to-camera, or both—and share via link. Clients watch async. Agencies use it for project updates, walkthroughs, feedback on designs, and onboarding. It reduces meeting burden and adds a personal touch that email can't match.

Recording is simple: click, record, share. Viewers can react with emojis and leave timestamped comments. Loom integrates with Slack, email, and project tools. It complements—not replaces—other communication. Many agencies use Loom + AgencyPro or Loom + Slack: Loom for video, the other for projects and day-to-day messaging.

Pricing starts at $12.50/user/month. Free tier has limits. Loom is best-in-class for async video. For full client communication (messaging, portal, projects), pair with a client-focused platform.

Slack Connect creates shared channels between your Slack and a client's. Both teams collaborate in real time without leaving Slack. Useful when clients prefer Slack and want fast, informal communication. You can share files, threads, and context in one channel.

Setup requires the client to have Slack. Channels can be single-channel (one shared channel) or multi-channel (deeper collaboration). The downside: no dedicated client space with projects, billing, or file organization. Conversations can blur internal/external. For agencies that want a clean client portal with projects, Slack Connect may feel scattered.

Pricing is part of Slack (from $7.25/user/month). Slack Connect suits agencies with Slack-native clients. For broader client communication with project context, consider a client portal platform.

Front is a shared inbox for email. Team members see and respond to client emails from one place. Assignments, internal notes, and @mentions keep the team coordinated. No more "who replied to this?" or lost threads. Front also supports chat channels and integrates with many tools.

Agencies use Front when email is the primary client channel. The unified inbox reduces chaos. Templates and shortcuts speed responses. Front doesn't include a client portal or project management—it's communication-focused. Pair with a project tool or all-in-one platform for full coverage.

Pricing starts at $19/user/month. Front excels at email. For agencies that need email plus projects and client portal, all-in-one platforms may consolidate better.

Intercom provides live chat, messaging, chatbots, and help center. It's designed for customer communication at scale. Agencies use it for client-facing chat on websites, in-app messaging, and support workflows. The platform is powerful but can feel enterprise-heavy for smaller agencies.

Intercom excels at conversational experiences—messaging, automation, and AI. Pricing scales with usage. It doesn't include project management or client portals. For agencies that need chat on a client portal or within projects, Intercom would need to be embedded and integrated. Best for agencies with website chat and support-style client communication.

Pricing starts at $39/month and scales. Intercom is feature-rich. For simpler needs, Crisp or built-in portal messaging may suffice. For complex support workflows, Intercom is a leader.

HubSpot combines CRM, email, chat, and (on higher plans) ticketing. Free tier includes basic chat and email tracking. Agencies already in HubSpot get client communication without adding another tool. Contacts, deals, and communication stay in one system.

Chat can be embedded on websites. Email is tracked and logged to contacts. The CRM context helps—you see full client history when communicating. HubSpot doesn't include project management or client portals. For sales and marketing-focused agencies, it's a natural fit. For project delivery and client work, supplement with a project/portal tool.

Pricing: Free tier available; paid plans add features. HubSpot suits agencies that live in CRM. For project-centric communication, AgencyPro or similar may align better.

Zendesk is a help desk and ticket management platform. Client requests become tickets with status, assignment, and SLAs. Agents respond from a unified workspace. Knowledge base and macros streamline support. Agencies with support-like workflows (e.g., ongoing retainer support, troubleshooting) benefit.

Zendesk is built for support teams. It's robust but can feel heavy for simple client communication. It doesn't include project management or client portals. For agencies that need ticketing plus projects, consider an all-in-one or integration between Zendesk and a project tool.

Pricing starts at $19/agent/month. Zendesk suits agencies with formal support workflows. For project-based client communication, lighter tools or all-in-one platforms may fit better.

Help Scout provides shared mailboxes, live chat, and knowledge base. It's designed for teams that treat support as email-first. Collision detection, assignments, and workflows keep the team coordinated. The interface is clean and user-friendly.

Help Scout suits agencies that want a humane support experience—no ticket numbers shoved in clients' faces unless needed. Docs site for self-service. It doesn't include project management or client portals. For project-centric agencies, pair with a project tool or use an all-in-one.

Pricing starts at $20/user/month. Help Scout is a solid middle ground between lightweight inbox and enterprise Zendesk. Good for agencies that value email and subtle support workflows.

Drift focuses on conversational marketing and sales—chatbots, AI, and intent-driven conversations. It's built for B2B companies generating and qualifying leads. Agencies use it when client acquisition and pipeline are the focus, not project delivery communication.

Drift is powerful but expensive. It's less suited for ongoing client communication during projects. For agency-client project work, Drift may be overkill. For agencies selling their own services and want sophisticated chat on their site, Drift is an option.

Pricing starts around $2,500/month. Drift suits large organizations and sales-led agencies. For most agencies managing client projects, more affordable and project-focused tools are a better fit.

Crisp offers live chat, shared inbox, and CRM in one. Free tier supports basic chat and one operator. Paid plans add team features, automation, and integrations. It's a cost-effective alternative to Intercom for smaller agencies.

Crisp provides chat widget, email, and CRM—all in one dashboard. It doesn't include project management or client portals. For agencies that need simple chat and inbox without the Intercom price tag, Crisp works well. For project-based client communication, pair with a portal or all-in-one platform.

Pricing: Free tier; paid from $25/month. Crisp suits budget-conscious agencies. For full client experience with projects, consider all-in-one platforms.