Best Intranet Platforms (Key Features + Comparison)

Best Intranet Platforms for 2025 (Key Features + Comparison)

Last Updated on February 27, 2025

Confuse which intranet to use?

In this guide, let’s talk about the best intranet platforms to use, what to look for, and more.

Let’s get started.

Key Features to Look for in an Intranet Platform

Choosing an intranet platform can get a little confusing, especially when you’re not sure what to look for in one.

I have suggestions that might help on what to look for, which, at the very least, should include as many as possible here:

  • User-friendly interface so employees can navigate with ease
  • Mobile accessibility so staff can access information on the go
  • Robust search functionality
  • Integration capabilities with existing tools and apps
  • Strong security measures to avoid unauthorized access
  • Personalization options (like company branding)
  • Collaboration tools like shared digital workplace platforms and channels
  • Content management
  • Analytics and reporting

I’m pretty sure that there’s still a lot more you can add here.

But from experience, I noticed that all the things I mentioned above can help organizations manage their intranets.

And I’m talking here about everything that happens from the setup to user adoption to regular maintenance.

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    Top Intranet Software Platforms

    With that, let’s take a look at the top intranet software solutions we have today:

    1. Microsoft SharePoint Online

    Putting this here as #1 simply because this is one of the most efficient intranet platforms I have personally used.

    Anyway, SharePoint Online is a web-based platform where organizations can create, manage, and share content seamlessly.

    microsoft sharepoint landing page

    Key features here include:

    There are a lot of good points here, and one of them is the fact that SharePoint Online integrates well with Microsoft 365.

    I’m talking here about PowerPoint, Word, Excel, OneNote, and even Teams, all for real-time collaboration.

    If you’re company is already deep in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, then SharePoint would be the best for you.

    2. Simpplr

    Recognized as a leader in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for intranet packaged solutions for 2 consecutive years.

    Well, Simpplr is a modern intranet platform and internal communication software made to improve employee engagement.

    simpplr home page

    Key features include:

    • AI-powered personalization for delivering tailored content and recommendations
    • Seamless integrations with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Google Workspace
    • User-friendly interface (its name is a word-play for “simple”)
    • Advanced analytics on user engagement and intranet performance
    • Dedicated mobile apps for on-the-go use

    We’re in the AI age, and Simpplr’s AI-driven personalization improves user experience by delivering relevant content to each employee.

    They have good integration with many important workspace tools, but they may have somewhat weak integrations with others.

    There are also customization limits in Simpplr, especially when it comes to page creation and customization options.

    3. Happeo

    Happeo also puts a lot of attention into AI.

    It’s a modern intranet platform made to centralize communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing within organizations.

    happeo home page

    Its key features include:

    • Google workspace integration
    • Customizable pages (branded, dynamic pages with drag-drop functionality)
    • Use AI-powered search to quickly locate information
    • Dedicated mobile apps
    • Analytics and reporting

    A little contrast with Simpplr, they have customizable pages that have a drag-and-drop functionality, which is nice.

    That same strength is also their weakness, as structuring pages can get complicated with the numerous options present.

    Their analytics panel is somewhat limited in options for tracking user activities, not that useful for comprehensive insights.

    4. Unily

    Unily is also a top intranet platform, and they have been named a leader as well in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™.

    Anyway, they’re a comprehensive intranet platform made to enhance employee experience and simplify internal communications.

    unily home page

    Key features include:

    • Seamless integrations with most enterprise tools
    • Provides a responsive design and dedicated mobile app
    • Has built-in analytics
    • Includes social features like public and private channels, instant messaging, and more

    Not to mention, they also have rapid deployment capabilities where you can quickly implement the platform in a few weeks.

    But take note that implementation can be a little complicated, so bringing in a pro can be helpful if you’re on a timeline.

    There are also reports of glitches, technical issues, and occasional performance issues, so make sure to have good maintenance.

    5. Workvivo

    Workplace from Meta is closing, and Workvivo takes pride in being named as Workplace’s preferred migration partner.

    As for Workvivo, it’s an employee experience platform made to improve internal communication and engagement.

    workvivo home page

    Intranet features include:

    • Personalized activity feed to employees
    • Dedicated areas for teams or interest groups to collaborate
    • Recognition tools (shout-outs, badges, and awards)
    • Live streaming and podcasts
    • Advanced analytics

    It’s kind of similar to Viva Engage, with a user-friendly interface that mimics familiar social media platforms (think Facebook).

    They also have their mobile app, but others noticed that the app can be slow and may require restarting at times.

    I also want to point out that there are a few integration challenges with external tools, so make sure to check on it.

    Comparison of Intranet Solutions

    Ultimately, the best intranet software for you depends on a few things — needs, existing tools, long-term goals, etc.

    I have a short comparison and suggestions depending on the need to help you choose which intranet platform to get:

    Best for Companies Using Microsoft 365

    If your business already relies on Microsoft 365, I would recommend SharePoint Online as the best option.

    The reason is that it already integrates seamlessly with Word, Excel, Teams, and OneDrive, so it’s like an all-in-one stop for you.

    However, I want to point out that it would require a little bit of expertise to manage and may not be as user-friendly as others.

    Best for AI-Powered Personalization

    Many of the platforms here already use AI, but I’m comfortable with Simpplr if we’re talking about AI-powered personalization.

    It’s also easy to use and integrates with Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Google Workspace.

    But take note that it might be a little weak on customization and integration with select tools, so consider that as well.

    It’s a strong choice for AI-driven personalization, though I can also recommend SharePoint here with Viva integration.

    Best for Google Workspace Users

    Google does have its Workspace product, but it’s not that great for intranet, hence, Happeo came in as the best choice.

    It integrates directly with Gmail, Drive, and Calendar while offering customizable pages and an AI-powered search.

    The downside here is opposite to Simpplr; setting up and structuring pages can get complicated with its numerous options.

    Best for Fast Implementation

    If you need fast implementation, Unily is a full-featured intranet software that supports most enterprise tools.

    It has built-in analytics, social features, and a responsive design, and deployment can be done quickly with the right people.

    I need to emphasize here that if you’re in a hurry, you need expert help to avoid technical issues, which others have reported.

    By the way, SharePoint Online can also be deployed quickly, however, you also need some help here to do it correctly.

    Best for a Social-Media-Like Experience

    Lastly, if you need a social-media-like experience for your intranet, then Workvivo is the answer.

    It includes features you would find on social media platforms, such as activity feeds, community spaces, and live streaming.

    It also has a mobile app, though it can be slow, and integrating external tools can sometimes be challenging.

    If you’re using SharePoint Online (or planning to do so), you can integrate it with Viva Engage to give it a social media experience.

    Do you have any questions about the top intranet platforms mentioned above? Let me know below.

    For any business-related queries or concerns, contact me through the contact form. I always reply. 🙂

    About Ryan Clark

    As the Modern Workplace Architect at Mr. SharePoint, I help companies of all sizes better leverage Modern Workplace and Digital Process Automation investments. I am also a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for SharePoint and Microsoft 365.

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    Paul Chabot
    Paul Chabot
    2 years ago

    Although I haven’t implemented, my MS reps consistently recommend Unily if a company is already an MS shop, especially if there’s no SharePoint experts in house.

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