We tested 15+ async tools to find the best for reducing meeting overload. These tools let you communicate effectively without requiring everyone to be online simultaneously.
| Tool | Starting Price | Video | Docs | AI Features | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loom | Free/$12.50/mo | Best | Summaries | 9.3/10 | |
| Notion | Free/$10/mo | Best | AI writing | 9.1/10 | |
| Twist | Free/$6/mo | Basic | 8.6/10 | ||
| Yac | Free/$6/mo | Voice | Transcripts | 8.4/10 | |
| Linear | Free/$8/mo | Issues | Basic | 8.8/10 | |
| Slack Threads | Included | Clips | Canvases | Summary | 8.5/10 |
| Claap | Free/$10/mo | Recordings | Notes | 8.5/10 | |
| Basecamp | $15/user/mo | Basic | 8.4/10 | ||
| Volley | Free/$8/mo | Threads | Transcripts | 8.3/10 |
Loom replaces meetings with video messages. Record screen and camera quickly. Viewers watch at 2x speed when convenient. AI generates transcripts and chapter summaries. Comments create threaded discussions.
Notion documents become the source of truth for async work. Decisions live in pages, not chat. Comments and mentions notify without interrupting. Everything searchable and organized.
Twist is chat designed for async from the ground up. No presence indicators reduce pressure to respond. Threads keep conversations organized. Everything searchable like email.
Yac is voice messaging for work. Faster than typing, less production than video. Screen sharing adds context. Transcripts make messages searchable. Good for quick async updates.
Linear treats issues as rich async discussion threads. Long-form descriptions, comments, and updates. Cycles provide async standups. Built for product teams who work in different timezones.
Slack threads keep async discussions organized. Reply in thread to avoid channel noise. Later catches up on threads while you were away. Video clips share screen recordings inline.
Claap records meetings for async consumption. AI generates notes, action items, and summaries. Skip meetings and watch recordings at 2x. Comments on specific timestamps.
Basecamp uses message boards instead of chat. Automatic check-ins replace standups. Hill charts show progress without meetings. Designed for calm, async work from the start.
Volley is video conversation threads. Record video responses like a group text but richer. Casual and fun for team bonding. Good for culture-building in remote teams.
We tested each tool with real async workflows.
Start by replacing one recurring meeting with async updates. Use Loom for status updates. Document decisions in Notion. Set expectations about response times. Celebrate successful async communication.
Async can feel slower for quick questions but is faster overall. It eliminates meeting scheduling overhead, respects focus time, and creates searchable records. Most work does not need immediate responses.
Use sync for brainstorming, relationship building, complex problem-solving, and sensitive conversations. Default to async for updates, decisions with clear options, and information sharing.
Use video for important messages. Create social channels. Schedule optional sync time for bonding. Celebrate wins publicly. Over-communicate appreciation and context. Tools like Volley help with casual connection.
