Best Discord Alternatives in 2024

The ranked list

1. Top pick · Editor’s choice
   1

   Mattermost

   Open-source, self-hostable team collaboration platform with a focus on security and control.

   Visit Mattermost →

   Best forTeams needing high security, data sovereignty, and customization.

   Pros

   • Self-hosting provides complete data control.
   • Open-source nature allows for extensive customization and integration.
   • Strong focus on security features, including compliance certifications.
   • Supports integrations with developer tools like Jira and GitLab.

   Cons

   • Requires technical expertise for self-hosting and maintenance.
   • The user interface is less polished than some commercial alternatives.

   PricingOpen Source

   Verdict. Mattermost is the standout choice for organizations prioritizing data control, security, and the flexibility of self-hosting. While it requires more technical setup, the benefits for compliance and customization are substantial.

2. 2

   Slack

   The leading cloud-based team collaboration platform, offering a wide range of features and integrations.

   Visit Slack →

   Best forTeams already invested in the Google or Microsoft ecosystems, or needing a very extensive app marketplace.

   Pros

   • Extensive app integrations with hundreds of third-party services.
   • Robust search functionality for quick access to information.
   • Well-established platform with a large user base and ample resources.
   • Huddles offer quick, informal audio conversations.

   Cons

   • Can become expensive for large teams due to per-user pricing.
   • Message history limitations on the free plan.
   • Potential for notification overload.

   PricingFreemium

   Verdict. Slack remains a strong contender, particularly for teams that rely on its extensive integration ecosystem. However, the cost can quickly escalate, and its free plan is limited. It offers a polished experience but may lack the data control of self-hosted options such as Mattermost.

3. 3

   Element

   Secure, decentralized, and end-to-end encrypted messaging based on the Matrix protocol.

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   Best forPrivacy-focused individuals and teams requiring strong security and interoperability.

   Pros

   • End-to-end encryption by default, ensuring message privacy.
   • Decentralized architecture promotes data sovereignty.
   • Interoperability with other Matrix-based clients.
   • Self-hosting options available for maximum control.

   Cons

   • User interface can be less intuitive than mainstream alternatives.
   • Smaller user base compared to Discord or Slack.

   PricingFreemium; Contact sales

   Verdict. Element provides a compelling solution for those prioritizing privacy and security. Its decentralized nature and end-to-end encryption offer significant advantages, but the smaller user base and steeper learning curve may be drawbacks for some.

4. 4

   Rocket.Chat

   Flexible, customizable team communication platform with both cloud and self-hosted options.

   Visit Rocket.Chat →

   Best forTeams seeking a feature-rich alternative that balances ease of use and customization.

   Pros

   • Available as both a cloud service and a self-hosted solution.
   • Offers a wide range of features, including video conferencing and file sharing.
   • Extensible through integrations and custom apps.
   • Supports multiple languages.

   Cons

   • User interface can feel cluttered.
   • Self-hosting requires technical expertise.

   PricingSelf-hosted, Contact sales

   Verdict. Rocket.Chat offers a solid balance between features, flexibility, and affordability. It’s a good choice for teams that want the option of self-hosting without sacrificing functionality. The user interface could use improvement, but its overall capabilities are strong.

5. 5

   Zulip

   Threaded conversation app designed for organized team communication.

   Visit Zulip →

   Best forTeams overwhelmed by traditional chat's real-time nature, preferring asynchronous, topic-based discussions.

   Pros

   • Unique threaded messaging system keeps conversations organized.
   • Powerful search functionality to quickly find relevant information.
   • Open-source and self-hostable.
   • Integrations with developer tools.

   Cons

   • The threaded format may take some getting used to.
   • Smaller community compared to Slack or Discord.

   PricingOpen Source; Contact sales

   Verdict. Zulip’s threaded approach to communication offers a distinct advantage for teams seeking to reduce noise and improve organization. It’s an excellent choice for asynchronous collaboration, particularly in distributed teams.

At a glance

Side-by-side comparison of the alternatives ranked above.

Frequently asked questions

Head-to-head

• Security

  Winner: Element

  Element’s end-to-end encryption and decentralized architecture provides the highest level of security.

• Customization

  Winner: Mattermost

  Being open-source, Mattermost offers extensive customization options.

• Ease of Use

  Winner: Slack

  Slack generally has the most polished and intuitive user interface.

• Pricing

  Winner: Zulip

  Zulip's open-source nature and availability of self-hosting make it the most affordable option.

• Integrations

  Winner: Slack

  Slack boasts by far the largest and most comprehensive integration marketplace.