Slack Alternatives
7 Tools Like Slack
Quick answer: Top Slack alternatives include Microsoft Teams, Discord and Mattermost. For open source, look at Mattermost and Rocket.Chat. Microsoft Teams and Discord are free or have free plans.
Slack is a messaging platform for team channels, direct messages and integrations.
Teams look for Slack alternatives because the free plan hides older history, per-seat costs add up, or they need self-hosting and data control.
- 7 alternatives
- 3 with a free plan
- 4 open source
- 3 self-hostable
The best Slack alternatives
#1Microsoft Teams
microsoft.com
Chat, meetings and files, included with Microsoft 365.
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In Microsoft Teams’s own words: “Working together is easier with Microsoft Teams. Tools and files are always available in one place that's designed to help you connect naturally, stay organized, and bring ideas to life.”
Microsoft Teams has a free plan.
People switching from Slack, Zoom, Skype and Google Classroom often consider Microsoft Teams.
#2Discord
discord.com
Free voice, video and text — popular for communities and small teams.
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In Discord’s own words: “Discord is great for playing games and chilling with friends, or even building a worldwide community. Customize your own space to talk, play, and hang out.”
Discord is free to use.
People switching from Slack, Zoom, Reddit, Telegram and Skype often consider Discord, along with 2 other tools.
#3Mattermost
mattermost.com
Open-source, self-hosted team messaging for secure environments.
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In Mattermost’s own words: “Zero-trust collaboration, automation and AI in private cloud, self-hosted, and air-gapped environments. Built for national security, critical infrastructure, and regulated enterprises.”
Mattermost is open source and can be self-hosted.
People switching from Slack, Discord and Microsoft Teams often consider Mattermost.
#4Rocket.Chat
rocket.chat
Open-source team chat with full data control.
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In Rocket.Chat’s own words: “Messaging, voice, video, apps, and AI that connect you with allies and partners on any system. Deployed anywhere, entirely under your control.”
Rocket.Chat is open source and can be self-hosted.
People switching from Slack, Discord and Microsoft Teams often consider Rocket.Chat.
#5Zulip
zulip.com
Open-source chat organised by topic-based threads.
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In Zulip’s own words: “Zulip is an organized team chat app for distributed teams of all sizes.”
Zulip is open source, has a free plan and can be self-hosted.
People switching from Slack, Discord and Microsoft Teams often consider Zulip.
#6Google Chat
workspace.google.com
Messaging built into Google Workspace.
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In Google Chat’s own words: “Learn how Google Chat helps individuals, groups, and businesses to connect and collaborate online with secure messaging and powerful features from Google Workspace.”
People switching from Slack and Microsoft Teams often consider Google Chat.
#7Element
element.io
Secure, decentralised messaging on the Matrix protocol.
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In Element’s own words: “Element is a Matrix-based end-to-end encrypted messenger and secure collaboration app. It’s decentralised for digital sovereign self-hosting, or through a hosting service such as Element Matrix Services. Element operates on the open Matrix network to provide interoperability and easy connections.”
Element is open source and is built with privacy in mind.
People switching from Slack, Discord, WhatsApp, Telegram and Microsoft Teams often consider Element.
Listed for information; LaunchStall isn’t affiliated with these companies. Features and plans change — check each site for current details.
How these Slack alternatives compare
| Tool | Best for | Where it beats Slack | The trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Teams | Microsoft 365 companies | Included with many plans, with calls and Office built in. | A heavier and busier app. |
| Discord | Communities and casual teams | Great voice channels and a generous free plan. | Less suited to business compliance and integrations. |
| Mattermost | Self-hosted, security-conscious teams | Open source and self-hosted. | You run it, and it has fewer integrations. |
| Rocket.Chat | Self-hosting with omnichannel support | Open source, with customer messaging features. | More to manage. |
| Zulip | Teams with long, deep discussions | Topic-based threads that are easier to catch up on. | A different model that takes getting used to. |
| Google Chat | Google Workspace users | Included in Workspace, next to Gmail and Docs. | Fewer integrations and less polish. |
| Element | Private, federated communication | Open source, encrypted, and built on the Matrix protocol. | A less polished experience for typical teams. |
Which should you choose?
- You already pay for Microsoft 365: Microsoft Teams
- You must self-host: Mattermost or Rocket.Chat
- You’re building a community: Discord
- You want easier catch-up: Zulip
Our editorial summary of each tool’s focus, written November 2026. Tools change quickly, so check the details on each site.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best Slack alternatives?
Popular Slack alternatives include Microsoft Teams, Discord and Mattermost. The best choice depends on whether you need a free plan, open-source software or specific features.
Is there a free alternative to Slack?
Yes. Microsoft Teams, Discord and Zulip are free or have free plans.
Is there an open-source alternative to Slack?
Yes — Mattermost, Rocket.Chat, Zulip and Element are open source.
Why do people look for Slack alternatives?
Teams look for Slack alternatives because the free plan hides older history, per-seat costs add up, or they need self-hosting and data control.
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