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Open source Slack alternatives

Top Team Chat like Slack

The most popular alternative to Slack is Mattermost, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Slack are Zulip, Rocket.Chat, and Element.

Most alternatives to Slack are in the Team Chat category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Slack alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
4 apps

All Slack alternatives

  1. Mattermost

    4.8(5.6K) · App Store

    Mattermost is an open-source collaboration platform offering channels, threads, calls and playbooks for structured workflows. Organizations can run it on their own servers or in a private cloud to keep full control of their data, which appeals to engineering teams, public agencies and regulated industries. Plugins, webhooks and an API connect it to DevOps tools like GitLab, Jira and Jenkins.

    8 Mattermost alternatives

    Pros

    • Self-hosting keeps full control over data and infrastructure
    • Strong DevOps integrations with GitLab, Jira and Jenkins
    • Playbooks structure incident response and repeatable workflows

    Cons

    • Self-hosted deployments need ongoing admin work
    • Smaller app ecosystem than Slack
    • Advanced compliance and enterprise features require paid plans
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
    Team Chat
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroidSelf-hosted
    Features
    ChannelsIntegrationsPlugins & extensionsSingle sign-on (SSO)Threaded conversationsVoice and video calls
    Visit websiteMore about Mattermost

  2. Zulip

    26Kstars

    Zulip is an open-source team chat app whose threading model files every channel message under a named topic, so people can catch up on several discussions without losing context. It supports Markdown, code blocks and LaTeX math, and integrates with common developer tools. It can be self-hosted for free or used through Zulip Cloud, which suits open-source projects, research groups and remote teams.

    8 Zulip alternatives

    Pros

    • Topic-based threading makes catching up on discussions easy
    • Markdown, code blocks and LaTeX suit technical teams
    • Free to self-host under an open source license

    Cons

    • The topic model takes some getting used to after Slack
    • Video calls rely on external services such as Jitsi or Zoom
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
    Team Chat
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroidSelf-hosted
    Features
    API accessChannelsIntegrationsMarkdown supportThreaded conversations
    Visit websiteMore about Zulip

  3. Rocket.Chat

    4.4(3.7K) · App Store

    Rocket.Chat is an open-source communications platform that can be self-hosted or used as a cloud service. Besides team channels, threads, direct messages and calls, it includes an omnichannel module that routes website chat, email and messaging apps to support agents. Its marketplace and APIs let organizations customize it heavily, and self-hosting suits teams with strict data residency needs.

    9 Rocket.Chat alternatives

    Pros

    • Omnichannel module routes website chat, email and messaging apps
    • Self-hostable open source platform for strict data residency needs
    • Marketplace and APIs allow deep customization

    Cons

    • Self-hosted setups require regular maintenance and upgrades
    • Some features are reserved for paid editions
    • The wide range of settings makes administration complex
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
    Team ChatCustomer Support & Live Chat
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroidSelf-hosted
    Features
    API accessChannelsIntegrationsLive chat widgetThreaded conversationsVoice and video calls
    Visit websiteMore about Rocket.Chat

  4. Element

    3.3(590) · App Store

    Element is a messaging app from the team that created Matrix, an open standard for decentralized, federated chat. Rooms, direct messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted, and people on different Matrix servers can talk to each other like email. Individuals can join a public server for free, while organizations and governments self-host or buy Element's enterprise server suite, with bridges to other chat networks.

    12 Element alternatives

    Pros

    • End-to-end encryption by default for private rooms and messages
    • Federated Matrix network, so no single company controls your chats
    • Open source and self-hostable, popular with public sector bodies

    Cons

    • Encryption keys and device verification can confuse newcomers
    • Running your own Matrix server takes real technical effort
    • Fewer business integrations than mainstream team chat apps
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
    Team ChatMessaging Apps
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroidSelf-hosted
    Features
    ChannelsEnd-to-end encryptionNo phone number requiredThreaded conversationsVoice and video calls
    Visit websiteMore about Element

Slack vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Slack, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Slack vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsAI assistantAPI accessChannelsIntegrationsThreaded conversations
SlackFreemiumWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android
MattermostFreemiumOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Self-hosted
ZulipFreemiumOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Self-hosted
Rocket.ChatFreemiumOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Self-hosted
ElementFreemiumOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Self-hosted

Slack alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Slack?

The most popular alternative to Slack is Mattermost: Open-source, self-hostable team messaging for secure operations. Other great alternatives are Zulip, Rocket.Chat, and Element.

Is there a free alternative to Slack?

Yes, 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Mattermost, Zulip, Rocket.Chat, and Element.

Is there an open source alternative to Slack?

Yes, 4 open source alternatives are listed, including Mattermost, Zulip, Rocket.Chat, and Element.

Is Slack free?

Slack has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features.

Compare Slack with its alternatives

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