Open source Zulip alternatives

All Zulip alternatives

1. 

   

   Mattermost

   4.8(5.6K) · App StoreLike

   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. 

   

   Rocket.Chat

   4.4(3.7K) · App StoreLike

   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
3. 

   

   Element

   3.3(590) · App StoreLike

   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