Best Free & Open Source Alternatives to Discord
Compare 7 open-source Discord alternatives including Rocket.Chat, Zulip, Mumble and more
If you're looking for the best open-source alternative to Discord, Rocket.Chat is a strong place to start. If it doesn't quite fit your needs, there are plenty of other great options worth exploring, including Zulip, Mumble, Discourse and Mattermost. We've ranked the top alternatives to help you compare your options and find the right fit.
Rocket.Chat
The communications platform that puts data protection first.
Discord
Zulip
Open-source team chat with a unique topic-based threading model that makes it easy to follow multiple conversations.
Discord
Mumble
Low-latency, open-source voice chat built for gaming — self-host your own server with no subscription required.
Discord
Discourse
A platform for community discussion. Free, open, simple.
Discord
Mattermost
Mattermost is an open source platform for secure collaboration across the entire software development lifecycle..
Discord
Element
Open-source Matrix client for secure, decentralized messaging, voice, and video — runs on your own server.
Discord
Raven
Simple, open source team messaging platform
DiscordFrequently Asked Questions
Are there any open source alternatives to Discord?
Yes, there are 7 open source alternatives to Discord. Popular options include Rocket.Chat, Zulip, Mumble and more. These alternatives are free to use and many offer self-hosting options.
What is the best free alternative to Discord?
The best free alternative to Discord depends on your specific needs. Rocket.Chat is a popular choice with self-hosting capabilities. All alternatives listed here are open source and free to use.
Can I self-host an alternative to Discord?
Yes, 5 of the alternatives listed here can be self-hosted, giving you complete control over your data and privacy.
Why should I switch from Discord to an open source alternative?
Open source alternatives to Discord offer several advantages: no vendor lock-in, complete data ownership, no subscription fees, the ability to self-host for privacy and security, and active community support. You can also customize the software to fit your specific needs.
Discord
Discord is a free communication platform that lets people connect through text, voice, and video across customizable communities called “servers.” Originally popular among gamers, it has expanded into a hub for all kinds of groups—ranging from study clubs and fandoms to professional teams—thanks to features like topic-based channels, screen sharing, live streaming, and integrations with other apps. Its mix of casual chat and organized spaces makes it a versatile tool for both socializing and collaboration.
Compare Discord Alternatives
Rocket.Chat vs Zulip Rocket.Chat vs Mumble Rocket.Chat vs Discourse Rocket.Chat vs Mattermost Rocket.Chat vs Element Rocket.Chat vs Raven Zulip vs Mumble Zulip vs Discourse Zulip vs Mattermost Zulip vs Element Showing top 10 comparisons