Best Free & Open Source Alternatives to Slack
Compare 5 open-source Slack alternatives including Zulip, Discourse, Mattermost and more
If you're looking for the best open-source alternative to Slack, Zulip is a strong place to start. If it doesn't quite fit your needs, there are plenty of other great options worth exploring, including Discourse, Mattermost, Element and Raven. We've ranked the top alternatives to help you compare your options and find the right fit.
Zulip
Open-source team chat with a unique topic-based threading model that makes it easy to follow multiple conversations.
Slack
Discourse
A platform for community discussion. Free, open, simple.
Slack
Mattermost
Mattermost is an open source platform for secure collaboration across the entire software development lifecycle..
Slack
Element
Open-source Matrix client for secure, decentralized messaging, voice, and video — runs on your own server.
Slack
Raven
Simple, open source team messaging platform
SlackFrequently Asked Questions
Are there any open source alternatives to Slack?
Yes, there are 5 open source alternatives to Slack. Popular options include Zulip, Discourse, Mattermost and more. These alternatives are free to use and many offer self-hosting options.
What is the best free alternative to Slack?
The best free alternative to Slack depends on your specific needs. Zulip 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 Slack?
Yes, 3 of the alternatives listed here can be self-hosted, giving you complete control over your data and privacy.
Why should I switch from Slack to an open source alternative?
Open source alternatives to Slack 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.
Slack
Compare Slack Alternatives
Zulip vs Discourse Zulip vs Mattermost Zulip vs Element Zulip vs Raven Discourse vs Mattermost Discourse vs Element Discourse vs Raven Mattermost vs Element Mattermost vs Raven Element vs Raven Showing top 10 comparisons