20 Most Popular Discord Alternatives

1. Slack

Pros

• Integrates with many apps; great for teams
• Stands out among Discord alternatives
• User-friendly interface
• Works for work or casual chats
• Create channels for each group to keep things organized
• Very helpful for teams
• Easy file and link sharing

Cons

• Can be overwhelming for casual users
• Steeper learning curve for new users
• Feature-rich experience may feel like too much
• May be less fun for simple chatting
• Best suited to teams needing work tools

Availability

Web, iOS, Android, Desktop. You can use Slack on most devices, which makes it easy to chat on the go or at home. Switching between devices is seamless, making it a strong choice for active teams.

Pricing

Free with limitations; paid plans start at $6.67/month. The free plan suits small teams with access to basic features. Paid plans add more tools and support, so you can choose a plan that fits your needs.

Review

When I used Slack, I found it very useful for keeping work chats and files in one place. Teams that set up clear channels work better and find what they need fast, which is key to strong collaboration.

Many teams now use Slack, and studies show it can boost team output by over 20%. This helps explain why it’s a top choice among Discord alternatives. If you want a tool that supports teamwork, it’s worth a try.

2. Microsoft Teams

Pros

• Excellent for business use; integrates with Office tools
• Helps teams work well together
• Chat, meetings, and file sharing in one place
• Great choice for remote work
• Trusted by many firms for strong features

Cons

• Can be complex for new users
• Users may feel lost at first
• Layout has many buttons and tabs
• May take time to learn
• Challenging for those who are not tech-savvy

Availability

Web, iOS, Android, Desktop. You can access it from any device, making it easy to stay connected and join meetings or chats on the go.

Pricing

Free with limited features; paid plans start at $5/month. The free plan is a good start for small teams with basic tools. Paid plans add more storage and features, making them worth it for larger groups.

Reviews

Many users find Microsoft Teams helpful for teamwork with features that support group tasks. For example, you can schedule meetings right in the app, which keeps everyone on the same page.

Many firms use Teams for its strong links with other Microsoft tools, making it easy to share data and files. If your team uses Office software, Teams may be the best fit. Many find it cuts down on email and boosts real-time chat. In a case study by Gartner, firms that use Teams saw a 20% rise in teamwork, highlighting the impact of choosing the right tool.

3. Zoom

Pros

• High-quality video calls; easy to use
• Great for video chats
• Screen sharing and whiteboard tools
• Helps users share ideas fast
• Widely used by teams for work
• Clear, reliable meetings
• Simple layout
• Quick learning curve for new users

Cons

• Limited chat features compared to Discord
• Chat tool is not as strong
• Lacks some fun tools found in Discord
• Missing bots and threads
• Primarily focused on calls, not chats
• Some users choose other tools for richer chat

Availability

Web, iOS, Android, Desktop. Zoom works on almost all devices—phones, tablets, and computers—which makes access easy wherever you are.

Pricing

Free for 40-minute calls; paid plans start at $14.99/month. The free plan is great for small chats or quick calls. Paid plans offer longer meetings and more tools, which many users find worth the cost.

Reviews

Zoom fits many needs—work, school, and personal catch-ups—making it a solid Discord alternative if seeing faces matters to you.

Over the years, Zoom’s ease of use has driven adoption across firms for meetings and webinars. User data shows high satisfaction, and reports note very large daily usage. If you need robust calling and video first, Zoom shines. If richer chat features are essential, many pair Zoom for calls with Discord for chat.

4. Telegram

Pros

• Strong privacy features; large group support
• Chat with many friends at once
• Helps build big online groups
• Good choice for teams

Cons

• Fewer bots compared to Discord
• Bots add fun and tools
• Limited bot options can restrict some tasks

Availability

Web, iOS, Android, Desktop. You can use it on most devices, which means you can reach friends anywhere.

Pricing

Free. No costs to use it, making it easy for all to join.

Reviews

Telegram has over 500 million users, showing it is a strong choice. Many people use it for chats and groups, and it works well in big teams. Members can share files and ideas fast, helping keep projects on track. As a Discord alternative, Telegram fits many needs.

5. TeamSpeak

TeamSpeak stands out for its low latency, making voice chat clear and smooth. It’s great for fast-paced games where users need quick, reliable audio—one reason TeamSpeak remains a top pick. Many gamers prefer TeamSpeak for its deep customization, letting you set your own rules and tailor the experience to your needs.

Pros

• Low-latency voice chat; customizable
• Set things up exactly how you want
• Create your own channels
• Great for organized teams or groups

Cons

• Outdated interface
• Look and feel may not appeal to everyone
• Some users may find it harder to use

Availability

Web, iOS, Android, Desktop. You can access it on most devices, making it easy to join a chat from anywhere.

Pricing

Free with limitations; paid servers available. The free plan works for small groups. If you need more capacity and control, you can pay for a server.

6. Mumble

Many gamers use Mumble for team play because the audio is clear and responsive. You can hear each other well, which is key for planning and fast decision-making. Groups also use it for events, and the low latency helps keep chat crisp and coordinated—one reason Mumble remains a top choice among Discord alternatives.

Pros

• Open-source and low-latency (fast voice chat)
• Works well for gamers and scrims
• Widely praised for strong sound quality

Cons

• Complex setup process
• Can be hard for new users
• Takes time to learn
• Requires some technical skills

Availability

Web, iOS, Android, Desktop. You can use it on many devices, making it easy to reach friends and teammates wherever you are.

Pricing

Free. That’s a big plus for users and communities looking to keep costs down.

7. Riot.im (Element)

The platform offers strong support for group chats. You can join large rooms or create your own, which is why many teams use it for work. Some users also prefer it for gaming chats, making it a strong choice among Discord alternatives that fits many needs.

Many users like the open-source aspect. This means anyone can help improve it, leading to quick fixes and steady progress. Bugs get addressed fast and the community helps shape its growth—an ongoing advantage.

Features

• Standout video call feature for clear meeting chats
• Reliable for remote teams that need stable calls
• Screen sharing for demos and collaborative work

Pros

• Decentralized and privacy-focused
• Gives you control over your data and chats
• Security-minded users feel more confident

Cons

• Learning curve for new users
• Initial setup can feel complex
• Some may switch to other Discord alternatives due to onboarding friction

Availability

Web, iOS, Android, Desktop. You can access it from many devices, which makes it easy to stay in touch wherever you are.

Pricing

Free, with premium features available. You can start with the base service at no cost.

Why Choose Riot.im?

If you want control and privacy, Element (formerly Riot.im) is a strong pick. It’s ideal for users who value their data and want ownership over their communications. Teams can grow and collaborate confidently while keeping chats safe.

8. Gitter

Many tech teams prefer Gitter for its ease of use. It helps them stay linked with code and tasks. When teams use GitHub, Gitter feels like home. Many teams report faster collaboration with Gitter, which is why they stick to it.

Pros

• Great for developers
• Strong ties with GitHub for easy code sharing
• Popular for project-focused chats
• Real-time visibility of changes
• Helps teams coordinate and ship faster

Cons

• Limited features for non-tech users
• May not suit general or social groups
• Not designed for casual, “fun-first” chatting

Availability

Web, iOS, Android. Easy to stay connected and chat on the go.

Pricing

Free to use.

Key Features of Gitter

• Clean, focused interface that makes rooms easy to navigate
• Create dedicated rooms per project to keep conversations clear
• Room-level rules and moderation to match team workflows
• Deep GitHub repo linking for quick references and updates

Who Should Use Gitter?

Gitter fits best for developer and engineering groups. It’s not the ideal choice for gamers or casual communities. If you want a tool centered on code, issues, and task collaboration, Gitter stands out among Discord alternatives.

9. Flock

Pros

• Simple interface; good for teams—easy to use
• Helps teams collaborate smoothly
• Clear, user-friendly layout
• Effortless chat and file sharing

Cons

• Fewer integrations than some competitors
• May feel limiting for certain workflows
• Lacks a few advanced tools larger teams might expect

Availability

Web, iOS, Android, Desktop. You can use Flock on many devices, so staying in touch anywhere is straightforward.

Pricing

Free, with paid plans starting at $4.50/month. The free plan is a solid start; paid tiers add more features as your team grows.

Reviews

In practical use, Flock’s responsive chat keeps teams aligned. Quick replies help resolve issues fast and maintain project momentum—ideal for teams seeking a clean, focused chat space.

As team chat adoption accelerates, many look for Discord alternatives that are simple yet effective. Flock meets this need with a work-first approach, balancing ease and function for everyday collaboration.

10. Discord (Self-hosted)

Using Discord alternatives like a self-hosted Discord setup can be great for users who want control. You can set rules, manage users, and create a space tailored to your needs. You can also add new features as you wish.

It helps to have some technical skills. You’ll need to set up the server and keep it running. This may feel challenging at first, but many online guides can help, and you’ll find plenty of tips on sites like GitHub.

Self-hosting can save money over time because you’re using your own infrastructure instead of paying for a hosted service. This is a big plus for groups that need a private chat space.

Some users prefer easy-to-use Discord alternatives. Options like Slack and Microsoft Teams offer simple setups and user-friendly tools for chat and collaboration—ideal for teams without dedicated tech support.

Pros

• Full control over features

Cons

• Requires technical knowledge to set up and maintain

Availability

Web, iOS, Android, Desktop.

Pricing

Free.

11. Zoho Chat

For users exploring Discord alternatives, Zoho Chat offers a straightforward way to communicate. Ease of use is its standout trait, helping teams get set up fast—crucial when quick access matters. Many users report smoother workflows after adopting it.

In practice, teams thrive with tools that fit their stack. For example, a small firm leveraging Zoho apps adopted Zoho Chat and appreciated the seamless workflow across products. Well-fitting tools can lift team output, which is why picking the right chat platform is so important.

Pros

• Tight integration with Zoho apps; user-friendly
• Clean interface that makes content easy to find
• Fast chat that works well across devices
• Switch between apps without losing conversation flow

Cons

• Fewer advanced features than some competitors
• May not meet the needs of large, complex teams
• Lacks certain power-user functions found in top chat suites

Availability

Web, iOS, Android, Desktop. Use it on any device and stay in sync—start a chat on your phone and continue at your desk with smooth handoff.

Pricing

Free, with paid plans starting at $1/user/month. The low cost is friendly to small teams—try the free tier first to see if it fits your needs.

12. Tox

With Tox, you get secure chat powered by end-to-end encryption, so only you and your recipient can read messages. Many privacy-focused users consider it a compelling Discord alternative. It works best for small groups, while very large rooms can be harder to manage.

Pros

• Peer-to-peer architecture with no central servers
• Direct messaging and file sharing without intermediaries
• Strong privacy benefits thanks to end-to-end encryption

Cons

• Can feel slower at times, especially with high usage
• Less suited to very large communities

Availability

Web, iOS, Android, Desktop. Works across devices so you can chat from your phone or laptop.

Pricing

Free. All features are available at no cost, which makes Tox attractive for privacy-minded users and small teams.

13. WhatsApp

Many people use WhatsApp daily—it’s one of the most popular apps worldwide with over 2 billion users, reflecting strong value and wide reach. End-to-end encryption keeps chats private, which appeals to security-minded users.

For groups, WhatsApp offers handy tools: share files, links, and even your location to stay coordinated. While it lacks some advanced video features, it remains a solid choice for quick team chats and lightweight collaboration.

Pros

• Excellent for messaging; easy to use
• Great for text chats with voice notes and images
• Works reliably across devices

Cons

• Limited group video options
• Video calls may feel too small for larger teams

Availability

Web, iOS, Android. Use it on your phone or through the web to keep conversations moving anywhere.

Pricing

Free. There are no costs to use WhatsApp, which is a major draw for many users.

14. Viber

Many users explore Discord alternatives to find the right fit. Viber stands out for its call quality—excellent for voice chats and video calls. The app is user-friendly and quick to set up, so you can get started in minutes.

That said, Viber lacks some of Discord’s community tools. If you’re building a large group with channels and richer moderation, Discord may be the better choice for organization and scale.

Pros

• Free calls; great for international use
• Text, voice, and video in one app
• Easy onboarding and simple interface

Cons

• Less popular than some competitors
• Fewer friends may already be on Viber
• Community features not as robust as Discord

Availability

Web, iOS, Android. Use Viber across devices and switch from phone to computer without friction.

Pricing

Free. Calls and texts don’t incur charges, which is appealing for budget-conscious users.

Real User Feedback

Many users praise Viber for clear audio quality. It performs well even on slower networks and is reliable for international calls. On the other hand, some wish for more playful features—stickers, mini-apps, and community tools—similar to what Discord offers. If you prioritize calling quality and simplicity, Viber is a strong contender.

15. Mattermost

Pros

• Self-hosted option; strong for teams
• Full control over data and compliance
• Set your own rules, roles, and retention
• Great fit for privacy-focused organizations

Cons

• Learning curve during setup
• Initial configuration can feel complex
• Time investment needed to master all tools

Availability

Web, iOS, Android, Desktop. Use it on any device to stay connected across your team.

Pricing

Free, with paid plans starting at $10/user/month. Many teams find the added control and features worth the cost.

Why Choose Mattermost as a Discord Alternative?

Mattermost gives you deployment flexibility and ownership. You can host your own server, define access, and align workflows with security policies. For teams with strict requirements, it provides a safe, customizable environment for chat and collaboration—putting you in control while keeping communications organized and compliant.

16. Signal

Signal is one of the best Discord alternatives. It offers end-to-end encryption, which keeps your messages safe from prying eyes. Many use it for personal chats, and some for work as well—it’s trusted widely for its privacy-first approach.

Pros

• Strong privacy features and encrypted messaging
• Keeps chats and calls private—great for security-conscious users

Cons

• Less group functionality compared to community platforms
• Not ideal for very large teams or communities

Availability

Web, iOS, Android. Use it across devices with reliable sync.

Pricing

Free. No hidden costs.

Usability and Features

Signal’s interface is simple and clean, making it easy to start a chat or call. It supports voice and video calls, which suits individuals and small groups. However, it doesn’t handle very large group chats as well as some other platforms, which can limit use for bigger teams.

Privacy and Security

Privacy is at Signal’s core. It doesn’t store user data, doesn’t show ads, and doesn’t sell data. That commitment earns user trust—if you want a safe chat app with end-to-end encryption, Signal is a strong choice.

17. Clubhouse

Pros

Unique audio-based format with a social networking vibe. Clubhouse stands out among Discord alternatives by letting users join live audio rooms that feel like talk shows—speak or listen in real time for a fresh, engaging experience.

Cons

• Limited to audio (no video)
• No native text chat
• Voice-first focus may not fit every use case

Availability

iOS, Android. Easy to download and start using right away; designed for a broad range of users.

Pricing

Free. Join and participate in rooms at no cost, which has helped fuel growth.

Key Features of Clubhouse

• Create your own rooms for groups, events, and live discussions
• Choose public or private rooms for flexibility
• Follow favorite speakers to stay on top of hot topics
• Learn in real time from experts and communities

User Engagement and Growth

Clubhouse has seen rapid adoption as people embrace live, voice-first conversations. Reports have highlighted surges in user growth within short periods, signaling demand for real-time audio spaces and making it a compelling option among Discord alternatives.

18. Facebook Groups

Facebook Groups are a popular Discord alternative. They support real-time chats and posts, and you can share files and links—useful for coordinating projects and keeping conversations organized.

Groups often center on specific hobbies or causes, making it easy to find like-minded communities—whether that’s book clubs, local meetups, or professional niches.

Pros

• Large user base; easy to use
• Discover groups on almost any topic
• Connect, share ideas, and meet new people
• Public or private groups for flexible visibility

Cons

• Privacy concerns related to data usage
• Some users feel uneasy about information handling
• Requires careful review of group and privacy settings

Availability

Web, iOS, Android. Stay in touch across devices and post from your phone or laptop.

Pricing

Free. Join as many groups as you like at no cost.

19. MeetUp

Pros

• Great for organizing events and bringing people together
• Find groups with shared interests—ideal for niche topics
• Easy to use; helps people connect quickly

Cons

• Primarily focused on event planning
• Lacks built-in real-time chat features
• Some users may prefer Discord-like community tools

Availability

Web, iOS, Android. Works well across devices—you can plan and manage events straight from your phone to stay in touch on the go.

Pricing

Free, with paid features available. The free plan suits many users, while paid tiers add extra tools for event hosts, especially helpful for larger gatherings.

20. Discord Forks

Pros

• There are many Discord alternatives to choose from
• Each fork offers unique features
• Gives users a chance to find the best fit

Cons

• Quality varies widely between forks
• Some may lack key features users want
• Others may be harder to use or contain bugs

Availability

Each fork has its own release schedule and distribution. Some may be harder to discover. Check the project’s main site or your app store for details.

Pricing

Most forks are free to use.