16 Open Source Alternatives to Discord

Rocket.Chat delivers real-time chat, audio, video calls, and file sharing to streamline team communication and external collaboration. It supports cloud, on-prem, and air gapped deployments while ensuring data sovereignty and compliance with strict regulations. The platform includes customizable permissions, end-to-end encryption, and integration capabilities with popular apps, enabling a tailored communication experience that scales with organizational needs.

Discourse enables communities to connect and collaborate with thoughtful, uninterrupted conversations. Its features include just-in-time loading, integrated real-time chat, AI-powered tools for summarizing topics and detecting toxicity, and a fully customizable design with comprehensive API support. Whether you choose free self-hosting or managed hosting starting at $20 per month, Discourse adapts to both small groups and large enterprises.

Mattermost enables teams to engage in channel-based messaging across web, desktop, and mobile with features such as audio calling, screen sharing, and integrated workflow automation. Designed for self-hosted deployment, it ensures full control over data and compliance while adapting to varied operational needs in environments where failure is not an option.

Zulip streamlines team communication by allowing users to follow multiple conversation threads simultaneously without losing context. Its organized, topic-based threading ensures that discussions remain clear and focused, while native desktop, mobile, and terminal apps keep teams connected anywhere. With robust integration options, a comprehensive API, and strong security protocols, Zulip offers flexible deployment through both managed cloud hosting and self-hosted solutions.

Cinny provides a user-friendly interface for Matrix-based communication, combining modern design principles with efficient navigation. The tool separates direct messages from channels to enhance organization and minimizes visual clutter, ensuring that only important details are highlighted. Its adaptive input system and calm layout contribute to a seamless, secure chatting experience, making it a compelling choice for anyone seeking a reliable open source communication platform.

Wire is a secure collaboration platform designed to enable instant messaging, file sharing, and video conferencing underpinned by always-on end-to-end encryption. Its robust features include flexible communication across internal teams and external partners, granular administrative controls with SSO and SCIM support, and comprehensive data sovereignty measures. Trusted by over 1,800 customers, Wire empowers organizations to communicate efficiently while maintaining the highest security standards.

Twake offers an all-in-one digital suite that includes a secure messenger, encrypted data storage, and professional email services. Built with privacy-first principles, the platform ensures that files and communications are protected through advanced encryption and GDPR compliance. With features such as bridges for cross-application messaging, on-premise deployment options, and integration with third-party tools, Twake empowers teams to work efficiently across devices while maintaining full control of their data.

Element is a glossy, web-based Matrix collaboration client designed for real-time communication and secure collaboration. It delivers robust features such as default end-to-end encryption, federation, and flexible deployment choices including self-hosted, fully managed cloud, or custom sovereign options. With advanced admin controls, voice and video conferencing, and interoperability based on the open Matrix standard, Element caters to governments, enterprises, and public sectors.

Flarum powers communities of any size with a solid forum platform that combines a sleek, responsive interface with robust features. The tool offers extensive customization through themes, custom CSS, and hundreds of extensions, ensuring groups, permissions, rich editor capabilities, and real-time notifications meet diverse community needs.

Apache Answer offers a comprehensive solution to host Q&A, community forums, and help centers. Its intuitive tagging system ensures content is always organized for quick searches, while seamless integrations enhance existing workflows. The platform also employs gamification techniques to reward expertise and engagement, making knowledge sharing both efficient and enjoyable. With a commitment to open-source contributions, Apache Answer continually evolves through community involvement.

Revolt provides a feature-rich messaging experience with text channels that allow seamless sharing of images, @mentions, and website links. It empowers communities through fine-grained permission settings, moderation tools, and bot integration for an enhanced experience. With a fully customizable interface, users can tailor the look and feel of the platform to their liking, while benefiting from secure direct messages and group chats.

Movim serves as a powerful web frontend for the XMPP network, offering a complete social and chat experience. It centralizes features such as communities, blogs, stories, and full-featured chats including end-to-end encryption with OMEMO. The platform is designed for seamless use on smartphones to desktop computers and supports integration with other XMPP clients. Additionally, Movim is available as a Progressive Web App and can be deployed as a self-hosted instance, making it adaptable for both personal and professional use.

Cabal-desktop offers a robust desktop application for Cabal, enabling users to join secret-key based chat groups with seamless local storage and offline access. The tool supports a decentralized architecture that allows chats to be synchronized with peers when they reconnect, reinforcing privacy and autonomy. Constant updates ensure compatibility with other Cabal clients like the CLI and terminal versions.

Fosscord delivers a self-hostable chat solution that mirrors the features of popular platforms like Discord, allowing users to create and manage their own communication hubs. Emphasizing open source values, it supports full customization, enhanced data privacy, and reliable performance for diverse community needs.

SchildiChat provides a modern messaging experience by leveraging the Matrix network and building on the solid foundation of Element. It comes with added enhancements and customizations that improve usability while retaining the open and decentralized features of Matrix. Available on Android, Desktop, and Web, this client meets the needs of users across a variety of devices.

SchildiChat provides a modern messaging experience by leveraging the Matrix network and building on the solid foundation of Element. It comes with added enhancements and customizations that improve usability while retaining the open and decentralized features of Matrix. Available on Android, Desktop, and Web, this client meets the needs of users across a variety of devices.