Top 10 Discord Alternatives for Online Communication in 2026
By DealKeep Team · 2026-06-17
Looking for a Discord alternative in 2026? You have plenty of choices. Many users want more privacy, different features, or better pricing. Check out this quick table of the most popular options right now:
Tool
Best for
Key features
Starting price
Circle
Community builders
Monetization, mobile apps
Slack
Professional teams
Channels, integrations
Free/$8.75/user/mo
Microsoft Teams
Hybrid & enterprise teams
Meetings, chat
$4/user/mo
Informal chat groups
Voice/video calls
Free
Telegram
Large broadcast groups
Bots, channels
Free
Signal
Privacy-focused users
Encryption, privacy tools
Free
Voxer
Voice messaging teams
Push-to-talk, multimedia
Free/$7.99/mo
TeamSpeak
Gamers
Low-latency voice
Free (self-hosted)
Facebook Groups
Beginner communities
Discovery, live video
Free
Topic-based discussions
Forums, voting
Free/$5.99
You can find the right fit for your group or community.
Key Takeaways
- Explore various Discord alternatives like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Signal to find the best fit for your needs.
- Consider privacy and security features when choosing a platform; options like Element and Signal prioritize user data protection.
- Evaluate pricing models; some platforms offer free plans with essential features, while others may charge for advanced tools.
- Think about the specific needs of your group, such as community size, required features, and ease of use, to make an informed choice.
- Test out different platforms to see which one enhances your online communication experience the most.
Quick List of Discord Alternatives
Image Source: pexels
Overview Table
Here’s a handy table to help you compare some of the top platforms you might want to try instead of Discord. You can see what each one offers and how much it costs:
Platform
Key Features
Pricing Model
Slack
Channels, integrations, file sharing
Free; $8.75/user/month
Microsoft Teams
Text, voice, video calls, Office document collaboration, large file support
Free; $4/user/month (Essentials)
TeamSpeak
Crystal-clear voice, military-grade encryption, advanced sound control
Free server license; paid licenses available
Element
Open-source, privacy-first, self-hosted option
Free if self-hosted
Topic-based forums, voting, niche communities
Free; $5.99/month for premium
GroupApp
Paid communities, coaching, cohort learning
$24/month
Twitch
Live streaming, gaming, real-time broadcasting
Free
Flock
Small team messaging, lightweight communication
$6/user/month
Discourse
Forums, support, searchable discussions
$20/month
Zulip
Email-style chat, open-source, customizable
Free; paid plans from $3.50/person/month
Tip: If you want a discord alternative that puts privacy first, Element and Stoat (formerly Revolt) both offer open-source, self-hosted options.
Best Use Cases
You might wonder which platform fits your needs best. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- Slack: Great for work teams who need lots of integrations and organized channels.
- Microsoft Teams: Perfect for businesses that use Office tools and need video meetings.
- TeamSpeak: Gamers love this for its low-latency voice chat.
- Element: Choose this if you care about privacy and want to self-host your community.
- Reddit: Best for public discussions and finding people with similar interests.
- GroupApp: Use this for paid memberships, coaching, or online courses.
- Twitch: Go here if you want to stream games or host live events.
- Flock: Good for small teams who want simple messaging.
- Discourse: Pick this for forums or support communities.
- Zulip: Try this if you like email-style chat and want open-source flexibility.
You have lots of choices. Think about what matters most to you—privacy, features, or price—before picking your next discord alternative.
Why Consider a Discord Alternative?
Discord Limitations
You might love Discord, but it does have some drawbacks. Many users start looking for a new platform when they run into these common issues:
- Moderation tools feel limited. If you manage a big group, you may struggle to keep things organized and safe.
- Privacy can be a concern. Discord does not use end-to-end encryption for private chats. The app also collects a lot of data about you.
- Policy changes happen. Sometimes, Discord updates its rules or privacy practices. You might not always agree with these changes.
- Subscription costs add up. Some of the best features sit behind a paywall. Discord Nitro subscriptions have become more expensive over time.
- Server restrictions exist. You can only join a certain number of servers or invite a limited number of members. This can make things tough for large communities.
If you care about privacy, want better moderation, or need more flexibility, you might want to explore a discord alternative.
Who Needs an Alternative?
Not everyone needs to switch, but some groups benefit more than others. If you run a community-driven group, work on open-source projects, or belong to an organization with lots of loosely connected members, you may find a discord alternative works better for you. These platforms often make it easier to join multiple servers and chat with different groups. You get more control and flexibility.
You might also want to switch if you want to avoid rising costs or need features that Discord does not offer. Think about what matters most to you and your group. The right platform can make online communication smoother and more enjoyable.
Choosing a Discord Alternative
Key Factors
You want to pick the right platform for your group, but where do you start? Let’s break down the most important things to look for. You should check if the platform is easy to use. If the interface feels confusing, your group might not stick around. Look for strong privacy and security features. Some platforms offer end-to-end encryption, so your chats stay private. Think about customization. Can you set up roles, permissions, and channels the way you want? Integrations matter too. Does the platform connect with tools you already use, like Google Workspace or Microsoft Office?
Here’s a quick table to help you compare:
Criteria
What to Look For
Productivity Features
Task management, file sharing, meeting scheduling
Privacy and Security
Clear privacy policies, strong encryption
Simple interface, easy for everyone
Customization Options
Flexible roles, permissions, channel setup
Integrations
Connects with your favorite apps and bots
Tip: If you need video calls, check if the platform supports high-quality video and screen sharing. Some even let you host up to 1,000 people in one call!
Matching Needs
Now, think about what your group actually needs. Are you running a gaming community? You might want low-latency voice chat and easy channel management. If you lead a business team, integrations with productivity tools and task management features will help you work smarter. Privacy-focused groups should look for platforms with strong encryption and clear privacy policies.
Here’s a quick list to guide you:
- Gamers: Look for real-time voice and video, customizable channels, and low-latency calls.
- Businesses: Choose platforms with task management, file sharing, and lots of integrations.
- Privacy seekers: Pick tools with end-to-end encryption and self-hosting options.
- Large communities: Find platforms that scale well and support big group calls.
You can match these features to your needs and find the best discord alternative for your group. Try a few options and see which one feels right!
Slack
Features
Slack stands out because it keeps your conversations organized. You get channels for every topic, project, or team. You can search for old messages by channel, user, date, or keyword. This makes it easy to find what you need, even months later. If you like structure, you will enjoy Slack’s threaded conversations. You can reply to a message without cluttering the main chat.
You also get access to over 2,600 native integrations. This means you can connect Slack to tools like Google Drive, Trello, or Zoom. You can automate tasks and get notifications from other apps right inside Slack. Discord does not offer this level of workflow automation.
- Threaded conversations keep chats tidy.
- Advanced search helps you find information fast.
- Integrations let you work with your favorite apps.
- Workflow automation saves you time.
Pricing
Slack offers a free plan, but it comes with limits. You can only see the last 90 days of messages. You also get a small number of app integrations. If you want more, you need to pay.
Many users say Slack’s paid plans are expensive. The Pro plan costs $8.75 per user each month. You get unlimited message history and app integrations. Discord’s paid plans start at $2.99 per user per month, so Slack can cost more if you have a big team.
Ideal Users
Slack works best for teams that need structure and organization. If you work in a company or manage projects, you will like Slack’s features. It is also a good fit for groups that need advanced security or must follow data rules.
Description
Corporate Teams
Require organized communication and task management.
Professional Environments
Need advanced security features and data compliance.
Teams with Structured Workflows
Benefit from file sharing and task management capabilities.
If you want a discord alternative for business or professional use, Slack is a top choice.
Microsoft Teams
Image Source: unsplash
Features
You get a lot of power with Microsoft Teams. This platform connects you with your group through chat, voice, and video. Teams stands out because it works so well with Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You can share files, co-edit documents, and schedule meetings without leaving the app.
Here’s a quick look at how Teams compares to Discord:
Feature
Microsoft Teams
Discord
Integration with Microsoft 365
Yes
No
Live Captions
Yes
No
AI-Powered Features
Yes (Premium)
No
Meeting Recording
Yes
No
Participant Limit (Free)
300
25
Participant Limit (Paid)
50
Virtual Backgrounds
Yes
No
Security and Privacy
Better
Standard
You can use live captions during meetings. This helps everyone follow along, even if they have trouble hearing. Teams also gives you AI-powered tools like meeting recaps and smart insights. You can record meetings and use virtual backgrounds to keep things professional. If you want to run big meetings, Teams lets you invite up to 1,000 people on paid plans.
Tip: You can create polls, transcribe meetings in different languages, and even brand your meeting rooms with your company logo.
Pricing
You can start with Microsoft Teams for free. The free plan gives you basic chat, meetings, and file sharing. If you need more, paid plans start at $4 per user each month. Many advanced features, like AI tools and large meetings, sit behind a paywall. Teams costs more than some other apps, and the price may go up if you use Microsoft 365. Discord stays cheaper for basic needs, but Teams gives you more business tools.
- Free plan: Basic chat, meetings, and file sharing
- Paid plans: Start at $4/user/month
- Advanced features: Only in higher-tier plans
- Pricing may rise for Microsoft 365 users
Ideal Users
You should pick Microsoft Teams if you work in a business or school that uses Office 365. Teams fits best for professional groups that need secure meetings and strong collaboration tools. If you want a discord alternative for work, Teams gives you more control and better privacy. Many companies choose Teams because it keeps everything in one place and helps teams stay productive.
If you run a gaming group or a casual community, Teams might feel too formal. But if you need to manage projects, share files, and meet with lots of people, Teams is a smart choice.
Google Chat
Features
Google Chat gives you a simple way to talk with your team. You can send direct messages, join group chats, and share files without leaving the app. If you already use Gmail, Docs, or Google Calendar, you will love how everything connects. You can jump from a chat to a document or a meeting in just a few clicks.
Here are some things you get with Google Chat:
- Easy messaging for one-on-one or group conversations.
- File sharing right inside your chats.
- Video calls with Google Meet, so you can see your team face-to-face.
- Strong security that scans for phishing, malware, and spam.
- Storage that grows with your needs, up to 5TB on higher plans.
Tip: If you use Google Workspace at school or work, Google Chat fits right in. You do not need to learn a new tool.
Pricing
You can try Google Chat for free with a basic Google account. If you want more features, you can get it as part of Google Workspace. The Standard plan gives you 2TB of cloud storage and lets you host video meetings with up to 150 people. The Business Plus plan bumps storage up to 5TB and supports meetings with up to 500 people. You pay per user each month, so you can add more people as your team grows.
Plan
Storage
Video Meeting Size
Price (per user/month)
Free
15GB
100
$0
Standard
2TB
150
Varies
Business Plus
5TB
500
Varies
Most teams find the price fair, especially if they already use Google tools. You get a lot for your money, but you may notice that Discord offers more for free if you just want to chat or call.
Ideal Users
Google Chat works best for teams and businesses that already use Google Workspace. If you want a tool that connects with Gmail, Docs, and Calendar, this is a smart pick. You get a professional look and strong security, which helps if you care about keeping your data safe. If you often work with outside partners, keep in mind that everyone needs a Google account to join.
You might not like Google Chat if you want to build a big online community or need lots of fun features. It does not have the same community tools as Discord. Still, if you want a discord alternative for work or school, Google Chat makes things easy and keeps your team connected.
Pumble
Features
Pumble gives you a clean, easy-to-use chat experience. You can set up channels for different topics, send direct messages, and even start threads to keep conversations organized. If you like Slack’s style but want something simpler, you’ll feel right at home here. Pumble stands out because it lets you keep unlimited message history, even on the free plan. You never have to worry about losing old chats.
You can make one-on-one calls without paying extra. This is great if you want to talk things out quickly. Pumble also supports file sharing, so you can send documents or images right in your chat. The interface feels simple, so your team won’t get lost in menus or settings.
Here’s a quick look at how Pumble compares to other platforms:
Feature
Pumble
Discord/Other Platforms
Free Plan
Unlimited users and message history
Limited users/message history
User Experience
Simple, Slack-like interface
More complex, advanced features
Built-in Calling
1:1 calls included in free plan
Paid plans often needed for calling
Target Audience
Startups, nonprofits, budget teams
Broader, less budget-focused
Tip: Pumble keeps things simple, so you can focus on your work instead of learning a new tool.
Pricing
You can use Pumble for free with unlimited users and message history. That’s rare among chat apps. Many other tools, like Discord or Microsoft Teams, limit what you get unless you pay. Discord offers a generous free plan, but Pumble’s simple pricing makes it easy to know what you’re getting. You don’t have to worry about hidden costs or complicated upgrades.
- Free plan: Unlimited users and message history
- Paid plans: Add more features if you need them
- No confusing pricing tiers
Ideal Users
Pumble works best for remote or hybrid teams who want to keep communication simple. If you run a nonprofit, startup, or any group that needs to save money, you’ll love how budget-friendly it is. You can use video calls, instant messaging, and threads to keep everyone connected. Pumble also helps you share files and set up notifications, so you don’t miss important updates.
- Great for remote and hybrid teams
- Perfect for nonprofits and startups
- Helps you organize chats with threads and channels
- Supports file sharing and multilingual teams
If you want a discord alternative that’s easy to use and keeps costs low, Pumble is a smart choice.
Rocket.Chat
Features
Rocket.Chat gives you a lot of control over your online community. You can set up your own server, which means you decide how your group works and who joins. The setup process feels simple, so you won’t get stuck trying to install it. If you want a platform that feels like Discord but gives you more freedom, Rocket.Chat stands out.
Here’s a quick look at what you get:
Feature
Description
You get chat, file sharing, and video calls all in one place.
Ease of setup
You can install Rocket.Chat quickly and start chatting right away.
Self-hosting capability
You host your own server for more privacy and control.
Some users say Rocket.Chat feels a lot like Discord, but you get more options for managing your group. You might notice that stability can be an issue sometimes. If you run a big community, you’ll want a strong moderation team to keep things safe.
Want a platform that lets you decide how your group works? Rocket.Chat gives you that power.
Pricing
You can use Rocket.Chat for free if you pick the Community plan. This plan gives you unlimited messaging, end-to-end encryption, and full chat history. If you need more features or support, you can upgrade to the Enterprise plan for $7 per user each month. You get extra tools and customer support with this plan.
Here’s how Rocket.Chat compares to other chat apps:
Platform
Plan Type
Price
Features Included
Rocket.Chat
Community
Free
Unlimited messaging, encryption, full history
Enterprise
More features, support, add-ons
Slack
Free
Free
Last 90 days of messages
Pro
$8.75/user/month
More messages, files, integrations
You can save money if you run a big group and don’t need fancy extras.
Ideal Users
Rocket.Chat works best for groups that need strict communication rules. You might use it if you work in IT or manage a company with lots of private chats. Organizations that care about privacy and control often pick Rocket.Chat as their discord alternative.
- IT teams
- Corporate governance groups
- Organizations with strict communication needs
If you want a platform that feels familiar but gives you more control, Rocket.Chat could be the right choice.
Element (Matrix)
Features
You want privacy and control? Element (Matrix) gives you both. You can host your own server, which means you decide where your data lives. You don’t have to trust a big company with your messages. Element uses end-to-end encryption for all your chats, files, and calls. That keeps your conversations safe from prying eyes.
Element allows you to self-host your server, giving you complete control over your data. Element uses end-to-end encryption for shared files, messages, and calls, ensuring maximum privacy for its users.
You also get open-source software. You can check the code or even change it if you want. That’s great if you like transparency or want to customize your chat app. Element connects with Jitsi, so you can make high-quality video calls and share your screen. You get tools for teamwork, just like Discord.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Feature
Element
Discord
End-to-end encryption
Yes, by default
No
Self-hosting
Yes
No
Open source
Yes
No
Ads and tracking
None
Yes
Interface
Simple
Polished
Pricing
You can use Element for free if you host it yourself. That’s a big win for privacy fans. If you want someone else to host it, you can pay for a plan. Paid plans give you extra support and features. Most people start with the free version and upgrade only if they need more help.
Feature
Element (Matrix)
Discord
Pricing
Free for self-hosting; paid plans
Free with subscriptions
Security
End-to-end encryption
No encryption
Data Control
Full control
Discord owns your data
Ideal Users
Element (Matrix) works best for people who care about privacy and security. If you want to control your data, this is a smart pick. Open-source fans and tech-savvy users love it. Many open-source communities and businesses use Element to keep their chats safe. You might like Element if you want a discord alternative that puts privacy first.
Tip: You don’t need to be a tech expert to use Element, but you’ll get the most out of it if you like to tinker or want to run your own server.
Chanty
Features
You want a chat app that helps your team get things done. Chanty does just that. It mixes messaging with project management. You can turn any message into a task with just one click. This makes it easy to keep track of what needs to happen next. You can also use built-in to-do lists and share documents right in the chat.
Chanty stands out because it keeps things simple. You get a clean interface that does not distract you. If you like to stay organized, you will enjoy the Kanban board for managing tasks. You can also share your screen during calls. Chanty connects with other apps, so you can bring your favorite tools into one place.
Here’s a quick look at how Chanty compares to Discord:
Feature
Chanty
Discord
Task-oriented collaboration
Yes
No
Convert messages to tasks
Yes
No
Project management features
Yes (to-do lists, document sharing)
Limited
Screen sharing
Yes
Yes
Third-party app integrations
Yes
Yes
Pricing
Starting at $4/user/month
Free with limitations
Tip: If you want to keep your team focused and organized, Chanty’s task tools make it easy.
Pricing
You can start using Chanty for free, but most teams pick the paid plan. The price starts at $4 per user each month. This gives you access to all features, including unlimited message history and full task management. Compared to other apps, Chanty offers a simple and fair price. You do not have to worry about hidden fees.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Metric
Discord
Chanty
AI Visibility Score
89/100
58/100
Key strengths
Voice/video quality, bots, free tier
Kanban tasks, simple UI, low price, fast onboarding
You get a lot for your money, especially if you want built-in project tools.
Ideal Users
Chanty works best for small teams, startups, and anyone who wants to keep things simple. If you do not want to spend time learning a complex app, you will like Chanty. It is great for non-technical groups and remote teams. You can use it for work projects, school groups, or even family planning.
If you want a discord alternative that helps you manage tasks and chat in one place, Chanty is a smart pick. You will stay organized and get more done with less stress.
TeamSpeak
Features
You might know TeamSpeak as the classic voice chat app for gamers. It gives you super clear audio, even if your internet is slow. You can set up private channels for your friends or your team. TeamSpeak lets you control who can join, speak, or listen. You can also use push-to-talk, so you only talk when you want. This helps keep background noise out of your calls.
TeamSpeak uses strong encryption to keep your chats safe. You can run your own server if you want more control. The app works on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. You can even use it while you play games, because it uses very little computer power.
Tip: TeamSpeak has plugins and themes. You can change how it looks or add new features.
Pricing
You can use TeamSpeak for free if you join someone else’s server. If you want to run your own server, you need a license. The free license lets you have up to 32 users. If you need more, you can buy a bigger license. Prices start at about $55 per year for up to 64 users. You only pay for the server, not for each user.
License Type
Max Users
Price
Free
32
$0
Paid (Annual)
64+
$55+/year
You can save money if you have a small group. You only pay more if your community grows.
Ideal Users
TeamSpeak works best for gamers who want the best voice quality. If you play games that need fast reactions, you will like how TeamSpeak keeps your voice clear and lag-free. You can also use it for study groups or hobby clubs. If you want a discord alternative that gives you control and privacy, TeamSpeak is a strong choice.
- Gamers who need low-latency voice chat
- Groups who want to run their own server
- Users who care about privacy and control
You can try TeamSpeak if you want something simple, powerful, and focused on voice.
Signal
Features
You want privacy? Signal gives you that. This app uses end-to-end encryption for every message, call, and file you send. Nobody can read your chats except you and the person you talk to. Signal does not track your activity or collect your data. You can send text messages, voice notes, photos, and videos. You can also make voice and video calls. Group chats work well, and you can invite friends easily.
Signal lets you set messages to disappear after a certain time. You can use stickers and emojis to make your chats fun. The app works on phones and computers. You do not need to worry about ads or trackers. Signal keeps things simple and safe.
Note: Signal is open-source. You can check the code if you want. This helps you trust the app.
Pricing
Signal is free. You do not pay for features or upgrades. The app runs on donations and grants. You can use every feature without limits. There are no hidden fees or subscriptions. You do not see ads. You do not need to buy anything to keep your chats private.
Plan
Price
Features
Free
$0
All features
You get everything for free. That makes Signal a great choice if you want privacy without spending money.
Ideal Users
Signal works best for people who care about privacy. If you want a discord alternative that protects your messages, Signal is a smart pick. You might use Signal for family chats, activist groups, or private conversations. Journalists and lawyers often choose Signal because it keeps their talks safe. You can use Signal for small teams or one-on-one chats. If you want a simple app that does not collect your data, Signal fits your needs.
- Privacy seekers
- Activists
- Journalists
- Families
- Anyone who wants secure chats
You can try Signal if you want a safe and easy way to talk online.
Viber
Features
You might know Viber as a simple messaging app, but it offers much more. You can send texts, photos, videos, and voice messages to anyone in your contacts. Viber lets you make high-quality voice and video calls. You can even start group calls with up to 60 people. If you want to keep things private, you can use secret chats that disappear after a while. Viber also gives you end-to-end encryption, so your messages stay safe.
You can join public communities or create your own group. Viber supports stickers, GIFs, and fun emojis to make your chats lively. You can also share files and documents right in the app. If you travel a lot, Viber Out lets you call real phone numbers worldwide at low rates. The app works on your phone, tablet, and computer, so you can switch devices without missing a message.
Tip: You can mute chats or block users if you need a break from notifications.
Pricing
Viber is free for most features. You can send messages, make calls, and join groups without paying anything. If you want to call someone who does not use Viber, you can use Viber Out. This service costs a small fee, but you only pay for what you use. There are no monthly charges for basic features. You can buy sticker packs or themes if you want to customize your app, but these are optional.
Feature
Free
Paid (Viber Out)
Messaging
✅
Voice/Video Call
✅
Call Phones
✅
Stickers/Themes
✅ (optional)
Ideal Users
Viber works well for friends, families, and small groups who want to stay in touch. If you have family in other countries, you can use Viber to call or message them for free. Travelers like Viber because it helps them avoid high phone bills. You might also like Viber if you want a simple app that works on many devices. If you need a discord alternative that feels easy and fun, Viber is a great choice for casual chatting and group calls.
You have lots of choices when picking a discord alternative. Think about what matters most to you and your group. Here are some things to look for:
- Security and privacy
- Easy setup and use
- Good mobile access
- Helpful customer support
- Features that fit your needs
Try a few platforms before you decide. Share your favorite tools or questions in the comments below!
FAQ
What is the best free Discord alternative?
You can try Element, Signal, or Rocket.Chat. These apps offer strong privacy and no cost. Each one gives you group chats and voice calls. Pick the one that matches your needs.
Can I use these platforms for gaming?
Yes! TeamSpeak and Slack work well for gamers. TeamSpeak gives you low-latency voice chat. Slack helps you organize game nights and share files.
Which platform is best for privacy?
Signal and Element focus on privacy. Both use end-to-end encryption. You control your data. If privacy matters most, start with these two.
Do these alternatives support large communities?
Platform
Large Community Support
Slack
✅
Microsoft Teams
✅
Element
✅
TeamSpeak
✅
Signal
❌
Most platforms support big groups. Signal works best for small teams.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Discord alternative?
The best Discord alternative depends on your use case: Guilded and Element lead for communities, while TeamSpeak and Mumble are top low-latency picks for gaming voice chat, and Slack or Microsoft Teams suit business communication.
Is there an open-source or encrypted Discord alternative?
Yes. Element, built on the open Matrix protocol, and Revolt are popular open-source, end-to-end-encrypted Discord alternatives that let you control your data and even self-host your own server.