The Best Discord AlternativesTop Instant Messengers & Group Chat Apps like Discord

Discord is described as 'A versatile platform for text and voice communication, featuring topic-specific channels, customizable moderation, and smooth low latency interactions' and is a leading instant messenger in the social & communications category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Discord for a variety of platforms, including Web-based, Android, iPhone, Windows and Mac apps. The best Discord alternative is Element. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Element or Mumble. Other great apps like Discord are Stoat Chat, Telegram, TeamSpeak and Matrix.

filter to find the best alternatives

Discord alternatives are mainly Group Chat Apps, but if you're looking for Video Calling Apps or Instant Messengers you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Online, iPhone, Open Source, Self-Hosted, Chrome OS, EU and Screen Sharing. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Discord.
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Alternatives list

  1. Element icon

    Element

     774 likes

    Provides secure collaboration with end-to-end encryption, supporting chat, voice, and video calls. Available on all major platforms, it enables digital sovereignty with a decentralized design and interoperability through bridges to systems like Slack and Teams. Includes enterprise-grade SaaS.

    302 Element alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    • Snapcraft
    Video calls for desktop and mobile
     
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    17
    147
    Comments about Element as an Alternative to Discord
    Top Positive Comment
    kaspian
    6

    Much better, no censorship, decentralized and End to end encryped!

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    37

    Voice features are just lacking too far behind or practically non existent compared to discord. No channels, no audio wizards setup or even basic settings like volume control or open mic threshold settings, no push to talk. It's very very barebones. If it were to have Mumbe's voice features instead of Jitsi's it would be a discord killer.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Martin N.
    Positive
    0

    Decentralized, not dependent on a company.

    3 of 17 comments
    Element icon
    Element icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Element is a great Discord alternative.

    • Element is Free Personal and Open SourceDiscord is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Element is Privacy focused and LightweightDiscord is not according to our users
  2. Mumble icon

    Mumble

     480 likes

    Mumble was the first and is the most successful and wide spread free and open source software for VoIP. It was the first VoIP software to provide low-latency audio suitable for gaming, and at the same time was a pioneer in high audio quality.

    50 Mumble alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • iPhone
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    Mumble 1.2.3 Release Candidate – some users in different channels
     
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    12
    143
    Comments about Mumble as an Alternative to Discord
    Top Positive Comment
    scottfrost
    2

    Mumble doesn't support screen sharing, which is a critical feature of Discord

    Top Negative Comment
    Julien Beauvais
    2

    Mumble are for real time communication not differed and persistent chat like Discord.

    Guest
    Positive
    5

    The audio quality is great and has less latency than Discord. The server is self-hosted so there is more flexibility as well. But that's the only expect that is better than Discord. Discord has much more functionality like video calling, rich text server chat, etc.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 12 comments
    Mumble icon
    Mumble icon

    • Most users think Mumble is a great Discord alternative.

    • Mumble is Free and Open SourceDiscord is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Mumble is Lightweight and Privacy focusedDiscord is not according to our users
  4. Tox icon

    Tox

     558 likes

    With the rise of widespread government monitoring programs, Tox is an easy to use application that allows you to connect with friends and loved ones without anyone else listening in.

    211 Tox alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • F-Droid
    The Universal Tox Client. A Tox client that runs on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, FreeBSD & the web. Written in JS using React & React Native / electron.
     
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    8
    76
    Comments about Tox as an Alternative to Discord
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    12

    The privacy capability gives Tox an edge over most other alternatives to Discord.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Top Negative Comment
    givi o
    0

    Tox is not an alternative.

    rad1an
    Negative
    1

    It doesn't have servers, is less convenient

    3 of 8 comments
    Tox icon
    Tox icon

    • Most users think Tox is a great Discord alternative.

    • Tox is Free and Open SourceDiscord is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Tox is Privacy focused, Security-focused and LightweightDiscord is not according to our users
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    Google Chat icon
    Google Chat

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    Secure team messaging platform with organized topic-based conversations, real-time collaboration on Docs, Sheets, Slides, integrated calendar scheduling, one-click meetings, shared tasks and files, Google Workspace support, admin...

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  6. Stoat Chat icon

    Stoat Chat

     107 likes

    Stoat (previously Revolt) is a chat platform that puts users first. With text & voice channels, video calling, screen sharing, permissions, mod tools, bots & more. Join any community or build one just the way you like it. It also respects your privacy.

    45 Stoat Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Rust
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • GitHub
    User settings page, on "Appearance" tab
     
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    12
    44
    Comments about Stoat Chat as an Alternative to Discord
    Top Positive Comment
    Gruak
    9

    Revolt has much better privacy policy, is open source, and therefore much more trustworthy.

    Top Negative Comment
    Wizzrimp
    -1

    cant make a damn invite link

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Looks and feels like Discord to use, plus being FOSS

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 12 comments
    Stoat Chat icon
    Stoat Chat icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Stoat Chat is a great Discord alternative.

    • Stoat Chat is Free and Open SourceDiscord is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Stoat Chat is Privacy focused and LightweightDiscord is not according to our users
  7. Telegram icon

    Telegram

     2079 likes

    Maximize your messaging experience with efficient communication, speedy delivery, and optional end-to-end encrypted Secret Chats. Engage in unlimited channels and groups up to 200,000 members. Enhance chat management and media sharing with Telegram Premium and its exclusive benefits. All core features remain free.

    286 Telegram alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Auto
    • Linux Mobile
    • Android Wear
    • PortableApps.com
    • FreeBSD
    • Apple Car Play
    Telegram Desktop
     
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    9
    63
    Comments about Telegram as an Alternative to Discord
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    5

    Telegram DOES HAVE voice chat. It has no premium features, it's all free. Plus stickers.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Top Negative Comment
    Rizowski
    5

    Telegram is more akin to whatsapp than discord. Discord would be closer to mumble, teamspeak or ventrilo.

    Eric Badunov
    Positive
    0

    Love the safety it provides. Fast mobile app too. Can recommend!

    3 of 9 comments
    Telegram icon
    Telegram icon

    • Some users think Telegram is a great Discord alternative, some don't.

    • Telegram is Freemium and ProprietaryDiscord is also Freemium and Proprietary
    • Telegram is Lightweight, Privacy focused and Security-focusedDiscord is not according to our users
  8. TeamSpeak icon

    TeamSpeak

     209 likes

    Embrace lag-free, secure voice chats with TeamSpeak, offering cross-platform compatibility and low CPU usage. Enjoy advanced audio controls, push-to-talk, in-game overlay, and security-focused privacy features, tailored for gamers seeking seamless communication.

    56 TeamSpeak alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • Cloudron
    TeamSpeak screenshot 1
     
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    6
    63
    Comments about TeamSpeak as an Alternative to Discord
    Top Positive Comment
    usernamehere
    5

    Choose whether you want to host your own server for free or rent. Better permission system than discord.

    Top Negative Comment
    RemovedUser
    6

    servers are self-hosted, it focuses on voice chat, android app is paid

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Bananas
    Negative
    -11

    garbage, too complex compared to discord. nothing beats discord when it comes to chat and vc

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 6 comments
    TeamSpeak icon
    TeamSpeak icon

    • Most users think TeamSpeak is a great Discord alternative.

    • TeamSpeak is Freemium and ProprietaryDiscord is also Freemium and Proprietary
  10. Matrix icon

    Matrix

     383 likes

    Matrix defines a set of open APIs for decentralised communication, suitable for securely publishing, persisting and subscribing to data over a global open federation of servers with no single point of control.

    166 Matrix alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • WebRTC
    • Python
    • JavaScript
    • Go (Programming Language)
    • Cloudron
    • Java
    • Perl
    Main Page
     
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    3
    38
    Comments about Matrix as an Alternative to Discord
    somegirlfromit
    Negative
    7

    Matrix.org is a transport protocol. Discord is chat software. Matrix is no more software than Discord is a protocol.

    brickelt963-altto
    Positive
    0

    The advantage of Element for me is that it's open source. I really appreciate the fact that it's a flexible solution that isn't polluted by foreign investment and the profit rationale that is becoming increasingly prevalent in Discord. Especially since I've seen documentaries showing financial relations with Chinese companies already well known for their government ties. It's like creating a Discord ‘server’ with rooms from lots of different places ^^.

    luananeder
    Positive
    0

    The protocol has the potential to be a good Discord alternative.

    Issue is the clients are almost all awful, which makes the UX horrible. So not a feasible alternative, at least not until a good app appears.

    Matrix icon
    Matrix icon

    • Most users think Matrix is a great Discord alternative.

    • Matrix is Free and Open SourceDiscord is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Matrix is Privacy focused, Security-focused and LightweightDiscord is not according to our users
  11. Zulip icon

    Zulip

     266 likes

    Zulip is the only modern team chat app that is designed for both live and asynchronous conversations. Zulip topics create a separate space for each discussion, so different conversations will never get in each other's way.

    222 Zulip alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    Zulip screenshot 1
     
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    12
    43
    Comments about Zulip as an Alternative to Discord
    Top Positive Comment
    Geobomatic
    1

    Zulip approach instant messaging in an innovative way, a hybrid between pure IM and old fashioned forum. It helps keeping the messages organized and not jumble around many discussion in the same flow

    jvoight
    Positive
    0

    I like Zulip because it treats conversation structure as first-class, not an afterthought. The topic model forces messages to live somewhere stable. When you come back after a day—or a week—you can read what matters without wading through a firehose.

    samia_
    Positive
    0

    A place within the channel where you can have conversations organized by topic.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 12 comments
    Zulip icon
    Zulip icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Zulip is a great Discord alternative.

    • Zulip is Free Personal and Open SourceDiscord is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Zulip is Privacy focusedDiscord is not according to our users
  12. Jami icon

    Jami

     237 likes

    Jami (formerly GNU Ring, SFLphone) positions itself as a potential free Skype replacement

    160 Jami alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Jami video conference OS X
     
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    2
    26
    Comments about Jami as an Alternative to Discord
    RemovedUser
    Positive
    8

    Decentralized, end-to-end encrypted, and ironically works better than other services that I have used. I'm not sure if it has group calls, though.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    1

    Ring lacks most chat features.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Jami icon
    Jami icon

    • Most users think Jami is a great Discord alternative.

    • Jami is Free and Open SourceDiscord is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Jami is Privacy focusedDiscord is not according to our users
  13. Wire icon

    Wire

     313 likes

    Wire is the most secure collaboration platform featuring messenger, voice, video, conference calls, file-sharing, and external collaboration –all protected by the most secure end-to-end-encryption.

    282 Wire alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Flathub
    • Snapcraft
    Wire screenshot 1
     
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    1
    33
    Comments about Wire as an Alternative to Discord
    luananeder
    Negative
    1

    Does not seem to have anything similar to discord’s ‘servers’

    Wire icon
    Wire icon

    • Most users think Wire is a great Discord alternative.

    • Wire is Free Personal and Open SourceDiscord is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Wire is Security-focused and Privacy focusedDiscord is not according to our users
  14. Slack icon

    Slack

     860 likes

    Offers unified communication for teams with advanced real-time messaging, contextual features, versatile chat tools, and organized conversations in dedicated channels with integrated file sharing on Mac, Windows, Linux, and mobile platforms for enhanced productivity.

    226 Slack alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Electron
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Slack screenshot 1
     
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    7
    65
    Comments about Slack as an Alternative to Discord
    Top Positive Comment
    OAKSIF0
    0

    Has the same chat features, is more secure than discord, lets you call.

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    27

    Many features discord has are paid in Slack, it's a horrible alternative targeted for businesses

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    11

    Slack = business Discord = Gaming

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 7 comments
    Slack icon
    Slack icon

    • Some users think Slack is a great Discord alternative, some don't.

    • Slack is Freemium and ProprietaryDiscord is also Freemium and Proprietary
  15. Mattermost icon

    Mattermost

     253 likes

    Mattermost is a secure, open source platform for communication, collaboration, and workflow orchestration across tools and teams.

    130 Mattermost alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • JavaScript
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Go (Programming Language)
    • Cloudron
    Mattermost screenshot 1
     
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    26
12 of 182 Discord alternatives