Introduction
Discord has changed how we talk online, with over 150 million users every month. It offers free voice, text, and video chats on many platforms. But, some users worry about privacy and look for Discord alternatives.
This guide shows the best alternative chat platforms for gamers, professionals, and those who care about privacy.
Tools like Slack ($8.75/user/month) and Microsoft Teams ($4/user/month) are compared here. We also look at open-source options like Mumble. You’ll see how each platform stacks up in features, cost, and user feedback.
Find the best Discord alternatives for your needs. Whether you want lots of video calls or top-notch security, we’ve got you covered.
Why Users Are Looking Beyond Discord
Discord has over 150 million users every month. But, privacy issues, technical problems, and cost are pushing people to look elsewhere. Gamers and teams want messaging apps and online community software that are safe, work well, and don’t cost too much.
Users want better encryption. Discord updated in 2024 to add end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls. But, text chats are not protected, unlike Element, which encrypts all messages. Over 150 million users also worry about their data being collected by free online community software.
Older devices struggle with Discord’s high CPU and bandwidth needs. Here’s how it compares to better options:
| Platform | CPU Usage | Latency | Bandwidth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discord | High | Under 50ms | High |
| Mumble | Low | 20ms | Low |
| TeamSpeak | Moderate | 25ms | Moderate |
Gamers prefer apps like Mumble or Ventrilo for low latency. This helps avoid lag on budget setups.
Free users face limits, like 50MB file uploads. Nitro costs $9.99/month, which is out of reach for many. Community owners find it hard to make money, unlike Slack’s Pro plans or Rocket.Chat. Team collaboration apps like Mattermost offer great features without needing to pay every month.
Understanding Discord’s Limitations
Discord is a big place for communities, but it started with gaming. This means it’s not perfect for work . Big teams and complex work can’t fit well in Discord’s setup.
- Customization hurdles: Setting up roles is hard, even for tech-savvy admins.
- Limited automation: You can’t automate tasks like reminders or assigning tasks.
- Integration limits: It’s not as good as like Slack, which has 2,400+ apps.
- Search functionality: Searching old messages is hard in big servers. You can only upload files up to 50MB.
| Feature | Discord | Slack Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Message History | Unlimited only with Nitro | Full history access |
| Calendar Sync | No third-party integration | Google Calendar support |
| Video Calls | 250 participant max | 15,000 participant max |
| Encryption | Server-side encryption | Optional end-to end |
These issues make people look at like Microsoft Teams or Mattermost. They focus on growing and being safe. Looking at is key for groups needing more. Discord is great for hanging out, but it’s not the best for work because of its limits.
Top Discord Alternatives for Gamers
For gamers looking for better performance, security, or special tools, these options are great. Discord might not be the best for low lag or customization. But these alternatives offer what gamers need most.
TeamSpeak: The Veteran Choice
TeamSpeak is top for reliable online chat. It has strong encryption and lets you customize servers. It’s perfect for competitive gaming.
Prices start at $55 for 64 slots. There are also big plans for 1,024 users. It has features like noise control for clear chat during games.
Mumble: Low-Latency Voice Chat
Mumble is open-source and fast. It has latency under 100ms. It’s great for FPS games because of its audio tech.
It’s free and works well on old computers. This makes it a favorite among FPS players.
Guilded: Feature-Rich Gaming Platform
Guilded is like Discord but for gaming. It has tools for tournaments and recruiting. The free plan has 10GB cloud storage.
Paid plans offer more features. It’s a top choice for esports teams because of its clan management.
Element: Secure Gaming Communications
Element uses the Matrix protocol for secure chats. It works with Steam and Twitch. It’s free and has features like video calls and file sharing.
| Platform | Key Features | Pricing | Unique Aspect |
|---|---|---|---|
| TeamSpeak | Customizable servers, encryption | $55–$500/month | Enterprise-level scalability |
| Mumble | Positional audio, open-source | Free | Ultra-low latency |
| Guilded | Tournament tools, cloud storage | Free + paid tiers | Esports focus |
| Element | Decentralized, end-to-end encryption | Free | No data tracking |
Business-Focused Discord Alternatives
Teams looking to boost productivity can turn to chat software alternatives like Slack and Microsoft Teams. These communication platforms are designed for work, not just chatting.
Slack is the top choice for chat apps, working with over 2,200 tools. It has a free version that lets you keep 10,000 messages. Paid plans start at $7.25/month for more features.
Microsoft Teams is great for those using Microsoft 365. It has video meetings and helps you work together on documents. It’s priced with Microsoft 365, making it easy for users.
Mattermost is perfect for companies wanting control over their data. It starts at $5/user/month and meets GDPR standards. You can customize it without using third-party servers.
These options solve Discord’s problems, like small file uploads and missing integrations. Businesses can pick cloud services like Slack or self-hosted options like Mattermost. This way, they get what they need for work.
Privacy-Focused Communication Platforms
More people want to keep their data safe. They look for platforms that protect their privacy. Tools like Element and Signal use end-to-end encryption to keep messages private.
Element is a team collaboration software that lets you host your own servers. This means you control your data. It’s great for keeping things secure.
Signal is another option for voice chat alternatives. It encrypts every message and video call. Even the FBI can’t get into your data without your permission.
| Platform | End-to-End Encryption | Group Size | Supported Platforms | Pricing | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signal | All messages by default | Up to 1,500 | Android/iOS/Linux/macOS/Windows | Free | Video chat software with E2EE, message expiration |
| Telegram | Secret Chats only | 200,000 members | All platforms | Free | Self-destructing messages, large groups |
| Wire | All messages | Unlimited | Android/iOS/Linux/macOS/Windows | Free (enterprise plans) | Enterprise security, no metadata logging |
| Element | All messages | Customizable | All platforms | Free (self-hosted) | Decentralized servers, voice/video chat alternatives |
Wire and Telegram are group messaging tools with different privacy levels. Wire doesn’t collect contact lists, but Telegram might share data under legal requests. It’s up to you to decide what’s most important.
For teams, Element is a top choice. It lets you host your own servers, keeping your data safe. Signal is known for its strong privacy, with a 4.5-star rating. Element’s open-source nature is a big plus for tech-savvy users.
Open-Source Discord Alternatives
Open-source platforms change how we talk online. They offer discord replacement options for those who want control. These tools are easy to use and can be customized, perfect for teams needing safe online community platforms.
Users can choose to host themselves or use cloud services. This way, they can make the platform fit their needs.
Rocket.Chat: Customizable Communication
Rocket.Chat has a Slack-like interface and supports self-hosting. It’s a great alternative to discord. The free version has video calls and customization options.
Paid plans offer more security for businesses. Teams can change the code or themes to meet their standards.
Zulip: Thread-Based Messaging
Zulip organizes chats into threads, great for tech teams. It’s a discord replacement option that works with GitHub. It has clear message threads, not channel-based layouts.
Its open-source code means no hidden data practices.
Matrix/Element: Decentralized Communication
Matrix/Element lets users own their data, making it a messaging platforms like discord but different. Users can host their servers or join public ones. It also connects to Slack or Telegram.
It has end-to-end encryption and server freedom. This makes it stand out from centralized options.
Mobile-Friendly Chat Applications
For users who want easy mobile access, top group messaging alternatives and chat software alternatives are great. They focus on speed, simplicity, and being easy to use on phones.
Telegram: Feature-Rich Messaging
- Supports groups of up to 200,000 members and channels for mass broadcasts.
- Offers self-destructing messages and customizable bots.
- Mobile apps load faster than Discord’s, with cloud-based data syncing.
Signal: Encrypted Communications
- End-to end encryption defaults for all messages and calls.
- Group video calls support up to 50 participants with minimal lag.
- No phone number verification for basic messaging, though groups require contacts.
WhatsApp: Widespread Adoption
- Over 2 billion users leverage its simple interface and group chats for up to 256 members.
- Offers free voice/video calls and document sharing without app switching.
- Less resource-heavy than Discord’s mobile app, improving battery life.
| App | Rating | Group Size | Encryption | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telegram | 3.5/5 | 200k members | Secret Chats only | Mass media broadcasting |
| Signal | 4.5/5 | 50 video callers | All messages default | Time zone collaboration tools |
| 4.0/5 | 256 members | Non-business chats | Integrated payment options |
These communication platforms offer better privacy and function than Discord’s mobile app. They handle complex tasks well on small screens. Pick the one that fits your needs best, whether it’s for big groups, strong encryption, or easy use across devices.
Unique Features Not Found in Discord
Many and have features Discord doesn’t. These and have special tools for different needs.
Element focuses on privacy with zero-knowledge encryption. Only users control their data. TeamSpeak has top security for voice chats. Wire encrypts messages and files end-to-end.
Element lets users host their own servers. This means they don’t rely on big systems.
Zulip organizes chats into “streams” and “topics.” This makes searching and following conversations easy. Slack and Mattermost have advanced task management and meet health standards.
Stork makes call recordings and transcriptions automatic. This helps teams catch up fast.
Mumble has special audio that changes based on game actions. Matrix connects different platforms for communication. Mighty Networks helps creators make money from courses and memberships.
Guilded even helps schedule tournaments for gaming groups.
These platforms offer more than Discord. They have features for security, organization, and special tools. They meet different needs in unique ways.
How to Migrate Your Community From Discord
Moving communities from Discord to discord replacement options needs careful planning. With over 150 million users, many groups face challenges like limited data export. Start by preparing a strategy tailored to your community’s needs.
Exporting Data and Content
Discord’s data export tools lack full feature support. Use third-party apps like DiscordChatExporter to save messages and files. When moving to online community platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams, check import compatibility.
For voice data, consider exporting chat logs first before switching to new video chat software.
Onboarding Users to New Platforms
- Host live demos to showcase features of the chosen Discord Alternatives, such as Thread’s threaded discussions or Mattermost’s open-source flexibility.
- Share guides on mobile and desktop access, stressing ease of use compared to Discord’s complex server structures.
- Assign admins to assist members during setup, answering questions about migration steps.
Managing the Transition Period
Run both platforms side-by-side for 2–4 weeks. Post clear timelines in Discord to reduce confusion. Reward early adopters with roles or perks on the new platform.
Use in-app announcements to highlight benefits like Slack’s advanced permissions or Element’s end-to end encryption.
Track engagement metrics to ensure retention. Communities using discord replacement options like Zulip or Rocket.Chat often see better adoption by stressing security and scalability over time.
The Future of Online Communication Tools
Digital interaction is growing fast. Discord Alternatives need to keep up with user wants for privacy, speed, and special features. New trends show tools that mix new ideas with user control. Platforms like Discord and others are changing to meet these needs.
Privacy is key. Tools like Signal and Element focus on keeping data safe. They let users control their info, avoiding big company issues. Decentralized networks like Matrix/Element let users host their data, giving them freedom.
AI is changing how we talk online. Tools like Slack and Discord use AI to make talking easier. They offer smart suggestions and search, making chats better.
Special tools will serve specific groups. Gamers might like TeamSpeak for clear voice chats. Businesses might choose Slack for easy app links. Tools like Flock help teachers manage classrooms.
How tools make money is changing too. Telegram Premium and Discord’s Nitro offer extra features for a fee. Mighty Networks helps creators earn money while growing their community.
Users want tools that work everywhere. Tools need to work on all devices, from phones to work apps. Tools that focus on privacy, AI, and special features will lead the way.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right chat apps or group messaging tools depends on what you need. Gamers might like Mumble or TeamSpeak for fast calls. Businesses might prefer Slack or Microsoft Teams for teamwork.
Discord is great for gamers with 614 million users. But, Telegram has over 1 billion downloads and offers secure messages. Element is open-source and flexible.
Think about what you need: Do you want to share big files? Telegram lets you upload 4GB. Slack’s Standard plan is $6.67 per user for team management.
Privacy lovers might like Signal or Matrix. Telegram’s groups can grow up to 200,000 members, bigger than Discord’s limits.
You don’t have to switch everything at once. Try Ryver’s free plan or Element’s tools. Check out what others say, like Steam Chat’s rating.
The chat app market keeps growing. Being open to change helps you find the perfect fit for your group.
FAQs
Q: What are some popular Discord alternatives?
A: Popular Discord alternatives include Slack, Microsoft Teams, and TeamSpeak. Mumble, Telegram, Signal, and Element are also options. Each platform meets different needs, like gaming, business, or privacy.
Q: Why are users concerned about privacy on Discord?
A: Users worry about Discord’s privacy because of its data collection. It also delayed end-to-end encryption until 2024. This concerns users who value privacy and security.
Q: How does Discord’s resource usage affect performance?
A: Discord uses a lot of resources, slowing down older devices. It also uses a lot of bandwidth and memory. This is hard for users with limited hardware or internet.
Q: What are the monetization options for community owners on Discord?
A: Discord mainly makes money from Nitro subscriptions. It doesn’t have tools for community owners to make money. This is a problem for those trying to support their communities.
Q: What limitations does Discord have regarding organizational tools?
A: Discord struggles to keep conversations organized in busy servers. Important info can get lost. It also lacks customization for brands and integrations with productivity tools.
