Slack alternatives

Slack: Team chat with channels, direct messages, huddles and app integrations.

Slack gets expensive as a team grows, and the free plan hides older messages. These alternatives include open-source chat you can host yourself, encrypted messengers and a few free options for small teams.

Last updated

7 alternatives to Slack

  1. Zulip logo

    Zulip

    Zulip sorts every conversation into a topic inside a channel, so busy channels stay readable. It's open source and free to self-host.

    • Freemium
    • Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
    • Made in United States
    Visit website
  2. Element logo

    Element

    Element runs on the open Matrix protocol and encrypts chats by default. Governments and companies that want control over their data often choose it.

    • Freemium
    • Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
    • Made in United Kingdom
    Visit website
  3. Discord logo

    Discord

    Discord is free for unlimited message history and has great voice channels. It's built for communities, so it lacks the admin and compliance tools businesses expect.

    • Freemium
    • Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
    • Made in United States
    Discord alternatives
    Visit website

  4. Your product here?

    Built an alternative to Slack? Add it to Huzzler and get listed on this page with Launch Boost.

    Add your product
  5. Mattermost logo

    Mattermost

    Mattermost is the closest open-source copy of Slack, with channels, threads and integrations. Engineering teams often self-host it.

    • Freemium
    • Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
    • Made in United States
    Visit website
  6. Wire logo

    Wire

    Wire encrypts every message, call and file by default and is based in Switzerland. It suits teams that handle sensitive information.

    • Freemium
    • Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
    • Made in Switzerland
    Visit website
  7. Threema logo

    Threema

    Threema is a Swiss messenger that doesn't ask for a phone number. Threema Work adds admin tools for companies, but it's closer to WhatsApp than to Slack.

    • Paid
    • Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
    • Made in Switzerland
    Visit website
  8. ClickUp logo

    ClickUp

    ClickUp has a built-in chat next to its tasks and docs. It makes sense if you also want to move your project management into the same tool.

    • Freemium
    • Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
    • Made in United States
    ClickUp alternatives
    Visit website

Slack alternatives compared

Product Pricing Platforms Made in
Zulip Freemium Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android United States
Element Freemium Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android United Kingdom
Discord Freemium Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android United States
Mattermost Freemium Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android United States
Wire Freemium Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android Switzerland
Threema Paid Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android Switzerland
ClickUp Freemium Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android United States

Slack alternatives: frequently asked questions

What are the best alternatives to Slack?

Popular alternatives to Slack are Zulip, Element and Discord. You can compare their pricing, platforms and the country they're made in on this page.

Is there a free alternative to Slack?

Yes. Zulip, Element and Discord have a free plan.

Which Slack alternatives work on iPhone and Android?

Zulip, Element, Discord and Mattermost have apps for both iPhone and Android.

Is there a European alternative to Slack?

Yes. Element (United Kingdom), Wire (Switzerland) and Threema (Switzerland) are made in Europe.

Related alternatives