Slack Alternatives
A curated collection of the 9 best alternatives to Slack.
The best alternative to Slack is Rocket.Chat. If that doesn't suit you, we've compiled a ranked list of other open source Slack alternatives to help you find a suitable replacement. Other interesting alternatives to Slack are: Mattermost, Zulip, Element and Cinny.
Slack alternatives are mainly Collaboration & Communication but may also be Team Chat Tools or Community Platforms. Browse these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Slack.
Open-source chat solution offering real-time messaging, video calls, and file sharing for teams of all sizes.

Rocket.Chat is a powerful, open-source communication platform designed to revolutionize the way teams collaborate. With its robust features and flexible deployment options, Rocket.Chat caters to organizations of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.
Key benefits of Rocket.Chat include:
- Enhanced Security: Self-hosted options and end-to-end encryption ensure your data remains private and secure.
- Customization: Tailor the platform to your needs with a wide range of integrations and API access.
- Scalability: Easily grow your communication infrastructure as your team expands.
- Multi-platform Support: Access Rocket.Chat from web, desktop, or mobile devices for seamless communication.
- Rich Media Sharing: Share files, images, and videos effortlessly within conversations.
- Video Conferencing: Conduct face-to-face meetings directly within the platform.
- Channel Organization: Create public and private channels for efficient team collaboration.
- Omnichannel Communication: Integrate customer support channels like email, SMS, and social media.
Whether you're looking to improve internal team communication, streamline customer support, or create a community platform, Rocket.Chat offers the tools and flexibility to meet your unique needs. Experience the power of open-source communication and take control of your team's collaboration today.
Looking for alternatives to other popular services? Check out other posts in the alternatives series and wtcraft.com, a directory of open source software with filters for tags and alternatives for easy browsing and discovery.
Mattermost provides a flexible, open-source platform for secure team collaboration, designed for organizations with strict security and privacy requirements.

Mattermost is an open-source collaboration platform built for organizations that require high levels of privacy, security and control over their communications. Some key features and benefits include:
- Flexible deployment options: Can be self-hosted on-premises, in private clouds, or air-gapped environments
- Advanced security and compliance: Built-in access controls, audit logging, and data retention policies
- Customizable and extensible: Open APIs and integrations to connect with existing tools and workflows
- Channels for team communication: Secure messaging, file sharing, voice/video calls
- Playbooks for process management: Checklist-based workflows to standardize repeatable processes
- AI-powered features: Ability to integrate AI capabilities while maintaining full data control
- Mobile and desktop apps: Access from any device with native mobile apps
Mattermost is designed for industries like defense, government, financial services, and critical infrastructure that have stringent requirements around data sovereignty and security. It provides a self-hosted alternative to cloud-based tools, giving organizations complete control over their collaboration environment.
The platform aims to improve team productivity and accelerate mission-critical work by providing a centralized hub for communication, process management, and integrations. With its focus on security and flexibility, Mattermost enables organizations to collaborate effectively even in highly regulated or air-gapped environments.
Zulip is an open-source team chat app that uses threaded conversations to keep communication organized and efficient for teams of all sizes.

Zulip is a powerful, open-source team chat application designed to revolutionize how distributed teams communicate. Unlike traditional chat tools that can feel chaotic and stressful, Zulip's unique threading model organizes conversations by topic, making it easy to manage multiple workstreams and stay on top of important discussions.
Key features and benefits:
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Threaded Conversations: Zulip's core feature is its topic-based threading, which allows teams to have multiple conversations simultaneously without losing context or creating confusion.
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Efficient Communication: The organized structure helps team members quickly catch up on relevant discussions and reduces information overload.
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Flexible Deployment: Choose between Zulip Cloud for convenience or self-host the 100% open-source software for ultimate control and compliance.
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Cross-Platform Support: Access Zulip from desktop and mobile apps, ensuring seamless communication across devices.
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Rich Integrations: Connect Zulip with your favorite tools and services to streamline workflows.
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Powerful Search: Easily find past conversations and shared knowledge with Zulip's robust search functionality.
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Open Source: Benefit from a transparent, community-driven development process and the ability to customize the platform to your needs.
Zulip is ideal for various use cases:
- Businesses: From small startups to large enterprises, Zulip helps teams manage projects and communicate more effectively.
- Education and Research: Universities and research groups use Zulip to facilitate collaboration across departments and continents.
- Open Source Projects: Many open-source communities rely on Zulip to engage contributors and make faster decisions.
- Events and Conferences: Organizers use Zulip to create interactive spaces for attendees before, during, and after events.
With its focus on organized communication, Zulip empowers teams to work more efficiently, make decisions faster, and create a searchable knowledge repository as a natural byproduct of their conversations. Whether you're managing a small team or coordinating thousands of contributors, Zulip provides the structure and flexibility needed to succeed in today's distributed work environment.
Open-source platform for encrypted communication, file sharing, and collaboration based on the Matrix protocol.

Element is a powerful, open-source communication platform that puts privacy and security at the forefront. Built on the decentralized Matrix protocol, Element offers a comprehensive suite of features for both personal and professional use.
Key benefits of Element include:
- End-to-end encryption: Ensure your messages, calls, and shared files remain private and secure.
- Decentralized architecture: Choose your own server or self-host for complete control over your data.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Seamlessly sync conversations across desktop, web, iOS, and Android devices.
- Rich collaboration tools: Enjoy group chats, voice and video calls, file sharing, and integrations with popular productivity apps.
- Interoperability: Connect with users on other Matrix-based platforms, fostering open communication.
- Customization options: Tailor the interface and features to meet your specific needs or brand requirements.
- Community-driven development: Benefit from continuous improvements and innovations from a global developer community.
Whether you're an individual seeking secure messaging or an organization looking for a flexible, scalable communication solution, Element provides the tools you need to stay connected while maintaining control over your data and privacy.
Cinny offers a simple, elegant, and secure interface for Matrix-based conversations, protected by end-to-end encryption.

Cinny is an open-source Matrix client that provides a secure and elegant interface for seamless conversations. Built on the Matrix protocol, it offers:
- End-to-end encryption for enhanced privacy and security
- A clean and intuitive user interface for effortless navigation
- Organized conversations, separating DMs from channels
- Adaptive input that adjusts to your actions without disrupting your workflow
- Calm visual design with proper alignment and formatting
Cinny is constantly evolving to create a better communication experience. As an open-source project, it benefits from community contributions and transparency.
Key features:
- Simple and elegant interface
- End-to-end encryption
- Organized conversation management
- Adaptive input system
- Calm visual design
- Open-source development
Whether you're looking for a secure messaging solution for personal use or team collaboration, Cinny offers a refreshing alternative to traditional chat applications. Experience the power of open-source, decentralized communication with Cinny's user-friendly approach to Matrix.
A comprehensive collaboration platform offering end-to-end encrypted messaging, file sharing, and video calls with enterprise-grade security and compliance features.

Wire delivers military-grade security without sacrificing user experience. The platform features always-on end-to-end encryption for messages, files, and calls, while maintaining an intuitive interface for seamless team collaboration.
Key capabilities include:
- Instant messaging, file sharing, and video meetings with invisible security
- Flexible collaboration tools for internal teams and external partners
- Complete data sovereignty with on-premises deployment options
- Enterprise features like SSO, SCIM, and granular admin controls
Trusted by industry leaders including BMW, ExxonMobil, and government organizations worldwide, Wire ensures your sensitive communications remain private and compliant. The platform is particularly valuable for organizations requiring:
- Zero-knowledge encryption
- Regulatory compliance
- Digital sovereignty
- Scalable secure collaboration
Looking for alternatives to other popular services? Check out other posts in the alternatives series and wtcraft.com, a directory of open source software with filters for tags and alternatives for easy browsing and discovery.
Streamline team communication with shared inboxes, unlimited email addresses, and customizable workflows. Perfect for modern businesses seeking organized email management.

UnInbox revolutionizes team email management with a powerful open-source platform designed for modern business collaboration. Teams can work together seamlessly through shared inboxes, with the ability to comment on conversations and reply from shared addresses, eliminating confusing email chains.
Key features include:
- Shared spaces for team collaboration and communication
- Workflow status tracking for clear task management
- Unlimited custom email addresses (support@, sales@, etc.)
- Flexible workflow management with up to 3 workflows per space
- Team assignment capabilities for better task distribution
The platform offers tiered pricing options from Free to Enterprise, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The Pro plan includes advanced features like unlimited custom domains, SMTP & API access, and priority support, while Enterprise customers get additional security features like SAML SSO and dedicated instances.
Perfect for teams who need to manage multiple email addresses, track response statuses, and collaborate effectively on email communications. The open-source nature ensures transparency and customization possibilities for organizations.
Connect with friends and family through secure messaging, voice and video calls. Features end-to-end encryption, group chats, and multimedia sharing across all devices.

Stay connected with the world's most popular messaging platform that puts privacy and security first. With over 2 billion users worldwide, this communication tool offers seamless messaging and calling experiences across all devices.
Key features include:
- End-to-end encryption - Your messages and calls are secured with military-grade encryption, ensuring only you and your recipient can access them
- Free voice and video calls - Make crystal-clear calls to individuals or groups anywhere in the world
- Rich media sharing - Send photos, videos, documents, voice messages, and your location instantly
- Group conversations - Create groups with up to 256 participants for family, friends, or work
- Status updates - Share photos, videos, and text updates that disappear after 24 hours
- Cross-platform compatibility - Works seamlessly on phones, tablets, and computers
- Business solutions - Advanced tools for businesses to connect with customers and showcase products
The platform's simple interface makes it easy for anyone to start messaging immediately, while robust features like message backup, chat export, and multimedia compression ensure a smooth user experience. Whether you're coordinating with family, collaborating with colleagues, or running a business, this messaging solution adapts to your communication needs while maintaining the highest security standards.
Cloud-based messaging app offering end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, unlimited file sharing, and massive group chats up to 200,000 members.

Telegram revolutionizes messaging with its perfect blend of security, speed, and functionality. This cloud-based platform delivers heavily encrypted messages that can self-destruct for ultimate privacy protection.
Experience lightning-fast message delivery across all your devices with seamless synchronization. Unlike other messaging apps, Telegram imposes no limits on media size or chat history, letting you share files of any size without compression.
Key features that set Telegram apart:
- End-to-end encryption with self-destructing messages for maximum privacy
- Cross-platform sync - access your chats from phone, tablet, or desktop
- Unlimited file sharing - send documents, videos, and photos without size restrictions
- Massive group capacity - create groups with up to 200,000 members
- Complete customization - personalize your messaging experience
- Open source code - transparent and community-driven development
Whether you're coordinating with large teams, sharing important documents, or having private conversations, Telegram provides the security and reliability you need while maintaining incredible speed and ease of use.
Similar proprietary alternatives:
View all alternatives
Splunk

Microsoft Teams

Discord

GitHub

Dropbox
