The 24 Best Discord Alternatives for Gaming, Community, & More

PDF download Download Article
Popular platforms for chatting, video calling, and community-building
PDF download Download Article

Are you looking for an alternative to Discord? Maybe you'd like more privacy or to be able to host your own servers, or maybe you want more community features. While Discord is the most popular community platform, especially for gamers, it's not the only one. You do have a lot of options available. Read on to learn more about the most popular Discord alternatives.

What are some good Discord alternatives?

Discord is the most popular community software, but there are lesser-known alternatives like Steam Chat for Steam PC players, Slack for workplaces, and TeamSpeak for other gamers. You can also try Guilded, Mumble, Matrix, Element, WhatsApp, Facebook Groups, MS Teams, Google Chat, and more.

1

Steam Chat

PDF download Download Article
  1. The chat integrates with PC gameplay, meaning it's a great alternative for PC players who play on Steam .
    • Pricing: It's free with no hidden costs or premium tiers.
    • Pros and cons:
      • There are many features similar to those available on Discord, like creating voice and text channels. There are also extra Steam-related features, like inviting others to play your game.
      • This is not the best option for a business, as Steam Chat is optimized for gamers and there aren't productivity features like a task manager or file storage systems. [1]
    • Where to get it: Steam chat comes with the Steam app . You can access it through the Friends & Chat tool in the lower left corner of the Steam Client. It’s also available in the browser version of Steam. [2]
      • Although there's a mobile app for Steam, most players take advantage of the PC gameplay integration and play more on their desktops than on their phones.
    2. Advertisement
2

Revolt

PDF download Download Article
  1. If your main concern is privacy, you can host your own server with Revolt . It looks a lot like Discord, but it is open-source and free. It's also super easy to use. You can even get your server featured with Discover, a feature that's very similar to Discord! [3]
    • Pricing: Revolt is free and open-source.
    • Pros and cons:
      • Revolt offers superior privacy to Discord, and users praise the developers for their transparency and open communication with community members. In addition, many of Discord’s premium features are available on Revolt for free.
      • Revolt is still in development and doesn’t offer as many features as Discord. The system is still relatively buggy and updates have been slow.
    • Where to get it: You can get Revolt for desktop, mobile, or the web here .
3

TeamSpeak

PDF download Download Article
  1. TeamSpeak is another option for gamers, like Steam Chat, but it is also the official voice supplier for Overwatch. TeamSpeak integrates gameplay with your games and works best with Overwatch. You'll find many similarities to Discord, like text and voice channels. Check out our article on how to use TeamSpeak for more info.
    • Pricing: There’s a totally free version of TeamSpeak that works well for most users. It comes with 1 virtual server and up to 32 slots for team members. If you’re interested in additional slots and servers, you can contact TeamSpeak support for pricing information. [4]
    • Pros and cons:
      • Many gamers prefer TeamSpeak to Discord because it offers more privacy, higher voice quality, and lower ping and latency. There’s no size limit on file transfers.
      • Unlike Discord, TeamSpeak does not offer screen sharing. TeamSpeak also requires server hosts to have their own server hardware.
    • Where to get it: You can download the TeamSpeak client for Windows, Mac, or Linux here .
    2. Advertisement
4

Guilded

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's a newer competitor, owned by Roblox, that offers many of the best features of Discord, like voice and video chat, messaging, forums, calendars, and scheduling tools. Users say that the UI is easier to use, but Discord is by far the most popular platform.
    • Pricing: Guilded is totally free to download and use.
    • Pros and cons:
      • Guilded offers monetization options for server hosts, such as subscription tiers for members. Some users also prefer Guilded’s layout and user interface over Discord’s.
      • Guilded might be a better option for you than Discord if all your gaming buddies are already using it, but it’s not as good a platform for meeting new people.
    • Where to get it: Download the Guilded client at www.guilded.gg/ .
5

Mumble

PDF download Download Article
  1. This is a VoIP option for gamers who value simplicity over all the features Discord has to offer, like channels and threads. The main draw to Mumble is the positional audio; this immerses players more, as you can hear others based on how close they are in-game.
    • Pricing: Mumble is totally free to use.
    • Pros and cons:
      • In addition to the positional audio feature, users like Mumble’s simplicity, lower latency, and superior privacy compared to Discord.
      • Mumble lacks a lot of the features that make Discord popular, like text-based chat, the ability to share media, and a more modern, user-friendly interface.
    • Where to get it: Download Mumble for Windows, macOS, or Linux here . The download page also has links to third-party mobile clients for Android and an iOS app (not updated since 2017).
    2. Advertisement
6

Matrix

PDF download Download Article
  1. Matrix is a decentralized, open-sourced competitor to Discord, but it isn't as easy to use. You can host your own server, so you don't have to be too concerned about privacy, but you can also use a free Matrix server. This guide also covers Element, which is built on Matrix but is easier to use.
    • Pricing: Matrix and many of its clients are free and open-source.
    • Pros and cons:
      • Users love Matrix’s privacy and self-hosting features. They also find the chat clients built on Matrix easy and pleasant to use.
      • Setting up your own Matrix server involves a bit of a learning curve if you aren’t super tech-savvy. It can also be difficult to convince your friends and contacts to try one of these relatively unknown chat platforms if they’re already using popular options like Discord.
    • Where to get it: You need to download a client to use Matrix’s chat features. You can find a variety of Matrix chat clients for desktop, the web, and more here .
7

Element

PDF download Download Article
  1. Element is built on Matrix, which emphasises security and privacy. Because the platform is decentralized, you have the option to join existing servers or self-host your own. You can create chat rooms with other users by adding them via their email address or username. Users have the option to create either private or public rooms. Any Element user can join a public room, while private rooms require an invitation to join.
    • Pricing: Element is free, but you can also pay for more features. [5]
    • Pros and cons:
      • Element is private, secure, and allows self-hosting. It also includes both voice and text-based communication features.
      • Element lacks the built-in community that has grown up on Discord, so it might be harder to connect with new people who share your interests. It also has relatively limited moderation options, so you might be more likely to run into unsafe or upsetting content.
    • Where to get it: You can download Element for mobile or desktop (or access the web client) here .
    2. Advertisement
8

PDF download Download Article
  1. With some newer Facebook Groups features, you can invite others to a chat for more immediate communication. Any Facebook user can create a group and set it to public or private. You can also create your own community rules, assign multiple moderators or group admins, and more.
    • Pricing: Facebook Groups are free to use.
    • Pros and cons:
      • Facebook Groups offer a variety of communication and community-building options, including group chats and events.
      • It can get confusing to access groups from the Facebook home screen and Feed. You also don't have a lot of customization options, since Facebook groups can only add a cover image and logo (which might be a pro if you don't need a lot of customization).
    • Where to get it: To create a Facebook Group on the web, click the Groups icon on the left side of the main Facebook page, then click Create new group . In the Facebook mobile app, click ☰ > Groups > Create > Create group .
9

Geneva

PDF download Download Article
  1. This app offers features like chats, forums, video and audio capabilities, and tools for community management. Geneva also features more traditional content, like blogs and discussion forums. It’s sort of like a dating app to find nearby friends that are interested in the same things as you. Geneva’s tagline is “The online place to find your offline people." [6]
    • Pricing: Geneva is free to download and use.
    • Pros and cons:
      • Users enjoy Geneva’s safety features, the sleek interface, and the intuitive “home” structure for communities.
      • Discord is more overtly gaming-oriented, so Geneva might not have all the features you’re looking for if you are specifically interested in socializing with other gamers while you play.
    • Where to get it: Sign up for Geneva on the web at app.geneva.com , or find it in your phone’s app store.
    2. Advertisement
10

Reddit

PDF download Download Article
  1. Reddit is a social network where you can join as many groups and conversations as you want to. Unlike Discord, there are no voice channels for you to join.
    • Pricing: Reddit is free, but you can sign up for the premium plan ($5.99 per month or $49.99 per year) to go ad-free and get access to additional features.
    • Pros and cons:
      • Reddit is a good option if you find the fast-paced chat environment on Discord overwhelming and you want a more old-school, bulletin board-style community interface.
      • Conversations are text-based, and there are no audio options. While there are some private subreddits, most groups are public, so whatever you post may be visible to others online.
    • Where to get it: Sign up at Reddit.com or download the Reddit app on your phone or tablet.
11

Circle

PDF download Download Article
  1. As a Circle owner, you can create things for paid members, including discussions, courses, events, and live streams.
    • Pricing: You can start a Circle for free, but you'll need to pay after the 14-day free trial. Monthly subscription fees are hefty (starting at around $90!), so this option is best for business owners and creators trying to start branded communities. [7]
    • Pros and cons:
      • Circle offers a variety of features you can’t find on Discord, like the ability to create courses, advanced gamification features for community members, and a variety of monetization options. You can even use Circle to build your own personalized branded app.
      • Circle is brand and business-oriented, so it isn’t really designed for casual community building and socializing.
    • Where to get it: Get the desktop app at circle.so/desktop-app , or download the mobile app on your phone or tablet.
    2. Advertisement
12

Slack

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you're not familiar with Slack already, think of it as the professional Discord. Users can make their own accounts, assign or request permissions, and create small profiles within an organization.
    • Pricing: Slack is free with limitations, but you can pay for more features (such as unlimited message history, group meetings, and unlimited app integration). Subscriptions start at about $9 per month and offer discounts for the first few months. [8]
    • Pros and cons:
      • Administrators can create multiple channels as subtopics, similar to the Discord chat interface.
      • Anything outside of "huddles" is limited, so it's not the best option for video calls or forums. More missing features include polls, questions, and events. You can't join a server without an invite.
    • Where to get it: Go to slack.com to download the desktop app or sign up for the web client. You can also download the Slack app on your iOS or Android device.
13

Microsoft Teams

PDF download Download Article
  1. The integration with other MS products, like MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, is unparalleled and will make your work that much easier to produce with MS Teams. With Teams, you can host webinars, manage tasks, or co-create documents easily.
    • Pricing: Teams has a free plan, but you can pay for more features. [9]
    • Pros and cons:
      • Flexible pricing means Teams is great for small businesses and large enterprises.
      • Teams is not the best option for gamers or businesses that work outside of Microsoft's ecosystem.
    • Where to get it: Download Teams from the Microsoft website or get it from the app store on your mobile device.
    2. Advertisement
14

Flock

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you like Slack, meet Flock. It has a lot of Slack-like features, including voice calling that can be used 1:1 or in a group setting. With Flock, you get a messaging forum and calling features. Flock's website even compares its own software against Slack and Microsoft Teams, so if you aren't happy with either of those, you most likely won't like Flock. [10]
    • Pricing: Flock has a free plan, but you can get additional features (like group video calls and screen sharing) with a subscription. Prices start at $4.50 per month. [11]
    • Pros and cons:
      • Flock offers great team collaboration and project management features. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a business-oriented community platform.
      • Flock doesn’t have a lot of gaming-oriented features and isn’t really designed for casual socializing.
    • Where to get it: Download the desktop app at flock.com/download or get the mobile app for iOs or Android.
15

Google Chat

PDF download Download Article
  1. Just like MS Teams is vital for users in the Microsoft ecosystem, Google Chat is invaluable to those in the Googlesphere. Google Chat works closely with other Google products, like Google Meet, Google Calendar, Google Drive, and more.
    • Pricing: Google Chat is a free feature if you are a Google Workspace subscriber (or if you’ve been invited to Google Chat by your organization). You can learn more about Google Workspace subscription plans here .
    • Pros and cons:
      • Google Chat is good for text-based chat and collaboration, and it has strong third-party app integration features.
      • This app is more geared towards business and project management than gaming or casual social interactions.
    • Where to get it: Start using Chat at workspace.google.com/products/chat/ or download the Google Chat app on your phone or tablet. You can also use Chat within the Gmail app.
    2. Advertisement
16

Troop Messenger

PDF download Download Article
  1. Troop Messenger is generally used as an internal communication messaging app, but it has more functionality than that. Use Troop Messenger to overview tasks, projects, and daily workloads.
    • Pricing: There is a 7-day free trial, but you need to pay for a plan to use Troop Messenger. The plans are affordable, starting at $2.50 per user per month. [12]
    • Pros and cons:
      • Troop Messenger offers cool features like message recall and joint code editing that you might not find on other communication apps.
      • Organizations and businesses are the key demographics for Troop Messenger, so it's probably not the best option for gamers or others looking for a community platform. [13]
    • Where to get it: Sign up at www.troopmessenger.com/sign-up . The app is available for desktop and mobile devices.
17

Chanty

PDF download Download Article
  1. Chanty offers a channel interface that looks a lot like Discord's as well as a similar file-sharing feature. You can also make one-on-one calls or group calls.
    • Pricing: The basic Chanty plan is free, but you can get more features with a subscription plan (starting at $3 per user per month).​​ [14]
    • Pros and cons:
      • This platform is great for staying organized, sharing files and projects, and communicating with team members in public or private chats.
      • Since it prioritizes improving teamwork, it may not be the best option for gamers.
    • Where to get it: Visit chanty.com/signup to get started. You can download the app for desktop or mobile here .
    2. Advertisement
18

Rocket.Chat

PDF download Download Article
  1. Rocket.Chat is open-source with an option to self-host. The free plan is great and offers 1:1 calls as well as group calls. The setup may be a bit confusing to some users, but the complexity provides a more secure experience.
    • Pricing: Rocket.Chat is free for smaller groups, but you’ll need to sign up for a subscription plan for groups of 50 or more. [15]
    • Pros and cons:
      • Rocket.Chat offers exceptional security features. In fact, it touts itself as “DoD approved”!
      • This platform isn’t ideal for smaller organizations or casual socializing. Since you need to host your own server, it also requires a bit of tech know-how to get started.
    • Where to get it: Choose one of the deployment methods at www.rocket.chat/install to get started, or contact the sales team for help with a premium plan.
19

Telegram

PDF download Download Article
  1. Telegram isn't a VoIP like many other options, but it functions more like WhatsApp, with SMS and email. It may not be the best app for hosting a forum, but it has a lightning-fast messaging feature so you can get a message out to a group of people.
    • Pricing: You can use Telegram for free. [16]
    • Pros and cons:
      • Telegram is fast, reliable, and great for sharing larger files. It also allows you to manage groups with huge amounts of members (up to 200,000!).
      • It has relatively few features compared to platforms like Discord, and it’s not the most safe and secure app. The lack of moderation makes it a breeding ground for scams, so use with caution.
    • Where to get it: Visit telegram.org/ to download the desktop app, or get it from your phone or tablet’s app store.
    2. Advertisement
20

WhatsApp

PDF download Download Article
  1. WhatsApp is a simple instant messaging app. The main drawback is that you need a phone number to use WhatsApp. You can add friends with their phone numbers. It's a very popular method of communication and is super easy to use.
    • Pricing: WhatsApp is free to use .
    • Pros and cons:
      • WhatsApp offers fun group messaging features like RSVPs, polls, and voice messages. You can also create themed groups, which is great for things like fandom or gaming communities.
      • You have to use a working phone number to sign up for WhatsApp, which makes it less anonymous and private than some of the other options out there.
    • Where to get it: Download the app on your mobile device, or get the desktop client at whatsapp.com/ .
21

Viber

PDF download Download Article
  1. While you can call landlines and cell numbers, you can also organize group or 1:1 calls or video calls. Viber messages disappear, like Snapchat Snaps, and it has great security and privacy features.
    • Pricing: Viber is free to download and use.
    • Pros and cons:
      • Viber offers strong security features and allows you to make voice and video calls, send texts, or share files. It also has group chat features. You can even personalize the experience by creating your own stickers and GIFs!
      • Viber works best for small groups; a larger community may become unwieldy and confusing for users.
    • Where to get it: Get the Viber app on your phone or tablet, or download the desktop client from www.viber.com/en/download/ .
    2. Advertisement
22

Snapchat

PDF download Download Article
  1. This may not be the first platform on your mind when you're thinking "Discord alternative," but it might be the right fit for some people. The community features mean you can build a following to share media with. You can share text, images, photos, videos, and even call others. However, Snapchat does not offer forum features like Discord.
    • Pricing: Snapchat is free to use.
    • Pros and cons:
      • Snapchat is a great platform for quick and fun visual communication. It has tons of built-in filters and other visual and audio effects to make your Snaps stand out.
      • Snapchat isn’t ideal for text-based conversations, social gaming, or complex community building. It’s also notorious for safety and security issues .
    • Where to get it: Download the app on your phone or tablet, or use Snapchat on the web at snapchat.com/ . You can even download a desktop client on the Snapchat website!
23

Discourse

PDF download Download Article
  1. Discourse is another open-source alternative, but it is text-based only. It's very similar to a forum, but you can pay to host your own server.
    • Pricing: Discourse offers a 14-day free trial, but then you have to pay a subscription fee to use it. Plans start at $20 per month. [17]
    • Pros and cons:
      • Discourse offers both real-time chat and a more old-school forum interface. Since it’s self-hosting, it’s more secure than options like Discord, and you have more control over your community.
      • You have to host your own server, so it requires a little technical know-how. It has fewer features than a platform like Discord.
    • Where to get it: Sign up for a plan at www.discourse.org/pricing .
    2. Advertisement
24

Ventrilo

PDF download Download Article
  1. Ventrilo is a simple voice-communication software. You won't find the ability to add text channels or anything fancy like that. Instead, the bare minimum features include voice, and that's all, which means the software is very lightweight and doesn't use a lot of resources on your computer.
    • Pricing: Ventrilo is free, but you can pay for a server and custom hostname if you don’t have your own server. See pricing details here .
    • Pros and cons:
      • Ventrilo offers great sound quality, and it’s very lightweight, so it won’t slow down your game.
      • Ventrilo is a bare-bones voice communication app. If you’re looking for text-based chat, communities, screen sharing, and more, this isn’t the right option for you.
    • Where to get it: Download Ventrilo for Windows or Mac here .

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      11 Best Apps to Make Phone Calls over the Internet
      How to
      Get Started with Discord
      How to
      Use Discord on a PC or Mac
      How to
      Find and Play Games on Discord
      What Are the Best Omegle Alternatives?
      Stream Netflix with Friends: 7 Ways to Watch Together Online
      How to
      Use Voice Chat in Among US
      How to
      Find Public Discord Servers to Join: Complete Guide
      How to
      Use ChatGPT & OpenAI Without a Phone Number
      How to
      Create a Group Chat in Viber for Smartphones
      How to
      Use the Discord App on iPhone
      Your Ultimate Guide to Streaming on Discord: Steps, Methods, & Tips
      Why Do People Use WhatsApp? Everything You Need to Know
      Google Forum Alternatives: Free & Easy to Use
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/595C-42F4-3B66-E02F
      2. ↑ https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/595C-42F4-3B66-E02F
      3. ↑ https://support.revolt.chat/kb/safety/discover-guidelines
      4. ↑ https://teamspeak.com/en/features/licensing/#
      5. ↑ https://element.io/pricing
      6. ↑ https://www.geneva.com/about
      7. ↑ https://circle.so/pricing
      8. ↑ https://slack.com/pricing
      9. ↑ https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/compare-microsoft-teams-home-options
      1. ↑ https://www.flock.com/compare/flock-vs-slack
      2. ↑ https://www.flock.com/pricing
      3. ↑ https://www.troopmessenger.com/pricing
      4. ↑ https://www.troopmessenger.com/faqs
      5. ↑ https://www.chanty.com/pricing/
      6. ↑ https://www.rocket.chat/pricing
      7. ↑ https://telegram.org/faq
      8. ↑ https://www.discourse.org/pricing

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 187 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement