Communication · Team chat

Free alternatives to Slack

Slack by Salesforce: Channels, direct messages and integrations for teams. Pricing: free plan; paid per user. Here are 3 free options that cover the same job.

Alternative	Type	Platforms	Best for
Mattermost	Open source	Self-hosted, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Self-hosted team chat for technical teams	Get it
Rocket.Chat	Open source	Self-hosted, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Team chat plus customer messaging	Get it
Element (Matrix)	Open source	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Encrypted, decentralised messaging	Get it
SlackThe paid original	Free plan; paid per user	–	Team chat	Visit

The alternatives in detail

01/ Mattermost

Open source

Best for: Self-hosted team chat for technical teams.

Runs on: Self-hosted, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

Visit Mattermost

02/ Rocket.Chat

Open source

Best for: Team chat plus customer messaging.

Runs on: Self-hosted, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

Visit Rocket.Chat

03/ Element (Matrix)

Open source

Best for: Encrypted, decentralised messaging.

Runs on: Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

Visit Element (Matrix)

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free alternative to Slack?

Yes. Mattermost is a strong free option for self-hosted team chat for technical teams. Other choices include Rocket.Chat, Element (Matrix).

Which Slack alternative is open source?

Mattermost, Rocket.Chat, Element (Matrix) are open source.