Mattermost Open source
A self-hosted team chat platform with channels, threads and integrations.
- Best for
- Teams that want control over their messaging data.
- Limits to know
- You must host and maintain it, and some features are in paid editions.
Free alternatives to Slack
Slack: Team chat and messaging. Here are 2 free or open-source options.
| Tool | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Mattermost | Open source | Teams that want control over their messaging data. |
| Element (Matrix) | Open source | Open, decentralised team and community chat. |
The alternatives in detail
Element (Matrix) Open source
A chat client for the open Matrix network, with rooms, threads and encryption.
- Best for
- Open, decentralised team and community chat.
- Limits to know
- Setup and the learning curve are heavier than Slack.
When is Slack still worth paying for?
A free option is often enough, but not always. If you depend on specific features, file compatibility or support, check the limits above first. Visit Slack to compare.