Best Slack Alternatives (2026)
Our top picks for replacing Slack, ranked by value, features, and community support.
Quick Picks
- #1 Overall:
- Mattermost — Open-source, self-hosted Slack alternative for team messaging
- Runner-up:
- Rocket.Chat — Open-source team chat with omnichannel support
| # | Tool | Pricing | Monthly | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mattermost | Open Source | Free | 100% |
| 2 | Rocket.Chat | Open Source | Free | 100% |
| 3 | Element | Open Source | Free | 100% |
| 4 | Zulip | Open Source | Free | 100% |
Full Rankings
#1
Mattermost
Open-source, self-hosted Slack alternative for team messaging
Free self-hosted, $10/user/mo cloud Professional
- ✓ Self-hosted with full data control
- ✓ Unlimited message history on all plans
- ✓ Open-source with active community
#2
Rocket.Chat
Open-source team chat with omnichannel support
Free self-hosted, cloud plans from $4/user/mo
- ✓ End-to-end encryption support
- ✓ Omnichannel — combine team chat and customer support
- ✓ Built-in video conferencing
#3
Element
Decentralized, encrypted messaging built on the Matrix protocol
Free self-hosted, Element Server Suite from $5/user/mo
- ✓ End-to-end encryption by default
- ✓ Decentralized — no single point of failure
- ✓ Bridges to Slack, Teams, Discord, and IRC
Replaces: Slack , Microsoft Teams
Visit →#4
Zulip
Topic-based team chat designed for both live and async conversations
Free self-hosted, Cloud free for small teams, $8/user/mo Standard
- ✓ Topic-based threading keeps conversations organized
- ✓ Designed for asynchronous communication
- ✓ 100+ native integrations and webhooks
Replaces: Slack , Microsoft Teams
Visit →Detailed Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free alternative to Slack?
Mattermost is our top free pick. Open-source, self-hosted Slack alternative for team messaging.
Is there an open-source alternative to Slack?
Yes! Mattermost is open-source and can be self-hosted. Open-source, self-hosted Slack alternative for team messaging.
How much can I save by switching from Slack?
Up to 100% by switching to Mattermost. Many alternatives offer free self-hosted options.