Discord alternatives: 12 fantastic communications platforms

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful collaboration. While Discord has gained popularity as a go-to platform for team communication, there are several alternatives that offer unique features and benefits tailored to specific needs.

Here at Memberful, we understand the value of giving your online audience a place to hang out and chat. Discord is scalable, affordable – it’s free for most users – and offers a range of features, such as text, video chat, screen sharing, and file sharing. That’s why we offer a native integration with Discord, but we realize there are a number of other options, too.

So in this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top Discord alternatives, comparing their key attributes, highlighting their unique features and use cases. to help you make an informed decision for your team.

What is Discord?

Discord is a widely used communication platform designed for creating communities. It allows users to engage in real-time conversations through text, voice, and video chats. Initially created for gamers to coordinate during gameplay, Discord has evolved into a versatile platform used by various communities, including hobbyist groups, global businesses and educational institutions.

Discord offers features such as channels for organized discussions, voice channels for group calls, private messaging, and the ability to share multimedia content. It provides a user-friendly interface and supports integrations with other applications.

One of Discord's key strengths is its accessibility across different devices, including desktop computers, smartphones, and tablets, making it convenient for users to stay connected regardless of their preferred platform. Additionally, Discord offers both free and premium subscription options, with the latter providing additional features and benefits for subscribers.

Discord alternatives

Let’s dive in to some of the more famous Discord alternatives:

1. Slack: Channel-based comms

Slack stands out as a versatile communication platform, particularly favored by businesses for its powerful collaboration tools. With features like channels, direct messaging, and integrations with various business apps, Slack enhances productivity and keeps teams connected.

2. Teams: Integrated Microsoft Office suite

For organizations heavily reliant on the Microsoft Office ecosystem, Microsoft Teams offers a seamless integration. It combines chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and application access within a single interface, making it a robust choice for enterprises.

3. Discourse

Discourse is an open-source platform for community discussions and online forums. It is often used by global organizations to facilitate communication and collaboration among their members. It's known for its clean interface, powerful features and is often used for FAQ sites.

> Want to read more? We also offer a native integration for Discourse.

4. Zoom: Seamless video conferencing

Zoom has revolutionized video conferencing, providing a reliable platform for meetings, webinars, and virtual events. Its user-friendly interface and high-quality video and audio make it a popular choice for both businesses and individuals.

5. Mattermost: Self-hosted secure communication

For organizations prioritizing privacy and security, Mattermost offers a self-hosted platform that allows control over sensitive information. With end-to-end encryption, customizable data retention policies, and robust admin, Mattermost provides a secure alternative to Discord for teams operating in regulated industries or those with stringent security requirements.

6. Flock: Centralized collaboration

Flock is a communication and collaboration platform that offers features such as real-time messaging, file sharing, and project management, all within an intuitive interface. Flock's ability to integrate with popular apps like Google Drive and Trello makes it a versatile alternative to Discord for teams looking to streamline their workflow.

7. Zoho Cliq: Contextual communication

Zoho Cliq integrates contextual communication within the Zoho teamwork ecosystem, providing a dynamic alternative to Discord. With features like channels, real-time messaging, and task management, Zoho Cliq ensures that conversations are always connected to the relevant tasks and projects.

8. Telegram: Security and privacy

Telegram boasts end-to-end encryption and self-destructing messages, making it a go-to option for those prioritizing security. It also supports large group chats and file sharing, making it suitable for both personal and professional use.

9. Google Meet: Enterprise-grade video conferencing

Google Meet offers a reliable video conferencing solution with seamless integration with G Suite (the package that includes Google Docs and Google Sheets). It supports high-definition video and allows for large-scale meetings.

10. Signal: Privacy-centric messaging

Signal places a strong emphasis on privacy and security, offering end-to-end encryption for messages, voice, and video calls. It's a great choice for individuals and groups who prioritize data protection and secure communication.

11. Cisco Webex: Feature-rich collaboration suite

Cisco Webex is a comprehensive collaboration platform that offers a wide range of features, including video conferencing, messaging, file sharing, and whiteboarding. It's suitable for large enterprises looking for an all-in-one communication solution.

12. Rocket.Chat: Customizable team communication

Rocket.Chat is a highly customizable team communication platform that can be self-hosted. It supports real-time messaging, file sharing, video conferencing, and integrations with various third-party apps, making it a versatile option for businesses.

FAQs for Discord alternatives

Are these Discord alternatives free to use?

Yes, most of the mentioned alternatives offer free versions with limited features. However, they also provide premium plans with additional functionalities for businesses and power users.

Is my data secure on these platforms?

Security is a top priority for these alternatives. Signal, for instance, is renowned for its end-to-end encryption, ensuring your messages remain private.

Do these platforms support file sharing?

Yes, all the mentioned alternatives support file sharing, making it easy to exchange documents, images, and videos within your conversations.

Are there mobile apps available for these platforms?

Yes, each of these alternatives offers mobile apps for both Android and iOS, allowing you to stay connected on the go.

Can I integrate these platforms with other apps?

Absolutely! Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Element offer extensive integrations with popular tools like Google Drive, Trello, and more.

Conclusion: Discord alternatives

Exploring these alternatives to Discord unveils a plethora of options catering to various needs and preferences. Whether you're a gamer looking for low-latency communication, a business seeking streamlined collaboration, or a privacy-conscious user valuing data security, there's a platform for you.

From the robust features of Slack to the privacy-centric approach of Signal, each alternative offers a unique set of benefits. By considering your requirements and preferences, you can find the perfect Discord alternative that enhances your communication experience.