Published on February 19th, 2025
It is irrefutable that it is difficult to find the best Discord alternatives. You might be looking for alternatives that provide smooth chats for gaming, work, or online communities. Everyone has different preferences. Some people want better voice quality, while others look for strong privacy. You may want fewer distractions, or a simpler setup. Whether you’re a streamer, an office worker, or part of an online club, this list of top 15 Discord alternatives will help you find the perfect platform for seamless communication.
What are Discord Alternatives?
Discord alternatives are apps that are useful for people to chat, call, and connect with friends. You might like Slack and Microsoft Teams to help with work. While others, like Steam Chat and TeamSpeak. These applications are great for gaming. You may switch from Discord as you want better privacy and fewer distractions. Choosing the right platform depends on what you need—whether it’s clear voice chats, strong security, or easy group management.
Top 15 Discord Alternatives & Competitors to Watch in 2025
| Discord Alternatives | Rating | Platform | Users |
| Slack | 4.5/5 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Web, iOS, Android | 32.3 million daily active users |
| Microsoft Teams | 4.4/5 | Windows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android | 320 million monthly active users |
| Zoom | 4.6/5 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Web, iOS, Android | 300 million daily meeting participants |
| Telegram | 4.3/5 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Web, iOS, Android | 950 million monthly active users |
| WhatsApp Communities | 4.2/5 | Windows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android | Over 2 billion monthly active users |
| Guilded | 4.0/5 | Windows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android | Growing user base among gaming communities |
| Google Chat | 4.1/5 | Web, iOS, Android | Integrated with Google Workspace, used by businesses and individuals |
| Mattermost | 4.0/5 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Web, iOS, Android | Preferred by organizations requiring self-hosted solutions |
| Element (formerly Riot.im) | 4.0/5 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Web, iOS, Android | Users valuing decentralized and secure communication |
| Ventrilo | 3.5/5 | Windows, macOS | Niche user base, primarily legacy gamers |
| TeamSpeak | 4.0/5 | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Popular among gamers for low-latency voice communication |
| Mumble | 3.8/5 | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Open-source community and gamers |
| Skype | 4.0/5 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Web, iOS, Android | 300 million monthly active users as of 2020 |
| Tox | 3.7/5 | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Users seeking peer-to-peer, secure communication |
| Steam Chat | 3.9/5 | Windows, macOS, Linux | Integrated user base within the Steam gaming platform |
Overview of Top 15 Discord Alternatives & Competitors
1. Slack
Slack is one of the best Discord alternatives for work and team collaboration. It keeps all chats, files, and updates in one place, so you don’t have to dig through emails. This application is useful for speeding up communications and reducing delays.
Key Features:
- Group & Private Chats – Talk to your team in shared chat rooms or private messages.
- Works with Other Apps – Connects with Google Drive, Trello, Zoom, and more.
- Easy File Sharing – Send documents, images, and videos instantly.
- Search Everything – Find old messages and files quickly.
- Voice & Video Calls – Call teammates without leaving Slack.
Read Also: Guide for developing a Voice Chat App Like Discord
2. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is one of the best Discord alternatives for work and school. This app assists you with team chats and file sharing. It assists you to hold meetings in one place, just like a virtual office. There are many companies who use this application to replace long emails and messy group chats. If your team struggles with lost messages or missed updates, Teams keeps everything organized in real time.
Key Features:
- Chat & Group Conversations
- Video & Audio Calls
- Works with Microsoft Apps
3. Zoom
Zoom is one of the best Discord alternatives for video calls. With this app, you can easily connect with teams, friends, or classmates. Zoom can be used for online meetings and virtual classes. Many people struggle with lag or poor audio in group calls. Zoom offers noise cancellation and HD video calling facility. Whether you’re discussing a school project or working from home, Zoom keeps conversations smooth and professional.
Key Features:
- Easy Video Meetings
- Easy Screen Sharing
- Helps to Record Meetings
Must Check: How Much Does It Cost to Create a Video Conferencing App like Zoom?
4. Telegram
Telegram is one of the best Discord alternatives useful for chatting and media sharing. This app works on phones, tablets, and computers. You can use it to talk anytime, anywhere. Unlike Discord, Telegram has secret chats with end-to-end encryption, keeping conversations private. Gamers, businesses, and study groups use it to stay connected without worrying about server limits or extra fees.
Key Features:
- Fast & Free Messaging
- Cloud Storage
- Bots & Customization
5. WhatsApp Communities
WhatsApp Communities is a great Discord alternative for schools, local groups, and businesses. It helps people stay connected by organizing multiple group chats under one umbrella, like a school managing different classes. Unlike Discord’s complex servers, it’s easy to use for non-tech users, but it lacks advanced gaming features. If you want simple, mobile-friendly communication for daily updates, it’s a solid pick.
Key Features:
- Multiple Groups in One Place – Bring different WhatsApp groups together under one community.
- Announcement Messages – Admins can send updates to all members at once.
- Easy Group Management – Add or remove groups and control who can message in the community.
Must Read: How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Chat App like WhatsApp?
6. Guilded
Guilded is one of the best Discord alternatives for gamers and teams who want better chat features. It offers smoother voice channels, stronger community tools, and game-specific integrations, making it easier to organize tournaments and team events. Unlike Discord, it has built-in calendars, to-do lists, and recruitment options, helping esports players and gaming groups stay on track. If you’re tired of cluttered servers and limited chat functions, Guilded gives you a fresh, more advanced way to connect with your squad.
Key Features:
- Provides Better Chat for Gamers
- Provides built-in scheduling and team meetings easily.
- Offers free & high-quality voice chat
- Team Management Tools – Create roles, assign tasks, and keep your group organized.
- Works on All Devices – Use it on PC, mobile, or web without any hassle.
7. Google Chat
Google Chat is one of the best Discord alternatives for teams and businesses. It helps coworkers stay connected through group conversations, just like how students in a classroom use WhatsApp to plan projects. Since it works inside Gmail, switching between emails and chats is super easy, making work smoother. Unlike Discord, which is more for gaming, Google Chat is perfect for office tasks, reducing missed messages and improving teamwork.
Key Features:
- Group & One-on-One Chats
- Google Workspace Integration
- Easy File Sharing
- Smart Search
- Works Everywhere
8. Mattermost
Mattermost is one of the best Discord alternatives for teams that need a private, secure chat space. Unlike Discord, it lets companies control their data, making it perfect for hospitals, banks, and IT firms. A software company once switched to Mattermost after a data leak on another platform, keeping their chats safe from hackers.
Key Features:
- Team & Private Chats – Talk to your team in groups or one-on-one messages.
- Self-Hosting Option – Keep full control by hosting it on your own servers.
- Works with Other Tools – Connects with Jira, GitHub, and other work apps.
- Voice & Video Calls – Chat, call, and share screens easily.
- Super Secure – End-to-end encryption to keep messages safe.
9. Element (formerly Riot.im)
Element (formerly Riot.im) is one of the best Discord alternatives available on the market. It assists people who care about privacy. Many open-source projects and companies like Mozilla use Element to keep conversations private and safe from hackers.
Key Features:
- Private & Secure Chats
- Works on All Devices
- No Single Owner
- Join Any Chat Network
- Voice & Video Calls
10. Ventrilo
Ventrilo is a popular app which is both lightweight and simple. Modern features like video calls and emojis are lacking in this mobile application. Unlike other Discord alternatives, Ventrilo focuses only on clear audio with low lag, making it useful for slow internet connections. However, setting it up is tricky, and many users now prefer easier options like TeamSpeak or Steam Chat.
Key Features:
- Clear Voice Chat – High-quality audio with low background noise for smooth conversations.
- Lightweight & Fast – Uses very little computer power, so it won’t slow down your games.
- Private & Secure – Password-protected servers keep your chats safe.
- Push-to-Talk – Only sends your voice when you press a button, reducing unwanted noise.
- Custom Sounds & Alerts – Set up personal notifications and sound effects for different events.
11. TeamSpeak
TeamSpeak is a top Discord alternative for gamers who need crystal-clear voice chat with no lag. Many esports teams use it because it’s reliable even with slow internet. TeamSpeak keeps communication smooth without slowing down your system.
Key Features:
- Crystal Clear Voice Chat
- Low Data Usage
- Private & Secure Chats
- Custom Servers
- Provides Cross-Platform Support
Suggested: How to Make a Chat App Like Discord Social Platform?
12. Mumble
Mumble is one of the best Discord alternatives for gamers who need clear, lag-free voice chat. It’s lightweight, open-source, and runs smoothly even on slow internet, making it perfect for competitive gaming like CS:GO or Valorant. Unlike Discord, Mumble doesn’t collect data, keeping conversations private and secure. If you’re tired of server crashes or privacy concerns, Mumble is a solid choice for stress-free communication.
Key Features:
- Crystal-Clear Voice Chat
- Super Secure
- Lightweight & Fast
- Open-Source & Free
- Custom Servers
13. Skype
Skype is one of the best Discord alternatives. This application is useful for video calls, voice chats, and messaging. Families use it to stay connected, and businesses rely on it for online meetings. Unlike Discord, Skype works well even on slow internet, making it perfect for remote areas. However, gamers may find it lacks the advanced voice settings needed for team coordination.
Key Features:
- Free Voice & Video Calls
- Chat Anytime
- Call Phones Too
- Screen Sharing
- Works on Any Device
14. Tox
Tox is a privacy-focused chat app that works as a Discord alternative for people who want secure, no-tracking conversations. Unlike apps that store data on company servers, Tox runs on a peer-to-peer system, meaning messages go directly between users without a middleman. This makes it a great choice for journalists, activists, or anyone who needs private talks without worrying about spying. However, since it lacks a central server, new users may find setup a bit tricky, especially compared to mainstream apps.
Key Features:
- Private & Secure Calls and Chats
- No Servers Needed – Connects directly to friends without a central server.
- Voice & Video Calls – Talk or video chat with anyone for free.
- File Sharing – Send documents, photos, and videos easily.
- Completely Free – No ads, no fees, just open-source and community-run.
15. Steam Chat
Steam Chat is one of the best Discord alternatives for gamers. It is simple to use and provides fast communication. You can use this app to perform text or voice chats. Unlike Discord, Steam Chat doesn’t need extra apps—just open Steam and start talking. Gamers love it because it’s built right into their game library, making teamwork easy without distractions.
Key Features:
- Text & Voice Chat
- Group Chats
- Works on Any Device
- Custom Emojis & Reactions
- Game Invites & Links
Must Check: Software Development Collaboration Tools For Your Business
Tech Stack Behind Apps like Discord
| Category | Technologies |
| Programming Languages | JavaScript, Python, C++, Go, Java, TypeScript |
| Frameworks | React (web), React Native (mobile), Electron |
| Real-Time Communication | WebRTC |
| Back-End | Node.js |
| Databases | PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MySQL, Firebase, SQLite |
| Cloud Services | AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Custom Servers |
| APIs | Twilio (SMS), Agora (video calls), Matrix (chat) |
How much does it cost to build apps like Discord?
The cost to build a basic version of an application like Discord is between $60,000 – $150,000.
| Development Stage | Basic Version ($) | Mid-Level Version ($) | Advanced Version ($) |
| UI/UX Design | 5,000 – 15,000 | 15,000 – 30,000 | 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Front-End Development | 10,000 – 25,000 | 25,000 – 50,000 | 50,000 – 100,000 |
| Back-End Development | 15,000 – 30,000 | 30,000 – 70,000 | 70,000 – 150,000 |
| Real-Time Communication | 10,000 – 20,000 | 20,000 – 50,000 | 50,000 – 100,000 |
| Database & Cloud Services | 5,000 – 15,000 | 15,000 – 40,000 | 40,000 – 80,000 |
| Security & Encryption | 5,000 – 10,000 | 10,000 – 30,000 | 30,000 – 60,000 |
| APIs & Integrations | 5,000 – 15,000 | 15,000 – 35,000 | 35,000 – 70,000 |
| Testing & QA | 5,000 – 10,000 | 10,000 – 25,000 | 25,000 – 50,000 |
| Deployment & Maintenance (Yearly) | 5,000 – 10,000 | 10,000 – 25,000 | 25,000 – 50,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 60,000 – 150,000 | 150,000 – 350,000 | 350,000 – 700,000+ |
Conclusion
You can select the right Discord alternatives depending on what you need. It provides clear voice chats for gaming and organized spaces for work. They are private groups for your community chats. If you are disturbed by security issues, or too many notifications, you can switch to a better platform for easy communication.
Gamers might prefer Steam Chat or TeamSpeak, while businesses thrive on Slack or Microsoft Teams. The best choice is the one that fits your needs, keeps conversations smooth, and helps you stay connected without hassle. If you’re looking forward to building an app like Discord, contact iTechnolabs today. Our expert team will solve all your queries and assist you to convert your idea into reality.
FAQ’s
What is the best alternative to Discord?
The best alternative to Discord are:
- TeamSpeak (low-latency voice chat)
- Slack
- Microsoft Teams
- Element (Matrix-based)
- Mumble (open-source, secure)
Does Discord allow NSFW?
Yes, Discord allows NSFW (Not Safe for Work) content, but it is restricted. Servers containing NSFW material must be labeled as such, and users under 18 cannot access them. Additionally, Discord has specific guidelines for explicit content to ensure community safety.
Why use TeamSpeak over Discord?
TeamSpeak is preferred over Discord by some users because it offers:
- Lower latency for high-quality voice communication
- Better privacy since it does not collect user data like Discord
- More customization with self-hosted server options
- No dependency on centralized servers, reducing downtime
It’s a great choice for competitive gaming and professional teams needing a reliable voice chat solution.
What is the alternative to Discord for under 13?
Most alternatives to Discord require users to be at least 13 years old due to privacy laws like COPPA. However, platforms like Google Hangouts (for families), Facebook Messenger Kids, or Jitsi Meet can be safer options for younger users needing communication tools under parental supervision.
