Discord has become one of the most popular team chat platforms. According to the Discord website, the number of monthly active users is currently 150 million.
But, like any popular communication app, it has its fair share of problems.
The app has recently come under scrutiny due to controversies such as safety problems, confidential document leaks, and data collection practices.
As a result, many users have gone searching for reliable Discord alternatives.
If you’re in the same boat, we’ll complete this journey together.
I’ve personally tried multiple alternatives to Discord and compiled my insights into a list of the 18 best Discord alternatives for 2025.
I also share my tips to help you find a Discord replacement that meets your needs.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Why consider Discord alternatives
Discord started as a social gaming hub but has since become a go-to platform for text, voice, video, and media sharing, with some organizations using it for collaboration.
On its face, it all seems simple and without issue. I’ve even used the platform before to connect with friends living abroad.
However, several concerns have come to light recently.
For one, Discord introduced end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls only in 2024. This is a step in the right direction, but E2E protection has been an industry standard for years, and Discord has been slow to introduce changes.
Notably, this encryption doesn’t cover group chats and direct messaging, which leaves text conversations vulnerable in case of a data breach.
Apps similar to Discord should provide an uncomplicated user experience while offering what the platform lacks — secure data protection and updated features.
After combing through multiple options, I’ve found 18 excellent apps that might just be your perfect Discord replacement.
18 best Discord alternatives
And now, the reviews are in!
Pumble — Best for all-around communication
Pumble is a comprehensive app that enables safe and effective team communication.
An easy-to-use email alternative, it’s ideal for remote and hybrid workers looking to streamline and centralize communication.
Pros of using Pumble:
I appreciate that Pumble combines the best features of video conferencing and instant messaging apps. Thanks to its functionality, you can connect with coworkers through:
My team uses video calls for our weekly catchup meetings and the screen sharing feature has elevated our experience. We also use the meeting recording feature to easily schedule and record group meetings for future reference.
For all other non-urgent communication, we stick to direct messaging.
We can always continue our conversations in threads. All responses to a specific message are grouped underneath it in chronological order, which makes our interactions look more structured.
This has saved me plenty of time because I could follow conversations with one click. And, when I need to retrieve older information, the search functionality comes in handy.
Pumble definitely keeps me more focused. The customizable notifications make sure nothing interrupts my work, and I can share files through the platform without launching any new apps.
Cons of using Pumble:
Currently, Pumble lacks read receipts, so you won’t know when another user has read your message.
What’s new in Pumble:
Pumble recently launched polls, so users can now run surveys in their team channels. And, according to the features roadmap, more integrations are in the works.
Available for: Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans start at $2.49 per user per month
TeamSpeak — Best for gamers looking for a lag-free VoIP
TeamSpeak is a VoIP communication app that has steadily become a trusted Discord alternative.
Pros of using TeamSpeak:
The first thing I noticed is that the interface looks great and resembles Discord’s a lot.
I found it easy to navigate, and the setup process is simple. You only have to create an account and download the app from the TeamSpeak website.
Once you log in, you will have all important servers, contacts, and group chats on the left side of your screen, while the main workspace will display:
- Other interesting servers,
- Chats, and
- Recent news about the app.
You can also set your status, just like in business instant messaging apps, to let others know if you are online or away.
The audio quality on TeamSpeak is lag-free and one of the best you will find — mostly because of features such as background noise reduction and automatic volume adjustment.
The military-grade encryption is an excellent perk, and it eased my mind about the security of the servers.
Cons of using TeamSpeak:
The biggest disadvantage of the app is the poor integration with other business and collaboration platforms. Similarly, since it’s a VoIP communication system, TeamSpeak doesn’t offer any video conferencing options.
What’s new in TeamSpeak:
TeamSpeak recently announced the launch of the Community Translators program. This initiative aims to eliminate linguistic barriers amongst the platform’s user base and reel in a wider global audience.
Available for: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans from $30 per server per year
Mumble — Best for gamers who like simplicity
Mumble is a free open-source VoIP communication app popular among gamers.
Pros of using Mumble:
I had a great experience with Mumble thanks to its clear audio and minimal processing delay,
Furthermore, I noticed that Mumble has chat encryption and authentication features, so I didn’t have to worry about my privacy.
Not to mention, the gaming community seems to enjoy Mumble’s positional audio feature. This creates a heightened sense of immersion because how well you hear the other players depends on their in-game positions.
Cons of using Mumble:
Some of Mumble’s voice call functionalities are unnecessarily complicated. For example, I couldn’t schedule a voice call with a user from another channel without creating a specific channel for us only.
Additionally, it seems that the app is focused primarily on gaming communities — it has a pretty basic interface rich with the server and users’ names. But, it lacks browsing support, which might be pretty strange for avid Discord users who are used to that.
What’s new in Mumble:
The latest Mumble release didn’t introduce any new features. Instead, it focused on implementing structural changes that would improve the app’s usability and overall performance.
Available for: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free
Troop Messenger — Best for teams looking for third-party integrations
Troop Messenger is a team messaging app designed mostly for internal communication, catering to enterprises of all sizes.
As such, it’s a Discord alternative you can use to go over tasks, projects, and daily workloads with your coworkers.
Pros of using Troop Messenger:
The setup process is simple — you don’t even have to download the app, as you can use the messenger on the web.
On your dashboard, you can create groups and search for other users.
Real-time messaging and voice and video calls enable good cooperation between team members, but the real stand out is the burnout feature.
It allows you to send sensitive information and set up a self-destruct timer. Once the time you select has passed, your message vanishes.
Given that Troop Messenger primarily focuses on business communication, I was happy to see that all shared files and interactions are encrypted.
Teams that use several apps to juggle their workload might luck out if they try this as their Discord alternative. This tool integrates with third-party apps, allowing you to sync and update various information and data.
Cons of using Troop Messenger:
Unfortunately, there is no free plan available in Troop Messenger. After the 7-day free trial period expires, you have to opt for one of the paid plans or your workspace will be deleted.
What’s new in Troop Messenger:
The new screen-sharing feature keeps remote teams connected and makes meetings more engaging.
Available for: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free trial available; Paid plans from $2.5 per user per month
WhatsApp — Best for casual messaging
WhatsApp is one of the most popular instant messaging apps packed with features, which is why it can serve as a free Discord alternative.
Pros of using WhatsApp:
I had no trouble setting up the app — you only need to download WhatsApp from the App Store, add your phone number, and voila — you can chat or call your friends or business associates.
I was happy with the quality of the audio and video calls. The fact that users can create large groups and schedule group audio or video calls makes it a solid alternative to Discord.
Moreover, it’s nice to know that WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption to bolster security.
And, you can share as many files as you want. Apparently, only the sender and receiver are privy to the contents of their communication — not even WhatsApp itself has the power to decipher them.
Despite these efforts, I understand why many people are on the fence about using instant messaging apps. After all, several of these apps have faced backlash in recent years, many due to issues such as information leaks.
On the whole, it does seem WhatsApp has taken steps to combat these problems.
Cons of using WhatsApp:
One of WhatsApp’s biggest downsides is that you must ask for someone’s phone number to connect with them via WhatsApp. It can be tricky since many people feel reluctant to give their phone number to someone they don’t know well.
What’s new in WhatsApp:
The Android and iOS mobile apps have been upgraded with changes to spacing, colors, icons, and more.
Available for: Windows, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free
Rocket.Chat — Best for teams looking for strong data protection
Rocket.Chat is a customizable open-source Discord alternative with an option of self-hosting.
Pros of using Rocket.Chat:
The app fully complies with all regulations and data privacy standards, making it popular among teams that need apps with strong data protection.
The interface reminds me of Slack, so you’ll face no steep learning curves if you’ve previously been a Slack user.
The free plan is comprehensive — it even includes 1:1 and group video calls, while paid plans are for teams that need additional security options.
While navigating the app, I felt it was great for security-conscious teams. On the other hand, there are other straightforward Discord alternatives gamers would enjoy more.
Cons of using Rocket.Chat:
The setup process is a bit too complicated for my taste, but that might be a price you’re willing to pay for a secure, self-hosted Discord alternative.
Also, Rocket.Chat might not be the best fit for small and midsize organizations. Although valuable for larger teams and businesses, its extensive group messaging features aren’t necessary for managing small projects. .
What’s new in Rocket.Chat:
The Rocket.Chat AI has exited its beta phase and should give users more control over their data and encourage innovation.
Available for: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans from $4 per seat per month
💡 Pumble Pro Tip
Users have noticed quite a few similarities between Rocket.Chat and Mattermost. But, which is better? Check out this blog post to find out:
Flock — Best for teams that value collaboration and third-party integrations
Flock is a team collaboration and communication app that boasts plenty of integrations with third-party apps.
Pros of using Flock:
Creating a Flock account is easy — you only need an email and a password. Once you create your workspace, you can invite up to 20 people with a free plan.
One-on-one video calls are included, but you’ll have to purchase a paid plan if you want to schedule any audio or group video calls.
But, if you need a Discord alternative for fewer than 20 people, you can improve collaboration with apps such as:
- Notes,
- Reminders, and
- Task lists.
All 3 of these apps come preinstalled on Flock, which spared me from a long and overdrawn download. Moreover, you can share notes, reminders, and to-dos with teammates — a nice touch for those who often collaborate with people outside their teams.
Cons of using Flock:
Although Flock offers great integration capabilities and useful collaboration features, its cluttered interface makes the user experience a bit overwhelming. For some users, this could be a dealbreaker that points them toward more polished Discord alternatives.
Another downside is the limited messaging history, as many people would have to lose access to past conversations.
What’s new in Flock:
Most of Flock’s updates in recent years have been geared toward performance improvements.
Available for: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans from $4.5 per user per month
💡 Pumble Pro Tip
Noticed that Flock and Slack seem to have a lot in common? We’ve decided to compare the two and see which app to choose and why. Check out the results here:
Revolt — Best for Discord users who don’t want to waste time adapting to a new app
Revolt is a VoIP communication app and a free Discord alternative with a smooth setup process.
Pros of using Revolt:
You don’t have to be a tech whiz to use Revolt.
After you create an account, you can choose whether you want to use the app on the web or download it to your computer.
Once you enter your Revolt workspace, you’ll see that its interface is basically the same as Discord’s.
Hence, it’s the perfect choice for users who want to swap Discord for a solid alternative but don’t want to spend too much time learning the ropes.
On your workspace, you will see various options — everything a new user needs is freely available — so you can:
- Create a group,
- Add people, and
- Join or add servers.
Furthermore, I like the app because it is open-source, which means I can:
- Change the interface to my preference,
- Suggest potential changes to admins, or
- Send fixes for the bugs that are bothering me.
Cons of using Revolt:
The main problem I’ve noticed with Revolt is that sometimes it can become a bit buggy. But, bearing in mind that the app is still relatively new, this is understandable.
What’s new in Revolt:
Revolt recently focused on improving their Android and iOS apps for a smoother mobile experience.
Available for: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free
Microsoft Teams — Best for Microsoft-oriented teams
Microsoft Teams is one of the best Discord alternatives for huge teams and enterprises.
Pros of using Microsoft Teams:
Microsoft Teams’ free plan is one of the most comprehensive offers on the market, and it includes:
- Audio and video calls (up to 60 minutes and 100 participants),
- Screen sharing, and
- Various integrations.
Although I tested the free version, I noticed that the premium plan also has some features that utilize AI to:
- Summarize presentations,
- Create chapter markers, or
- Help you watch the parts of the conference you missed.
So, if you’re already part of the Microsoft ecosystem and want to test out AI features, this Discord alternative may be right up your alley.
Cons of using Microsoft Teams:
I mentioned that the free plan is solid, but it still leaves out a lot of features. For example, audio and video calls that are longer than 60 minutes and have over 100 participants only come with a paid plan. The same applies to advanced security measures.
Not to mention, Teams is most effective for Microsoft-oriented organizations – for everyone else, there are other more practical options.
What’s new in Microsoft Teams:
Teams introduced another AI–powered feature, called places, which helps hybrid workers decide when’s the best time to head to the office and when to work remotely.
Available for: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans from $4 per user per month
💡 Pumble Pro Tip
For a more detailed comparison of Microsoft Teams and Discord, check out the following article:
Steam Chat — Best for the users of Steam games
Steam Chat is a VoIP communication app popular among those who play video games via Steam.
Pros of using Steam Chat:
The sign-up and setup processes are easy. I only had to enter my email and verify it, and I was able to log in after a few seconds.
You can enter the app via your search engine or download the app . For me, there was no difference between the two — both worked fine.
The interface looks good and offers easy access to groups and direct conversations.
If you want to start an audio call with your friends, you can click on their names in your “Friends list” and choose the “Start voice chat” option.
Group audio calls require a voice chat channel others can see and join.
The audio is clear — for me, this is Steam Chat’s biggest advantage, along with a simple setup process.
Steam Chat also has other handy features. For example, you can set your status to communicate your availability to others.
Cons of using Steam Chat:
My main complaints are that the Steam Chat mobile app might get buggy occasionally and the desktop app is much easier to use. But, if you don’t play mobile games that much, this probably isn’t an issue.
What’s new in Steam Chat:
Steam Chat has recently allowed users to customize their friend list by creating favorites or grouping contacts by game or party.
Available for: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free
Ventrilo — Best for the minimal use of the CPU resources
Ventrilo is a voice communication software well-known for its minimal use of CPU resources, which, along with good audio quality, makes this software appealing to many gamers.
Pros of using Ventrilo:
The user–server connection is encrypted, and every conversation or voice message sent is stored locally, so users don’t have to worry about the security of their data.
Moreover, Ventrilo takes the time to onboard new users — when I accessed the platform for the first time, I got an introductory video speedrunning me on how to connect to new servers.
Most features cater to PC users, especially in multi-player settings. You can decide when to allow or mute notification alerts and modify volume controls for individual players, which creates an immersive in-game experience.
On the other hand, the interface isn’t impressive, and the setup process might be a bit strange for people who are using the app for the first time.
This lightweight Discord alternative runs on minimal CPU use, so all your favorite games will keep running smoothly.
Cons of using Ventrilo:
Ventrilo has an outdated interface packed with embedded menus. Unless you’re curious about what’s inside each menu, you might miss out on many useful features.
What’s new in Ventrilo:
Ventrilo ironed out minor issues for Mac users, which included resizing the Bindings, Username, and Server Buttons at the top of the software window.
Available for: Windows and Mac
Pricing: Free
Chanty — Best for task-oriented teams
Chanty is a task-oriented collaboration platform meant to help businesses improve teamwork and real-time communication.
It prioritizes task management so it might not be suitable for gaming communities.
Pros of using Chanty:
When you first open Chanty, you’ll realize that the app was primarily designed for internal communication.
Features such as team chat, 1-on-1 video and voice calls, and searchable conversations are all available in the free plan. Using them is intuitive, and I was happy they added more structure to my conversations.
The task management feature, however, was the true stand-out. It allows users to turn messages into tasks and assign them to specific team members. In addition to adding assignees, you can set due dates and make sure no deadline passes unnoticed.
Cons of using Chanty:
If you want to try Chanty’s free plan, I have some bad news — you can only create a workspace for up to 5 members, and group calls are available only in the paid plans.
What’s new in Chanty:
The new ClickUp integration alerts you through messages whenever there are status updates.
Available for: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans from $4 per user per month
💡 Pumble Pro Tip
At first glance, Chanty appears similar to Slack. But, there are differences between these platforms. To learn more about them, check out the following article:
Wire — Best for communicating with friends and family
Wire is a private communication app renowned for its safety thanks to end-to-end encryption.
Pros of using Wire:
Wire’s no-frills design approach is refreshing — the scaled-back design creates a distraction-free environment..
Signing up took no time at all. After entering my email address and full name, I could create a username and password and start chatting.
This was easy, too. All I needed to do was tap the blue button at the lower end of the screen and type in a friend’s username.
From here, I could choose either text messaging, audio calls, or video calls.
Thanks to the end-to-end encryption and decentralized servers, whatever you say stays between you and the person on the other end of the screen.
Cons of using Wire:
One of the most noticeable drawbacks of using Wire is that group calls are only available once you sign up for a paid plan. Some other Discord alternatives on our list include group calls in their free plans, so Wire loses points here.
If you get your close friends and family on board, I can see Wire being a good group chat option. But, for gaming and business dealings, it depends on how much you value its security measures.
What’s new in Wire:
Wire has recently revamped the look of its web version to give users more customization options.
Available for: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free; Paid plans from $5.83 per user per month
Tox — Best for those who don’t want to share personal information
Tox is an open-source communication software known for its security, meaning users need to submit minimal personal information.
Pros of using Tox:
To start using Tox, I only had to download the app.
Once you get the app, you can start using it without entering any information about yourself.
In the app itself, you can change your name, add a profile picture (up to 64kb), and change your status message.
After completing your profile, you’ll get your Tox ID, which is your ticket to connecting with others. You can connect with others and eventually create a voice or chat group by copying their Tox ID in the search bar.
Since Tox is an open-source communication software, it’s always prone to changes, thanks to hundreds of enthusiasts working on updates.
For the most part, the app is intended for gamers and users who don’t want to share too much personal information with others. If that’s you, then Tox might be your ideal Discord alternative.
Cons of using Tox:
Tox is generally secure, but it’s not without flaws. Namely, while I didn’t have to share private details, anyone I connected with could see my IP address. From there, it doesn’t take much for someone to pinpoint my exact location.
However, if you only plan to use it with people you trust wholeheartedly, it could still be a good Discord alternative.
What’s new in Tox:
There haven’t been any notable recent updates from Tox.
Available for: Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android
Pricing: Free
Viber — Best for users looking for a good instant messaging app
Viber is one of the most popular free instant messaging apps, and thanks to its communication features, it can be a good Discord alternative.
Pros of using Viber:
I’ve used Viber in the past, and the app’s strong suit is its ease of use.
Within the same window window, you can:
- Start voice and video calls,
- Send audio and video messages,
- Share files, and
- Exchange text messages.
Creating a group conversation only takes a few minutes. After you add people to the chat, you can launch a call and hop onto your favorite game.
Although some businesses use this software for internal communication, Viber is not task-oriented. As a result, there’s no option to create separate channels for particular projects or purposes — you can only create group chats.
But, for personal use, it gets the job done, and I still use it to keep in contact with friends.
Cons of using Viber:
Viber calls occasionally get buggy, even if your WiFi network is strong. Sometimes, your call might not go through, only for it to succeed a few minutes later. This has happened to me several times.
While Viber doesn’t provide as many task-oriented features as some other Discord alternatives, it’s an okay choice for a day-to-day messenger.
What’s new in Viber:
There are many updates regarding stickers, GIFs, and photo and video editing. However, the most recent major update is free caller ID. This feature lets you see who is calling you even if the number isn’t in your contact list.
Available for: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free; Paid plan available from $1.99
💡 Pumble Pro Tip
Ready to move on from Viber to a more efficient alternative? See why Pumble might be the answer:
Google Chat — Best for Google Workspace users
Google Chat is Google’s communication app that you can use as part of Google Workspace’s software set and as a stand-alone app.
Pros of using Google Chat:
You only need a Google account to sign up for Google Chat.
It’s closely integrated with other Google apps such as:
- Google Meet,
- Google Calendar,
- Google Drive, etc.
You can use Google Chat for free if you’re already a Google Workspace user. In that case, it can help you tackle your workload or serve as your Discord alternative.
Over the years, the app has become more efficient than ever, thanks to integrations with apps such as Zendesk, Asana, and Jira.
I liked the option of separating my contacts into Personal and Professional spaces. This lets you connect with friends, family, or customers without using several platforms.
The chat interface is clean and simple.
I could easily spot several ways of sending a message, including:
- Text,
- Files,
- GIFs, and
- Audio messages.
Overall, I found all the features I’d expect to see in an online messaging platform.
Cons of using Google Chat:
As the name suggests, the platform excels in messaging features. When you try to start a video meeting, the app immediately launches a Google Meet session. Long-time Google Workspace users may not object to this, but it would be nice to see built-in video capabilities.
Moreover, if you’re a newcomer to Google Workspace, you might need some time to learn how to use its apps to the fullest.
What’s new in Google Chat:
The new compact mode improves the app’s layout and readability. The sender and recipient messages now appear on the same side of the screen, and the message bubbles are larger.
Available for: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans from $6 per user per month
💡 Pumble Pro Tip
If, by chance, you’re searching for a Google Chat alternative instead of a Discord alternative, see why Pumble is an option worth considering:
Element – Best for decentralized communication
Element is an open-source communication app built by the creators of Matrix, a network that prioritizes decentralized communication.
Since Element relies on the same protocol, its features emphasize security and privacy.
Pros of using Element:
Right off the bat, it was great to learn Element uses end-to-end encryption for shared files, messages, and calls.
Due to the platform’s decentralized nature, you can join existing servers or self-host your own. If you choose Element for professional use, this adds an extra layer of privacy. But it’s a nice perk, even for personal use.
You can create chat rooms with other users by adding them using their email address or username. Users can create either private or public rooms. Any Element user can join a public room, while private rooms are invite-only. I could immediately see how this feature would be helpful to gamers on the hunt for a Discord alternative.
Cons of using Element:
Although I liked the overall design of the platform, I was slightly disappointed to see that the rooms are entirely self-moderated. This means you might accidentally stumble upon content you didn’t want to find.
What’s new in Element:
A revamped version of the app, Element X, recently launched, and it’s intended to provide extra support and dependable updates to businesses and users.
Available for: Mac, Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans start at $5.25 per user per month
Guilded — Best for gaming communities
Guilded is a free Discord alternative that is ideal for gamers.
Pros of using Guilded:
Guilded has an interface very similar to Discord, Revolt, and TeamSpeak.
However, the sign-up process is a bit different — at the beginning, you’ll get questions about what games you mostly play or follow so that the app can display shortcuts to servers/topics about them on the left side of the interface.
If I were an avid gamer, this would be an exciting addition for me.
Finding friends and creating groups and channels is the same as in Discord — a piece of cake.
The channel interface is well-organized and structured. It reminds me of channels in Pumble.
What’s more, setting up channels is also quite straightforward. You can create a voice channel in just a few clicks by tapping the “Voice channel” option, and it will appear in the drop-down menu under the “Communities” section.
The same routine applies to creating a streaming channel — you just need to select the “Streaming” button instead of the voice channel, and it will appear in your “Communities” section.
Made with gaming communities in mind, Guilded might be one of the best Discord alternatives for gamers.
Cons of using Guilded:
To sign up for Guilded, you’ll need a Roblox account. Although this is a minor inconvenience, it would be nice to be able to sign up with just an email address.
What’s new in Guilded:
Recent updates have focused on maintaining Guilded’s existing features and functionalities.
Available for: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
Pricing: Free
How to choose the best Discord alternative
When choosing the best Discord alternative, it’s crucial to be clear about what features you’re looking for and why you’re leaving Discord.
In case you’re leaving Discord because of security concerns, you need to find a communication app with:
- End-to-end encryption,
- Encrypted backups,
- Multi-level authentication,
- Security certificates, and
- No record of security breaches.
On the other hand, if you’re leaving the app because it’s unsuitable for your business, you’ll need a Discord alternative with:
- Channels to organize tasks and topics,
- Threads to keep conversations structured,
- Audio and video call options,
- Screen-sharing features, and
- Bulletproof safety.
The ideal Discord alternative should be in line with your needs
We hope this article has helped you discover a variety of Discord alternatives that could be the right fit for you.
If you’re looking for a secure app to streamline team communication and activities, Pumble is a great choice. With features like unlimited chat history, public and private channels, file sharing, and guest access for external collaborators, Pumble has all the advantages of Discord while providing a more productivity-driven experience. Why not give it a go?