With over 250 million registered users, Discord has become a go-to app for gamers, communities, and even professional teams to chat and collaborate.
However, it’s not the only option out there. Whether you’re looking for more privacy, better customization, or just something different, there are plenty of other platforms that can meet your needs.
In fact, many people are exploring alternatives to find the perfect fit for their unique requirements.
In this article, we’ll dive into the best Discord alternatives available today.
Each of these platforms offers something special, from advanced security features to unique communication tools.
With so many choices, there’s sure to be an option that works perfectly for you and your friends or colleagues.
Let’s take a look at what each of these alternatives has to offer!
Features to look for in a discord alternative
Ease of Use
Look for an intuitive interface and simple setup process, making it easy for everyone to start using the platform quickly without a steep learning curve.
Customization Options
Check if the platform allows you to personalize settings, themes, and notification preferences to suit your specific needs and preferences.
Privacy and Security
Ensure the alternative offers strong encryption, data protection, and privacy controls to keep your conversations and personal information secure.
Voice and Video Quality
High-quality voice and video call capabilities are crucial, especially if you use the platform for meetings, gaming, or other real-time communications.
Integration and Compatibility
See if the platform integrates well with other tools and apps you use, such as file-sharing services, project management tools, or social media platforms, to streamline your workflow.
Tips for transitioning into a new platform
Plan Ahead
Before making the switch, ensure you have a clear plan. Inform all members about the change, set a transition date, and provide instructions to help everyone prepare for the move.
Backup Important Data
Make sure to back up all crucial data, such as chat histories, files, and server settings from Discord. This ensures that no important information is lost during the transition.
Test the New Platform
Spend some time exploring and testing the new platform’s features and settings. Familiarize yourself with its interface and functionality to address any potential issues before the full transition.
Communicate Clearly
Keep communication open with your community or team throughout the process. Provide step-by-step guides or tutorials to help them understand how to use the new platform effectively.
Start with a Trial Period
Consider running both Discord and the new platform simultaneously for a short trial period. This allows members to get accustomed to the new environment while still having access to the familiar Discord setup.
10 Best Discord Alternatives
1. Telegram
Although Telegram is sometimes compared to WhatsApp, the platform is more than just a chat service at its core.
Telegram, which we believe directly competes with Discord rather than WhatsApp, is far more feature-rich than WhatsApp.
It permits hosting both private and public communities, public channels, instant messaging, an abundance of features, limitless customisation, and much more.
Similar to Discord, Telegram has bots to manage large groups, integrate scripts, automate inquiries, and more. It also offers private and group video calling.
End-to-end encryption for private messaging is the primary feature that distinguishes Telegram from Discord.
Top Features:
- Lots of bots
- Tons of other features
- Public and Private channels
Pricing:
Free
2. Slack
Slack is a central location for team communication and collaboration that unites users, information, and resources.
Teams can stay organised, link all of their software tools, and collaborate more successfully to complete tasks more quickly with its assistance.
Slack allows users to share files, track project progress, create channels for certain discussions or subjects, and more.
It also allows users to send reminders for tasks and deadlines. Additionally, Slack integrates with thousands of different apps, which makes it simple to carry on conversations indefinitely.
Top Features:
- Channels to create central, shared spaces
- Workflow Builder
- Huddles and clips with audio and video options
Pricing:
| Free | Pro | Business Plus | Grid |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | $7.25/month | $12.50/month | Available on Request |
3. Chanty
Chanty is a platform for collaboration that offers tools like task management tools, file sharing, video calls, and chat to keep users engaged and productive.
Users may instantly receive comments from others, offer projects, and communicate ideas with others using Chanty.
Furthermore, all correspondence is conveniently kept in one location for easy access at any time.
Users can be informed when there are new messages, task updates, or crucial files by using its notifications system.
This guarantees that everyone is aware of the most recent developments.
Top Features:
- 4k video and audio with support for up to 1,000 video participants
- Conversation actions to rename or leave conversations
- @mentions to notify members
- Voice messages for replies on the go
Pricing:
Free
4. Steam Chat
Users can converse with one another via the Steam platform’s voice chat feature, Steam Chat.
It offers numerous ways to communicate, including group chats, phone and video chats, and more.
Users can speak with numerous people at once by joining public chat rooms in addition to private messaging.
Many personalisation choices are available on the site, including the ability to make unique avatars and add friends for convenient communication.
Users can access and interact with their friends’ list on the platform by integrating Steam Chat with other Steam services.
Top Features:
- AI-powered essay generator
- Access to scholarly sources
- Proper MLA/APA citations
- User-friendly interface
- Free essay generator
Pricing:
Free
5. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a cloud-based platform for collaboration created by Microsoft with the goal of making it simple for staff members to interact and work together inside a company.
Users can connect to one central hub and exchange files, chats, and tasks with others.
Users of the service can search for material and conversations within their organisation and build channels for particular subjects or teams.
Microsoft Teams is an effective application that helps users stay connected, organised, and productive thanks to its various features.
It can be used to bring people together, share knowledge, and work together on projects in any kind of corporate or educational setting.
Top Features:
- Priority notifications every two to 20 minutes
- Voice calls, voicemail, and call transfers
- Screen sharing with blurred backgrounds
- Inline message translation
Pricing:
| Essential | Basic | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| $4/mo | $6/month | $12.50/month |
6. Skype
With the Skype software, users may have free audio and video chats. In addition, it offers screen-sharing, file-sharing, video conferencing, and instant messaging.
Users can communicate while on the go by using the Skype mobile app. The app is compatible with iOS and Android smartphones.
It is suitable for both private and professional communications. Advanced capabilities like conference calling, voicemail, and call forwarding are also available on Skype.
Additionally, Skype credits or subscriptions can be used to make inexpensive international calls.
Top Features:
- Message forwarding to other conversations
- End-to-end encryption for instant messages
- Spotify integration to preview songs
- Reactions, GIFs, citations, and more
Pricing:
Custom
7. Ventrilo
A voice chat and communication tool called Ventrilo was created specifically for internet gaming, particularly multiplayer games.
Ventrilo offers an excellent way for players to stay in touch while playing games, in addition to other features like hotkeys, server listings, user and channel settings, and voice activation detection.
Furthermore, Ventrilo offers users a private connection unhindered by extraneous forces.
This Discord substitute is excellent for virtual gatherings or conference calls since it enables global participation from individuals anywhere in the world.
Top Features:
- Channel feature filtering and playback voice streams
- Persistent channel Admin passwords
- Text-to-speech (TTS) voice generation
- Minimal use of CPU resources
Pricing:
Free
8. Element
Element is an instant messaging network that allows users to send and receive text messages, photos, and other types of data.
The programme supports both audio and video calls and lets users establish and join their own chat groups.
The platform is accessible through web browsers on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Windows.
Although it is free to use, premium subscriptions offer more features like more storage and customisation possibilities.
Top Features:
- Multiple network functionality to work and collaborate securely
- Unlimited one-on-one and group voice and video calls
- End-to-end encryption
Pricing:
| Business | Enterprise | Soveregin |
|---|---|---|
| $5/mo | $10/month | Custom |
9. Mumble
Mumble is an open-source, high-quality, low-latency voice chat programme that’s best used for gaming.
Through the Internet or other networked connections, it can be utilised for group communication.
Mumble is perfect for gaming applications since it offers quality audio at a low bit rate with no processing latency.
In order to protect communication security and privacy, it is additionally encrypted. Linux, macOS, and Windows can all run Mumble.
It also supports a wide range of plugins for supporting different types of media, such as streaming music.
Top Features:
- Custom chat commands and context menu entries
- Extensive user permission system (ACL)
- Friend recognition across servers
- Encrypted communication
Pricing:
Free
10. ClickUp
A frictionless experience can be achieved with hundreds of customisable features on ClickUp, an all-in-one productivity platform.
ClickUp’s integrated Chat view facilitates easy communication between small and large groups across various devices!
The best part is that ClickUp offers visual collaboration tools that go beyond standard papers and chat channels, such mind maps and whiteboards.
Use video and audio clips to convey actionable messages and gain more visibility for any topic debate by using @mention comments.
Top Features:
- Over 15 customizable views to manage work from every angle
- Secure infrastructure environment with end-to-end encryption
- Notes, labels, and tags for advanced sorting and filtering
- Powerful free version with unlimited Free Plan members
- Mobile Apps, including iPad, iPhone, and Android
- Drag and drop workflow arrangement.
Pricing:
| Free | Unlimited | Business |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $7/month | $12/month |
Ending Note
In conclusion, while Discord is a popular platform for chatting and connecting with others, there are many other great alternatives out there. Each of the alternatives we discussed offers unique features that might suit your needs better.
Whether you’re looking for something more privacy-focused, simpler to use, or with different customization options, there’s likely an app that fits the bill. Exploring these options can help you find the perfect platform for you and your friends or team to stay connected and collaborate effectively.
FAQs
Can I use these alternatives on both desktop and mobile devices?
Yes, most Discord alternatives are available on multiple platforms, including desktop and mobile devices. Apps like Slack, Telegram, and Skype have dedicated applications for both Windows/Mac and iOS/Android, ensuring you can stay connected on the go.
How do I choose the best alternative for my needs?
To choose the best alternative, identify your main use cases—whether it’s for gaming, team collaboration, or casual chatting. Evaluate each platform based on its features, ease of use, compatibility with your devices, and user reviews. Trying out a few options can help you determine which one fits best.
Are there any secure Discord alternatives for private conversations?
Yes, there are several secure alternatives for private conversations. Apps like Signal and Wire prioritize security and encryption, ensuring your communications remain private. These platforms are ideal if privacy and security are your top concerns.
