Launched in 2015, Discord has become a popular communication platform that’s designed to help people connect by means of a combination of text, voice and video.
At its inception, the application was initially intended for use by gamers, but it wasn’t long before its utility had been recognised far more broadly. Its features were expanded to be able to accommodate additional communities, including educators, hobbyists, professional organisations and social groups too.
Discord seamlessly integrates private and public chat servers, customisable roles and versatile bots. It’s free to use, and with premium features that can be accessed via Discord Nitro, the platform has become a go-to for millions of users all around the world.
Top Alternatives to Discord
However, that being said, Discord isn’t the only option available for community building and communication – far from it.
So, whether you’re looking for some more privacy, a simpler interface or specific features that Discord doesn’t offer, there are plenty of alternatives that may suit your needs.
1. Slack
Slack is one of the most widely used collaboration tools, especially popular in workplaces and among professional teams. It combines text-based communication, app integration and file sharing, making it a hub for productivity.
It also has channels for organised discussions, and it has a robust search function that facilitates efficient operations.
While Slack lacks a voice chat feature, its specific focus on work-oriented communication and integration with apps like Trello and Google Drive.
2. Mumble
Mumble is an open-source, low-latency voice chat application that is tailored for use by gamers and other online communities. It’s particularly well known for its high-quality audio and minimal lag, making it great for users who prioritise performance.
With end-to-end encryption, Mumbl offers a service that is secure and also includes positional audio to really enhance the gaming experience.
In some ways, its interface is less polished than some more modern alternatives, but its focus on functionality and privacy makes it a solid alternative to Discord for voice-focused communication.
3. TeamSpeak
Considered a veteran in the voice communication industry, TeamSpeak caters mostly to professional teams and gamers. It offers high-quality, low-latency audio and allows users to host private servers for secure communication.
TeamSpeakses a modular permissions system which gives admins extensive control over settings and roles. Now, it doesn’t necessarily have the most sleek design, but it’s reliable and it offers exceptional performance.
4. Troop Messenger
Troop Messenger is a team collaboration app designed for businesses and other types of professional organisations. It supports text messaging, voice and video calls, file sharing and screen sharing, all within a secure platform.
Troop Messenger emphasizes privacy and efficiency, offering features like remote desktop control and self-hosting options. Its robust set of tools makes it an excellent choice for teams seeking an alternative to Discord in a professional setting.
5. Hey Space
HeySpace blends communication and task management into a single platform, ideal for teams that need a balance between chatting and organising work. It features text-based communication, kanban boards for project tracking and integrations with tools like Trello.
The platform stands out as a productivity-focused alternative to Discord, catering to teams looking for streamlined collaboration without sacrificing communication.
6. Chanty
Chanty is a simple yet powerful team collaboration tool that combines messaging and task management. It allows users to chat via text, share files and turn messages into tasks to help improve workflow management.
Chanty also offers voice and video calling, though its primary strength lies in its ease of use and focus on productivity. For small teams or startups, Chanty is a practical and user-friendly Discord alternative.
7. Flock
Flock is a communication and collaboration tool designed to improve workplace efficiency. It offers text and voice messaging, video conferencing and file sharing, along with integrations with popular apps like Google Calendar and Asana.
With an intuitive interface and productivity-focused features, Flock is an appealing option for teams that need a streamlined alternative to Discord without the gaming-oriented extras.
8. Microsoft Teams
Probably the best known on this list, Microsoft Teams is a comprehensive collaboration platform designed for businesses and organisations. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, offering chat, video conferencing, file sharing and collaboration on documents in one place.
Teams is particularly valuable for workplaces already using Microsoft tools, providing a professional-grade alternative to Discord with advanced organisational and security features. Its extensive integrations and enterprise focus make it ideal for large teams and corporations.
