Discord has established itself as one of the most popular platforms for online communication, particularly among gamers, remote teams, and various online communities. It offers a blend of voice, video, and text chat features that make it highly versatile. However, despite its popularity, many users are seeking alternatives due to privacy concerns, limited customization, or the need for more specialized features. Some users dislike the data collection policies, while others feel that its Nitro subscription model is costly for premium features. Businesses and professionals may also find Discord lacking in structured communication tools and enterprise-level security.
If you’re searching for a Discord alternative in 2025, you have plenty of options that cater to different needs, whether it’s gaming, team collaboration, or private and secure messaging.
What Makes a Great Discord Alternative?
A great alternative to Discord should offer robust communication tools, including high-quality voice and video calls, efficient text messaging, and, where necessary, strong security measures. The choice depends largely on the user’s requirements. Gamers might prioritize low-latency voice chat and server stability, while businesses may look for professional collaboration features like integration with productivity tools and cloud storage. Security-focused users may want a platform that ensures end-to-end encryption, giving them full control over their data.
In 2025, with technological advancements and increasing user demand for privacy and customization, various platforms now offer features that can either rival or surpass Discord in specific areas. The following ten alternatives have been selected based on their performance, security, usability, and suitability for different types of users.
Top 10 Discord Alternatives for 2025
1. Slack
Slack has long been recognized as a leading workplace communication tool, particularly among remote teams and businesses. Unlike Discord, which is designed for casual and gaming-oriented communication, Slack focuses on structured messaging with work-friendly features like threaded conversations, channel-based discussions, and seamless integrations with productivity apps such as Trello, Google Drive, and Zoom. It allows file sharing, direct messaging, and automation through bots and workflows.
While Slack’s free version has limitations, such as restricted message history and limited integrations, its premium plans unlock advanced tools, making it ideal for professional use. If you need a powerful communication tool for business and team collaboration, Slack is a strong alternative to Discord.
2. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is an excellent alternative for businesses that rely on Microsoft 365. Unlike Discord, which is more casual, Microsoft Teams integrates seamlessly with Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, making it perfect for professional collaboration. The platform includes video conferencing, team channels, direct messaging, and cloud storage options, ensuring smooth workflows in an enterprise setting.
Microsoft Teams is particularly useful for companies requiring high security and compliance with data protection regulations. While it lacks the gaming-oriented appeal of Discord, its extensive feature set makes it a preferred choice for corporations and remote teams looking for a structured work environment.
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3. Guilded
Guilded is a rising star in the gaming community, designed specifically to enhance team coordination and gaming-related interactions. It offers features similar to Discord but with added functionality such as tournament organization, event calendars, and team-based server management. Guilded also boasts better voice channel customization and improved text formatting tools.
For competitive gamers, esports teams, or large gaming communities looking for an upgraded Discord experience, Guilded is an excellent alternative. It provides more robust tools for managing teams and events, making it a strong competitor in the gaming communication space.
4. TeamSpeak
TeamSpeak has been a long-time favorite among esports professionals and serious gamers due to its superior audio quality and minimal latency. Unlike Discord, which relies on centralized servers, TeamSpeak allows users to host their own servers, ensuring greater control over security and performance.
While TeamSpeak lacks the modern interface and ease of use that Discord offers, it remains one of the best alternatives for users who need a lightweight, high-performance voice chat application. It is particularly suited for those who value reliability over extra features.
5. Mumble
Mumble is another voice chat platform designed for high-quality, low-latency communication. As an open-source application, it offers full transparency regarding security and does not rely on centralized servers. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize privacy and control over their communication data.
While Mumble lacks some of the polished features of Discord, such as an intuitive user interface and extensive integrations, it remains a top choice for privacy-focused gamers and tech-savvy individuals who prefer open-source software.
6. Element (Matrix)
Element is built on the Matrix protocol, providing end-to-end encryption for secure communication. Unlike Discord, which stores user data on centralized servers, Element offers decentralized hosting, allowing users to choose where their data is stored.
For individuals and organizations that prioritize privacy and data security, Element is an outstanding alternative. It supports encrypted messaging, voice, and video calls while allowing integrations with other apps for enhanced functionality.
7. Telegram
Telegram is a popular messaging app that supports large communities through features like voice chats, file sharing, and bot automation. While it lacks structured voice channels like Discord, its ease of use and speed make it a great choice for casual group discussions and large-scale community engagement.
For those looking for a simple, mobile-friendly alternative to Discord, Telegram’s flexibility and security make it an excellent option.
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8. Zoom
Zoom is widely known for its high-quality video conferencing capabilities. If you primarily use Discord for video calls, Zoom offers a more professional alternative with better screen-sharing, breakout rooms, and recording options.
Although Zoom lacks Discord’s gaming-oriented features, it is a better choice for virtual meetings, online classes, and webinars, making it a strong alternative for video communication.
9. Steam Chat
Steam Chat is directly integrated into the Steam platform, making it a convenient option for PC gamers who want a lightweight chat solution without installing additional software. While it doesn’t have the advanced features of Discord, it provides a simple and effective way to communicate with friends while gaming.
For gamers already using Steam, its built-in chat service offers a hassle-free alternative to Discord without requiring extra setup.
10. Tox
Tox is a peer-to-peer, fully encrypted messaging platform designed for users who value security above all else. Unlike Discord, which relies on centralized servers, Tox ensures that conversations remain private and protected from external surveillance.
Although it lacks a polished user experience, Tox is a great alternative for those looking for a completely decentralized and secure communication tool.
How to Choose the Right Discord Alternative for You?
Selecting the best alternative depends on your needs. Businesses should consider Slack or Microsoft Teams for collaboration, while gamers might prefer Guilded or TeamSpeak. If privacy is your top priority, Element and Tox are excellent choices. For casual conversations and community engagement, Telegram or Steam Chat could be ideal.
Which Discord Alternative Is Best?
Discord continues to be a dominant platform, but its alternatives offer compelling features that cater to different audiences. Whether you’re a gamer, business professional, or privacy-conscious user, there’s an alternative that fits your communication style. Try out different options and find the one that best meets your needs.
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