You want to move away from Discord and are looking for a better alternative? MeinMMO introduces you to the best alternatives for Discord if you want to switch. The advantage: Many alternatives can also be self-hosted if data protection is important to you.
Discord’s decision to introduce an age verification check starting March 2026 has not caused much enthusiasm among users (via TheVerge.com). Therefore, MeinMMO presents alternatives to Discord that can also serve as chat or communication software for your gaming day-to-day.
Revolt / Stoat
Download: Official Website and Github
Revolut (or now Stoat since 2025) is the alternative if you are looking for software that looks like Discord and works like Discord. The features and even the user interface are very similar.
Revolut/Stoat is a completely open-source, self-hostable chat platform with web, desktop, and mobile clients. The advantage: The alternative copies the look and functionality of Discord so well that the switch is almost effortless.
If you don’t want to miss any features when switching and feel annoyed by Nitro ads, then Revolut/Stoat is probably the alternative that comes closest to Discord.
What does Revolut/Stoat cost? You can use the app both through official servers and by hosting a private server. Costs vary depending on how much space and how many users you want to support. Typically, costs range from 3 to 10 euros for a server.
Mumble
Download: Official Website and Github
Mumble may not look particularly pretty at first glance, but behind the surface is a powerful software that can impress with low latency and high audio quality.
The software is open-source and also relies on fully encrypted data traffic. Similar to Discord, you can install Mumble on almost any device: from Windows to Linux to your Android phone.
What does Mumble cost? You can either use Mumble through existing servers or host your own server. Depending on the number of users, you may need to budget for certain hosting costs. Mumble itself is free.
TeamSpeak
Download: Official Website
Yes, TeamSpeak still exists and released its 5th version into open beta in summer 2024. Now the software finally looks modern and clear but still can’t quite keep up with Discord. TeamSpeak offers very good sound quality and low latency.
TeamSpeak offers both public open channels and the option of private servers. However, the focus of TeamSpeak is on its own servers rather than a central infrastructure like Discord.
What does TeamSpeak cost? The TeamSpeak client is initially free, and you can use public servers at no cost.
Hosting your own servers is also possible but comes with costs. Costs vary depending on the number of users: for a maximum of 10 people, you pay about 3 euros, and for 25 people, around 7 euros per month. Additional features like an integrated data transfer incur extra charges.
Nextcloud Talk
Download: Official Website
Nextcloud is actually software for storing and sharing data on a server. However, Nexcloud also offers features like video and text chats. Additionally, there are other functions like whiteboard integration or built-in chat rooms for larger groups.
The focus of the software is clearly on sharing large files. This also includes integrating your own FTP drive or your Dropbox account.
What does Nextcloud Cost? You can either host Nextcloud on your own server or rent a server. Costs vary depending on the amount of data and accessibility.
Matrix
Download: Official Website and Github
Matrix is fundamentally an open standard for building a communication network. The special feature of Matrix is that it is a decentralized protocol: there are thousands of different servers that communicate with each other.
You install a client to access the public servers. If you want to control your data yourself, you can host Matrix on your own server: the most common option is called Synapse, but there are also alternatives like Dendrite or Conduit. Matrix is also open-source.
What does Matrix cost? Matrix is generally free, but if you want a private server, you have to host it yourself and pay. Costs vary depending on the provider and extent, ranging from 3 to 5 euros a month.
Steam Chat
Download: Integrated in Steam Fest
The Steam Chat is firmly integrated as a tool into the Steam platform. You can now create group and voice chats. The chat functions for Steam users include video, audio, and text. Through the mobile messenger app, you can also use the chats on the go.
A downside is the sometimes poor voice quality and lack of noise filtering from the chat side. If you use Steam Chat in a noisy environment, your listeners will clearly hear the noise.
What does Steam Chat cost? The Steam Chat and large community groups are firmly integrated into Steam and do not cost you any additional fees.
Telegram
Download: Official Website, AppStore (Apple) and PlayStore (Google)
Telegram is a messaging service that you can use both privately and for group chats. The features are by no means as extensive as those of Discord, Mumble, and other platforms. However, you can create large groups and access features like bots or stickers.
However, a mobile number is required for registration with Telegram. One more point to consider: Telegram does use end-to-end encryption for certain chats, but data security is still not unequivocally clarified.
What does Telegram cost? Telegram is generally free; through the premium subscription, you can unlock additional features like unlimited cloud storage or more chats. Costs start at €5.49 per month or €3.33 with annual billing.
Signal
Download: Official Website, AppStore (Apple) and PlayStore (Google)
Signal is similar to Telegram, initially being a messenger app with additional features. The app/software allows encrypted sending of text messages, documents, photos, and contact information in one-on-one or group chats, as well as group calls with optional video functionality with up to 40 participants.
Signal is primarily praised for its high level of data protection and is regularly recommended by security experts. However, to use Signal, you necessarily need a mobile number for registration.
What does Signal cost? Signal is backed by the US-based Signal Foundation. Signal itself is free and funded through donations. You can donate monthly or yearly; this is purely optional; donating does not unlock additional features.
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