Key Takeaways
- Variety of Options: There’s no shortage of alternatives to Discord, ranging from apps designed for professional use (like Slack and Microsoft Teams) to ones optimized for gaming (Guilded and Mumble).
- Focus on Communities: Apps like Telegram and Element prioritize community building with features such as channels, bots, and secure communication.
- Voice and Video Features: Many of these apps provide top-tier voice and video quality, with some offering low-latency solutions for gamers (Mumble, TeamSpeak).
- Customization: Apps like Guilded and Slack are designed to cater to specific use cases, such as gaming or professional collaboration, offering a tailored user experience.
Introduction
Discord is a place where you chat, make connections, share media and casually drop confidential information for the world to see. It gives users unparalleled freedom to speak their mind while protecting their real identity.
If you are looking for more such apps, then we have a list of top 10 apps like Discord in 2025.
Top 10 Apps like Discord In 2025
GuildedÂ
Guilded is a chat and voice app made specifically for gamers and online communities. Many people love Discord, but Guilded takes things up a notch by providing features that are tailor-made for serious gaming groups and content creators. You can coordinate a team, stream your gameplay, or grow a fanbase. Basically, it offers a smoother, more personalized experience.
One of its standout features is the built-in tools for scheduling events, creating forums, managing calendars, and even sharing documents — all within one server. The interface is user-friendly and more polished. Even the voice quality is crystal clear, and channels load quickly. It’s particularly favored by eSports teams and competitive gamers who seek more than just a casual hangout.
Here are some more things to explore:
- Customization options for roles and permissions
- Built-in forums and calendar features
- No premium paywall for high-end features
Also Read: How To See Word Count On Google Slide
Telegram
Telegram is a space where conversations flow effortlessly, feels private, and are beautifully organized. Where Discord is all about servers and gaming communities, Telegram is the sleek, minimalist counterpart of Discord that provides full privacy in chatting with friends, diving into interest-based channels, or managing a growing online community.
Messages on Telegram sync instantly across all your devices, and the app is super lightweight. Not just this; it also packs a punch with powerful features like creating group chats with up to 200,000 members, broadcasting messages through channels, and even automating tasks with custom bots.
Here’s a bonus feature- You can secretly chat with end-to-end encryption and self-destructing messages( like Snapchat). This gives you a peace of mind for those private conversations. No messages are stored on central servers, and Telegram also puts you in control of your privacy and data.
Pros Of Telegram:
- Huge support for groups and channels
- Cloud-based for seamless syncing
- Built-in bots and automation tools
Element (Formerly Riot)
Element is another great chat app designed for those who prioritize privacy, control, and robust features. It operates on the Matrix network — a decentralized, open-source platform — which means your conversations aren’t confined to a single company’s server. You truly own your data.
With Element, you can set up group chats, join public rooms, or even run your own private server. It supports voice and video calls, file sharing, and even connects with other platforms like Slack or Telegram. Doesn’t matter if you’re on Android, iOS, desktop, or just using your browser, everything stays perfectly in sync.
What really makes Element stand out is its commitment to security. Messages can be end-to-end encrypted, even in group chats. Plus, you can verify your contacts to avoid impersonation. For those who want to steer clear of being tracked or monitored, Element provides unparalleled privacy.
When you compare it to Discord, Element shines with its flexibility, enhanced security, and absence of ads or algorithms.
Pros Of Element
- Decentralized: You can host your own server
- Open-source and free to use
- Compatible across all devices
- Bridges with other chat platforms
Also Read: How Many Words Are 3 Pages? Writing Guide
Tox
Tox is a one-of-a-kind messaging app that puts your privacy and security front and center. Unlike most messaging platforms, Tox ditches the central servers and opts for a peer-to-peer network instead. This means your chats remain private and aren’t stored on any company’s servers. For the everyday user, Tox offers a way to communicate, share files, and make calls without any worry of data collection or tracking.
Picture this: you’re chatting with a friend about your weekend plans. With Tox, you can easily send messages and even hop on voice or video calls, all while knowing your conversations are safe from prying eyes. The app’s design is simple and user-friendly, making it perfect for anyone who values their privacy—whether you’re sharing family photos, discussing work projects, or just catching up with friends.
Tox is still on the rise, with its community steadily growing. While it might not have a massive user base of giants like WhatsApp or Telegram, it’s definitely gaining popularity, especially among those looking for an alternative to mainstream services.
Mastodon (With Fediverse Chat Features)
Mastodon is a decentralized social network that allows you to connect with people from all over the globe, free from the control of a single corporation. Rather than relying on one central server, Mastodon consists of thousands of independent servers, known as “instances.” Each of these servers can set its own rules, topics, and areas of focus, yet all users can interact across different instances, creating a vast and diverse network.
While Mastodon is mainly known for microblogging, it also offers chat features that lets you message each other in real-time. It’s a great choice for those looking to break free from corporate-controlled platforms and engage in a more open, community-focused environment.
By 2025, Mastodon has attracted over 10 million active users. Mastodon and Fediverse are expected to keep evolving, rolling out new features and making it easier to connect across the web without the constraints of centralized control.
Steam Chat
Steam Chat is a versatile tool for any Steam user. If you’re diving into the world of Steam for your gaming adventures, you’ll find that Steam Chat is a crucial part of the whole experience. It helps you connect with friends, organize multiplayer sessions, and keep in touch even when you log off.
One of the cool features of Steam Chat is its group chat management. It’s not just about sending messages; you can set up ongoing group chats where all your friends or teammates can stay in the loop, swap game recommendations, or strategize together. Plus, you can pin important messages in these chats, so you’ll never miss out on vital info.
If you love customizing your experience, Steam Chat allows you to link it with your Steam Library to display what you’re currently playing, or even change your chat theme for a more personalized vibe.
You can even share game clips right in the chat, showcasing your best gaming moments without having to leave the conversation.
Also Read: How Many Words Is A 5 Minute Speech?
Viber
In the real world, Viber is a lifesaver for both personal and work-related chats. You can call all your family members across the globe without the stress of sky-high international fees, or catching up with friends while sharing photos and videos in real-time.
One of Viber’s best-kept secrets is its secret chats feature, which lets you send messages that disappear after a certain time — ideal for keeping your private info under wraps. Plus, there’s Viber Out, a handy option that allows you to make affordable calls to folks who aren’t on Viber, making it perfect for business calls or reaching out to those not using the app.
Viber also supports group chats with up to 250 participants, and here’s a neat trick — you can create polls within these groups to help make decisions or plan events effortlessly. Another underrated feature is message pinning, which keeps important messages right at the top of your group chat.
If you enjoy adding a personal touch, Viber has a ton of stickers, GIFs, and themes to spice up your conversations
Zulip (community version)
Unlike your typical chat apps that jumble all discussions into one endless stream, Zulip lets you sort messages by topic. This feature is a lifesaver for communities or teams that juggle numerous ongoing discussions. With Zulip, each conversation is neatly categorized, making it a breeze to follow along without feeling overwhelmed.
Zulip also provides a free, open-source platform that you can tailor to your needs, .The app allows you to create streams (think of them as channels) for specific topics, so everyone can jump in when the conversation is relevant to them.
One of Zulip’s best features is its “@stream”, which lets you mention entire groups or topics with just one tag. This is perfect for handling group announcements or making sure everyone stays informed without the hassle of messaging individuals one by one.
Also Read: How Many Pages Is 1200 Words?
TeamSpeak
Since it first hit the scene in 2002, the app has kept a loyal user base, providing crystal-clear, low-latency voice chat for group activities. With more than 50 million registered users and a strong presence in competitive gaming, TeamSpeak continues to hold its ground against newer platforms like Discord.
TeamSpeak also lets users set up their servers. This gives groups total control over server management, data, and security, making it a popular choice for larger gaming clans and eSports teams. TeamSpeak takes security seriously, offering AES encryption to ensure safe communications.
Mumble
Mumble is an open-source voice communication tool that’s taken off, thanks to its ability to provide low-latency voice chat with fantastic clarity. Originally created for gamers, it has transitioned into a handy tool for anyone looking for high-quality, real-time communication. With more than 100,000 active users around the world, Mumble stands out with its simple interface and efficient use of resources, thus making it a great pick for both casual users and serious gamers alike.
Plus, Mumble’s server permissions offer detailed access control, ensuring that every user has just the right level of access they need.
Also Read: How Many Pages Is 1500 Words?
Conclusion
While Discord is a go-to for many, there are some great alternatives out there that give users more control, privacy, and personalized experiences. As online communities keep evolving, using these options can really boost your communication game, opening up fresh ways to connect securely and efficiently.
