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Head-to-head · Instant Messaging Software

Discord vs Mattermost

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Discord #4 in Instant Messaging Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Discord
Mattermost #8 in Instant Messaging Software 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Mattermost

Discord leads on 0 checks, Mattermost on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreDiscord · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresMattermost · 1 of 2

Discord scores higher on our rubric for instant messaging software: 9.1 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #8.

Discord is the better fit for community chat, voice and streaming. Mattermost is the better fit for open-source team messaging with automation.

  • Discord fits best

    Community chat, voice and streaming

  • Mattermost fits best

    Open-source team messaging with automation

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Side by side

Feature Discord 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Mattermost 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.7
Ranking #4 in Instant Messaging Software #8 in Instant Messaging Software
Best for Community chat, voice and streaming Open-source team messaging with automation
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $29.99/user/yr —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Email, Phone, Tickets, Docs Email, Tickets, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Discord 0/2 · Mattermost 1/2
End-to-end encryption Not checked yet Not checked yet
Guest access Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Message history Not checked yet Unlimited
Max group size Not checked yet Not checked yet
File size limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free voice, video, text chat, and community servers
  • Screen sharing, game streaming, and Krisp noise suppression
  • Web, desktop, and mobile apps with roles and permissions
  • Supports self-hosted deployment across web, desktop, and mobile clients.
  • Combines channels, searchable history, calls, screen sharing, and guest access.
  • Automation tools and integrations include bots, APIs, webhooks, GitHub, and Jira.
Cons
  • Nitro Basic file uploads are limited to 50 MB
  • Nitro supports up to 200 servers
  • HD video streaming requires the Nitro tier
  • Professional and Enterprise pricing is contact-based.
  • Enterprise AI features are reserved for the Enterprise plan.
  • Its operational and DevOps emphasis may not suit teams seeking a simpler chat tool.
Our verdict

Discord combines voice channels, video calls, text chat, direct messages, screen sharing, game streaming, and community servers. It is designed for gaming communities and online groups, while its listed company-size fit spans solo users…

Read the review →

Mattermost brings public and private channels, direct and group messaging, searchable message and file history, and calls into one collaboration platform. It is aimed at technical, operational, defense, government, and…

Read the review →
  1. DiscordInstant Messaging Software 9.1Free plan
  2. MattermostInstant Messaging Software 8.7Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Discord — where it wins

    • Free voice, video, text chat, and community servers
    • Screen sharing, game streaming, and Krisp noise suppression
    • Web, desktop, and mobile apps with roles and permissions

    Where it doesn't

    • Nitro Basic file uploads are limited to 50 MB
    • Nitro supports up to 200 servers
    • HD video streaming requires the Nitro tier

  • Mattermost — where it wins

    • Supports self-hosted deployment across web, desktop, and mobile clients.
    • Combines channels, searchable history, calls, screen sharing, and guest access.
    • Automation tools and integrations include bots, APIs, webhooks, GitHub, and Jira.

    Where it doesn't

    • Professional and Enterprise pricing is contact-based.
    • Enterprise AI features are reserved for the Enterprise plan.
    • Its operational and DevOps emphasis may not suit teams seeking a simpler chat tool.

More comparisons

All instant messaging software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update