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Alternatives · Team Chat

Matrix alternatives

As of Nov 12, 2026, the highest-graded Matrix alternative is Signal (3.2 GPA). It's also the best free one.

Matrix compared with 7 alternatives: Element, Zulip, Mattermost, Rocket.Chat, Wire and 2 more.

Matrix is free to use. All 7 alternatives are free or have a free plan.

Listings checked up to Nov 12, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
MatrixThis toolFreeFreeWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
ElementFree planYesWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
ZulipFree plan · from $3.50/moYesWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
MattermostFree planYesWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Rocket.ChatFree planYesWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
WireFree plan · from €7.45/moYesWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
SignalFreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
TwakeFree plan · from €4.00/moYesmacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android

Price against what you get

Matrix has no paid plan and scores 2.7 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 4 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.

Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged

D1.0C2.0B3.0A4.0Free$1$2$5$10$20$50$100$200$500More for lessCosts more, scores moreCosts less, scores lessCosts more, scores lessMatrixZulipWireSignalTwake

What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →

  • The best score at each price
  • Has a free plan
  • No free plan
The full chart of team communication apps, and the best at every price

How each one differs from Matrix

  1. Element

    End-to-end encrypted chat and calls on the Matrix standard

    • Element also covers video calls and file sharing.

    Suits: Governments and regulated organizations that self-host encrypted chat

    Element vs MatrixElement pricing and details

  2. Zulip

    Open-source team chat that organizes channels by topic

    • Zulip starts at $3.50 per user / month self-hosted (billed monthly); Cloud from $6.67 billed annually.
    • Zulip also covers file sharing.

    Suits: Distributed teams that prefer asynchronous, topic-organized conversations

    Zulip vs MatrixZulip pricing and details

  3. Mattermost

    Self-hosted team messaging with playbooks, calls and boards

    • Mattermost also covers kanban boards, workflow automation and AI agents.

    Suits: Organizations that must keep chat on their own servers or air-gapped networks

    Mattermost vs MatrixMattermost pricing and details

  4. Rocket.Chat

    Open-source, self-managed chat for security-focused teams

    • Rocket.Chat also covers file sharing.

    Suits: Organizations that must host chat themselves for data sovereignty

    Rocket.Chat vs MatrixRocket.Chat pricing and details

  5. Wire

    End-to-end encrypted messaging and calls for organizations

    • Wire starts at €7.45 per person / month, paid annually.
    • Wire also covers video calls and file sharing.

    Suits: Organizations that need end-to-end encryption for messages, calls and files

    Wire vs MatrixWire pricing and details

  6. Signal

    Nonprofit messenger with end-to-end encrypted chats and calls

    • Signal is free.
    • Signal lists no web app, which Matrix has.
    • Signal also covers video calls.

    Suits: Small groups that want private chats at no cost

    Signal vs MatrixSignal pricing and details

  7. Twake

    Open-source workplace suite with chat, mail and drive

    • Twake starts at €4.00 per month.
    • Twake lists no web app, which Matrix has.
    • Twake also covers calendar and file sharing.

    Suits: European organizations that want data kept in France

    Twake vs MatrixTwake pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in Matrix

  • Matrix is a protocol, not one app: features such as calls, threads and encryption depend on the client you choose.
  • The public matrix.org homeserver is crowded and has usage limits; the Foundation says premium plan pricing is not yet published.
  • Running your own homeserver, or paying a hosting provider, is a separate cost and effort that the Foundation does not endorse or guarantee.
  • The platforms listed are those of the featured clients, which differ: Element X is mobile only, while Nheko is desktop only.
Matrix pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to Matrix?

The alternatives to Matrix in this directory are Element, Zulip, Mattermost, Rocket.Chat, Wire, Signal and Twake. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Matrix.

Is there a free alternative to Matrix?

Yes. Signal is free to use. Element, Zulip, Mattermost, Rocket.Chat, Wire and Twake have a free plan alongside paid ones.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Nov 12, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.