Self-hosted alternative to Discord
Discord has no real self-hosted twin, but a few tools cover most of what people want from it. For a Discord-like community with voice, look at Revolt or Matrix. For a Slack-style team, Mattermost.
Updated 2026-06-01 · by Jonathan Caruso
Top pick
Matrix (Element)
Matrix is the most capable and future-proof option: end-to-end encryption, federation across servers, voice and video, bridges to other chat networks, and solid apps in Element. It is heavier to run, but nothing else matches its reach.
The options
Matrix / Element
Apache, freeA federated, encrypted chat network with voice, video, and bridges to other platforms.
Visit Matrix / Element site- Runs on
- Docker, ~2-4 GB RAM (Synapse server)
- Pick it if
- You want encryption, federation, and the most capable long-term platform.
Revolt
AGPL, freeA Discord-like chat with servers, channels, and roles, built to feel familiar.
Visit Revolt site- Runs on
- Docker, ~1-2 GB RAM
- Pick it if
- You want the Discord look and feel for a community, self-hosted.
Mattermost
Open core, free CEA Slack-style team chat with strong threads, integrations, and mobile apps.
Visit Mattermost site- Runs on
- Docker, ~2 GB RAM, needs Postgres
- Pick it if
- Your group is a team that wants Slack-style channels more than Discord's voice rooms.
The verdict
If you want the most capable, future-proof option and you can run a slightly heavier server, choose Matrix with Element. If you want something that feels like Discord for a community, Revolt is the closest. If your group is really a team that wants Slack-style channels and integrations, run Mattermost. There is no exact Discord replacement, so pick by which part of Discord you actually use.
FAQ
What is the best self-hosted Discord alternative?
Matrix with Element is the most capable, with encryption, federation, and voice and video. Revolt is the closest to Discord's look and feel for a community. Mattermost suits teams that want Slack-style channels.
Is there a self-hosted Discord clone?
Revolt is the closest: servers, channels, and roles built to feel like Discord, self-hosted. Matrix is more powerful but less of a direct clone.
Can I get voice chat like Discord?
Yes. Matrix and Element support voice and video, and Revolt has voice channels. Mattermost focuses on text and threads, with calls available via plugins.