Slack → Mattermost

Main Program / Application

Slack

Recommended Alternative

Mattermost

Supported Systems

Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. Desktop and mobile applications are listed for these platforms on Mattermost's current download page. (mattermost.com)

Fee Status

Team Edition is open source and licensed from MIT.

Mattermost also has paid Professional and Enterprise options. (mattermost.com, docs.mattermost.com)

What Does It Do?

Used for intra-team messaging, channel creation, file sharing, threads, and team communication.

“Slack users here.

I'll show you an alternative, but this time it's a little different.

Mattermost.

The logic is familiar.

There are channels.

There is a private message.

File sharing is available.

There are topics.

There is team communication.

But here's the important thing about Mattermost:

Team Edition is open source and licensed from MIT.

So you can build a structure that you can run on your own infrastructure.

This is especially interesting for companies.

Because if you are a business that wants to keep your team conversations, files and workspace in your own infrastructure, you gain much more control.

There is Windows.

There is a Mac.

Linux exists.

There is Android.

I have an iPhone.

But of course there is a price here too.

If you set up your own server, management is left to you.

In other words, instead of the 'open an account and use' convenience as Slack, you may encounter a slightly more technical structure.

But if you are a business with a technology team and open source and data control are important to you, be sure to check out Mattermost.”

Advantages

Team Edition is open source, licensed from MIT. There are clients for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. It offers features such as channel-based messaging, file sharing, calling and screen sharing. (mattermost.com, docs.mattermost.com)

Disadvantages

Operating your own server may require technical knowledge and maintenance. Some advanced features for Enterprise are available in paid plans. (mattermost.com)

Why Use?

For those who want Slack-like team communication with more infrastructure and data control.

Better for Whom?

Software teams, technology companies, system administrators and businesses that want to keep their data on their own infrastructure.