# Macro Chat: Free Open Source Alternative to Chanty, Discord, Slack

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/macro-chat
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Macro Chat (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Chanty, Discord, Slack, Zoho Cliq. Team chat app with inline threads, mention-based sharing, a unified inbox for chat and email, and an AI agent that works across your full workspace.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Macro Chat
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://macro.com/channels/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/macro-inc/macro
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 6.2k
- **Runs On**: Local
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/macro-inc/macro or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (4)
Replacing these paid tools with Macro Chat saves up to $60/mo ($720/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Chanty](https://caniforkit.com/chanty) | [community](https://caniforkit.com/category/community) | $15/mo | [Compare Chanty vs Macro Chat](https://caniforkit.com/vs/chanty-vs-macro-chat) |
| [Discord](https://caniforkit.com/discord) | [community](https://caniforkit.com/category/community) | $15/mo | [Compare Discord vs Macro Chat](https://caniforkit.com/vs/discord-vs-macro-chat) |
| [Slack](https://caniforkit.com/slack) | [community](https://caniforkit.com/category/community) | $15/mo | [Compare Slack vs Macro Chat](https://caniforkit.com/vs/slack-vs-macro-chat) |
| [Zoho Cliq](https://caniforkit.com/zoho-cliq) | [community](https://caniforkit.com/category/community) | $15/mo | [Compare Zoho Cliq vs Macro Chat](https://caniforkit.com/vs/zoho-cliq-vs-macro-chat) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Macro Chat free and open source?
Macro Chat is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on local. Team chat app with inline threads, mention-based sharing, a unified inbox for chat and email, and an AI agent that works across your full workspace.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using Macro Chat?
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)