Rocket.Chat
Open source communication platform combining messaging, voice, video, and AI for organizations that need full data control, air-gapped deployments, and zero-trust security.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-11-07
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Open Source)
- License
- Open Source
- Hosting Model
- Self-host (your server)
- Platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- Installation
- Clone https://github.com/rocketchat/rocket.chat or deploy with Docker Compose
- Operational Setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- Where Your Data Lives
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- The Catch / Trade-off
- Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Chanty.
Replaces 5 paid apps
up to $75/mo ($900/yr) in subscriptions
Rocket.Chat FAQ
Common questions
Is Rocket.Chat free and open source?+
Rocket.Chat is an open-source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Open source communication platform combining messaging, voice, video, and AI for organizations that need full data control, air-gapped deployments, and zero-trust security.
What paid software does Rocket.Chat replace?+
Rocket.Chat serves as a free replacement for 5 paid SaaS applications: Chanty, Discord, Guilded, Slack, Zoho Cliq, saving up to $75/month ($900/year) in subscription bills.
How do you install and set up Rocket.Chat?+
Installation: Clone https://github.com/rocketchat/rocket.chat or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup notes: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
What is the catch or trade-off with Rocket.Chat?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Chanty.