# Rocket.Chat: Free Open Source Alternative to Chanty, Discord, Guilded

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

Rocket.Chat (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Chanty, Discord, Guilded, Slack. Open source communication platform combining messaging, voice, video, and AI for organizations that need full data control, air-gapped deployments, and zero-trust security.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Rocket.Chat
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://rocket.chat/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/rocketchat/rocket.chat
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 46.4k
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/rocketchat/rocket.chat or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Chanty.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (5)
Replacing these paid tools with Rocket.Chat saves up to $75/mo ($900/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 Rocket.Chat](https://caniforkit.com/vs/chanty-vs-rocket-chat) |
| [Discord](https://caniforkit.com/discord) | [community](https://caniforkit.com/category/community) | $15/mo | [Compare Discord vs Rocket.Chat](https://caniforkit.com/vs/discord-vs-rocket-chat) |
| [Guilded](https://caniforkit.com/guilded) | [community](https://caniforkit.com/category/community) | $15/mo | [Compare Guilded vs Rocket.Chat](https://caniforkit.com/vs/guilded-vs-rocket-chat) |
| [Slack](https://caniforkit.com/slack) | [community](https://caniforkit.com/category/community) | $15/mo | [Compare Slack vs Rocket.Chat](https://caniforkit.com/vs/slack-vs-rocket-chat) |
| [Zoho Cliq](https://caniforkit.com/zoho-cliq) | [community](https://caniforkit.com/category/community) | $15/mo | [Compare Zoho Cliq vs Rocket.Chat](https://caniforkit.com/vs/zoho-cliq-vs-rocket-chat) |

## Frequently Asked 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 is the trade-off or limitation of using Rocket.Chat?
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Chanty.

## 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)