Self-hosted team chat apps 2026: 4 options

Team chat apps from our ranking that can run on your own server or in a private cloud, in Score order. Self-hosting keeps messages under your control, but your team handles updates, backups and security; most of these apps are open source and also sell support or a hosted version.

Best Team Chat Apps 2026: Slack Alternatives by Facts

  1. 1

    Wire

    77/100
    Price per user per month
    $10.03
    Free plan
    Yes
    Full message history on the free plan
    Not verified
    End-to-end encrypted messages
    Yes
    Self-hosting
    Yes
    • Built-in voice or video calls
    • Has a permanent free plan
    • Messages are end-to-end encrypted
    • Can run on your own server
  2. 3

    Rocket.Chat

    67/100
    Price per user per month
    Not verified
    Free plan
    Yes
    Full message history on the free plan
    Not verified
    End-to-end encrypted messages
    Yes
    Self-hosting
    Yes
    • Built-in voice or video calls
    • Has a permanent free plan
    • Messages are end-to-end encrypted
    • Can run on your own server
  3. 4

    Element

    66/100
    Price per user per month
    Not verified
    Free plan
    Yes
    Full message history on the free plan
    Yes
    End-to-end encrypted messages
    Yes
    Self-hosting
    Yes
    • Built-in voice or video calls
    • Has a permanent free plan
    • Messages are end-to-end encrypted
    • Can run on your own server
  4. 6

    Zulip

    50/100
    Price per user per month
    $8.00
    Free plan
    Yes
    Full message history on the free plan
    No
    End-to-end encrypted messages
    Not verified
    Self-hosting
    Yes
    • Has a permanent free plan
    • Can run on your own server
    • Threaded replies
    • Guests and external partners can join