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Google Chat alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Google Chat: fewer third-party integrations than Slack, and threads and spaces feel less refined than Slack's. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Google Chat, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Slack currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Mattermost logoMattermostOpen sourceYesWeb, Windows, macOS +41 of 350.5
  1. Mattermost logo

    1. MattermostTop pick

    Best for: Security-conscious organizations that must self-host chat

    Open sourceSelf-hostableWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Self-hosted

    50.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Google Chat

    Self-hostable if you need to keep chat data on your own servers.

    Pros

    • Open source and self-hosted
    • Slack-like interface
    • Strong compliance options

    Cons

    • Self-hosting requires maintenance
    • Smaller integration catalog than Slack
    Visit Mattermost Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1553
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Mattermost a good Google Chat alternative?

    Verified facts

    1 of 3 verified
    Open source
    Yes
    Not checked yetgithub.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Self-hosting
    Yes
    Checked Oct 24, 2026mattermost.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free edition
    Yes
    Not checked yetmattermost.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Google Chat alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Slack logo

Best Google Chat alternative for most people

Slack

Richer integrations and a more polished channel experience, at extra cost.

Mattermost logo

Best Google Chat alternative for a free option

Mattermost

Self-hostable if you need to keep chat data on your own servers.

Zoho Cliq logo

Best Google Chat alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Zoho Cliq

Similar suite-bundled chat for companies on Zoho apps.

Mattermost logo

Best Google Chat alternative for open source

Mattermost

Self-hostable if you need to keep chat data on your own servers.

Mattermost logo

Best Google Chat alternative for self-hosting

Mattermost

Self-hostable if you need to keep chat data on your own servers.

Pumble logo

Best Google Chat alternative for Mac

Pumble

Cheap standalone chat with unlimited history on the free plan.

Zoom Team Chat logo

Best Google Chat alternative for Windows

Zoom Team Chat

Bundled chat for organisations that standardise on Zoom Workplace.

Slack logo

Best Google Chat alternative for Linux

Slack

Richer integrations and a more polished channel experience, at extra cost.

Microsoft Teams logo

Best Google Chat alternative for iPhone and Android

Microsoft Teams

The equivalent built-in chat if the company moves to Microsoft 365.

Slack logo

Best Google Chat alternative for working in the browser

Slack

Richer integrations and a more polished channel experience, at extra cost.

Google Chat alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Google Chat?

Slack ranks first right now. Richer integrations and a more polished channel experience, at extra cost. Zoho Cliq and Pumble follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Google Chat?

Yes. Slack (free plan + paid), Zoho Cliq (free plan + paid), Pumble (free plan + paid) and Zoom Team Chat (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Google Chat?

Yes: Mattermost. Mattermost can also be self-hosted.

Which Google Chat alternatives work on Linux?

Slack, Zoho Cliq, Pumble, Zoom Team Chat and Mattermost run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Google Chat?

The complaints we hear most: fewer third-party integrations than Slack; threads and spaces feel less refined than Slack's; best features require a Workspace subscription.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Google Chat, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.