Compare software

Rocket.Chat DesktopZulip
Free

The open-source software is available without a license fee. Hosting, hardware and…

 Freemium

The server and clients are free and open source and can be self-hosted at no cost. Zulip…

Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
  • Provides desktop packages for Windows, macOS and Linux.
  • Topic-based threading inside channels, which makes catching up genuinely practical
  • Self-hostable, or hosted, with free plans for open-source communities
  • Workspace access and server licensing are separate from the desktop client.
  • The topic model takes getting used to and needs team discipline to work
  • The desktop client shares most of its code with the web app, so it inherits its quirks
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: MIT License: Apache-2.0
Not stated if an account is needed Account needed
Not stated if it works offline Needs internet

Checked September 22, 2026

Checked September 21, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.