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Zulip vs Twist: catalog facts
Zulip	Twist
Freemium The server and clients are free and open source and can be self-hosted at no cost. Zulip…	Freemium A free plan is available, with paid plans for teams that need more.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android	Web
Topic-based threading inside channels, which makes catching up genuinely practical Self-hostable, or hosted, with free plans for open-source communities	Threads keep conversations on topic Inbox collects threads for prioritizing
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	Hosted service only, with no self-hosting Slower paced than real-time chat, which does not suit every team
Downloadable app	Downloadable app, Web application, Hosted service
Open source	Closed source
License: Apache-2.0	License not stated
Account needed	Account needed
Needs internet	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 21, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

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