Mattermost
Self-HostedOpen-source team communication platform (alternative to Slack)
Overview
Mattermost is a self-hosted team communication platform focused on secure, data-controlled collaboration. It offers real-time messaging, organized channels (public/private), file sharing, video calls, and integrations with tools like GitHub, Jira, and GitLab. With end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for private chats, compliance features (audit logs, data retention), and support for Docker/Kubernetes deployment, it’s ideal for enterprises and dev teams prioritizing on-premises or cloud self-hosting with full data ownership.
Key Features
- Real-time messaging with public/private channels
- End-to-end encryption for private conversations
- Docker/Kubernetes deployment support
- Integrations with 100+ tools (GitHub, Jira)
- Compliance & audit logging capabilities
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Mattermost hard to install?
Mattermost is easy to install with Docker (one-line command) or pre-built packages for Linux, Windows, and macOS. For enterprise-scale setups (like Kubernetes clusters), it may require technical knowledge, but comprehensive documentation and community support simplify the process.
? Is it a good alternative to Slack?
Yes—Mattermost matches Slack’s core features (channels, messaging, integrations) while offering self-hosted data control and open-source flexibility. It’s perfect for teams that can’t use Slack due to data privacy regulations or need custom workflows.
? Is it completely free?
The Community Edition is 100% free and open-source (MIT license). Paid Enterprise Plans add advanced features like SSO, E2EE for channels, priority support, and compliance tools for large organizations.
Top Alternatives
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Full data ownership via self-hosting
- ⊕ Open-source & highly customizable
- ⊕ Strong security and compliance options
- ⊕ Rich ecosystem of integrations
Cons
- ⊖ Advanced features require paid Enterprise plans
- ⊖ Initial setup may need technical expertise for scaling
- ⊖ Video call quality trails some SaaS alternatives