Discord vs Mattermost: What are the differences?

Introduction

Discord and Mattermost are both popular communication platforms used by individuals and organizations. While both platforms offer similar features, there are key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will explore and compare these differences.

1. Pricing Model: Discord follows a freemium model, where most features are available for free, but additional features can be accessed through a paid subscription called Discord Nitro. On the other hand, Mattermost offers a combination of open-source and commercial versions, providing users with options to choose from based on their specific requirements and budget.

2. Deployment Options: Mattermost provides more flexibility when it comes to deployment. It can be self-hosted on-premise, hosted on a private cloud, or accessed through a Mattermost cloud offering. Discord, on the other hand, is a cloud-based platform, where users do not have the option to host their own instances.

3. Target Audience: Discord is primarily designed for gamers and has a strong focus on providing a platform for them to communicate and collaborate. Mattermost, on the other hand, targets a broader audience, including businesses, teams, and communities, aiming to provide a secure and customizable communication platform.

4. Feature Set: While both platforms offer text and voice chat capabilities, there are differences in terms of additional features. Discord provides a more gaming-centric experience with features like screen sharing, gaming overlays, and the ability to create and manage a gaming community. Mattermost, on the other hand, focuses on workplace collaboration with features like file sharing, integrations with third-party tools, and the ability to create and manage channels.

5. Privacy and Security: Mattermost allows users to have complete control over their data by providing self-hosting options. This allows organizations to ensure privacy and security by managing their own servers. Discord, on the other hand, is a cloud-based platform where data is hosted on servers managed by the company, raising concerns about data privacy and security.

6. Integration Capabilities: Mattermost offers extensive integration capabilities and supports a wide range of third-party applications through its plugins and webhooks. This enables users to streamline workflows and bring together various tools and services within the Mattermost platform. Discord also supports some integrations, but the options are more limited compared to Mattermost.

In summary, Discord and Mattermost differ in their pricing model, target audience, deployment options, feature set, privacy and security, and integration capabilities. Understanding these differences can help individuals and organizations choose the platform that best suits their needs.