In this guide, we explore the best Microsoft Teams alternatives for Linux that you can use to collaborate with your friends and colleagues without being locked into the Microsoft ecosystem.
1. Mattermost – Collaboration for Developers
Mattermost is one of the best Microsoft Teams alternatives and is ideal for anyone wanting greater privacy through a self-hosting platform. Each user can establish a self-hostable online chat service with features such as file sharing, message history search, and third-party app integration.
2. Rocket.Chat – Team Communications Platform
Rocket.Chat is an open-source alternative to Microsoft Teams with similar collaboration features. It runs multi-based user options with self-and cloud-based hosting provided by the application.
3. Element – Secure Collaboration and Messaging App
Element is an advanced secure collaboration and team messaging app based on the Matrix platform, which helps teams collaborate through instant messaging, video, voice calls, and seamless file sharing.
4. Zulip – Organized Team Chat for Distributed Teams
Zulip is a powerful open-source team chat tool that organizes conversations into topics within a stream, allowing for efficient communication in large teams. It offers features like AI-powered conversation search, n8n integration, and self-hosted video call support.
5. Jami – Peer-to-Peer Audio and Video Conferencing Platform
Jami is a decentralized open-source option that runs entirely peer-to-peer with no central server involved. It provides features such as end-to-end encryption, unlimited sharing, and multi-platform support.
6. Nextcloud Talk – Self-Hosted Video Conferencing
Nextcloud Talk is a video conferencing and team messaging app built directly into the Nextcloud platform. It offers group video calls, screen sharing, and end-to-end encrypted messaging, all running on your own server with no external dependencies.
7. Google Meet – Online Video Calls, Meetings, and Conferencing
Google Meet is a video conferencing tool that works entirely in the browser on Linux with no client required. It offers features like screen sharing, automated live captions, and integration with Google Workspace.
8. Brosix – Secure Instant Messaging App
Brosix provides teams with a fully private, admin-controlled communication network with encrypted messaging, file transfers, voice and video calls, and screen sharing. It offers multiple administrators per network and new mobile audio and video calling features.
9. Zoom – Video Conferencing Platform
Zoom is a popular virtual meeting application with a native Linux client, making it easy to set up video calls with consistent audio and video quality. It offers advanced app integration and virtual backgrounds for team collaboration.
10. Pumble – Free Chat & Collaboration App
Pumble is a Slack-style collaboration tool that offers unlimited users and full message history on its free plan. It works in the browser and has desktop and mobile apps for various platforms, with group video calls and screen sharing available on paid plans.
11. Chanty – Team Communication and Collaboration
Chanty combines team chat with task management on a Kanban board in one interface. It provides efficient search options, customizable notifications, and a complete message history with audio messages and calls.
12. Discord – Talk, Chat, and Hang Out
Discord is a team communication tool that offers unlimited users, unlimited message history, always-on voice channels, and screen sharing with no time limits. It provides support for video calls, text, and voice channels.
13. Slack – Instant Messaging Program
Slack offers a polished chat-focused interface with video calling and file sharing. It integrates with a wide range of tools, supports customized themes, and provides Slackbot reminders for tasks and follow-ups.
14. Spike – Collaborative Email Platform
Spike reimagines your inbox as a chat-style interface, threading conversations like messages. It offers AI-powered thread summaries, built-in video chat, conferencing, and audio calls, and works with existing email accounts like Gmail, Outlook, and iCloud.
15. Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex is a real-time video and audio conference call application with file sharing, video meetings, whiteboarding, and calling features. It integrates with Google and Microsoft calendars and is available on Linux via the browser.
16. ClickUp – Productivity Platform
ClickUp is a team communication and project management tool that keeps conversations and tasks in one place. It offers a Chat view for team conversations, comment section with assign and reply options, screen recording, and integration with Zoom and Slack.
