Rocket.Chat

Active

Country: Brazil (BR)
Founded: 2015
Developer: Rocket.Chat Technologies Corp.
Pricing: Freemium (open-source core with paid plans)
Open source: Yes
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Desktop (macOS, Windows, Linux)

Indexes

Community/Forums Messaging

Overview

Rocket.Chat is an open-source communications platform that supports real-time messaging, audio/video conferencing, and file sharing across web, desktop, and mobile devices. It targets organizations requiring high data protection standards, enabling on-premises or cloud deployment for internal teams, external partners, or customers. Key differentiators include on-premise hosting options, end-to-end encryption, and support for unlimited users and channels.¹³⁴

Key Features

Real-time messaging - Supports conversations between colleagues, companies, or customers across devices.
Audio and video conferencing - Provides free audio/video calls with screen and file sharing.
On-premises deployment - Allows self-hosting for data sovereignty and security.
End-to-end encryption - Ensures private and secure communications.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) - Adds security layer for user access.
LDAP Group Sync - Integrates with directory services for user management.
Guest access - Permits external users to join channels without full accounts.
LiveChat - Enables customer support via web chat.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Community (Free)	Free	Open-source core with unlimited users, channels, messages; basic features like messaging and E2EE.
Pro	Paid (contact for details)	Advanced features like SSO, OAuth, enhanced video, AI integrations.
Enterprise	Paid (contact for details)	On-premises support, custom integrations, priority services for mission-critical use.

Platforms & Requirements

Rocket.Chat runs on web browsers, native iOS and Android mobile apps, and desktop apps for macOS, Windows, and Linux. It supports self-hosted servers with no specified minimum requirements beyond standard server hardware. Regional issues may occur, such as desktop install links redirecting to app stores in Brazil.²³⁵⁷

Integrations & Ecosystem

LDAP Group Sync
SSO and dozens of OAuth providers
API access
LiveChat
E2E encryption providers
Guest access for external tools

Alternatives

App	Difference
Mattermost	Similar open-source Slack alternative focused on team collaboration with strong on-premise options.
Matrix/Element	Decentralized protocol-based chat emphasizing federation and interoperability.
Zulip	Threaded messaging for organized discussions in large teams.
Slack	Proprietary cloud-first platform with extensive app ecosystem but less on-premise control.

Reputation

Rocket.Chat is recognized for its robust security features, on-premise deployment, and large open-source community with thousands of contributors. It serves high-profile users like the US Navy and Deutsche Bahn, praised for data sovereignty. Criticisms include occasional regional app distribution issues and complexity in self-hosting setups.

Sources (7)