10 Discord Alternatives Parents Can Trust for Their Kids [2026 Picks]

Discord is a free communication app originally created for gamers who wanted to communicate with people playing the same game or are interested in the games in general. It offered basic voice, video, and text chatting, similar to many other social platforms. However, it is no longer limited to gamers. It has become the hub of communities where like-minded people can discuss a wide range of topics. 

As Discord has become mainstream and its associated dangers have become evident, many people are exploring a Discord replacement that better fits their needs for privacy and functionality. 

Whether you’re a gamer seeking low-latency audio, a team leader looking for better project management tools, or a parent looking for a secure space for your child, there are several apps similar to Discord that offer features that can address your agenda. In this article, we have included 10 alternatives that you can consider.

Why You Need to Consider Discord Alternatives? 

Discord’s active users reached 200 million+ monthly active users (MAUs) as of early 2024, and the major reason was diverse communities and accessibility. While Discord offers convenience and its community-building tools are much more refined, it is not perfect for everyone. 

As it was designed for gamers, the interface also seems like you are playing a game. The younger generation can adapt to it more easily than those who are not tech-savvy or don’t have a knack for games. 

Additionally, when your kids try to join a community, it requests a significant amount of personal data, which raises concerns among those who value their privacy. Many have also complained about the permissions the app asks for. 

Another reason to consider alternatives is that Discord’s free version has many limitations. Large communities often require premium upgrades to access better file-sharing capabilities, HD video streaming, and larger server capacities. In addition, individuals who care about security standards prefer open-source options that allow them to maintain control over their data. 

Apart from such technicalities, many parents whose children spend excessive time on the app have concerns about content filtration and connecting with strangers, as the app doesn’t have direct parental controls. There are some tools, such as those that require a community to be 18+ to provide proof, but these tools can be easily bypassed. 

That’s why many individuals look for an open source Discord alternative or a Discord-like app that offers more value and is tailored for different needs. Let’s dive into the 10 best Discord alternatives. 

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10 Best Apps Like Discord You Can Use

1. Guilded

Guilded is a next-generation communication platform for gamers, eSports communities, and content creators. Similar to Discord’s servers, it also features guilds where members can connect and communicate via text, calls, and videos. Guilded expands on Discord’s functionality with more structure and customization tools, which makes it one of the best Discord alternatives. 

Key Features

• Voice and Video Chat: Guilded offers high-quality channels for gaming sessions or meetings.
• Calendars: The app allows members to organize gaming sessions, tournaments, or community events.
• Guilds and Threads: Focuses on structured discussions, guides, and announcements.
• Integrated Game Stats: Some games enable the tracking of stats and game-specific integrations.
• Roles and Permissions: Guilded allows you to define roles for members, moderate content, and organize teams.

Pros

• Guilded offers a proper system for organized gaming teams.
• It is completely free and ad-free.
• The interface of the app is modern. 

Cons

• The app has not gained much traction yet. 
• Limited integrations outside gaming.

Pricing 

Guided is free to use. 

2. Chanty 

Chanty is a team chat and collaboration app primarily built for communication among teams. It allows the team to collaborate and share files. With features like kanban boards and a simpler interface, it is one of the best alternatives to Discord. 

Key Features

• Video and Audio Calls: Chanty supports both private and group calls with screen sharing.
• Kanban Boards: You can turn any message into a task, assign it to members, and track progress using Kanban boards or simple lists.
• Teambook: A central place, like a community, where members can send messages, tasks, shared files, and links. 
• Integrations: Works with popular apps like Dropbox to make collaboration easier.
• Unlimited Message History: Chanty lets you access all past messages without restrictions.

Pros

• The dashboard is user-friendly and intuitive. 
• The built-in kanban boards can be used in various ways. 
• Teambooks are suitable for team collaboration and task tracking.

Cons

• The free version has limited feature access. 
• The audio and video quality can vary.
• Fewer customization options.

Pricing 

Free for small teams; Business plan starts at $3 per user/month, and enterprise plans are customizable. 

3. TeamSpeak

TeamSpeak is primarily a voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) application that enables its users to communicate over the Internet. It uses a client-server architecture, meaning you run a client app that connects to a TeamSpeak server and joins channels to talk with others. They have launched many versions of the app, including TeamSpeak 3, TeamSpeak 5, and now TeamSpeak 6 in beta. 

Key Features

• High voice quality: TeamSpeak has low latency, which means the voice chat is clear and has low lag. 
• Push-to-Talk (PTT): This feature cancels background noise, keeping channels quiet unless you want to talk, which can make it a good Discord replacement. 
• Voice Activation: The microphone automatically activates when you speak, without requiring a key press.
• Identity or Contact Management: The app allows you to create unique identities and manage a contact list with friends or team members.

Pros

• TeamSpeck has low latency and high voice quality. 
• The app can self-host, giving clans, guilds, or teams complete control over server settings.
• It supports encryption.

Cons

• The app’s interface needs to be upgraded. 
• No integrated chat or file sharing.
• Requires manual server setup.

Pricing

Free for personal use; server licenses start around $55/year.

4. Slack

Slack is designed for professional communication and collaboration. It helps teams stay organized with channel-based messaging and integrates with hundreds of tools, allowing versatility in communication channels. Slack is a considerable Discord alternative for gaming groups that prioritize planning, content creation, or require HQ file sharing over live in-game communication. 

Key Features 

• Channels: Slack offers public and private chat spaces for different teams, topics, or projects.
• Direct Messages (DMs): The app allows one-on-one or small group chats for quick, private communication.
• Voice and Video Calls: It has built-in calling features, including screen sharing, to replace or complement meetings.
• File Sharing: Easily upload and share documents, images, and videos directly in conversations.
• Notifications & Mentions: Customizable alerts that can appear on the app only when something important happens.

Pros

• Professional, organized communication platform with high-quality media sharing capabilities. 
• The interface of the app is easy to use, both on the web and in mobile apps. 
• Allows more integrations. 

Cons

• The messages get deleted in free plans. 
• Slack’s call quality and latency are usually not up to par. 

Pricing

A free plan is available; paid plans start at $8.75 per user/month.

5. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a team collaboration and communication platform developed by Microsoft. It offers a more flexible platform, making it a suitable communication app for workplaces, schools, organizations, and even gamer communities. The video and video conferencing capabilities qualify it as one of the free Discord alternatives. 

Key Features

• Channels and Teams: You can create Teams for different projects and further break them down into Channels for specific topics. 
• Chat and Messaging: One-on-one or group messaging with rich text formatting, GIFs, mentions, and threaded conversations.
• Video and Audio Calls: Microsoft Teams supports high-quality voice/video calls, including screen sharing and recording.
• File Sharing: This feature enables you to upload and share screenshots, maps, mods, or guides with your gaming group.
• Third-party app integrations: It can integrate with various apps, including third-party apps.

Pros

• It is most helpful with planning and conferences. 
• Voice and video quality are high.
• Easy and more modernized interface. 

Cons

• Voice lag can be an issue in fast-paced apps. 
• Not popular for specific communities. 

Pricing

A free plan is available; premium plans start at $4 per user/month.

6. Pumble

Pumble is primarily a tool for team chat and collaboration, helping groups communicate, share files, and stay organized. The app is similar to Slack or Chanty, so like them, it can be used as a Discord alternative. It has the capability to integrate with more platforms and is a good tool for sharing files and engaging in extensive conversations.  

Key Features

• Group Channels: You can create channels for various games, squads, or topics, such as strategy discussions, tournaments, or modding projects.
• Direct Messages: Pumble also allows you to chat privately with friends or teammates to share updates or quick plans.
• Voice & Video Calls: It also offers features for voice and video calls. You can use them for pre-game discussions or post-game reviews. 
• File Sharing: You can easily share screenshots, clips, mods, or game setup files.
• Unlimited Message History: Pumble doesn’t delete the conversations. It keeps a permanent record of strategies, rules, or server info.

Pros

• Pumble is completely free with full history access.
• The app’s interface is modern and minimalist.
• File sharing is much faster and easier, as it is fast and lightweight.

Cons

• The voice and video quality don’t support gaming. 
• There is no built-in video conferencing.

Pricing

The basic plan is Free; the paid version (Pumble Pro) starts at $1.99 per user/month.

7. Mumble

Mumble is a free, open-source Discord alternative that offers low-latency communication, primarily for gaming. It’s one of the earliest VoIP tools made for team gaming and is still loved by players who want fast, secure, and high-quality audio without unnecessary extras. It rather follows a simple interface, unlike Discord. 

Key Features

• Low Latency Voice Chat: Mumble has minimal delays, so your voice reaches teammates almost instantly, which adds to the online gaming experience.
• High Audio Quality: The app utilizes advanced codecs (such as Opus) for clear sound, even over low bandwidth.
• Positional Audio: It can make voices sound like they’re coming from where players are located in the game world 
• Server Hosting (MurMur): You can host your own Mumble server (called “MurMur”) for full control over channels, permissions, and user management.

Pros

• Mumble is free and open-source.
• The low latency is very helpful for gamers
• Great performance even on low bandwidth.

Cons

• Mumble is voice-first and doesn’t have advanced text messaging features. 
• No built-in video calls or screen sharing.
• Hosting your own server needs some technical know-how.

Pricing

Mumble is free and open-source.

8. WhatsApp

WhatsApp is the most widely used free messaging and calling app that allows users to send text messages, make voice and video calls, and share media files. It is widely used for communication, and with its recently introduced features like communities and a web-based interface, it has made it to the list of alternative sites like Discord. 

Key Features

• Instant Messaging: The primary feature of WhatsApp is the ability to send texts, emojis, photos, videos, voice notes, and documents instantly.
• Voice & Video Calls: WhatsApp provides high-quality one-on-one or group calls, which can be made using Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• Group Chats: You can create groups for friends, families, teams, or gaming communities.
• WhatsApp Channels: This feature allows you to follow updates from creators, brands, or organizations, similar to broadcast feeds.
• End-to-End Encryption: Every message, call, and media file is encrypted, ensuring privacy and security.

Pros 

• WhatsApp is free and very easy to use.
• It works globally with just a phone number.
• File sharing on WhatsApp is seamless. 
• Reliable voice and video call quality.

Cons 

• No community channels or moderation tools.
• Limited integrations with games or streaming.

Pricing

WhatsApp is free to use. 

9. Telegram

Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app known for its speed, privacy, and flexibility. Its primary features include sending text messages, making voice/video calls, and sharing media or files of virtually any size. Like WhatsApp, it is not primarily used for gaming and communities; however, due to its ease of use and seamless communication, it can count as one of the top apps like Discord. 

Key Features

• Instant Messaging: Telegram allows you to send texts, photos, videos, voice notes, and any type of file. 
• Voice & Video Calls: It offers high-quality, encrypted one-on-one and group calls.
• Group Chats: You can create groups, large communities, or clans.
• Channels: The app broadcasts messages to an unlimited number of subscribers, making it ideal for game updates or announcements.
• Secret Chats: End-to-end encrypted private conversations with self-destructing messages.

Pros 

• Telegram is lightweight and fast, even on slow networks.
• You can create a massive group, and channel capacity can be helpful in creating communities. 
• It offers cross-platform sync, like mobile, desktop, and web.

Cons 

• Telegram doesn’t offer native voice channels, such as Discord or Mumble.
• It lacks real-time in-game voice integration.
• Bots and channels can take time to set up properly

Pricing

Telegram Basic is free. The premium is available at $4.99/month.

10. Tox

Tox is a free, open-source, and fully decentralized messaging platform that offers private, encrypted communication without relying on central servers. The app was primarily built for gamers and individuals who value privacy and freedom from corporate control. It doesn’t have 

Instead of having a central company manage your data, it uses a peer-to-peer (P2P) approach. 

Key Features

• Peer-to-Peer Communication: Texts and calls on Tox are transmitted directly between users, reducing lag and enhancing privacy.
• Voice & Video Calls: The app supports high-quality, encrypted one-on-one and group calls.
• Screen Sharing: You can share your screen for collaboration or gaming tutorials.
• Group Chats: It allows you to create encrypted group chats for small teams or friends.

Pros 

• Tox is 100% private and encrypted.
• Though it is free, there are no ads, tracking, or central servers.
• Works offline on local networks (LAN)

Cons 

• Tox doesn’t offer large-scale community creation. 
• Interface and setup can feel basic or technical.

Pricing

Tox is free and open-source.

How Do You Know Who Your Kids Talk To on Discord and Its Alternatives?

Each platform, including Discord, that allows your loved ones, especially children, to connect directly with strangers or join communities, has underlying issues that cannot be ignored. While educating and holding open discussions and schedules are essential, you should also supervise usage. That’s where Xnspy comes in. 

Xnspy is a comprehensive phone monitoring app that tracks every phone activity and provides you with accurate, real-time insights so you know if they are using their phone responsibly. From tracking calls, messages, location to social media app and communication channels activities, Xnspy doesn’t leave out any information. To track Discord and its alternatives, you can use several features of the app. 

Key Xnspy features include:

Installed Apps

Xnspy allows you to view all installed apps on the target device, including Discord and its alternatives. It tracks every installed app in real time, so even if someone has deleted the app instantly, you will know. Additionally, the app allows you to remotely block apps in case of any issues. 

ScreenTime

With this feature, you can track how much time your child spends on specific apps. This feature helps you detect excessive use of Discord or Discord-like apps.

Messenger App

Xnspy monitors chats from popular messenger apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Discord. It records both incoming and outgoing messages, so you will know the type of conversations they have or are interested in. 

Keylogger

The app captures every keystroke made on the device. It includes chat messages, usernames, and searches in Discord or similar apps, so you can easily identify risky interactions or unsafe conversations.

Internet History

In case they play web-based multiplayer games or use the web versions of sites like Discord, this feature provides all the essential information.

Screen Recording

These features take periodic screenshots of communication apps, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and more. The feature helps identify risks and spot inappropriate chats to provide a complete context of usage.

Live Screenshot

In case you want to understand what is actually happening on the app at a particular time, you can also take an ambient screenshot. Whether they’re using Discord, Telegram, or Slack, you can visually confirm how they interact and with whom.

As the app is designed to protect your loved ones from online threats, it runs discreetly in the background, recording data in real-time without interfering with device performance. Additionally, it comes with a user-friendly dashboard, making it easy and convenient to add and manage devices. With Discord alternatives gaining popularity, Xnspy ensures you stay informed, regardless of which communication app is in use.

Conclusion 

Discord may still dominate the chat and gaming space, but alternatives like Mumble, Tox, WhatsApp, and Guilded offer fresh approaches for professionals and gamers alike. The problem usually isn’t the app being used; it is how it is being used. Most communication apps come with filters and monitoring tools; however, they can mostly be bypassed. 

Although these tools help track Discord-like apps, you cannot fully rely on them. Tools like Xnspy make it easy to monitor and protect your digital spaces, ensuring your loved ones stay safe, focused, and productive online. While the apps offer extensive benefits, use them responsibly and ethically to achieve the best results. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there free Discord alternatives I can use?

Yes, many Discord alternatives are free to use. Apps like Guilded, Mumble, Tox, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Slack offer essential communication features without charging users. While some include optional paid upgrades, their free versions are reliable enough for chatting, calling, and creating small to large communities. 

Are there any open-source Discord alternatives?

Yes, Mumble and Tox are two popular open-source alternatives to Discord. They prioritize privacy and control, allowing users to host their own servers or utilize peer-to-peer connections for secure communication. Both offer encrypted voice and text chats, eliminating the need for centralized servers or commercial data storage.

Are apps similar to Discord safe to use? 

Most Discord alternatives are safe if downloaded from official sources and used responsibly. However, risks such as phishing, scams, or unmoderated chats still exist. To protect your children from such dangers, you can use apps like Xnspy, which provides you with features that help you monitor their interactions and other activities. 

What is the best Discord alternative for you?

The best Discord alternative depends on your needs. For gaming, Guilded and Mumble are ideal options; for team collaboration, Slack and Microsoft Teams are the most effective choices. If privacy is your top concern, choose Tox or Telegram. Each app offers unique strengths tailored to specific communication preferences.