Rocket.Chat
Rocket.Chat is an open-source chat platform built in Brazil in 2015. It solves a key problem: teams need private, self-hosted messaging without losing control of their data.
Features
- Self-Hosted Deployment: Teams can install Rocket.Chat on their own servers using Docker, Kubernetes, or Podman for full data control.
- Omnichannel Support Inbox: Agents can manage WhatsApp, SMS, email, and web chat messages from one dashboard.
- Apps Marketplace: The platform connects with tools like Slack, Jira, GitHub, and Zapier through webhooks and a REST API.
- End-to-End Encryption: Private channels support optional E2EE, alongside two-factor authentication and detailed audit logs.
- Built-in Voice and Video: Users can start calls and share screens without installing extra plugins.
Use Cases
- For IT Administrators: Self-hosting helps meet GDPR and HIPAA rules by keeping data on company servers.
- For Customer Support Teams: Omnichannel tools combine WhatsApp, email, and live chat into a single queue.
- For Government and Defense: Air-gapped deployment allows secure messaging on networks with no internet access.
- For Open-Source Developers: The MIT license lets developers modify the code and build custom apps freely.
TL;DR
Rocket.Chat offers an open-source alternative to Slack and Microsoft Teams, built for privacy and self-hosting. It suits regulated industries and developers who need full control over their communication data.
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TypeFreemium
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Best ForSmall Business, Enterprise
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FeaturesOmnichannel Messaging, Video Calls, Self-Hosting Option, Open Source Core, Matrix Federation, Custom Access Controls
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Use CaseSecure Team Chat, Omnichannel Support, In-App Messaging, Self-Hosted Messaging
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PlatformWeb, Mac, Windows, iOS, Android
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IntegrationAPI, Zapier, Make, IFTTT, Pipedream, n8n
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Website Authority50 - 70
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Website Monthly Visits100k - 1m
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Company Age11 - 20 years
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Company Size100 - 500 members
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Company Type
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Company Location
| Plan | Price | Features |
| Starter | $0 (free forever) | Self-managed hosting only Up to 50 users Hierarchical conversations (channels, groups, DMs) Threaded discussions Multimedia and file sharing Searchable message history Single sign-on (SAML, OAuth, OpenID Connect) Multi-factor authentication Video conferencing integrations Native Matrix Federation |
| Pro | Custom pricing | Everything in Starter, plus: Self-managed or premium hosting options Air-gapped deployment support Single-instance scaling Full platform white-labeling Removable watermark for sensitive communications LDAP and SAML user group mapping Custom data retention policies 12x5 on-call support coverage 1 business day response for all severity levels |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing | Everything in Pro, plus: Microservices architecture Multi-instance deployment High availability with disaster recovery Role-based access control with custom roles Attribute-based channel access control Message and file audit trails Compliance-ready reports and exports Sovereign AI with BYO self-hosted LLM 24x7 mission-critical support with 30-min response |
(Disclaimer: Data sourced from or provided by Rocket.Chat. Please verify before purchase.)
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