Home
/
Community engagement
/
Forums
/

Top alternatives to discord: our comprehensive ranking

Discord Alternatives | People Demand Improved Go-To Gaming Platforms

By

Emily Zhang

Feb 11, 2026, 03:01 AM

Edited By

Dmitry Petrov

Updated

Feb 11, 2026, 11:10 AM

2 minutes needed to read

Various logos and icons representing different communication platforms similar to Discord, arranged visually to show diversity in features and community focus.
popular

A growing coalition of people is expressing frustration with existing Discord alternatives, spotlighting key shortcomings in user-favorite features. The rise of digital communication continues to fuel intense discussions about more viable gaming-centric options.

Struggling to Find the Right Fit

Many commenters emphasize that the alternatives being proposed simply don't meet the needs of gamers. One user bluntly stated, "None of these options are true Discord alternatives."

Notably, Matrix has received critiquing remarks for its focus on enterprise features over gamer-friendly capabilities. A commenter pointed out that it seems to be in an "identity crisis," becoming overly attentive to government contracts while ignoring the joy-focused gaming community. The comment suggested this has led Matrix to lack the basic features that made Discord an attractive option: voice, video, and seamless user onboarding.

Other platforms, like TeamSpeak, are also noted for their restrictions; a commenter remarked that it is "behind a paywall for any user counts > 32," undermining its appeal for larger gaming groups. Meanwhile, Mumble was recognized for its adaptability and lack of ads, though some users noted it lacks screen sharingโ€”a critical feature in the gaming world.

Mixed Sentiments About Newcomers

An emerging player, Stoat, has caught attention among the comments, with some viewing it as a potential competitor to Discord, emphasizing its better features without corporate interference. However, others warned it feels unfinished: "Stoat is the closest to a clone but is half baked."

Respondents highlighted that platforms need better functionalities, such as working push notifications and effective screen-sharing abilities. One commentator even hypothesized that if Stoat rolls out these features quickly, it might see a shift in user loyalty from Discord.

The User Experience Conundrum

Commenters consistently voiced concerns over usability and effectiveness cross-platform. One noted why users flocked to Discord, stating: "We all switched to Discord en masse because it had all the features we needed."

Another highlighted the importance of having a tailored user experience, remarking: "features for admins/moderators like that are what made Discord so easy to use."

The Road Ahead: A Potential Shift?

As dissatisfaction continues to mount regarding current offerings, could we soon see new platforms arise to better serve the gaming community? Experts speculate that the demand for integrated communication features could inspire new developments, especially if platforms like Stoat capitalize on the current openings.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”” Many people find current alternatives like Matrix and TeamSpeak lacking essential features.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "None of these options are true Discord alternatives," noted one frustrated commenter.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Stoat is seen by some as a promising opportunity, but it has work to do before fully realizing its potential.

While the forum discussions grow richer, the clear desire from the community is for more platforms tailored specifically to the gamer experience. As the search for better tools continues, the player-centric communication landscape may soon transform.