Guild vs Otta: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Guild and Otta comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Guild
Professional messaging groups
Best for you if:
- • You need team chat features specifically
- • You need professional messaging groups
- • You want to start free and upgrade later
Otta
Find your next dream job with personalized recommendations and smart insights.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need recruiting features specifically
- • Personalized job recommendations for tech and innovative companies.
- • Provides useful insights like salary, diversity, and company reviews.
| At a Glance |  Otta | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Team Chat | Recruiting |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Guild | Otta |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 98 | 0 |
| Categories | Team ChatCommunity Platforms | RecruitingProfessional Networks |
Understanding the Differences
Both Guild and Otta solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Guild positions itself as "professional messaging groups" while Ottafocuses on "find your next dream job with personalized recommendations and smart insights.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Guild
Guild makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Otta
Otta is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Guild lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Guild
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Otta is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Otta
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Guild
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Zero budget? Otta won't cost you anything.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Guild higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Guild more (98 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Guild Does Better
- More community upvotes
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Otta If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Guild. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Guild scores higher in our analysis, but Otta might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Guild or Otta better?
Based on our analysis, Guild scores higher with high/100. Guild isfreemium while Otta is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Guild to Otta easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Guild and Otta offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Guild is freemium with a free tier.Otta is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.