Hacker News vs Mattermost: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Hacker News and Mattermost 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:
Hacker News
A community-curated news aggregator for technology and entrepreneurship.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need community platforms features specifically
- • Community-driven news aggregation for tech and startups.
- • Features user-submitted articles, discussions, and project showcases.
Mattermost
Open-source team collaboration platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need team chat features specifically
- • Mattermost is an open-source messaging platform for secure team collaboration
- • It provides channels, threads, and integrations with self-hosting options
| At a Glance |  Mattermost | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Community Platforms | Team Chat |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Hacker News | Mattermost |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Community PlatformsForum Software | Team ChatInternal Comms |
Understanding the Differences
Both Hacker News and Mattermost solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Hacker News positions itself as "a community-curated news aggregator for technology and entrepreneurship." while Mattermostfocuses on "open-source team collaboration platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Hacker News
Hacker News makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution.
When to Choose Mattermost
Mattermost is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 84/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Hacker News lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Hacker News
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Mattermost is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Mattermost
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: Mattermost
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Hacker News is completely free.
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 Mattermost higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Mattermost more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Mattermost Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Hacker News 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 Mattermost (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Mattermost scores higher in our analysis, but Hacker News 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 Hacker News or Mattermost better?
Based on our analysis, Mattermost scores higher with 84/100. Hacker News isfree while Mattermost is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Hacker News to Mattermost 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 Hacker News and Mattermost offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Hacker News is completely free.Mattermost is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.