Mattermost vs Twist: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Mattermost and Twist 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.
Bottom line: Mattermost is our overall pick for communication workflows. Pick Twist if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Mattermost
Open-source team collaboration platform
Best for you if:
- • Mattermost is an open-source messaging platform for secure team collaboration
- • It provides channels, threads, and integrations with self-hosting options
Twist
Async communication for remote teams
Best for you if:
- • Twist is a team communication app focused on async conversations
- • It organizes discussions in threads for calmer, focused work
| At a Glance |  Mattermost |  Twist |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Communication | Communication |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Mattermost or Twist?
Choose Mattermost if
Open-source team collaboration platform
- Open source Slack alternative
- Self-hostable
- Good for compliance
Choose Twist if
Async communication for remote teams
- Async-first design
- Organized threads
- Less notification noise
- Budget matters (Free vs Free)
| Feature | Mattermost | Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 596 reviews | ★4.1/5 37 reviews |
| Categories | CommunicationTeam Chat | CommunicationProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Mattermost
Open-source team collaboration platform
Strengths
- +Open source Slack alternative
- +Self-hostable
- +Good for compliance
- +No per-user cloud cost
- +Customizable
Weaknesses
- -Less polished than Slack
- -Smaller integration library
- -Self-hosting required for best value
- -Learning curve
- -Community smaller
Key features
Twist
Async communication for remote teams
Strengths
- +Async-first design
- +Organized threads
- +Less notification noise
Weaknesses
- -Smaller ecosystem
- -Different from Slack
Key features
Pricing: Mattermost vs Twist
| Plan | Mattermost | Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $10 Professional | $6 Unlimited |
| Tier 3 | Custom Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Mattermost pricing and Twist pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Mattermost
Want the highest-rated option?
Mattermost: 4.3/5 (596 reviews). Twist: 4.1/5 (37 reviews).
Go with: Mattermost
Value user reviews?
Mattermost: 596 reviews (4.3/5). Twist: 37 reviews (4.1/5).
Go with: Mattermost
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are communication tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Mattermost is rated higher: 4.3/5 vs 4.1/5.
Key Takeaways
Mattermost
- Higher user rating: 4.3/5 vs 4.1/5
- Larger review base (596 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Twist
- Choose if you want async communication for remote teams
The Bottom Line
Mattermost is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mattermost or Twist better?
Mattermost is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Mattermost and Twist used for?
Mattermost: Open-source team collaboration platform. Twist: Async communication for remote teams.
What does Mattermost cost vs Twist?
Mattermost is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Twist is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.