Mattermost vs Zoom: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Mattermost and Zoom 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: Zoom is our overall pick for video conferencing workflows. Pick Mattermost if you need communication.
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:
- • You need communication features specifically
- • Mattermost is an open-source messaging platform for secure team collaboration
- • It provides channels, threads, and integrations with self-hosting options
Zoom
Connect, communicate, and collaborate with HD video meetings
Best for you if:
- • You need video conferencing features specifically
- • Video conferencing platform
- • Meetings and webinars
| At a Glance |  Mattermost | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $10/moProfessional | Free tier + paid plansFree tier available |
Best For | Communication | Video Conferencing |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Mattermost or Zoom?
Choose Mattermost if
Open-source team collaboration platform
- Open source Slack alternative
- Self-hostable
- Good for compliance
- Your work is communication-shaped, not video conferencing-shaped
Choose Zoom if
Connect, communicate, and collaborate with HD video meetings
- Reliable video quality
- Easy to use
- Good for large meetings
- Your work is video conferencing-shaped, not communication-shaped
| Feature | Mattermost | Zoom |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 596 reviews | ★4.5/5 11,000 reviews |
| Categories | CommunicationTeam Chat | Video ConferencingCommunication |
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
Zoom
Connect, communicate, and collaborate with HD video meetings
Strengths
- +Reliable video quality
- +Easy to use
- +Good for large meetings
- +Breakout rooms
Weaknesses
- -Free plan has time limits
- -Security concerns historically
- -Can be resource intensive
Key features
Pricing: Mattermost vs Zoom
| Plan | Mattermost | Zoom |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | N/A |
| Tier 2 | $10 Professional | N/A |
| Tier 3 | Custom Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Mattermost pricing and Zoom pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Mattermost
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Mattermost
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Zoom
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?
Mattermost is a communication tool. Zoom is in video conferencing. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Zoom
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (11,000 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Mattermost
- Better fit for communication
The Bottom Line
Zoom is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mattermost or Zoom better?
Zoom is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Mattermost and Zoom used for?
Mattermost: Open-source team collaboration platform. Zoom: Connect, communicate, and collaborate with HD video meetings.
What does Mattermost cost vs Zoom?
Mattermost is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Zoom is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.