Papercups vs Rocket.Chat: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Papercups and Rocket.Chat 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:
Papercups
Papercups
Best for you if:
- • You need live chat features specifically
- • You need papercups
- • You want to start free and upgrade later
Rocket.Chat
Open-source team communication platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need team chat features specifically
- • Rocket.Chat is an open-source team collaboration platform
- • It provides messaging, video calls, and integrations with self-hosting option
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Live Chat | Team Chat |
Rating | —/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Papercups | Rocket.Chat |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Live ChatHelp Desk | Team ChatInternal Comms |
Understanding the Differences
Both Papercups and Rocket.Chat solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Papercups positions itself as "papercups" while Rocket.Chatfocuses on "open-source team communication platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Papercups
Papercups makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Rocket.Chat
Rocket.Chat is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 82/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Papercups lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Papercups
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Rocket.Chat is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Rocket.Chat
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: Rocket.Chat
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Papercups, upgrade when you're ready.
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 Rocket.Chat higher (82/100). But the community has upvoted Rocket.Chat more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Rocket.Chat Does Better
- Higher overall score (82/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Papercups If
- You want to start free and scale later
- 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 Rocket.Chat (82/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Rocket.Chat scores higher in our analysis, but Papercups 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 Papercups or Rocket.Chat better?
Based on our analysis, Rocket.Chat scores higher with 82/100. Papercups isfreemium while Rocket.Chat 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 Papercups to Rocket.Chat 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 Papercups and Rocket.Chat offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Papercups is freemium with a free tier.Rocket.Chat is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.