Rock vs Mattermost: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Rock 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:
Rock
Simplify teamwork with integrated chat, tasks, and notes in one affordable workspace.
Best for you if:
- • Combines chat, tasks, and notes in one platform.
- • Facilitates collaboration with internal teams and external clients/freelancers.
Mattermost
Open-source team collaboration platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Mattermost is an open-source messaging platform for secure team collaboration
- • It provides channels, threads, and integrations with self-hosting options
| At a Glance |  Rock |  Mattermost |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Team Chat | Team Chat |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Rock | Mattermost |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Team ChatTask Management | Team ChatInternal Comms |
Understanding the Differences
Both Rock and Mattermost solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Rock positions itself as "simplify teamwork with integrated chat, tasks, and notes in one affordable workspace." while Mattermostfocuses on "open-source team collaboration platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Rock
Rock makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier 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, Rock lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Rock
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?
Tight budget? Start free with Rock, 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 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 Rock 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 Mattermost (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Mattermost scores higher in our analysis, but Rock 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 Rock or Mattermost better?
Based on our analysis, Mattermost scores higher with 84/100. Rock isfreemium 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 Rock 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 Rock and Mattermost offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Rock is freemium with a free tier.Mattermost is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.