Zulip vs Discord: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Zulip and Discord 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Zulip
Open-source team chat with threads
Best for you if:
- • Zulip is an open-source team chat with threaded conversations
- • It organizes discussions by topic for better context and search
Discord
Your place to talk and hang out
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • Community communication platform
- • Voice, video, and text
| At a Glance |  Zulip |  Discord |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Team Chat | Team Chat |
Rating | 82/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Zulip | Discord |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Team ChatCommunity Platforms | Team ChatVideo Conferencing |
How Zulip and Discord Compare
Zulip
Open-source team chat with threads
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Discord
Your place to talk and hang out
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Zulip
Want the highest-rated option?
Zulip: 82/100. Discord: 86/100.
Go with: Discord
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Discord
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 team chat tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Discord scores higher: 86/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Discord
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Zulip
The Bottom Line
Discord (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zulip or Discord better?
Discord scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Zulip and Discord used for?
Zulip: Open-source team chat with threads. Discord: Your place to talk and hang out.
What does Zulip cost vs Discord?
Zulip is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Discord is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.