Tool profile
Zulip
Chat for distributed teams. Zulip combines the immediacy of real-time chat with an email threading model. With Zulip, you can catch up on important conversations while ignoring irrelevant ones.
What is Zulip?
Zulip is designed for distributed teams seeking a communication platform that combines real-time chat with an email threading model. It stands out in the Communication category by allowing users to conduct separate threaded conversations within the same channel, supported by powerful search capabilities across channels and threads. Organizations benefit from its open-source nature, scalability for large numbers of users, and robust security features like end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication.
While the specific pricing details and plans are not fully listed in the facts, Zulip is tagged as open-source, allowing you to self-host and modify the software. For current pricing tiers and plans, check their pricing page directly. Users can access the platform via the web, desktop applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Features
Threaded Conversations
Zulip's unique approach to messaging allows users to conduct separate threaded conversations within the same channel, making it easier to follow and manage multiple discussions simultaneously.
Open Source
Zulip is open-source software, meaning you can modify and self-host it, providing greater flexibility and control over your communication environment.
Powerful Search
Zulip offers a robust search functionality that allows users to quickly find messages, files, and details across channels and threads, improving efficiency.
Integrations
Zulip supports a wide variety of integrations with other tools and services, enhancing productivity and ensuring seamless workflows.
Cross-Platform
Zulip is available on multiple platforms, including web, desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux), and mobile (iOS, Android), ensuring accessibility and convenience.
Granular Notification Settings
Users have comprehensive control over notification settings, allowing them to manage their time and focus better by receiving only the alerts they need.
Scalability
Zulip is designed to handle a large number of users and messages, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes.
Security
Zulip offers robust security features, including end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and compliance with various industry standards.
Screenshots
Zulip vs. its alternatives
| Zulip |  Slack |  Mattermost |  Discord |  Element.io | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Open source | — | Open source | Open source | Open source, Free |
| Platforms | — | ||||
| Listed features | 8 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 6 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does Zulip cost?
Zulip is tagged as open-source software, but exact pricing plans are not fully detailed here. Please check their pricing page at https://zulip.com/plans/ for current plan details.
What is Zulip used for?
Zulip is used for communication by distributed teams, combining real-time chat with an email threading model to help users catch up on important conversations while ignoring irrelevant ones.
What platforms is Zulip available on?
Zulip is available on the web, desktop operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, and mobile platforms like iOS and Android.
How does Zulip's Threaded Conversations feature work?
Zulip's Threaded Conversations feature allows users to conduct separate, manageable threaded discussions within the same channel so you can easily follow multiple topics simultaneously.
What are the best alternatives to Zulip?
The known alternatives to Zulip include Slack, Mattermost, and Discord. You might prefer an alternative like Slack or Discord depending on your specific team workflows, integrations, and hosting preferences.
Can I self-host Zulip?
Yes, because Zulip is open-source software, you have the flexibility to modify and self-host your own communication environment.
Does Zulip include security features?
Zulip offers robust security features, including end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and compliance with various industry standards.
Alternatives to Zulip
Read the full comparison →Slack
A messaging app for teams who see through the Earth!
Mattermost
Mattermost is an open source alternative to Slack.
Discord
Step up your game with a modern voice & text chat app. Crystal clear voice, multiple server and channel support, mobile apps, and more.
Element.io
Secure messaging app with strong end-to-end encryption, advanced group chat privacy settings, secure video calls for teams, encrypted communication using Matrix open network. Riot.im is now Element.
Tox
Send messages, files, create groups and make Tox to Tox audio and video calls. Securely.
Signal
Fast, simple & secure messaging. Privacy that fits in your pocket.
Telegram
Telegram is a messaging app with a focus on speed and security. It’s superfast, simple and free.
Wire
Private & Secure Messenger
