Rocket.Chat vs Zulip
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Open-source communications platform.
The verdict
Both Rocket.Chat and Zulip are credible team chat tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Rocket.Chat — Open-source communications platform.
Choose Zulip if you'd rather have a higher overall rating (4.6/5). Topic-based team chat, open source.
Rocket.Chat vs Zulip: side by side
| Dimension | Rocket.Chat | Zulip |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $4/user/mo | Free – $6.80/user/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Best for | Enterprise, Privacy Conscious | Open Source Projects, Remote Teams |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android, Self Hosted | Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android, Self Hosted |
| Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.6/5Winner |
Rocket.Chat key facts
- Vendor
- Rocket.Chat
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $4/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android, Self Hosted
- Best for
- Enterprise, Privacy Conscious
- Editor rating
- 4.2 / 5
- Founded
- 2015
- Headquarters
- Wilmington, DE, USA
Zulip key facts
- Vendor
- Zulip
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $6.80/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android, Self Hosted
- Best for
- Open Source Projects, Remote Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2012
- Headquarters
- Open source
Frequently asked questions
Is Rocket.Chat better than Zulip?
Neither is universally better — Zulip edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Rocket.Chat or Zulip cheaper?
Rocket.Chat is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $4/user/mo. Rocket.Chat starts at free – $4/user/mo; Zulip starts at free – $6.80/user/mo.
Can Rocket.Chat replace Zulip?
Yes for most teams — both are team chat tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.