Social community platform Discord is set to require users to verify their age by the second half of 2026, raising privacy concerns about uploading a government ID or face scan to the network. Users can still access most features without verification, but apprehensions persist due to a previous data breach impacting 70,000 users.
Some users are motivated to explore alternative platforms that emphasize security, privacy, or offer a different experience. Here are the top Discord alternatives, ranging from open-source options to voice-first platforms aimed at gamers.
Stoat
Stoat (formerly Revolt) closely resembles Discord in both design and usability. As an open-source project, it offers users greater control over their data, appealing to those who value privacy and transparency. The platform is user-friendly for Discord migrants, featuring similar text and voice channels alongside community servers.
However, Stoat, launched in 2021, continues to face growth challenges. It recently dealt with server capacity issues and occasional lags during user surges. Its feature support isn’t as robust as Discord’s, and onboarding can be slow, especially during popularity spikes. Nonetheless, for those prioritizing privacy, Stoat is worth a try.
Element
Element is a strong alternative for privacy and control enthusiasts. Built on the decentralized Matrix protocol, Element allows users to self-host servers, maintain end-to-end encryption, and federate with other Matrix-based services, ensuring no single company controls your data.
While its setup and interface require more technical know-how than Discord’s, Element is ideal for users who value secure, decentralized communication.
TeamSpeak
For those needing high-quality, low-latency voice chat, TeamSpeak is a top Discord alternative. It remains favored among competitive gamers for its audio quality and private server hosting. Its text chat and media sharing are basic, lacking features like video calls, emojis, and gifs, making it ideal for voice-centric groups.
TeamSpeak has recently experienced a surge in new users, leading to expanded hosting capacity. In February, it introduced two new regions for community creation: “Frankfurt 3” and “Toronto 1.”
Mumble
Mumble is a free, open-source voice chat application that provides high-quality, low-latency audio and allows for hosting and customizing servers. Its interface is outdated and lacks some Discord features, suiting hardcore gamers focused on voice chat over community building via video calls or media sharing.
Discourse
Discourse appeals to those who favor long-form, organized discussions over rapid chat. As an open-source forum platform, Discourse supports threaded discussions, making it suitable for educational groups, professional teams, and communities valuing in-depth conversation. However, it may be unfamiliar to users seeking instant messaging, voice, or casual group chat.
Slack, Microsoft Teams, Signal, or WhatsApp
Other notable options include Slack and Microsoft Teams, great for professional communication. Signal is a leading choice for end-to-end encryption and privacy. WhatsApp offers free messaging and group calls, though it’s not designed for gaming or large communities.
What to know about age verification on Discord
Discord plans to implement age verification measures to create a safer environment, notably for younger users. This initiative aims to ensure users meet age requirements for specific features and communities. Verification methods may include submitting an ID, facial age estimation, or using a credit card.
All users will default to a “teen-appropriate” setting, with only verified adults able to modify settings or access age-restricted content. Adults must verify their status to unblur sensitive content and access age-specific channels. After backlash, Discord postponed the official rollout to late 2026, maintaining that 90% of users will not need age verification and can continue using the platform as is, with the initial rollout planned for March.