Rocket.Chat is a powerful tool for team communication that’s gaining popularity worldwide. It’s designed for businesses, governments, and organizations that need secure and flexible ways to chat, share files, and collaborate. Unlike many other platforms, Rocket.Chat is open-source, meaning anyone can customize it to fit their needs.
What is Rocket.Chat?
It is a communication platform that combines messaging, voice calls, video conferencing, and more into one secure system. It’s built for high-stakes environments like defense, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, where data privacy is crucial. Users can deploy it on their own servers (on-premises), in the cloud, or even in air-gapped setups for maximum security. This flexibility sets it apart from cloud-only tools.
The platform supports real-time chat through channels, direct messages, and groups. It also includes features like file sharing, screen sharing, and integrations with other apps. With over 12 million users globally, it’s trusted by organizations that prioritize control over their data. Rocket.Chat aims to unify all communication needs, reducing the chaos of switching between multiple tools.
A Brief History
Rocket.Chat started in 2015 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, created by Gabriel Engel and his team at a company called Konecty. They needed a live chat feature for a customer relationship management system but found existing options like Slack too limited. So, they built their own using JavaScript and Node.js, and released a prototype on GitHub. The project quickly attracted contributors from around the world, growing into a full-fledged platform.
Over the years, Rocket.Chat has evolved with regular updates. It follows a semantic versioning system, releasing major, minor, and patch updates. Long-term support (LTS) versions come out about twice a year, each supported for nine months to ensure stability. Recent releases like version 8.0 in January 2026 focus on making it more intelligent, connected, and secure by default. The company, now incorporated in Delaware with operations in Brazil, has secured investments to expand its features and user base.
Key Features
Rocket.Chat packs a lot of tools to make collaboration easy. It offers unlimited message history, so you never lose important conversations. Audio and video calls are built-in, along with screen sharing for quick meetings. The platform supports threaded discussions, which keep chats organized by topic.
One standout feature is its marketplace for apps and integrations. You can connect it to tools like Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, and more. For developers, it’s highly customizable with over 180 role permissions and the ability to build custom apps. It also includes AI-powered features in newer versions, like automating tasks and providing insights during chats.
The architecture is microservices-based, allowing parts of the system to scale independently for better performance. Plus, it works across devices—web, desktop, mobile—with apps for iOS and Android.
Benefits for Businesses
Using Rocket.Chat can boost productivity by keeping all communication in one place. It breaks down silos between teams, enabling faster decisions and better collaboration. For regulated industries, its security features prevent data leaks and ensure compliance.
Businesses save money with its open-source model—no vendor lock-in means you can modify it freely. It’s scalable for small teams or large enterprises, handling everything from internal chats to customer support via omnichannel integrations. Users report higher efficiency, with features like real-time translation helping global teams communicate in multiple languages.
How It Compares to Slack?
Slack is a popular choice for quick, casual team chats, but Rocket.Chat offers more control and security. Slack is cloud-only, while Rocket.Chat allows self-hosting, which is better for data privacy. Slack has a simpler interface and more built-in integrations (over 100 via Zapier), but Rocket.Chat’s open-source nature lets you add unlimited custom ones.
Pricing-wise, Slack starts at $8.75 per user/month, while Rocket.Chat has a free community edition and paid plans for advanced features. Reviews on sites like G2 give Slack higher marks for ease of use (9.5 vs. 8.7 for Rocket.Chat), but Rocket.Chat wins for flexibility and cost in high-security needs. If your team needs GDPR compliance or on-premises deployment, Rocket.Chat is often the better pick.
Pricing and Deployment Options
Rocket.Chat is free to start with its community version, perfect for small teams. Paid plans include Starter (extended features), Pro, and Enterprise for larger scales. Pricing is per user or based on features like unlimited apps and advanced support. Deployment is versatile: cloud-hosted, on your servers, hybrid, or air-gapped for isolated networks.
Security Aspects
Security is Rocket.Chat’s strong suit. It uses a zero-trust model with end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and audit logs. It’s compliant with standards like DoD ATO up to IL6, making it suitable for classified networks. Data retention policies and access controls keep information safe, and self-hosting avoids foreign jurisdiction risks.
Conclusion
Rocket.Chat stands out as a versatile, secure alternative to traditional chat tools. Its open-source roots, combined with robust features and deployment options, make it ideal for teams that value privacy and customization. Whether you’re a small business or a large agency, it can streamline communication and enhance productivity. As collaboration needs evolve, Rocket.Chat continues to innovate, ensuring it remains a top choice for mission-critical operations. If security and flexibility matter to you, give Rocket.Chat a try—it might just rocket your team’s efficiency to new heights.
You can explore more about Rocket.Chat by visiting https://www.rocket.chat/.