Discord vs Slack for communities (2026)
Choose Discord for large communities with live text, voice and video. Choose Slack for professional groups already working in Slack. Neither is a Tribe product, and we are not claiming one beats the other for every community.
Best Group Chat is a project of Tribe, the company behind the Tribe group chat app, so we say so up front. We list options alphabetically and take competitor facts from their own pages. Facts were read on October 30, 2026 and November 5, 2026.
How do Discord and Slack compare?
| Platform | Best for | Cost | Largest group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discord | Large, always-on communities with live text, voice and video | Discord sells paid Nitro memberships. In the US, Nitro Basic is $2.99 per month and Nitro is $9.99 per month. Prices vary by country. Check Discord for current options. | 25 million members per server |
| Slack | Professional groups that already work in Slack | Free plan. Pro is $7.25 per user per month billed annually, or $8.75 billed monthly. | Not stated on Slack's pricing page |
When does Discord fit?
Server Discovery needs 1,000+ members and a server at least 8 weeks old. Discord is best for large, always-on communities with live text, voice and video.
When does Slack fit?
The Free plan shows the last 90 days of messages and allows 10 apps. Admins on every plan can require approval for new invitations. Slack is best for professional groups that already work in slack.
How do you pick?
- Pick the app your members already open every day.
- Check cost for your whole group, since Slack's paid plans charge per person.
- Match the size you expect in a year to the largest-group figure.
- Decide how people join, and check what the admin controls allow.
FAQ
Is Discord or Slack better for a community?
Discord suits large communities that want live text, voice and video. Slack suits professional groups that already work in Slack. The right pick depends on where your members already spend their day.
Which allows more members?
Discord lists up to 25 million members per server. Slack's pricing page does not state a member limit.
Which costs less for a community?
Slack charges per user on paid plans, with Pro at $7.25 per user per month on annual billing. Discord sells paid Nitro memberships at $2.99 and $9.99 per month in the US. Check each company's pricing page for current options.