Zulip

Open-source alternative · mapped from 2 paid tools. Fit is not feature parity.

Facts

License

Apache License 2.0 A permissive license whose main conditions require preservation of copyright and license notices. Contributors provide an express grant of patent rights. Licensed works, modifications, and larger works may be distributed under different terms and without source code. May Commercial useModificationDistributionPatent usePrivate use Must License and copyright noticeState changes No Trademark useLiabilityWarranty Summary from GitHub's choosealicense.com

Paid-feature tier A

Self-host

Paid-feature limitsNone established

Tier A: All self-hosted software features included in every plan; no enterprise code tier. A applies to software, with separately priced vendor push relay disclosed. License source. Repository: zulip/zulip. Self-host: server; hosted offer from the project: yes.

Replaces 2 paid tools

Microsoft TeamsEntry price USD 4 / seat / month

Fit:

Beta Teams importer maps teams to channels; excludes DMs and private-channel messages. Keep Microsoft tenant active through migration; does not replace Office applications.

Sources: zulip.com, zulip.com · checked 2026-10-21
Full comparison: Microsoft Teams vs Zulip
SlackEntry price USD 7.25 / seat / month

Fit:

Channel-plus-topic model differs from Slack threads; Slack export/import documented, private data availability depends on source export permissions.

Sources: zulip.com, zulip.com · checked 2026-10-21
Full comparison: Slack vs Zulip