Matrix (Synapse) vs Mattermost
Self-host pick — both replace Discord (Community / voice chat).
Both Matrix (Synapse) and Mattermost self-host as a replacement for Discord (Community / voice chat). Pick Mattermost if you want the lighter footprint — 15min docker-compose, $5 vps for ~50 daily-active users. Pick Matrix (Synapse) if you need federated communities that want decentralization + e2e encryption — 30-60min (Synapse + Element web client + reverse proxy) and $10 vps for a small homeserver.
| Matrix (Synapse)open-source | Mattermostopen-source | |
|---|---|---|
| License | AGPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 (Team Edition) |
| Setup time | 30-60min (Synapse + Element web client + reverse proxy) | 15min docker-compose |
| Monthly cost | $10 VPS for a small homeserver. | $5 VPS for ~50 daily-active users. |
| GitHub | element-hq/synapse | mattermost/mattermost |
| Replaces | Discord + 1 other | Discord + 2 other |
Good fit for
Matrix (Synapse)
Federated communities that want decentralization + e2e encryption.
Weak at:Setup is the most involved option here; voice via Element Call is newer.
Mattermost
Engineering teams who want Discord-shaped chat but with Slack-style polish.
Weak at:Voice/video huddles are weaker than Discord's voice channels.
Both also replace
- Microsoft Teams— Team chat + video meetings
In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli discord prints Discord's self-host options including both —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Which is easier to self-host, Matrix (Synapse) or Mattermost?
Matrix (Synapse): 30-60min (Synapse + Element web client + reverse proxy). Mattermost: 15min docker-compose.
What does each cost to run?
Matrix (Synapse): $10 VPS for a small homeserver.. Mattermost: $5 VPS for ~50 daily-active users.. Both projects are free and open source.
Do Matrix (Synapse) and Mattermost replace the same SaaS?
Yes — both are open-source alternatives to Discord (and 1 other SaaS).