Zulip vs Discourse Comparison
Zulip
Starting at $6.67 /User/Month
- Large Enterprises
- Medium Business
Zulip is enterprise software that makes it easy to set up a business IM network with dozens or thousands of people, while avoiding most of the problems of larger public IM systems such as scale, spam, usability and suppo…
Discourse
Starting at $20 /month
- Free Trial
- Large Enterprises
- Medium Business
Discourse is a cutting-edge communication platform that integrates with leading providers like WordPress, GitHub, Slack, and more. With single sign-on, it allows teams to collaborate efficiently, summarise articles, and…
Zulip leads on user satisfaction with a 4.3-star rating across 20 reviews.
Zulip vs Discourse — at a glance
| Feature | Zulip | Discourse |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3 / 5 | 2.5 / 5 |
| Reviews | 20 | 112 |
| Starting price | $6.67 /User/Month | $20 /month |
| Free trial | No | Yes |
| Free version | No | No |
| Best for | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business |
| Category | Business Instant Messaging Software | Online Community Management Software |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS |
| API | Available | Available |
| Support modes | Online | Business Hours, Online |
| Certifications | SOC 2, GDPR | SOC 2, GDPR |
| Data residency | Global | Global |
Key differences between Zulip and Discourse
- Pricing: Zulip starts at $6.67 /User/Month, while Discourse starts at $20 /month.
- Free trial: Discourse offers a free trial; Zulip does not.
- User satisfaction: Zulip scores higher with a 4.3-star average.
- Deployment: Zulip supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; Discourse supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS.
Zulip vs Discourse — find the better fit before you commit.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
Where each product wins, per real buyers
Most Business Instant Messaging Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
Best for managing integrated online communities with strong moderation features.
- You need seamless integration with platforms like WordPress, GitHub, and Slack.
- Your team requires mobile access on Android and iOS for community engagement.
- Effective spam and hazardous content detection is critical for your community safety.
- Your organization is a very small business or startup with minimal community needs.
- You require transparent pricing and a straightforward setup process without sales consultation.
Zulip typically suits Large Enterprises and Medium Business. Discourse tends to fit Large Enterprises and Medium Business better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.
Description | Zulip is enterprise software that makes it easy to set up a business IM network with dozens or thousands of people, while avoiding most of the problems of larger public IM systems such as ... Read More about Zulip | Discourse is a cutting-edge communication platform that integrates with leading providers like WordPress, GitHub, Slack, and more. With single sign-on, it allows teams to collaborate ... Read More about Discourse |
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Entry Level Pricing |
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Free Trial Availability |
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User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||
Best Company Size | — | 51-500 employees500+ employees |
Get pricing help | Get pricing help |
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How do Zulip and Discourse Compare on Features?
Total Features | 0 Features | 6 Features |
|---|---|---|
Unique Features | No features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare Zulip and Discourse on pricing
Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.
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Other Details
Organization Types supported |
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Platforms Supported |
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API Support |
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Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
SOC 2 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
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HIPAA | ✗ No | ✗ No |
GDPR | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
ISO 27001 | ✗ No | ✗ No |
Single Sign-On (SSO) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Multi-Factor Auth (MFA) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Data Encryption | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Audit Logs | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Data Residency | 🌐 Global | 🌐 Global |
Zulip User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | ||
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Rating Distribution | ||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Buyer sentiment is positive across 40 reviews, with strong overall satisfaction. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Mixed to negative user sentiment with concerns about usability and satisfaction despite strong integration features. What buyers like
Common complaints
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Pros and Cons |
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Positive Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
List of Customers
Customers | No Customers information available. |  WD  Frostbite  CarTalk |
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Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  4 Screenshots | No screenshots available. |
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Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better, Zulip or Discourse?
- Zulip edges out the other on user ratings (4.3 vs 2.5). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do Zulip and Discourse offer a free trial?
- Discourse offers a free trial. Zulip does not.
- What is the starting price of Zulip vs Discourse?
- Zulip starts at $6.67 /User/Month. Discourse starts at $20 /month.
- What are the top alternatives to Zulip?
- Top alternatives to Zulip include mi.team, Slack, Glip, Google Chat, Dialog.
- What are the top alternatives to Discourse?
- Top alternatives to Discourse include 360dialog, nativeMsg, Little SaaS Communication, Bundeling, Qualified.