MattermostLinux
vs
Microsoft Teams ClassicWindows
Mattermost as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Teams Classic
Updated
Our verdict
Mattermost can replace Microsoft Teams Classic for teams that value self‑hosting, open‑source code, and deep integration with development tools. It covers chat, voice/video calls, screen sharing and file sharing, but it lacks the tight integration with the broader Microsoft 365 suite (Outlook, SharePoint, Office apps). For developer‑focused groups or organisations that need full data control, Mattermost is a solid alternative; for typical office users who rely heavily on Office integration, Teams remains more convenient.
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 6.3.1 (October 15, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Group and direct messaging
- Voice and video calls
- Screen sharing
- File sharing with persistent history
- Cross‑platform clients (Linux, Windows, macOS, mobile)
What is different
- No native integration with Office 365 apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Limited built‑in calendar and meeting scheduling compared to Teams
- Enterprise‑grade compliance features (e.g., eDiscovery) are optional or require add‑ons
- Teams offers deeper integration with SharePoint/OneDrive for storage, while Mattermost relies on external file stores
- Teams includes built‑in live transcription and AI features not present in Mattermost
Opening your Microsoft Teams Classic files
Mattermost does not use a proprietary file format from Teams, so there is no direct way to open or export Teams‑specific files (e.g., .teams files). You can share files stored in Teams by downloading them and then uploading to Mattermost, but any Teams‑only metadata or conversation history will not transfer automatically.
Switching from Microsoft Teams Classic to Mattermost, step by step
- Set up a Mattermost server (use the official Docker image or install the binary from Flathub).
- Create teams and channels that mirror your Teams structure.
- Invite users and assign appropriate roles.
- Export needed files from Teams (download from SharePoint/OneDrive) and upload them to Mattermost channels.
- Configure integrations (e.g., Git, CI/CD) as needed.
- Train users on Mattermost UI and any missing features.
Key features of Mattermost
- Self-hosted server option for full data control
- Deep integration with CI/CD and code repositories
- Support for MySQL and PostgreSQL databases
- Plugin system for extending functionality
- Channel-based organization for project topics
- API-first design for custom automation
How to install Mattermost on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.mattermost.Desktopsudo pacman -S mattermostFrequently asked questions
Can Mattermost handle large video conferences like Teams?
Mattermost supports group video calls, but the scaling and UI are not as polished as Teams for very large meetings; you may need to use an external video bridge for large webinars.
Is there a free hosted version of Mattermost?
Mattermost offers a free self‑hosted edition; a cloud‑hosted SaaS version exists but requires a subscription.
Will my Teams chat history migrate automatically?
No. Teams does not provide an export format that Mattermost can import directly, so you’ll need to archive important messages manually.
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