MattermostLinux vs Microsoft Teams for Linux (official native version)Windows

Mattermost as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Teams for Linux (official native version)

Updated October 27, 2026

Our verdict

Mattermost is a solid replacement for Microsoft Teams on Linux if you prioritize performance, self-hosting, and developer tool integration over deep Microsoft 365 compatibility. It handles core collaboration well: messaging, file sharing, audio/video calls (via plugins or WebRTC), and screen sharing. It’s especially strong for technical teams wanting control over their data and infrastructure. However, it lacks native calendar integration and seamless Office document co-editing. Best for organizations willing to trade some convenience for security, transparency, and customization.

Feature parity75%

License: Apache-2.0
Price: Free
Latest version: 6.3.1 (October 15, 2026)
Rating: —

Install Mattermost Website ↗

What works the same

Supports group and direct messaging with channel-based organization
Enables real-time file sharing and collaboration
Offers cross-platform clients including native Linux support
Provides screen sharing and voice/video calling (with plugins or WebRTC)
Allows integration with external tools via APIs and plugins

What is different

No built-in calendar; requires external tools like Outlook or Google Calendar
Video calls depend on plugins (e.g., Zoom, Jitsi) or WebRTC, not native implementation
Lacks tight Microsoft 365 integration and real-time Office document editing
Admin-heavy setup due to self-hosting requirement
Smaller user base and fewer third-party integrations compared to Teams

Opening your Microsoft Teams for Linux (official native version) files

Mattermost does not directly open or import chat history or files from Microsoft Teams. Files shared in Teams (e.g., Word, Excel) can be manually downloaded and re-uploaded to Mattermost, but collaborative editing requires exporting to compatible formats. Document versioning and co-authoring features in Office files are lost unless stored in a shared drive like Nextcloud or Google Workspace. There is no automated migration path for messages or attachments between the two platforms.

Switching from Microsoft Teams for Linux (official native version) to Mattermost, step by step

Set up a Mattermost server on Linux using PostgreSQL or MySQL
Configure authentication (LDAP, SAML, or email) to match your organization
Install the desktop or Flathub-packaged client on user machines
Migrate users and channels manually or via bulk import tools
Integrate with external video conferencing (e.g., Jitsi) for calls
Train teams on new workflows and plugin usage

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 (Flathub)flatpak install flathub com.mattermost.Desktop

Arch / Manjarosudo pacman -S mattermost

Frequently asked questions

Can Mattermost do video calls like Teams?

Yes, but not natively in all setups. You can integrate Jitsi, Zoom, or use WebRTC via plugins. It works well once configured, but requires extra setup compared to Teams.

Is Mattermost free to use?

Yes, the open-source version is free under Apache-2.0. Paid editions add advanced features like compliance and clustering, but the core platform remains free.

Can I host Mattermost myself?

Yes, self-hosting is a primary use case. You control the server, data, and backups, making it ideal for organizations needing full data sovereignty.