MattermostLinux
vs
Microsoft Teams (newer versions)Windows
Mattermost as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Teams (newer versions)
Updated
Our verdict
Mattermost is a strong replacement for Microsoft Teams if you control your own infrastructure and prioritize data sovereignty over corporate integration. It handles real-time chat, channels, and basic conferencing well, but it lacks the deep Office 365 ecosystem ties. It is ideal for developer teams or organizations willing to self-host. If your workflow relies heavily on Azure AD, Exchange calendars, or seamless Office file editing within the chat, Mattermost will feel limiting compared to Teams.
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 6.3.1 (October 15, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Channel-based organization for topic-specific discussions
- Real-time text chat with direct messages and group conversations
- Integrated audio and video conferencing capabilities
- File sharing directly within chat threads
- Cross-platform availability including Linux, Windows, and macOS
What is different
- Requires self-hosting or paid cloud service; no free tier for large enterprises
- Lacks native integration with Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and Outlook
- No built-in calendar or meeting scheduling interface comparable to Outlook
- Authentication relies on LDAP/OAuth2 rather than native Azure AD integration
- Designed primarily for developer workflows, not general business administration
Opening your Microsoft Teams (newer versions) files
Mattermost does not natively open or edit Microsoft Office files (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx). You can upload these files to share them, but you must open them in a separate application like LibreOffice. There is no direct conversion or in-browser editing capability for these formats within the Mattermost interface.
Switching from Microsoft Teams (newer versions) to Mattermost, step by step
- Install and configure a Mattermost server instance using Docker or a native binary
- Set up your preferred database backend, either MySQL or PostgreSQL
- Configure authentication methods such as LDAP or OAuth2 to match your existing identity provider
- Import user accounts and channel structures using the Mattermost CLI import tool
- Install necessary plugins for integrations with your CI/CD tools or code repositories
- Test file sharing and conferencing features before migrating your team
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 I use Mattermost for free?
Yes, the self-hosted version is free under the Apache-2.0 license. You pay for hosting infrastructure and optional enterprise support, but there are no per-user licensing fees for the core software.
Does Mattermost support screen sharing?
Yes, Mattermost includes built-in screen sharing for its native conferencing feature. You can share your entire screen or specific windows during a video call.
Is Mattermost suitable for non-developer teams?
It is usable, but it is optimized for developer workflows. Non-technical users may find the lack of deep Office integration and the self-hosting requirement less convenient than a SaaS solution like Teams.
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