Slack vs Discord: is it a good Linux alternative?

Slack as a Linux alternative to Discord

Updated October 20, 2026

Our verdict

Slack is not a good replacement for Discord. While it handles text chat and file sharing well, it lacks the low-latency voice and video calls that define Discord for gamers and communities. Slack is designed for business workflows, not real-time social interaction. If your primary need is text-based team coordination, Slack works. However, if you rely on voice channels, screen sharing for gaming, or community moderation tools, you will find Slack lacking. It is a different tool for a different purpose, not a direct swap.

Feature parity30%

License: LicenseRef-proprietary
Price: freemium
Latest version: 4.52.178 (October 8, 2026)
Rating: —

Install Slack Website ↗

The Slack main window, on GNOME in dark mode

What works the same

Channel-based organization for topics and projects
Direct messaging with read receipts and reactions
File sharing with preview support for common formats
Cross-device sync for messages and notifications

What is different

Slack lacks native low-latency voice and video calls for casual social use
No equivalent to Discord's persistent voice channels for hanging out
Moderation tools are focused on business admin, not community management
Slack is proprietary and business-oriented, whereas Discord is community-focused
Missing features like screen sharing optimized for gaming or streaming

Opening your Discord files

Slack does not support importing or exporting Discord data. There is no built-in tool to transfer chat history, media, or user lists from Discord to Slack. You would need to manually export Discord data via its built-in export feature (if available to your account) and then manually upload files to Slack, which is not a practical migration path for most users.

Switching from Discord to Slack, step by step

Create a new Slack workspace or join an existing one via invitation
Install the Slack Linux client from Flathub or the official website
Manually create channels in Slack that mirror your Discord server structure
Invite your team members to the new Slack workspace
Manually upload any critical files or documents from Discord to relevant Slack channels
Configure notification settings per channel to match your previous Discord preferences

Key features of Slack

Channel-based organization for topics and projects
Direct messaging with read receipts and reactions
File sharing with preview support for common formats
Integration with third-party tools via Slack Apps
Threaded conversations to keep main channels uncluttered
Cross-device sync for messages and notifications
Customizable notification settings per channel or DM
Beta Linux client with ongoing feature additions

How to install Slack on Linux

Flatpak (Flathub)flatpak install flathub com.slack.Slack

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Slack for voice calls like Discord?

Slack supports voice and video calls, but they are designed for business meetings, not low-latency gaming or casual social voice channels. The experience is not comparable to Discord for those use cases.

Is Slack free?

Slack offers a free tier with limited history and features. Paid plans are required for advanced features, unlimited message history, and larger file uploads. Discord is free for most users with a paid Nitro option.

Will my Discord friends be on Slack?

No. Slack and Discord are separate ecosystems. Your Discord friends are not automatically on Slack, and there is no cross-platform integration to sync users or chats between the two services.