Vesktop as a Linux alternative to Discord
Updated
Our verdict
Vesktop is a solid native Linux replacement for Discord. It delivers the full Discord experience—text, voice, video, screen‑share, server management, moderation, and cross‑platform presence—while adding a privacy‑friendly, open‑source layer and a plugin system for UI tweaks. It works best for Linux users who want a lightweight, native client without Wine or web wrappers. Gamers, community managers, and developers who need customizability or stricter privacy will benefit most.
- License
- GPL-3.0-or-later
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.6.8 (October 22, 2026)
- Rating
- —

What works the same
- Full Discord feature set (text, voice, video, screen‑share, server/room management, moderation tools)
- Cross‑platform presence support
- Native Linux windowing and notifications
- Regular updates and security patches
- Open‑source code on GitHub
What is different
- No built‑in support for Discord Nitro perks beyond what Discord offers
- Missing Discord’s built‑in game‑overlay for Windows/Linux gaming
- No official Discord support channel; relies on community forums
- No native integration with Windows‑specific features like Game Bar
- Requires Vencord plugins for advanced UI customizations
Opening your Discord files
Vesktop can open and display Discord messages, channels, and media exactly as the official client does. Exporting or importing Discord data (like chat logs or settings) is not directly supported; users must rely on Discord’s own export tools or third‑party scripts.
Switching from Discord to Vesktop, step by step
- 1. Install Vesktop via Flathub or the .flatpak package
- 2. Launch Vesktop and sign in with your Discord credentials
- 3. If you use custom themes or plugins, install them via the Vencord plugin manager
- 4. Verify voice, video, and screen‑share functionality by joining a test server
- 5. (Optional) Disable or uninstall the official Discord client to avoid conflicts
Key features of Vesktop
- Customizable UI via Vencord plugins
- Built‑in Venmic for audio screenshare
- Native Linux windowing and notifications
- Supports Discord’s full feature set
- No need for Wine or web wrapper
- Open‑source code on GitHub
- Regular updates and security patches
How to install Vesktop on Linux
flatpak install flathub dev.vencord.VesktopFrequently asked questions
Does Vesktop support Discord Nitro features?
Yes, it works with Nitro like any other Discord client, but there is no separate Nitro interface in Vesktop; you use the same Discord account.
Is Vesktop safe to use?
It is open‑source, licensed GPL‑3.0-or-later, and receives regular security updates from the Vencord community.
Can I use Vesktop on other operating systems?
Vesktop is designed for Linux only; it does not run natively on Windows or macOS.