Rocket.Chat
Reviewed by Alexis Morain · Updated July 29, 2026
Rocket.Chat is an open-source, self-hostable messaging platform built for sovereignty. Free Starter plan up to 50 users, Enterprise is quote-based.
A full sovereign messaging platform, open source and self-hostable, built for government agencies and defense, whose pricing was simplified by discontinuing the Pro plan.
- Open source and self-hostable (data stays under control)
- End-to-end encryption and compliance front and center
- Pro plan discontinued in April 2026 (Enterprise now quote-based)
Rocket.Chat is an open-source, self-hostable communication platform built around sovereignty and security. It targets organizations that want a full team messaging tool while keeping their data on their own infrastructure, with end-to-end encryption.
What is Rocket.Chat used for?
Rocket.Chat offers channel-based messaging, audio and video calls, file sharing, omnichannel support (customer chat, WhatsApp, social networks), and privacy-first AI on enterprise plans. Its strength: self-hosting and open source, enabling sovereign deployment, including for government agencies and defense organizations. End-to-end encryption and compliance are front and center.
Rocket.Chat or Mattermost?
Compared to Slack, a closed SaaS, Rocket.Chat bets on open source and data control. Compared to Mattermost or Zulip, other self-hostable solutions, it stands out for its omnichannel support and its public sector and defense lineup. For a sovereignty need with built-in customer support, it's a serious contender.
How much does Rocket.Chat cost?
The Starter plan is free for up to 50 users, with end-to-end encryption, unlimited history, and video calls. The Community edition, open source under the MIT license, is free when self-hosted. The old Pro plan at $8/user was discontinued in April 2026: beyond that, the Commercial, Government, and Defense offers are now quote-based.
Pros & Cons
- Open source and self-hostable (data stays under control)
- End-to-end encryption and compliance front and center
- Omnichannel (customer chat, WhatsApp, social networks)
- Public sector and defense lineup
- Pro plan discontinued in April 2026 (Enterprise now quote-based)
- Self-hosting requires your own administration
- Enterprise pricing not public
Key features of Rocket.Chat
Channel messaging
Team conversations and threads
Self-hosting
Sovereign deployment on your own infrastructure
Omnichannel
Customer chat, WhatsApp, social networks
Security
End-to-end encryption, DLP, compliance
Rocket.Chat pricing
Free plan / trial
Starter plan: messaging for up to 50 users, with extended features included (end-to-end encryption, unlimited history, video calls, DLP).
Starter
End-to-end encryption · Unlimited history · Video calls and DLP
$0 self-managed, ≤50 users
Community
Open code · Sovereign deployment · Community
$0 open source MIT, self-hosted
Enterprise (Commercial/Government/Defense)
Privacy-first AI · VoIP and MDM · Support and compliance
Custom pricing
Pricing verified on July 12, 2026
Try Rocket.ChatWho is Rocket.Chat for?
Best for
- Government agencies and defense organizations
- Organizations requiring data sovereignty
- Needing messaging with built-in customer support
Not recommended for
- Small teams wanting a turnkey SaaS with no admin work
- Budgets expecting a published enterprise price
Want to try Rocket.Chat?
Head to the official site and the current offer.
Frequently asked questions about Rocket.Chat
Is Rocket.Chat free?▼
Does Rocket.Chat's Pro plan still exist?▼
Rocket.Chat or Mattermost?▼
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