Self-Hosted / Projects / Rocket.Chat
Rocket.Chat
StableSpecs verified October 3, 2026 · against v8.8.1
Overview
Self-hosted team communication platform for chat, channels, calls, and integrations.
Rocket.Chat is a self-hosted team communication platform for organizations that want chat, channels, direct messages, file sharing, calls, and integrations on infrastructure they control.
Why people choose Rocket.Chat
The broader search intent is a self-hosted Slack or Microsoft Teams alternative with data ownership and deployment flexibility. Rocket.Chat supports ordinary team collaboration, but its strongest differentiator for larger organizations is the ability to operate communications in a private cloud, data center, or controlled environment.
What is included
Official product and documentation pages cover channels, direct messaging, threads, discussions, file sharing, voice and video, omnichannel support, apps and integrations, LDAP or directory integration, federation, administration, and deployment through Docker or Kubernetes.
What to know before deployment
Rocket.Chat is a multi-service business application rather than a lightweight chat container. Current deployment guidance requires careful MongoDB planning, persistent storage, reverse-proxy and TLS configuration, upgrades, backups, and version support. Kubernetes is aimed at operators who already understand scaling and service operations.
Best fit
Choose Rocket.Chat when a team needs a Slack-like workspace with self-managed data and a larger integration surface. A simpler private chat server is easier for a small household, while hosted collaboration is lower responsibility when uptime and upgrades should be delegated.
Interface previews
Screenshots of the Rocket.Chat interface.
Feature support
| Feature | Support |
|---|---|
| Channels and direct messagesCore team communication features include channels and direct messaging. | Supported |
| Threads and discussionsThreaded conversations and discussion workflows are part of the collaboration model. | Supported |
| File sharing and message searchTeams can share files and search workspace conversations, subject to deployment and edition details. | Supported |
| Voice and video communicationOfficial product material includes audio and video communication capabilities. | Supported |
| Apps and integrationsRocket.Chat provides an app and integration ecosystem for extending workspace workflows. | Supported |
| LDAP and directory integrationDirectory integrations depend on configuration and the edition or deployment plan. | Partial support |
| Federation and external communicationFederation and external communication require compatible configuration and operational policy. | Partial support |
| Docker deploymentThe official installation page identifies Docker as the most popular deployment method. | Supported |
| Kubernetes deployment and scalingOfficial docs provide Kubernetes deployment guidance, but recommend relevant operational experience. | Supported |
Community signals
- Stars
- 46.2k
- Forks
- 14k
- Open issues
- 4.2k
- Last commit
- 19h ago
- Latest release
- 8.9.0
- Repo created
- May 2015
Includes open pull requests
1w ago
Refreshed nightly from the GitHub API.
Questions
What is Rocket.Chat used for?
Rocket.Chat is used for self-hosted team chat, channels, direct messages, threads, file sharing, calls, integrations, and organization-wide communication.
Is Rocket.Chat a self-hosted Slack alternative?
Yes. Rocket.Chat is commonly evaluated as a self-hosted Slack alternative when an organization wants more control over hosting, data, integrations, and deployment location.
Can Rocket.Chat run with Docker?
Yes. Rocket.Chat’s official installation guidance describes Docker as a popular deployment method for major Linux distributions.
Does Rocket.Chat use MongoDB?
Yes. Rocket.Chat documents MongoDB configuration as part of its self-managed deployment architecture.
Can Rocket.Chat run on Kubernetes?
Yes. Official deployment documentation covers Kubernetes and Helm-oriented methods, but the project recommends Kubernetes experience for scalable deployments.
Is Rocket.Chat free and open source?
Rocket.Chat publishes open-source software and self-managed deployment options, but available features, support, and commercial terms can vary by edition and plan.
What is the main tradeoff with self-hosting Rocket.Chat?
You gain control over communications and infrastructure placement, but you must operate MongoDB, storage, upgrades, TLS, backups, monitoring, and service availability yourself.
support // the lab
Found this write-up useful?
If it saved you time or a rebuild, you can support more practical homelab guides.