Discord is a proprietary freeware instant messaging and VoIP social platform which allows communication through voice calls, video calls, text messaging, and media.
There is a Linux client for Discord but it’s proprietary software.
For open source enthusiasts there are viable alternatives which we explore.
Here’s our verdict captured in a legendary LinuxLinks-style ratings chart. Only free and open source software is eligible for inclusion here.
Let’s explore the 9 programs at hand. For each application we have compiled its own portal page, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, together with links to relevant resources.
| Discord Clients | |
|---|---|
| Vesktop | Custom app aiming to give you better performance and improve Linux support |
| Legcord | Supports rich presence (game activity) out of the box |
| Dissent | Lightweight client written in Go |
| Abaddon | GTK-based messaging and voice client with extensive customisation |
| GoofCord | Configurable and privacy minded discord client |
| Equibop | Cross-platform Vesktop fork |
| Datcord | Specialized version of Firefox (the official client is Chromium-based) |
| Qtcord | Discord client built with Qt |
| Acheron | Qt-based messaging and voice client with multi-account support |
You should bear in mind that using these unofficial clients is technically in breach of Discord’s Terms of Service.
Breaching terms of service is not necessarily a breach of a law. For example, in many countries failing to abide by terms of service does not give a company a right to enforce unreasonable terms. A huge amount of benign open source software can be used for unlawful purposes. But that’s not a reason, in itself, to exclude them.
To repeat, breaching an organization’s ToS is not automatically a breach of any law.
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No sign of Webcord there…
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