The Best Open-Source Alternatives to Around
Are you looking for a free or self-hosted alternative to Around? In 2026, avoiding expensive proprietary software subscriptions is easier than ever. The open-source community has built excellent privacy-friendly tools within the Video Communication ecosystem. Currently, there are 7 active replacements available, with Rocket.Chat being one of the most prominent selections.
Quick Comparison: Around vs. Open Source
Full comparison: Around vs. Rocket.Chat ā| Criteria | Around | OSS Replacements |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid / Monthly Fees | 100% Free / Self-Hosted |
| Data Control | Third-party Servers | Full Ownership & Privacy |
| Customizability | Restricted by Vendor | Unlimited (Modify Codebase) |
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Rocket.Chat
Rocket.Chat is a highly customizable, scalable, and flexible open-source communication platform that offers teams a robust and secure alternative for messaging, file sharing, and live collaboration. As a self-hosted solution, Rocket.Chat provides unparalleled control and data sovereignty, ensuring user data remains private and compliant with regulatory requirements, making it an excellent choice for organizations seeking a privacy-friendly alternative to centralized solutions like Slack.
Mattermost
Mattermost is an open-source, self-hosted communication platform that provides a secure and customizable alternative to team chat and collaboration tools, safeguarding user data and conversations with enterprise-grade security and control. Unlike proprietary solutions like Around, Mattermost offers flexible deployment, integration, and customization options to ensure seamless communication and collaboration while respecting users' privacy.
Pion
Pion is a modular, open-source WebRTC implementation that enables developers to create secure, real-time communication applications without compromising on user data privacy. As a standalone alternative to proprietary solutions like Around, Pion provides an excellent, customizable option for building private and secure audio/video conferencing, streaming, and messaging applications.
Matterbridge is an open-source, decentralized hub for various messaging platforms that enables private, secure connectivity for end-to-end encrypted conversations, offering an excellent alternative to siloed services like Around. It facilitates cross-platform communication while respecting users' autonomy and data sovereignty, promoting a more unified and private online experience.
Jitsi is a secure, open-source platform for video conferencing, online meetings, and webinars that offers end-to-end encryption, secure screen sharing, and customizable solutions for businesses and individuals seeking private communication. As a free and open-source alternative to proprietary platforms like Zoom or Skype, Jitsi prioritizes user data protection and security, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a private and hassle-free communication experience.
Revolt is a feature-rich, open-source messaging and community platform that enables users to securely communicate, share files, and collaborate on projects in a decentralized and ad-free environment, making it an ideal alternative to proprietary messaging apps like Around. With Revolt, users can maintain their digital autonomy and enjoy seamless communication, free from the constraints of centralized social networks and data exploitation.
Matrix is a decentralized, open communication protocol that enables private and secure messaging, file sharing, and real-time collaboration, making it an excellent alternative to centralized platforms like Around. By providing a flexible and customizable SDK, Matrix allows developers to build their own secure communication solutions, giving users more control over their data and online interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best open source alternative to Around?
Based on GitHub community data (including star count and fork activity), Rocket.Chat stands out as one of the most reliable open-source replacements for Around today.
Why should I use an open-source replacement instead of Around?
Switching to an open-source solution ensures complete data sovereignty, protects your software environment from sudden vendor price hikes, and gives you full transparent control over your tech-stack metadata.