- GitHub stars
- 26,033
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Latest release
- 12.3
21 September 2026 - Last commit
- 13 October 2026
- Runs on
- Python
Commits per month, last 12 months
4,933 commits
Replaces
Paid products Zulip can stand in for.
How to self-host Zulip
Zulip runs on Python. The project's own install guide is the place to start; most people put it on a small server with Docker and a reverse proxy for HTTPS.
- Get a server: a home server, a VPS, or a managed app host.
- Install it the way the project's docs describe, usually with Docker Compose.
- Put it behind HTTPS and set up backups before you add real data.
- Update it regularly. Watch the project's releases.
Similar apps
- Rocket.Chat
Communications platform that puts data protection first (alternative to Gitter.im and Slack).
- Novu
Notification infrastructure for developers.
- Mattermost
Platform for secure collaboration across the entire software development lifecycle, can be integrated with Gitlab (alternative to Slack).
- Chatwoot
Customer communication platform (alternative to Intercom and Zendesk).
- ntfy
Push notifications to phone or desktop using HTTP PUT/POST, with Android app, CLI and web app, similar to Pushover and Gotify.
- SimpleX Chat
The most private and secure chat and applications platform - now with double ratchet E2E encryption.
Questions
Is Zulip free?
Yes. Zulip is open source under the Apache-2.0 license, so you can use it without paying for a license. You pay only for the server it runs on.
Can I self-host Zulip?
Yes. Zulip runs on Python. Follow the install guide in the project's documentation, or use a host that installs it for you.
What does Zulip replace?
People use Zulip instead of Slack, Gitter or Microsoft Teams.
Is Zulip still maintained?
The last change to Zulip's code was on 13 October 2026, with 4933 commits in the last 12 months.
Topics
App data from awesome-selfhosted (CC BY-SA 3.0), stars and activity from GitHub.