Leaving Slack? Here's everything you need
Compare 3 EU alternatives side-by-side. Find the right fit based on migration difficulty, pricing, and privacy features.
Your data may be subject to US surveillance laws
Slack is headquartered in the US. Under the CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, US authorities can access your data without your knowledge. Switch to an EU alternative to keep your data protected under GDPR.
All EU Alternatives at a Glance
| Alternative | Country | Pricing | Difficulty | Time Estimate | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 ElementRecommended Element is a secure messenger and collaboration platform built on the Matrix open protocol, developed by Element (formerly New Vector) in London, UK. It provides end-to-end encrypted messaging, voice/video calls, and bridging to other platforms (Slack, Teams, WhatsApp). Element is used by the French government, German military (Bundeswehr), and NATO for secure communications. Organizations can self-host for complete data sovereignty, or use Element's managed hosting. | 🇬🇧United Kingdom | Free plan available | Medium | Several hours to a few days, depending on workspace size | |
.png) Wire Wire is a secure collaboration platform founded in 2012 by Janus Friis (Skype co-founder) and headquartered in Zug, Switzerland. It offers end-to-end encrypted messaging, voice/video calls, and file sharing for teams. Wire is open source, independently audited, and used by government agencies and enterprises across Europe for classified communications. It supports self-hosted deployment for organizations requiring full data sovereignty. | 🇨🇭Switzerland | Free plan available | Medium | Several hours to a few days, depending on workspace size and complexity | |
 Stoat Stoat (formerly Revolt, rebranded in October 2025) is an open-source, privacy-focused messaging platform built in the UK. It provides a familiar Discord-like experience with servers, channels, voice chat, and rich media sharing — but with full GDPR compliance and EU data hosting. Stoat is fully self-hostable, giving communities and teams complete control over their data. It features fine-grained role-based permissions, end-to-end encryption, and does not require a phone number or real name to register. Ideal for privacy-conscious communities looking for a feature-rich alternative to Discord. | 🇬🇧United Kingdom | Free plan available | Medium | Several hours to a few days, depending on workspace size |
Our Top Picks
Best for Privacy
Element is a secure messenger and collaboration platform built on the Matrix open protocol, developed by Element (formerly New Vector) in London, UK. It provides end-to-end encrypted messaging, voice/video calls, and bridging to other platforms (Slack, Teams, WhatsApp). Element is used by the French government, German military (Bundeswehr), and NATO for secure communications. Organizations can self-host for complete data sovereignty, or use Element's managed hosting.
Certifications:
Migration difficulty data is being enriched for these alternatives.
Detailed Comparison of Each Alternative
Element is a secure messenger and collaboration platform built on the Matrix open protocol, developed by Element (formerly New Vector) in London, UK. It provides end-to-end encrypted messaging, voice/video calls, and bridging to other platforms (Slack, Teams, WhatsApp). Element is used by the French government, German military (Bundeswehr), and NATO for secure communications. Organizations can self-host for complete data sovereignty, or use Element's managed hosting.
Advantages
- Matrix protocol allows interoperability with other systems.
- End-to-end encryption is enabled by default for all chats.
- Self-hosting ensures data control and privacy compliance.
- GDPR compliance with EU-hosted servers for data protection.
Trade-offs
- Migration from Slack may require significant time and effort.
- Element lacks integrated project management tools.
- Learning curve for users unfamiliar with Matrix protocol.
Wire is a secure collaboration platform founded in 2012 by Janus Friis (Skype co-founder) and headquartered in Zug, Switzerland. It offers end-to-end encrypted messaging, voice/video calls, and file sharing for teams. Wire is open source, independently audited, and used by government agencies and enterprises across Europe for classified communications. It supports self-hosted deployment for organizations requiring full data sovereignty.
Advantages
- End-to-end encryption ensures messages are secure from unauthorized access.
- GDPR compliance means better data protection for EU users and organizations.
- Self-hosted deployment option allows for greater control over data management.
- Integrated video conferencing supports up to 10 participants in a call.
Trade-offs
- Migration from Slack may require significant time and resources.
- Missing advanced project management tools found in Slack's ecosystem.
- Learning curve for users accustomed to Slack's interface and features.
Stoat (formerly Revolt, rebranded in October 2025) is an open-source, privacy-focused messaging platform built in the UK. It provides a familiar Discord-like experience with servers, channels, voice chat, and rich media sharing — but with full GDPR compliance and EU data hosting. Stoat is fully self-hostable, giving communities and teams complete control over their data. It features fine-grained role-based permissions, end-to-end encryption, and does not require a phone number or real name to register. Ideal for privacy-conscious communities looking for a feature-rich alternative to Discord.
Advantages
- GDPR compliance ensures strict data protection for EU users.
- Open source allows for customization and community-driven improvements.
- Real-time collaborative storytelling enhances user engagement and creativity.
- User-generated content integration fosters a more interactive experience.
Trade-offs
- Migration from Slack may disrupt existing workflows and team dynamics.
- Fewer project management tools compared to Slack's integrated features.
- Learning curve for users unfamiliar with Stoat's unique storytelling format.
Before You Switch
Export your data from Slack before you start the migration. This ensures you have a backup and makes the transition smoother.
How to Export
Admin: Workspace Settings → Import/Export → Export | Personal: No direct option
Export Format
JSON + files
Time Required
Hours to days for large workspaces
Import Notes
Limited import options in other platforms
Settings Path
Workspace name → Settings & administration
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best EU alternatives to Slack?
There are 3 European alternatives to Slack. Element, Wire, Stoat are among the top-rated options. All are GDPR-compliant and store your data in European data centers.
How long does it take to switch from Slack?
Migration time varies by alternative. Most migrations can be completed in under an hour with our step-by-step guides. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative.
Can I export my data from Slack?
Yes. Admin: Workspace Settings → Import/Export → Export | Personal: No direct option The exported data comes in JSON + files format. Limited import options in other platforms
Is switching from Slack to an EU alternative safe?
Yes, switching is safe when done correctly. We recommend: 1) Export your data from Slack first, 2) Set up the new EU service, 3) Import your data, 4) Run both services in parallel for a transition period, 5) Update any linked accounts or integrations, and 6) Cancel your Slack subscription only after verifying everything works.
Why should I switch from Slack to an EU alternative?
EU alternatives provide stronger privacy protection under GDPR, keep your data in European data centers, and are not subject to US surveillance laws like the CLOUD Act or FISA Section 702. By switching, you gain true data sovereignty and support European tech innovation.