
Zulip
Zulip is an open-source team chat app with topic-based threading for clear async communication. Ideal for remote teams, businesses, and educational projects. Free and paid plans available.
Overview of Zulip
Zulip is a modern team chat application specifically designed for both real-time and asynchronous communication in distributed teams. As the only chat platform that organizes conversations by topic within streams, Zulip ensures that different discussions never interfere with each other, making it ideal for remote work environments and flexible scheduling. This open-source solution serves organizations of all sizes – from Fortune 500 companies and startups to open-source projects and educational institutions – providing enterprise-grade communication tools either through cloud hosting or self-hosted deployment.
The platform transforms organizational communication by enabling leaders to prioritize their time and batch-reply to messages while allowing individual contributors to focus on deep work without constant interruptions. Zulip's unique threading system creates an organized repository of knowledge as a natural byproduct of daily communication, making it particularly valuable for Remote Team Chat, Collaboration Tool, and Knowledge Base. Teams report that decisions previously blocked for months can be resolved within hours using Zulip's structured conversation approach.
How to Use Zulip
Getting started with Zulip is straightforward – organizations can create their workspace in under one minute through the free cloud offering. The platform supports seamless data migration from other chat applications like Slack, including importing message history and integrations. For teams requiring maximum control and compliance, Zulip offers self-hosted deployment with easy installation and upgrade processes. Once set up, users organize conversations into streams (like channels) and topics (specific discussion threads), allowing them to focus on one conversation at a time while maintaining context across multiple ongoing discussions.
Core Features of Zulip
- Topic-based Threading – Organizes conversations into specific topics within streams for clear communication
- Async Communication – Designed for both real-time and delayed responses without losing context
- Cross-platform Access – Available on web, desktop, and mobile apps for continuous access
- Open Source Foundation – 100% open-source software with self-hosting or cloud options
- Data Import Tools – Migrate from Slack and other platforms with preserved history
Use Cases for Zulip
- Business teams needing organized communication across departments
- Remote and distributed teams requiring flexible work communication
- Open-source projects managing community discussions and contributions
- Educational institutions facilitating class communication and collaboration
- Research groups organizing lab discussions and scientific collaboration
- Non-profits and government agencies with discounted plans available
- Event organizers managing conference, workshop, or hackathon communication
Support and Contact
For support and inquiries, email contact@zulip.com or visit the Zulip website for documentation and community resources.
Company Info
Zulip is developed by Zulip, based in the United States. The company maintains an active presence on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, engaging with their user community and providing updates.
Login and Signup
New users can create an organization in one minute for free, or request a demo to see the platform in action. Existing users can access their accounts through the main website.
Zulip FAQ
How does Zulip differ from other team chat apps like Slack?
Zulip uses topic-based threading to organize conversations, allowing multiple discussions to happen simultaneously without confusion, unlike Slack's linear message flow.
Can Zulip be self-hosted for data privacy and control?
Yes, Zulip is 100% open-source software that can be self-hosted for ultimate data control, compliance, and customization while maintaining all features.
What types of organizations typically use Zulip for team communication?
Zulip serves diverse organizations including Fortune 500 companies, startups, open-source projects, educational institutions, and research groups worldwide.
Is there a free version of Zulip?
Yes, Zulip provides a free cloud plan for organizations, and it's also open-source for self-hosting with optional paid features.
Zulip Reviews0 review
Would you recommend Zulip? Leave a comment
Zulip Alternatives
The best modern alternatives to the tool
New Tools Releases
Recently added tools