Rocket Chat

Rocket.Chat is an open-source platform revolutionizing how teams collaborate. Whether we’re working remotely or in an office, having a reliable, customizable chat solution can make all the difference.

We’ve all experienced the frustration of juggling multiple communication tools. Rocket.Chat brings everything under one roof, offering features like video conferencing, file sharing, and real-time translation. It’s not just about messaging; it’s about creating a unified, efficient workspace that adapts to our needs. Ready to transform our team’s communication? Let’s dive into what makes Rocket.Chat a game-changer.

Features

Rocket.Chat is packed with features aimed at improving team collaboration and productivity. Let’s dive into some of its standout elements.

Communication Tools

Rocket.Chat offers a robust suite of communication tools that cater to diverse team needs. The platform includes text messaging, video conferencing, voice calls, and even real-time translation. These tools facilitate seamless collaboration, eliminating the need to switch between multiple apps.

• Text Messaging: The core of Rocket.Chat’s communication is its real-time text messaging. Users can create channels for different topics, direct message individuals, and even mention team members for prompt responses.
• Video Conferencing: Rocket.Chat incorporates video calls directly into the platform. Teams can start a video meeting with a simple click, making face-to-face communication effortless and immediate.
• Voice Calls: For situations where video isn’t necessary, Rocket.Chat supports high-quality voice calls. This flexibility ensures that users can choose the most effective method of communication for their needs.
• File Sharing: Another integral feature is file sharing, allowing team members to quickly and securely exchange documents, images, and other media.
• Real-Time Translation: This feature is particularly beneficial for global teams, as Rocket.Chat automatically translates messages into the user’s chosen language.

Integration Options

Rocket.Chat excels in its extensive integration options, allowing teams to consolidate their workflows within the platform. With an impressive range of supported integrations, users can connect Rocket.Chat to other essential tools and services they rely on.

• Popular Integrations: Easily link Rocket.Chat with popular project management tools like Trello, JIRA, and Asana. This capability helps streamline task management and team collaboration.
• API Access: For tech-savvy users, Rocket.Chat offers robust API access, enabling custom integrations tailored to specific workflows. This flexibility ensures the platform can adapt to unique requirements.
• Third-Party Services: Integrate with third-party services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, GitHub, and more. Connecting these services simplifies file management and reduces the need to switch between different apps.
• Email Integration: The platform also supports email integration, ensuring that users can manage all their communications in one place. This unification is essential for maintaining a productive workflow.

Customization

Rocket.Chat stands out with its high level of customization options, making it adaptable to various organizational needs. Users can tweak the platform to match their preferences and branding.

• Custom Themes: Personalize the look and feel of Rocket.Chat with custom themes. This feature allows teams to align the platform with their brand colors and styles.
• Modular Extensions: Users can add or remove functionality through Rocket.Chat’s modular extension system. This flexibility means the platform can scale with growing teams and evolving work processes.
• Bot Integration: Incorporate custom bots to automate routine tasks. For instance, a bot could remind team members of pending tasks or facilitate meeting scheduling.
• User Roles and Permissions: Rocket.Chat offers detailed role and permission settings. Admins can assign user roles and set permissions that control access to specific features, ensuring a secured and organized workspace.

Security Measures

Security is a top priority for Rocket.Chat, and the platform offers extensive measures to protect user data and communication.

• End-to-End Encryption: Rocket.Chat provides end-to-end encryption for all communications, ensuring that messages and files are secure from unauthorized access.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding another layer of security, Rocket.Chat supports two-factor authentication. This feature protects user accounts even if their passwords are compromised.
• OAuth Support: The platform integrates with OAuth providers for secure authentication. Users can log in using their existing accounts, streamlining the sign-in process while maintaining security.
• Data Privacy: Rocket.Chat complies with various data privacy regulations, including GDPR. This compliance ensures that user data is handled responsibly and meets international standards.
• Open Source: As an open-source platform, Rocket.Chat’s transparency allows users to review the source code and verify security measures themselves. This openness builds trust and fosters a community dedicated to continuous improvement.

How It Works

Getting started with Rocket.Chat is straightforward. Users can either sign up for the cloud-hosted version or deploy the self-hosted version on their servers. The platform’s interface is intuitive, allowing team members to get accustomed to the tools quickly.

• Quick Setup: The cloud-hosted version offers a quick setup process. Users need to create an account, and they can start communicating within minutes.
• Self-Hosted Option: For organizations needing more control over their data, the self-hosted option provides the flexibility of deploying Rocket.Chat on their infrastructure. This option requires some technical know-how but offers complete data sovereignty.

User Interface

Rocket.Chat’s user interface is designed to be user-friendly and efficient. The layout is clean, prioritizing ease of navigation and accessibility.

• Main Dashboard: The main dashboard presents all communication channels, direct messages, and notifications in an organized manner. Users can quickly switch between various chats and threads.
• Customization: Users can customize their dashboard to show or hide specific elements, adjust theme settings, and personalize their experience.
• Mobile App: Rocket.Chat’s mobile app ensures that users can stay connected on the go. The app mirrors the desktop interface, providing a consistent experience across devices.

Pros And Cons

Rocket.Chat has its strengths and areas where it could improve. Here we outline some of these:

Pros:

• Open Source: As an open-source platform, it offers flexibility and transparency.
• Comprehensive Toolset: Features like video conferencing, real-time translation, and extensive integrations make it a powerful tool.
• Customization: High levels of personalization align with various organizational needs.
• Security: Advanced security measures such as end-to-end encryption and 2FA ensure data protection.

Cons:

• Initial Setup: The self-hosted version requires technical expertise for setup and maintenance.
• Mobile App Limitations: While functional, the mobile app can sometimes lag behind its desktop counterpart in terms of features and performance.
• Learning Curve: The broad range of features can be overwhelming for new users, requiring time to master.

Pricing

Rocket.Chat offers various pricing tiers to suit different needs, from small teams to large enterprises.

Plan	Tier	Price per User/month	Features
Free	Basic	$0	Core features, community support
Pro	Advanced	$3	Additional integrations, advanced features
Enterprise	Comprehensive	Custom Pricing	Custom solutions, premium support, SLA

The free version is ideal for small teams or those just getting started. The Pro and Enterprise versions provide additional features and support options, making them suitable for larger organizations with more complex needs.

Performance

Rocket.Chat is known for its performance capabilities. We’ll dive into the specifics of its speed and reliability, as well as its impressive scalability.

Speed and Reliability

When it comes to speed, Rocket.Chat delivers messages instantaneously, ensuring that team members can communicate in real-time without any noticeable lag. The platform’s architecture leverages WebSocket technology, which dramatically enhances the performance by enabling full-duplex communication channels over a single TCP connection.

In our tests, we found Rocket.Chat to have an impressive uptime, rarely experiencing downtime or interruptions. This reliability is critical for businesses that rely on uninterrupted communication. Additionally, the platform offers superb low-latency voice and video calls. Even with a large number of users online, the system manages to handle simultaneous activities without any significant slowdown.

From a reliability standpoint, Rocket.Chat incorporates robust error-handling mechanisms and automatic reconnections. This means that even in the event of a brief network disruption, users are reconnected seamlessly without losing track of their ongoing conversations.

However, these performance metrics can be heavily influenced by the deployment environment. For cloud-hosted versions, the platform’s performance is largely consistent. But for self-hosted deployments, the speed and reliability may vary depending on the server specifications and internet bandwidth.

Scalability

Scalability is one of Rocket.Chat’s most compelling features. The platform is designed to grow alongside your business, efficiently managing increased loads as your team expands. This is particularly advantageous for organizations anticipating rapid growth or those with fluctuating user numbers.

Rocket.Chat supports horizontal scaling through clustering capabilities. By distributing the workload across multiple servers, the platform can support thousands of concurrent users without compromising on performance.

In practical terms, adding more users or channels does not hinder the system’s efficiency. Organizations can easily scale their communication needs from small teams to large enterprises. For example, larger enterprises can implement a distributed database to handle extensive data flow, ensuring that the service remains fast and responsive.

For self-hosted deployments, users have the flexibility to modify server settings and expand resources as needed. This customizability ensures that Rocket.Chat can be tailored precisely to meet the specific demands of various business sizes and industries.

While the platform excels in scalability, it’s crucial to note that achieving optimal performance in a highly scaled environment might require technical know-how and meticulous server management. Therefore, businesses should assess their technical resources before opting for a self-hosted solution.

Overall, Rocket.Chat stands out for its ability to handle both small-scale and large-scale deployments with ease, ensuring that users experience consistent performance regardless of the size of their organization.

User Experience

Rocket.Chat provides a powerful platform for communication, and the user experience plays a big part in its overall appeal. Below we explore the aspects that make its user experience noteworthy.

Interface Design

Rocket.Chat’s interface design is both modern and functional. It features a clean, user-friendly layout that makes navigation intuitive. We appreciate how the developers have used a sidebar for primary navigation, allowing users to easily switch between different chat channels, private conversations, and settings. The use of color and typography is subtle but effective, ensuring that the interface is not cluttered and visually appealing.

A standout feature of the interface design is the customizable nature of the user dashboard. Users can personalize their dashboards with the widgets and tools they use the most, which boosts efficiency. Additionally, dark mode and light mode options cater to user preferences for visual comfort. Notification management is straightforward, with options to mute certain channels or set custom alerts, helping users stay focused on what’s important.

However, the number of customization options might be overwhelming for new users. It takes a bit of time to fully understand all the features and design elements available, but for those willing to invest the time, the payoff is a highly personalized and productive workspace.

Ease of Use

Rocket.Chat scores high on ease of use, especially for those who are familiar with other chat platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams. The onboarding process is smooth with clear instructions guiding users through account setup and initial customization. The search functionality is robust, allowing users to quickly find past conversations or specific information within chats, which is crucial for productivity.

The learning curve for new users is relatively short, thanks to intuitive UX design principles. Features like drag-and-drop file sharing, @mentions, and threaded conversations feel natural and enhance the overall usability of the platform. Integration with other enterprise tools such as Google Drive and GitHub is seamless and adds to the platform’s practicality.

Nevertheless, certain advanced features could use more intuitive design. For instance, configuring user permissions or setting up bots may require consultation of the documentation or support from an experienced user or IT staff. Overall, though, Rocket.Chat manages to strike a good balance between powerful features and simplicity.

Support and Documentation

When it comes to support and documentation, Rocket.Chat excels. The platform offers a comprehensive help center with detailed articles, FAQs, and video tutorials. These resources are neatly categorized, making it easy to find specific information. Whether you are looking to troubleshoot issues, learn about new features, or optimize your use of the platform, the documentation is both thorough and user-friendly.

Moreover, Rocket.Chat provides multiple support channels, including email support, live chat, and community forums. The community forums are particularly active, filled with knowledgeable users and developers who are quick to offer advice and solutions. For enterprises, Rocket.Chat offers premium support packages that include dedicated account managers and priority response times which can be a valuable resource for large teams or critical deployments.

One area where support could improve is in the context of real-time assistance for self-hosted instances. While the documentation is excellent, the complexity of self-hosting might still present challenges that require direct expert intervention. In such cases, having a more robust live support option could significantly enhance the user experience.

Overall, the combination of solid documentation and varied support channels ensures that users have the help they need to make the most out of Rocket.Chat.

Pros

Rocket.Chat offers several advantages that make it a strong contender in the real-time communication platform market.

Customization Options

One of the standout features of Rocket.Chat is its extensive customization options. Users have the flexibility to tailor the platform to meet their unique needs, whether personal or organizational. For instance, we can modify the interface with custom themes, set up tailored notification settings, and use different layout options that best suit our workflow. Rocket.Chat allows for custom branding, enabling businesses to reflect their brand identity within the platform. Additionally, the ability to create custom bots and plugins means that we can extend the functionality of Rocket.Chat to perform specific tasks or integrate with niche tools. This level of customization ensures that Rocket.Chat can adapt to various use cases, making it a versatile tool for diverse industries.

Wide Range of Integrations

Rocket.Chat excels in its ability to integrate with a variety of third-party tools and services, enhancing its utility and seamless functionality in diverse environments. The platform supports integrations with popular applications such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Slack. For developers, Rocket.Chat offers APIs and webhooks, allowing us to seamlessly incorporate other systems and services, from CRM software like Salesforce to project management tools like Jira and Trello. The native integration with Zapier further broadens the scope by enabling automation workflows, connecting Rocket.Chat with over 2,000 apps. These integrations not only enhance productivity but also consolidate our communication and workflows into a single, cohesive platform.

Strong Security Features

Security is a paramount concern for any communication platform, and Rocket.Chat shines in this area. The platform offers end-to-end encryption, which ensures that our conversations remain private and secure from unauthorized access. Rocket.Chat also supports single sign-on (SSO) and two-factor authentication (2FA), providing additional layers of security for user access. For organizations handling sensitive information, the platform complies with various industry regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA. We also have the option to self-host Rocket.Chat, giving us complete control over our data and security protocols. These comprehensive security features make Rocket.Chat a reliable choice for businesses that prioritize data protection and integrity.

Cons

Despite its many strengths, Rocket.Chat does have its drawbacks. Here are some key areas where the platform could improve:

Initial Setup Complexity

While Rocket.Chat offers a wealth of features and customization options, the initial setup can be daunting. This is especially true for users who are not particularly tech-savvy. The process involves several steps, from server installation to configuration, which can be time-consuming. Although the platform provides extensive documentation, the sheer volume of information can overwhelm new users. For small teams lacking dedicated IT personnel, this complexity might pose a significant barrier to adoption. In comparison, competitors like Slack and Microsoft Teams offer more straightforward setup processes that require less technical know-how, making them more accessible to a broader audience.

Learning Curve

Once the initial setup is complete, users might face a steep learning curve. The myriad of features and customization options, while beneficial in many ways, can make the platform feel cluttered and overwhelming. New users may find it challenging to navigate the interface and find the specific functions they need. While Rocket.Chat offers training materials and tutorials, mastering the platform can still take a considerable amount of time. This can be particularly frustrating for teams looking to quickly integrate a communication tool into their workflow. Other platforms, like Slack, are often praised for their intuitive designs that require minimal training, allowing teams to get up and running more quickly.

While Rocket.Chat excels in scalability and customization, the complexities of setup and the steep learning curve are notable drawbacks that may deter some users.

Comparison

When evaluating Rocket.Chat against other popular communication platforms, it’s crucial to consider several aspects. Let’s dive into how Rocket.Chat stacks up against Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Mattermost in terms of functionality, interface, advantages and disadvantages, and pricing.

Rocket Chat vs. Slack

How It Works

Both Rocket.Chat and Slack offer real-time communication through channels, direct messaging, and video calls. Rocket.Chat stands out with its open-source nature, allowing extensive customization. Slack, on the other hand, is a proprietary platform known for its robust integrations with various third-party applications.

User Interface

Rocket.Chat offers a clean and modern interface, but it may feel overwhelming due to its extensive features and customization options. Slack provides a more streamlined and intuitive interface, which is especially welcoming for new users. Slack’s design focuses on ease of use, making it easier for teams to get started quickly without much training.

Pros and Cons

Rocket.Chat Pros:

• Highly customizable due to open-source nature.
• Strong security features including end-to-end encryption.
• Scalability for both small teams and large enterprises.

Rocket.Chat Cons:

• Initial setup can be complex.
• Steep learning curve due to numerous features.

Slack Pros:

• User-friendly and intuitive interface.
• Extensive third-party integrations.
• Reliable performance and uptime.

Slack Cons:

• Limited customization options.
• Higher subscription costs as compared to others.

Pricing

Rocket.Chat offers a free community edition, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious teams. Paid plans start at around $3 per user/month, with additional enterprise features. Slack’s pricing starts at $6.67 per user/month for the Standard plan, going up to $12.50 per user/month for the Plus plan, which can become costly for larger teams.

Rocket Chat vs. Microsoft Teams

How It Works

Rocket.Chat and Microsoft Teams both support channels, private messaging, video calls, and extensive integrations. The key difference is Microsoft Teams’ deep integration with the Microsoft 365 suite, making it a more seamless option for enterprises already using Microsoft products.

User Interface

Rocket.Chat’s interface is highly customizable, which can be a double-edged sword. While it offers flexibility, it can be daunting for less tech-savvy users. Microsoft Teams features a more consistent interface tailored towards business and educational purposes, ensuring smooth operation without extensive customization.

Pros and Cons

Rocket.Chat Pros:

• Open-source and customizable.
• Wide range of integrations beyond the Microsoft ecosystem.
• Easily scalable.

Rocket.Chat Cons:

• Complex setup process.
• Requires technical expertise for optimal use.

Microsoft Teams Pros:

• Seamless integration with Microsoft 365.
• Robust security and compliance features.
• Excellent video conferencing capabilities.

Microsoft Teams Cons:

• Limited customization outside the Microsoft ecosystem.
• Can be less intuitive for users not familiar with Microsoft products.

Pricing

Rocket.Chat’s community edition is free, with premium features available in paid plans starting at about $3 per user/month. Microsoft Teams has a free version with limited features, while paid plans start at $5 per user/month as part of the Microsoft 365 suite, which can extend costs based on additional services.

Rocket Chat vs. Mattermost

How It Works

Rocket.Chat and Mattermost are both open-source platforms offering real-time chat, file sharing, and video calls. Both platforms are developer-friendly, but Mattermost targets highly technical teams with its strong command-line interface (CLI) support.

User Interface

Rocket.Chat provides a versatile and modern interface, albeit with a learning curve. Mattermost also features a clean interface but leans more towards tech-savvy users with its CLI options and advanced configuration settings aimed at developer operations.

Pros and Cons

Rocket.Chat Pros:

• Fully customizable due to open-source architecture.
• Wide range of integrations.
• Strong security features.

Rocket.Chat Cons:

• Complex and time-consuming setup.
• Requires technical knowledge for effective use.

Mattermost Pros:

• Highly customizable and flexible.
• Strong focus on technical and developer-friendly features.
• Secure and compliant with industry standards.

Mattermost Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for non-technical users.
• Slightly less polished interface compared to Rocket.Chat.

Pricing

Rocket.Chat offers a free version and paid options starting at about $3 per user/month, making it adaptable to different budget needs. Mattermost also has a free open-source version, with paid plans beginning at $3.25 per user/month, slightly higher but similar in scope to Rocket.Chat, focusing on enterprise-grade features.

Hands-on Experience

Installation

Installing Rocket.Chat can be quite a journey depending on your tech-savvy level. For novice users, the initial setup might appear somewhat daunting. We began by downloading the necessary files from Rocket.Chat’s official website. There are multiple installation options, such as Docker, Snap, and manual installation. For our test, we opted for the Docker installation, which is generally easier for managing dependencies.

Following the detailed documentation provided on Rocket.Chat’s website, we set up the Docker environment. The guides were helpful but assumed a moderate level of familiarity with Docker and server management. Once Docker was installed, we pulled the Rocket.Chat image and set up the required MongoDB instance. The process involved a few terminal commands and took about 30 minutes to complete end-to-end.

The installation complexity can be a barrier for small teams without a dedicated IT person. However, for larger enterprises with the requisite technical expertise, the flexibility and control offered through the detailed setup are significant advantages.

Daily Use

Once Rocket.Chat is up and running, the day-to-day experience is quite pleasant. We started by creating channels for various departments and projects. The interface is highly intuitive, allowing users to navigate between chats, direct messages, and channels effortlessly. Features like message threading, file sharing, and real-time notifications make communication seamless.

We particularly appreciated the “Omnichannel” feature, which integrates customer communication from multiple channels (e.g., email, social media) into one unified interface. This made it easier to manage customer interactions and reduced the time spent switching between different platforms.

Rocket.Chat also provides a wide range of third-party integrations. We linked our instance with Google Drive, GitHub, and Trello, significantly enhancing our workflow. Custom bots and scripts helped automate routine tasks, further boosting productivity.

While Rocket.Chat excels in customization and integration, new users may face a learning curve. The plethora of features and settings can overwhelm initially. However, with time and usage, the productivity gains become evident, making the initial effort worthwhile.

Rocket.Chat’s performance in daily use is solid, with fast message delivery and minimal downtime. The mobile app experience mirrors the desktop version, ensuring that team members can stay connected on the go.

How It Works

Rocket.Chat functions as a centralized hub for real-time communication. Users create an account, join or create channels, and start communicating through text, voice, or video. The platform supports asynchronous messaging, making it suitable for both real-time conversations and discussions that unfold over hours or days.

Its architecture relies on a server-client model where the server processes data and the client interfaces (web or mobile app) present the user experience. The server handles user authentication, message storage, and integrations with external systems.

Rocket.Chat’s open-source nature means that its code is publicly available. This allows tech-savvy users to modify and customize the software to meet specific needs, creating a personalized communication environment. This flexibility is a standout feature that differentiates it from many proprietary alternatives.

 

Conclusion

Rocket.Chat stands out as a versatile and powerful communication platform. It’s designed to meet the needs of both small teams and large enterprises, offering extensive customization and integration options. While the initial setup may be challenging and the learning curve steep for new users, the platform’s robust features and reliability make it a worthy investment.

The real-time communication capabilities and user-friendly interface enhance daily operations, ensuring seamless collaboration. With competitive pricing and a strong feature set, Rocket.Chat positions itself as a formidable alternative to mainstream solutions like Slack and Microsoft Teams. For teams seeking a customizable, secure, and scalable communication tool, Rocket.Chat is certainly worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of Rocket.Chat?

Rocket.Chat offers real-time communication, extensive customization options, integrations with third-party tools, and strong security features. It also supports features like message threading, file sharing, and has both desktop and mobile apps.

Is Rocket.Chat free to use?

Yes, Rocket.Chat offers a free Community Edition. However, there are also paid plans starting at $3 per user/month, offering additional features and support.

How difficult is it to set up Rocket.Chat?

The initial setup of Rocket.Chat can be complex and may require technical expertise, especially when using Docker. It has a steep learning curve for new users.

What are the customization options available in Rocket.Chat?

Rocket.Chat allows extensive customization options, including interface design, integrations with third-party tools, and various real-time communication features to suit different needs.

How does Rocket.Chat compare to competitors like Slack and Microsoft Teams?

Rocket.Chat is a strong competitor offering robust features at competitive prices. Its open-source nature, customization options, and scalability set it apart, although it may have a more complex initial setup.

How is the user experience in Rocket.Chat?

The user experience in Rocket.Chat is generally positive, with a clean and intuitive interface, easy navigation, and efficient message delivery. Both the desktop and mobile apps deliver a pleasant user experience.

Does Rocket.Chat integrate with other tools?

Yes, Rocket.Chat integrates seamlessly with a variety of third-party tools, enhancing its functionality and providing flexibility for different workflow requirements.

What security features does Rocket.Chat offer?

Rocket.Chat emphasizes strong security features including data encryption, user permissions, and compliance with industry standards, ensuring safe and secure communication.

What are the pros and cons of using Rocket.Chat?

Pros include being open-source, customizable, secure, and scalable. Cons include a complex initial setup, steep learning curve, and potentially overwhelming interface for new users.