If you’re searching for a self-hosted chat platform in the EU, Rocket.Chat is one of the most complete alternatives to Slack and Microsoft Teams. It’s open-source at its core, can be deployed entirely on your own infrastructure, and is built for strict data residency and compliance needs.
Whether you’re a startup, government team, or regulated company, Rocket.Chat lets you keep data inside EU borders while still giving your team a modern collaboration experience.
What is Rocket.Chat?
Rocket.Chat is a secure team collaboration platform you can run on your own servers. It combines real‑time messaging with enterprise controls and optional customer engagement features (omnichannel).
Key capabilities include:
- Channels, DMs, and threaded conversations for team collaboration
- Omnichannel support for customer chat workflows
- Marketplace apps and integrations with a broad selection of add‑ons
- Matrix federation for cross‑organization communication
- Self-managed hosting so your data stays under your control
Screenshot: Rocket.Chat Interface
Why Rocket.Chat Is Ideal for EU Self-Hosting
EU teams often need strict GDPR requirements, data residency, and infrastructure sovereignty. Rocket.Chat is designed for that:
- Choose EU hosting or full self‑management to control data location and retention
- Run on‑prem or air‑gapped when external cloud services are not allowed
- Avoid vendor lock‑in with access to the source code
If your organization has requirements around sovereign cloud or data locality, Rocket.Chat gives you the flexibility to choose your EU region and keep all data within your jurisdiction.
Rocket.Chat’s Data Processing Agreement (DPA) includes EU Standard Contractual Clauses and references ISO 27001 certification, and self‑hosted deployments give you even more control over GDPR implementation.
Rocket.Chat also states its platform aligns with GDPR, NIS2, EUCS, and ISO 27001, which can help organizations meet European regulatory expectations.
Deployment: Fast, Self-Hosted Setup
Rocket.Chat’s recommended deployment approach is Docker and Docker Compose, which keeps upgrades and maintenance straightforward. If you’re already running modern infra, you can be up and running quickly.
Quick Start (Self-Hosted)
# 1) Install Docker + Docker Compose
# 2) Deploy Rocket.Chat using the official Compose file
# 3) Point your domain and enable HTTPS
Tip: Rocket.Chat versions are supported for six months after release, so plan regular upgrades to stay in the supported window.
Plans, Licensing, and What’s Free
Rocket.Chat offers:
- Community Edition (MIT License) for open-source use
- Starter plan (Free) for small self‑managed deployments (up to 50 users)
- Pro / Enterprise plans for larger teams and advanced compliance requirements
The free Starter plan includes most premium capabilities and is meant for small self‑managed teams. If you want pure open-source without commercial features, the Community Edition remains available. Note that all non‑community editions (including Free/Starter) fall under Rocket.Chat’s Enterprise license terms.
Rocket.Chat vs SaaS Chat Tools
If you’re comparing Rocket.Chat to hosted SaaS platforms (Slack, Teams, or other hosted chat), the key difference is control:
- Data residency: Host entirely in the EU
- Compliance: Tools and DPA to support GDPR and internal security policies (you remain responsible for implementation)
- Customization: Modify or extend the platform
- Cost control: Infrastructure-based costs plus optional licensing if you choose paid plans
Who Should Use Rocket.Chat
- EU-based startups needing affordable, compliant collaboration tools
- Public sector and government teams requiring EU data residency
- Security-focused organizations with on‑prem or air‑gapped environments
- Customer support teams needing omnichannel messaging without vendor lock‑in
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Rocket.Chat be hosted entirely within the EU? A: Yes. You can deploy Rocket.Chat in EU data centers or on EU-based infrastructure to keep data within EU jurisdiction.
Q: Can it run without cloud services? A: Yes. On‑premises and air‑gapped deployments can operate independently without external cloud services. Note that Rocket.Chat v7+ official builds require a commercial license (including the free Starter plan) for air‑gapped operation, or you can build a pure FOSS version without the Enterprise code.
Q: Is Rocket.Chat really open source? A: The Community Edition is MIT-licensed. Enterprise features are covered by a proprietary license.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a self-hosted, GDPR‑friendly chat platform in the EU, Rocket.Chat is one of the strongest options available. You get full control over data, flexible deployment options, and an open-source foundation — without sacrificing modern collaboration features.
Next step: If your search terms include “self-hosted Slack alternative EU” or “GDPR compliant chat platform,” Rocket.Chat should be at the top of your shortlist.