Gitter vs RocketChat: What are the differences?

Introduction:

Gitter and RocketChat are both popular communication tools used in various organizations for collaboration and communication purposes. However, they have key differences that set them apart from each other.

1. Integration with Git platforms: Gitter is specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with Git platforms like GitHub, Bitbucket, and GitLab, allowing users to easily discuss and collaborate on code within their existing version control systems. On the other hand, RocketChat offers more general integrations with a wide range of platforms and tools, not limited to Git platforms, making it a versatile option for teams working on different types of projects.

2. Open-source vs. proprietary: Gitter is an open-source platform, meaning that its source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and contribute to. This openness allows for more customization and transparency in the development process. In contrast, RocketChat is a proprietary platform with a commercial licensing model, which may offer more advanced features and support but limits the ability for users to modify the underlying code.

3. Customization and scalability: RocketChat provides more extensive customization options and scalability features compared to Gitter. Users can create custom plugins, themes, and integrations in RocketChat to tailor the platform to their specific needs. Additionally, RocketChat is designed to handle larger teams and complex communication workflows more effectively, making it a better choice for organizations with growing communication needs.

4. User interface and experience: Gitter focuses on simplicity and ease of use, with a clean and intuitive user interface that makes it easy for users to start conversations and collaborate with their team members. RocketChat, on the other hand, offers a more feature-rich user experience with a wide range of communication tools like video conferencing, screen sharing, and file sharing, catering to teams with diverse collaboration requirements.

5. Security and compliance: RocketChat provides more robust security features and compliance options compared to Gitter. With features like end-to-end encryption, data retention policies, and compliance certifications, RocketChat is better equipped to meet the security and regulatory requirements of organizations in sensitive industries such as healthcare, finance, and government.

6. Community and support: Gitter has a dedicated community of developers and users who actively contribute to its development and provide support to fellow users. RocketChat, on the other hand, offers official support services and a larger user base, making it easier to find help and resources when needed. Additionally, RocketChat has a stronger ecosystem of third-party plugins and integrations, expanding its functionality and usability for users.

In Summary, Gitter and RocketChat have key differences in their integration with Git platforms, licensing model, customization and scalability options, user interface and experience, security and compliance features, and community support, making them suitable for different types of teams and organizations.