After the official ban of Discord in the Russian Federation, the application became unavailable to most s. Those who managed to launch the program cannot connect to voice channels and send messages. During its existence, the application has significantly strengthened its position among gamers and others.
Discord is used for learning, solving work issues and many other tasks. The application offers wide functionality, customization options and is simply the most convenient to use during gaming sessions. In this article, we will analyze the best applications for communication after Discord was blocked in Russia.
Why was Discord blocked in Russia?
The official reason for the Discord ban is violation of the platform's requirements of Russian legislationAccording to the agency, Discord contains various prohibited information, which is why the company was sent 947 letters demanding the removal of specific pages.
In September, Roskomnadzor added six Discord links to the registry, after which it fined the platform 3,5 million rubles. Ultimately, some of the pages subject to deletion remained accessible, which led to the blocking.
It is impossible to predict the future of Discord in Russia. Some s continue to use the service, but the vast majority either simply cannot to the app or are unable to write messages and connect to voice channels. The situation can change at any moment, for better or for worse, so it would be a good idea to play it safe and find an alternative to Discord for communicating with your friends.
What to Replace Discord With: Top 15 Analogues in Russia for Communication
Below we will tell you in detail about alternative versions of Discord in Russia. We will consider both full copies of the popular service, and just analogs that allow you to create rooms for company communication, correspondence and screen sharing.
REVOLT
REVOLT can be considered a complete copy of Discord, it is ideal for those who do not want to switch to new applications. The applications are similar in interface and functions: in Revolt, you can also create your own server, add various voice and text channels to it, invite friends and set up bots.
One of the features of the application is its open source code, REVOLT is assembled from various frameworks and components, which is why it is a kind of hodgepodge. Before Discord was blocked in two countries at once, Revolt had an extremely small audience, but now it plans to scale up and add all the features it lacks: video calls, push-to-talk mode and much more.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Open source | No video calls |
| Visually, it almost completely copies Discord | There is no push-to-talk function |
| Availability of bots | Channels cannot be categorized manually |
| Flexible customization of the application appearance | Complex system of invitations to servers |
| Available in browser | Weak platform servers that cannot handle a large influx of s |
| Setting permissions by roles |
TeamSpeak
- Where to : Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android.
- Availability: free, there is a subscription to increase slots.
- Subscription cost: 99 rubles for iOS, 85 rubles for Android, 2200 rubles/month for a license.
TeamSpeak is one of the oldest services for voice calls and group conferences. The application was released back in 2001 and is aimed at gamers: some multiplayer projects, for example, servers in DayZ or Arma 3, used TeamSpeak integration even before Discord was blocked.
The old TeamSpeak 3 does not consume many resources and copes with basic tasks. To use this version, you do not need to create an , but without it, the parameters and profile will not be saved, and the interface of this "edition" is much simpler than the new one.
TeamSpeak 5 is aimed at a younger audience and is trying to catch up with Discord. The interface, although more loaded, contains only the most basic functions. In the settings, you can calibrate the microphone, set up hotkeys for different profiles, and turn on noise reduction. In the new version, you need to create a server; you can’t just go to a room or have a personal conversation.
There can be 32 people on one server for free, to increase the number of places you will have to buy a license. Although TeamSpeak offers a standard set of functions: calls, chats and sending files, it does not have the same range of capabilities as Discord. In addition, setting up a server in TS is much more difficult.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| The service has been on the market for a long time | No video calls |
| Basic functionality is available for free | The server can host a limited number of s for free. |
| Complete anonymity | No bots |
| Unlimited file transfer | Setting up a server is more difficult than in Discord |
| s hotkeys using a gamepad | You can't call a friend directly, you need to create a server |
Skype or Whatsapp
- Where to : Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, browser.
- Availability: free, calls to the phone number are charged.
- Subscription cost: depending on the subscriber number.
Skype is familiar to almost all Internet s. The application was used for games and communication long before Discord appeared, and then it was used for family and work conferences.
After several years of decline, Skype has noticeably changed: it now has the ability to create group calls, which participants can at any time. The application has a convenient video call format, standard chats, and even has an integrated neural network Copilot.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Simple interface | There is no division into categories |
| It is possible to create familiar groups | Groups and s are in one menu |
| Quick registration and installation | It is not possible to link groups by making them look like channels |
| Used in corporate environments as well as for educational purposes | No overlay |
Telegram
Telegram, like almost any messenger, has a calling function. Voice communication allows you to turn on the webcam and demonstrate the screen with a division of the displayed area: the entire screen or specific windows.
In addition, Telegram stands out many convenient functions: noise reduction, high-quality video calls, encryption, push-to-talk mode and much more. The application will be a great option for s who do not want to spend a long time looking for something to replace Discord with, since almost everyone has a messenger.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Almost everyone has Telegram | No overlay |
| Lots of display settings | There are no hotkeys to quickly mute the sound or microphone |
| High quality audio and video | Topics inside chats sometimes work very poorly |
| Ability to create a group and divide it into channels | |
| There is a recording of the call |
mumble
- Where can I : Windows, MacOS, Linux, unofficially on iOS и Android.
- Availability: free, subscription to increase the number of s on the server.
- Subscription price: from $9 for 15 slots on the server.
Mumble is an open-source, low-latency, high-quality voice chat app. Some bloggers use its audio recorder to record podcasts, and the app itself has long been used by various communities: Team Fortress 2, Eve Online, and many others.
The app offers a wide range of security and server rights controls, but you can only connect to one server at a time. To increase the number of slots in a channel, you will need to purchase a subscription. Mumble also boasts quick server setup and for data streaming. In addition, unlike many other apps, Mumble has an overlay.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| There is an overlay | Small functionality for s |
| No s are required for use, the security certificate is generated directly on the device | Somewhat complex interface |
| Positional sound mode is present | You can only connect to one server at a time. |
| Display channels and s online | |
| High sound quality |
steam chat
Voice chat in the application itself Steam has been around for years, but now it can easily outpace even the best Discord alternatives. Valve is constantly improving its platform, and the chat itself is deeply integrated into the Steam ecosystem: friends, screenshots and videos, emoticons and effects.
There are many options inside the chat to adjust or improve the sound, the interface is extremely simple, and inside the voice chat there are a large number of permissions for roles. The main advantage is that the "application" is already built into Steam, through which the vast majority of all games are launched.
Inside the voice "server" you can create channels, like in Discord. You can invite s either permanently or for a certain time, creating special links. As expected, there are voice input settings: walkie-talkie mode, quick mute, volume parameters, etc.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Chat is built into Steam | No video calls |
| Voice channels are integrated into the ecosystem | You can't transfer files via chat. |
| There is a convenient division into roles and voice channels | |
| Flexible sound settings | |
| Temporary links | |
| Ability to tag and use emoticons |
Tox
Tox is an open source software known for its security and anonymity. The main focus of the application is on encryption and protection of data. The installation and configuration process is extremely simple, after installation you can and start using the program right away.
The app allows you to create both personal chats, where you can communicate by voice and text, and voice and video conferences. The platform s rooms for mass meetings, and the app itself was originally developed for gamers and lovers of anonymity. Due to its specificity, Tox has a number of features, including an unusual appearance.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| End-to-end encryption | The quality of sound and video directly depends on the client servers |
| Each client acts as a server | You cannot send messages if the other person is not connected to the messenger |
| File sharing is ed | Unusual interface |
| You can share your screen | |
| Privacy | |
| Continuity |
Element
- Where can I : Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, browser.
- Availability: free for up to 200 s, then only paid hosting.
- Subscription price: from $5 per .
Element has one of the most extensive customization options: multiple hotkeys, automatic syntax detection, code integration into messages, choice of design theme, and much more. The messenger has encryption inside, just like Tox.
The program allows you to create servers, and then create rooms in them - an analogue of channels in Discord. Each room is configured separately: by roles, rights and many other parameters. The messenger has various plugins built in, including voting and notification settings.
The Element's sound quality is high, thanks to noise and echo suppression. It's possible to switch to video calls and share the screen. The main advantage, customization, is also a disadvantage, because the interface may be too cluttered for the average gamer.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| High level of privacy | Complex interface |
| High-quality sound with noise reduction and echo cancellation | Quite high latency compared to Discord |
| Bridges to other messengers | |
| Various widgets and plugins | |
| Corporate functionality: audit, antivirus and anti-raid protection | |
| Lots of options to customize |
Wire
- Where can I : Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, browser.
- Availability: free for up to 8 devices, then with subscription.
- Subscription price: from $7,5 per .
Wire is another anonymous messenger designed for secure collaboration. The application can be used both on a phone and on a PC: by ing it to the device or opening it in a browser.
The service offers a standard set of functions: group chats, video conferences, calls and chats. Messages are encrypted, they can be deleted and edited, and text chats have a built-in file exchanger. The is synchronized between devices.
The main disadvantage is the limit on the number of s in conferences. Only 10 participants can communicate at a time. In addition, despite all the security, the application does not have a two-factor authentication option.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Stereo effects | Limit of 10 s in conferences |
| Availability of basic functions, including screen sharing | No two-factor authentication |
| Automatically adjust the volume level of participants | |
| Message history can be deleted | |
| The messenger is relatively anonymous and secure. | |
| The is synchronized across devices |
Quiet
Quiet is another anonymous messenger that s voice chats. The application is based on Tor, uses peer-to-peer networks, and ensures data security and privacy.
Quiet is still in development, but many core features have already been added to the app: team chats, channels, sending media files, using hotkeys, and much more.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Anonymity and security | Small audience |
| Availability of team chats and channels | The app is still under development. |
| Send and receive files of unlimited size | No profiles or mentions |
Google Meet
Google Meet is a communication application of the Google Chat ecosystem, part of the Workspace toolkit. All you need to a call is an internet connection. You can enter the room even without authorization on the site.
Meet offers a basic set of options - audio and video calls, screen sharing, hand raising, built-in chat and similar functions. You can turn on subtitles in the call, including in Russian, which will make communication easier in a noisy environment.
Additionally, it is worth noting that Google Workspace s various plugins, allowing you to install all sorts of modules for customizing calls: surveys, Kahoot, a shared board, and much more.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Easy registration and | No division into multiple rooms within one call |
| Availability of plugins for customization | Most Discord features are missing because Meet is a browser-based Zoom alternative |
| Good quality of sound and video | |
| Screen sharing is available | |
| There are subtitles |
Yandex Telemost
Yandex Telemost is a full-fledged analogue of Google Meet. It has all the same functions: screen sharing, video and audio calls, and a built-in chat. You can record inside Telemost, and the “Participant Rights” section allows invited s to start recording the meeting. Otherwise, the functionality is no different from other corporate conference services.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Easy registration and | No division into multiple rooms within one call |
| Good quality of sound and video | Most of the Discord features are missing, just like Google Meet. |
| Screen sharing is available | |
| Can I book a meeting? |
VK Calls
VK Calls act not so much as a replacement for Discord, but rather as a domestic analogue of Zoom. They have all the standard functions of conference applications: division into rooms, screen sharing, chat and much more. Separately, it is worth noting the ability to watch videos together, but only with VK Video.
Inside the rooms, you can correspond in a text chat, turn on the camera and record the conversation. In addition, there is a transcript of the dialogue. It is also worth noting the ability to leave calls in the history to return to them later.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| There is a division into rooms | You can only watch videos from VK Video |
| You can watch videos together without screen sharing | No overlay |
| There is a recording of the conversation | VK Calls block some of the sound from the browser, especially the sound from the VKontakte tab |
| Questionable sound and video quality | |
| Direct connection with VK, due to which the level of anonymity drops significantly |
Guilded
Guilded is in beta and was not in demand before Discord was blocked in Russia and Turkey. The app is designed specifically for gamers, which is why it s many popular games. The platform allows you to create servers, as well as make voice and text chats, just like in Discord.
Inside the server, you can add roles and permissions for them, set your own themes and add custom emoji. The functionality and appearance are very similar to Discord, which will definitely be a plus for both players and regular s of such applications.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| The appearance is very similar to Discord | Small audience |
| You can work with media files | There may be bugs due to beta version |
| There is an extensive list of server and channel settings. | Updates are still being released, which is why some features may not be available. |
| High quality audio and video | |
| Flexible customization of the application and its components | |
| for popular games |
UPD: against the backdrop of a sharp increase in online traffic in the application, access was blocked for s from Russia, so when trying to , you can see error 403. There have been no official comments on this situation.
Raidcall (not working)
Raidcall is another old player in the voice chat app market. The program was developed for both business negotiations and for spending time together in games.
At the moment, Raidcall is not as popular as TeamSpeak, but because of this, it does not experience such colossal loads on the servers. The platform is based on the Cloud-computing service, is easy and quick to install and has a fairly intuitive interface.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| High sound quality | Somewhat outdated interface |
| The groups can accommodate up to 100 thousand people. | Small audience |
| Minimal time delays | Missing Roles and Other Popular Discord Features |
| Quick installation and launch | |
| Fine-tuning your privacy | |
| Simple interface |
Can Discord be unbanned?
Despite the various advantages of the applications described above, some s would not like to give up their familiar and beloved platform, so many are wondering whether the blocking of Discord in Russia can be lifted. The following is stated on the platform status monitoring site:
We are aware of reports of Discord being unavailable in Russia and Turkey. Our team is currently investigating these reports.
The service had previously responded to requests to block various servers, but the number of requests from Roskomnadzor was apparently too high. At the same time, a State Duma deputy voiced the supposed demands to Discord, after which the blocking could be lifted:
- Remove all illegal materials, now there are more than 1000 of them.
- Ensure authorization, for example, via mobile phones. Perhaps this requirement will be met by implementing via VK ID or another service.
At the moment, there is no prospect of Discord being unblocked, as follows from the latest statement from Roskomnadzor: “There are no grounds for unblocking Discord, the service is blocked.”
We hope that our article helped you understand where to communicate after Discord was blocked in Russia, as well as understand the main functions of the popular messenger's analogues. Write to comments, which service they decided to use after Discord was blocked in the Russian Federation.
I don't think it's possible to create anything better.
The best alternative when blocking any service is a VPN, it's simple.
You won't find anything better or "similar", Discord, YouTube are unique platforms.
My Alison opened your site for me and I was just stunned!!!!🥸🥸thank you how old are you how are you🥸🥸🥸
Element, Revolt and Guilded do not have the ability to without dancing with a tambourine (without VPN).
Element has it - if you use a server from Matrix.Org, and not from Element itself.
if they unblock it, then f... how cool it will be
Raidcall was blocked in 2019, the author of the post got out of touch with reality
Yes, it was a screw-up. Thanks for paying attention.
Unfortunately, in today's reality, the ability to work with VPN/VPS will soon be equal to basic computer skills.
Of what can really be considered a kind of substitute for Discord - everything that was before it - TS, Mumble, RC. By the way, they also forgot about Ventrilo. All sorts of dialers like Skype, Telegram, Google Meet, etc. - are suitable only for spending time with friends 2-3 people. For playing in a community, you need something else.
It's easier to a VPN than to use most of these services, honestly.
As for VPN, I recommend AdGuard - it's available on Android.