Side by side
Franz vs Output Messenger
Both stand on team chat apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Choose Franz if you want to bring multiple chat services, email, and calendars into a desktop workspace, with task and account organization features. Look elsewhere if you need enterprise SLAs or a dedicated five-person account team; Starter is also limited to three services and one workspace.
Visit Franz Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+5
Output Messenger combines team communication with work tools and offers several platform options, including self-hosting. Teams should check license user limits and note that continued updates after the first year require an optional plan.
Visit Output MessengerThe facts
| Franz | Output Messenger | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Pro: $60 a year | Annual License: $2,000 a year |
| Plans published | 4 | 5 |
| Maker | Franz | Output Messenger |
| Website | meetfranz.com | outputmessenger.com |
| On team chat apps | #24 of 63 | #28 of 63 |
Franz: what it does well
- Combines messaging services, email, and Signal in one desktop workspace.
- Supports Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Lets users group services and keep separate accounts active.
- Franz Mail includes priority inbox features and local search.
- Can show Google, Microsoft, and Apple calendars together.
What to know first
- Starter is limited to three services and one workspace.
- Free users may encounter a brief loading pause once per hour.
- Voice dictation requires Pro, macOS 26 or later, and Apple Silicon.
- Franz does not promise enterprise SLAs or a five-person account team.
Output Messenger: what it does well
- Supports chats, calls, conferencing, and file transfers
- Includes tasks, calendar, meetings, and reminders
- Offers a self-hosted on-premises server
- Integrates with LDAP and Active Directory
- Free lifetime license available for three users
What to know first
- Free lifetime license is limited to three users
- One license key cannot be used on multiple servers
- Updates after the included first year require an optional plan
Alternatives to Franz Alternatives to Output Messenger The whole list