Platform Comparison at a Glance
Quick Comparison Table
Feature | Discord | Slack | Telegram |
Best For | Gaming, Creators, Social, Large Communities | Professional, Business, Teams | Global, Trading, Broadcasting, Security-Focused |
Max Size | Up to 1 million members | Several thousand members | Up to 200,000 members |
Cost | Free (paid features optional) | Free tier + paid plans | Completely free |
Learning Curve | Moderate | Easy | Very easy |
Member Removal | Fully automated | Limited automation (channel-specific) | Fully automated |
Channel Organization | Excellent (unlimited channels + categories) | Good (channels + threads) | Moderate (groups/channels + topics) |
Voice/Video | Excellent (built-in, high quality) | Good (requires integration or paid plan) | Good (built-in) |
Mobile Experience | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
Business Integrations | Limited | Extensive | Moderate |
Customization | Extensive (roles, permissions, bots) | Moderate | Moderate (bots) |
Content Broadcasting | Good (announcement channels) | Good (channels) | Excellent (channels) |
Member Privacy | Username-based | Email-based | Phone/username-based |
LaunchPass Integration | Deep (roles, auto-kick) | Good (channels, limited kick) | Deep (auto-kick, groups & channels) |
Understanding Each Platform
Discord: The Community Powerhouse
Originally designed for: Gaming communities Now used for: Everything from crypto trading to fitness coaching to professional development
Core Strengths:
1. Massive Scalability
Support up to 1 million members per server
Handles high activity levels smoothly
Excellent for rapid growth
No member limit concerns
2. Rich Organization
Unlimited channels organized in categories
Text, voice, and video channels
Private channels with role-based access
Threads for focused discussions
Forums for structured topics
3. Role-Based Permission System
Create unlimited roles
Granular permissions per role
Assign multiple roles per member
Color-coded member hierarchy
Visual role indicators
4. Robust Automation
Thousands of bots available
Custom bot development possible
Automated moderation
Welcome automation
Engagement tracking
5. Built-In Communication
High-quality voice chat
Video streaming and screen share
Go Live streaming
Stage channels for events
All included free
Core Limitations:
❌ Steeper Learning Curve
More complex than Slack or Telegram
Members need onboarding
Many features to navigate
Can feel overwhelming initially
❌ Gaming Association
Some perceive it as "just for gamers"
May not feel "professional" enough
Stigma in certain business contexts
Need to educate non-gaming audiences
❌ Limited Business Tool Integration
Fewer native integrations than Slack
Requires more manual setup
No built-in calendar, docs, etc.
Workarounds needed for business workflows
Ideal Discord Communities:
Gaming communities (obvious fit)
Creator communities (YouTube, Twitch, etc.)
NFT/Crypto projects
Fitness and health coaching
Stock trading and investment groups
Large-scale educational programs
Social/hobby communities
E-commerce and reselling groups
Any high-engagement, large community
Slack: The Professional Standard
Originally designed for: Business teams and workplace collaboration Now used for: Professional communities, mastermind groups, corporate training
Core Strengths:
1. Professional Reputation
Established business platform
Familiar to professionals
Credible and trusted
Enterprise-friendly
"Serious business" perception
2. Excellent Business Integrations
Google Drive, Dropbox integration
Calendar connections
CRM integrations
Project management tools
Thousands of app integrations
Zapier connectivity
3. Intuitive Interface
Clean, simple design
Easy for newcomers
Minimal learning curve
Familiar email-like experience
Professional aesthetic
4. Powerful Search
Best-in-class search functionality
Find messages, files, links instantly
Filter by person, channel, date
Searchable file content
Message archives
5. Threading System
Organized conversations
Reduce channel noise
Follow specific discussions
Maintain context
Clean channel views
Core Limitations:
❌ Size Restrictions
Best for smaller communities (up to a few thousand)
Performance degrades with very large groups
Message limits on free plan
Storage limitations
❌ Cost for Advanced Features
Free plan is limited
Message history limited (90 days)
Need paid plan for full features
Can get expensive at scale
Per-active-user pricing
❌ Limited LaunchPass Automation
Cannot auto-kick from entire workspace
Only removes from specific paid channels
Manual management required
Less seamless than Discord/Telegram
❌ Email-Based Access
Requires email invites
Members must accept invitation
Extra friction vs. instant access
Email deliverability issues possible
Ideal Slack Communities:
Business masterminds
Professional development groups
Industry-specific networks
Corporate training programs
Consultant/freelancer communities
Executive peer groups
B2B communities
Remote team communities
Startups and entrepreneurship
Professional certifications
Telegram: The Global Communicator
Originally designed for: Secure messaging Now used for: Trading signals, international communities, content broadcasting
Core Strengths:
1. Completely Free
No paid tiers
All features included
No message limits
No storage limits
Unlimited media uploads
No feature restrictions
2. Security & Privacy
End-to-end encryption available
Secret chats option
Self-destructing messages
No phone number sharing required
Privacy-focused design
3. Global Reach
700+ million active users worldwide
Extremely popular internationally
Strong in emerging markets
Multiple language support
Cross-border friendly
4. Cloud-Based Sync
Access from unlimited devices
Seamless sync across all devices
Never tied to one phone
Desktop, mobile, tablet, web
Start on phone, continue on desktop
5. Broadcasting Capabilities
Channels for one-to-many communication
Unlimited subscribers per channel
Silent messages (no notifications)
Scheduled messages
View counts on messages
Perfect for signals/alerts
6. Simple Yet Powerful
Easy to use
Fast and lightweight
Works on low-end devices
Minimal data usage
Intuitive interface
Core Limitations:
❌ Single Thread Nature
Groups can become noisy
Hard to follow multiple conversations
Topics help but not as robust as Discord channels
Everything in one feed
Can feel chaotic at scale
❌ Less Customization Than Discord
Fewer organizational tools
Limited permission structures
Basic compared to Discord roles
Fewer bot capabilities
Less visual customization
❌ Professional Perception
Less known in Western business markets
Not standard in corporate world
May need education for members
Less "official" feeling than Slack
Ideal Telegram Communities:
Stock/crypto trading signal groups
International communities
Content broadcasting (newsletters, updates)
Time-sensitive alerts
Privacy-focused communities
News and analysis distribution
Large announcement groups
Reselling and deal alerts
Global markets
Non-profit organizing
Decision Framework: Choosing Your Platform
Start With These Questions
Question 1: Do you already have a community?
Yes → Stick with your current platform
Migration is painful and loses members
LaunchPass works great with all three
Avoid disruption costs
No → Continue to next questions
Question 2: How large will your community get?
Under 2,000 members → Any platform works
2,000-10,000 members → Discord or Telegram
10,000-200,000 members → Discord or Telegram
200,000+ members → Discord only
Question 3: What's your community's primary purpose?
Professional networking/business → Slack
High engagement/social → Discord
Broadcasting/signals → Telegram
Gaming/creators → Discord
Global/international → Telegram
Question 4: What's your target audience's platform familiarity?
Business professionals → Slack (familiar)
Gamers/Gen Z → Discord (native)
International/global → Telegram (popular)
Tech-savvy → Any platform
Non-technical → Slack or Telegram (simpler)
Question 5: How important is voice/video?
Critical for community → Discord
Nice to have → Any platform
Not needed → Telegram perfectly fine
Question 6: Do you need business tool integrations?
Yes, extensively → Slack
Some → Discord (via webhooks/bots)
No → Telegram
Question 7: What's your budget for platform costs?
$0 → Discord or Telegram
Can pay for advanced features → Slack paid plan
Want all features free → Telegram
Platform-by-Community Type Recommendations
Gaming Communities
🥇 Best Choice: Discord
Native platform for gaming
Voice channels essential
Screen share and streaming
Familiar to gamers
Rich bot ecosystem
Role-based game channels
Alternative: Telegram (for casual mobile gaming)
Stock Trading & Investment Communities
🥇 Best Choice: Discord or Telegram
Discord if:
Want voice chat for market discussions
Need organized channels (stocks, options, crypto, etc.)
Want community engagement beyond signals
Building educational content
Telegram if:
Primarily sending signals/alerts
Time-sensitive notifications critical
International audience
Simple broadcast model
Mobile-first experience
Professional Development & Business Masterminds
🥇 Best Choice: Slack
Professional environment
Business tool integrations
Familiar to professionals
Credible and established
Email-based (professional)
Threading for organized discussions
Alternative: Discord (if large scale or younger audience)
Creator Communities (YouTube, Podcast, etc.)
🥇 Best Choice: Discord
Large audience capacity
Voice/video for AMAs
Role-based perks
Rich engagement options
Community building features
Bot integrations
Alternative: Telegram (for simple updates/behind-scenes)
Fitness & Health Coaching
🥇 Best Choice: Discord
Video/screen share for form checks
Voice coaching
Multiple workout channels
Meal plan sharing
Progress tracking bots
Accountability features
Alternative: Telegram (for daily check-ins/motivation)
NFT/Crypto Projects
🥇 Best Choice: Discord
Industry standard
Role-based NFT holder access
Announcement channels
Trading discussions
Bot integrations (wallet verification, etc.)
Community governance
Alternative: Telegram (for quick updates/alerts)
E-commerce & Reselling Groups
🥇 Best Choice: Discord or Telegram
Discord if:
Need organized deal channels
Want community discussion
Building long-term relationships
Educational content included
Telegram if:
Time-sensitive deal alerts
Simple broadcast model
Mobile-first audience
International deals
Course & Educational Communities
🥇 Best Choice: Discord
Organized by modules/topics
Voice for live teaching
Screen share for tutorials
Q&A channels
Student collaboration
Resource library
Alternative: Slack (for professional courses/certifications)
Non-Profit & Cause-Based Communities
🥇 Best Choice: Telegram or Discord
Telegram if:
Global organizing
Simple communication
Free (budget-conscious)
Announcements/updates
Discord if:
Need structured organization
Voice for meetings
Multiple volunteer groups
Event coordination
LaunchPass Integration Comparison
What's Different Across Platforms
Discord + LaunchPass:
✅ Fully automated member removal
✅ Role-based access to multiple channels
✅ Seamless instant access after payment
✅ Members auto-kicked when they stop paying
✅ Multiple role options per signup page
✅ No email invite required
⚠️ Slightly more complex setup initially
Slack + LaunchPass:
✅ Access to up to 50 paid channels
✅ Public channel access with paid page
✅ Professional email-based invites
⚠️ Member must accept email invite
⚠️ Only auto-kick from specific paid channels
⚠️ Cannot auto-remove from entire workspace
⚠️ Manual management needed for workspace removal
Telegram + LaunchPass:
✅ Fully automated member removal
✅ Works with Groups and Channels
✅ Instant access after payment
✅ Members auto-kicked when they stop paying
✅ Simple setup process
✅ Both discussion (Groups) and broadcasting (Channels)
✅ No email required
Member Experience by Platform
Discord Member Experience:
Pay on LaunchPass signup page
Automatically added to Discord server
Assigned role immediately
Access role-gated channels instantly
If cancel: Automatically removed from server
Slack Member Experience:
Pay on LaunchPass signup page
Receive email invitation to Slack workspace
Accept email invite
Joined to paid channels
If cancel: Removed from paid channels (may stay in workspace)
Telegram Member Experience:
Pay on LaunchPass signup page
Receive invitation link
Click link to join Group/Channel
Instant access to content
If cancel: Automatically removed from Group/Channel
Migration Considerations
Should You Switch Platforms?
Strong Reasons TO Switch:
✅ Current platform fundamentally wrong for community type
✅ Hit size limitations (Slack maxing out)
✅ Members consistently complaining about platform
✅ Missing critical features you need
✅ Platform costs becoming prohibitive
✅ You're still small (<100 members)
Strong Reasons NOT to Switch:
❌ You're established with 500+ members
❌ Current platform working fine
❌ Members are comfortable and engaged
❌ High risk of losing members in migration
❌ Significant time/effort required
❌ Will disrupt community momentum
How to Migrate Between Platforms
If You Must Migrate:
Step 1: Plan Thoroughly
Choose target platform carefully
Document all current channels/structure
Plan new organization
Set migration date
Create timeline (2-4 weeks notice)
Step 2: Set Up New Platform
Create new Discord/Slack/Telegram
Create new LaunchPass account for it
Recreate channel structure
Test thoroughly
Import key content/resources
Step 3: Communicate Clearly
Announce migration 2-4 weeks ahead
Explain reasons and benefits
Provide clear instructions
Offer help during transition
Address concerns
Step 4: Facilitate Transition
Keep both platforms running briefly
Send invitation links
Help members join new platform
Reactivate inactive members
Monitor and support
Step 5: Complete Migration
Verify all paid members transitioned
Archive old platform
Focus energy on new platform
Celebrate successful move
Important: Members must sign up again with new LaunchPass page. Cannot auto-transfer subscriptions.
Learn More: Can I Move Platforms?
Cost Considerations
Platform Pricing
Discord:
Free tier: Everything you need
Nitro ($9.99/month): Optional for members, not required
Server Boost ($4.99/month per boost): Optional perks
Total for owners: $0 (boosts optional)
Slack:
Free tier: Limited to 90-day message history
Pro ($7.25/month per active member): Full history, unlimited integrations
Business+ ($12.50/month per active member): Advanced features
Total for 100-member community:
Free: $0 (limited)
Pro: ~$725/month
Gets expensive quickly
Telegram:
All features: $0
No paid tiers: Everything included
Total: $0 forever
LaunchPass Fees (Same for All Platforms):
Platform fee: 3.5% of transactions
Stripe fees: ~2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
Total effective fee: ~6.4% + $0.30 per transaction
Learn More: How Much Does LaunchPass Cost?
Total Cost Example
Scenario: 500-member community at $25/month
Discord:
LaunchPass fees: ~$800/month
Platform cost: $0
Total: ~$800/month
Slack:
LaunchPass fees: ~$800/month
Slack Pro: ~$3,625/month (500 × $7.25)
Total: ~$4,425/month
Or use free tier with limitations
Telegram:
LaunchPass fees: ~$800/month
Platform cost: $0
Total: ~$800/month
Winner for Cost: Discord and Telegram (tie)
Making Your Final Decision
Decision Matrix
Rate each factor 1-10 for importance to your community:
Size Requirements (__ /10)
Need 200k+ members? → Discord only
Need 10k-200k? → Discord or Telegram
Under 10k? → Any platform
Professional Image (__ /10)
Critical? → Slack
Important? → Slack or Discord
Not important? → Any platform
Budget (__ /10)
$0 only? → Discord or Telegram
Can invest? → Slack possible
Want all free features? → Telegram
Voice/Video Needs (__ /10)
Essential? → Discord
Nice to have? → Any platform
Don't need? → Telegram fine
Business Integrations (__ /10)
Critical? → Slack
Some needed? → Discord
Don't need? → Telegram
Ease of Use (__ /10)
Most important? → Slack or Telegram
Moderate? → Any platform
Can handle complexity? → Discord
Global Reach (__ /10)
Very important? → Telegram
Somewhat? → Any platform
US/EU focused? → Discord or Slack
Total Scores:
Discord: ___ /70
Slack: ___ /70
Telegram: ___ /70
Highest score = Best fit
Still Unsure? Start Here:
Default Recommendation for Most Communities: 🥇 Discord - Best all-around choice
Handles any size
Free forever
Most features
Great LaunchPass integration
Room to grow
When to Choose Slack:
Professional/business focus is critical
Need business tool integrations
Audience already uses Slack
Budget for paid plan if needed
Smaller community (under 2k)
When to Choose Telegram:
International/global audience
Broadcasting focus
Security/privacy important
Want completely free
Simple communication needs
Getting Started on Your Chosen Platform
Quick Start Guides by Platform
Discord:
Create a Paid Discord Community - Complete setup guide
Configuring Your Discord Server - Roles and permissions
Slack:
Create a Paid Slack Community - Complete setup guide
Re-activate a Slack Member - Member management
Telegram:
Create a Paid Telegram Community - Complete setup guide
Getting Started With Telegram - Platform basics
All Platforms Setup Steps
Step 1: Create Account - Create Your Account
Step 2: Connect to LaunchPass
Discord: "Connect Discord" button
Slack: "Connect Slack" button
Telegram: "Connect Telegram" button
Step 3: Create Signup Page
Set pricing
Configure access
Customize branding
Publish page
Step 4: Link Stripe
Connect payment processor
Add bank details
Verify account
Step 5: Launch
Share signup link
Onboard first members
Optimize based on feedback
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use multiple platforms with one LaunchPass account?
Not currently. Each platform requires its own LaunchPass account. If you want communities on both Discord and Slack, you'd need separate accounts for each.
Which platform has the best mobile app?
All three have excellent mobile apps. Discord is most feature-rich on mobile, Slack is most professional, and Telegram is most lightweight. Members with mobile apps installed have 34% better retention across all platforms.
Can I switch platforms later if I change my mind?
Yes, but it's disruptive. You'll need to create a new account, set up the new platform, and have members sign up again. Many members may not transition. Choose carefully from the start.
Do I need technical skills to set up any of these?
No. All three platforms are beginner-friendly with LaunchPass. Setup takes 5-10 minutes for any platform, and LaunchPass offers free setup calls to help you.
Which platform is best for a hybrid (free + paid) community?
Discord excels at this with role-based access. Create free public channels and paid private channels. Members can access free content while deciding whether to upgrade.
Can members access multiple platforms with one subscription?
Not directly through LaunchPass. You'd need separate subscriptions for each platform. Most communities choose one platform and stick with it.
Which platform grows fastest?
Discord tends to have the highest viral growth due to invite links and gaming culture. Telegram grows well internationally. Slack grows steadily in professional circles. Growth depends more on your marketing than the platform.
What if my ideal platform changes as I grow?
Consider starting on Discord if unsure—it scales to any size. Slack is great initially but you may outgrow it. Telegram works at any scale but has organizational limitations. Plan for where you'll be in 2-3 years.
Are there any community types that shouldn't use one of these platforms?
All three work for most community types. Very formal corporate training might prefer specialized LMS platforms. Highly visual communities might want Instagram/Facebook groups. But for chat-based paid communities, these three are the best options.
How do moderation tools compare across platforms?
Discord has the most robust built-in moderation plus thousands of mod bots. Slack has basic moderation suitable for professional environments. Telegram has admin controls and bot support but fewer advanced options than Discord.
Related Resources
For Community Owners - Platform Setup
Which Platform Should I Choose? - LaunchPass platform guide
What is LaunchPass? - Platform overview
How Can I Use LaunchPass? - Use cases
Platform-Specific Guides
Discord: Create Paid Discord Community
Slack: Create Paid Slack Community
Telegram: Create Paid Telegram Community
Optimization Resources
Best Practices Collection - Community success strategies
How to Create High-Converting Page - Signup optimization
Welcome Bot Guide - Engagement strategies
External Platform Resources
Discord Help Center - Official Discord documentation
Slack Help Center - Official Slack documentation
Telegram FAQ - Official Telegram documentation
Summary
Choosing between Discord, Slack, and Telegram depends on your community's specific needs, audience, and goals.
Discord offers the best all-around solution for most paid communities with its scalability (up to 1M members), rich features, excellent LaunchPass integration, and zero cost—ideal for gaming, creators, trading, fitness, and large social communities.
Slack excels for professional and business-focused communities needing workplace integrations and a credible business environment, though it's best for smaller groups (up to a few thousand) and requires paid plans for full features.
Telegram shines for global, security-conscious communities focused on broadcasting and simple communication, with complete free access and support for up to 200k members—perfect for international trading signals, news distribution, and privacy-focused groups.
If you already have an established community, stick with your current platform regardless of which one it is—migration is disruptive and LaunchPass works excellently with all three.