Discord review

Discord ranks first because it does the most for the widest range of squads at no cost. Its voice channels are always open, so friends can hop in and out without ringing anyone, and the same server holds text channels, screen streaming and soundboard clips. The download page lists Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and consoles, which makes it the easiest way to keep a mixed PC and console group in one place. Voice quality scales with the server: Discord's boosting FAQ lists 128 kbps audio at Level 1, 256 kbps at Level 2 and 384 kbps at Level 3. Nitro Basic costs $2.99 a month and full Nitro $9.99 a month, but those plans mostly add perks like custom emoji, bigger uploads and HD streaming rather than better voice. Discord has also published DAVE, its end-to-end encryption protocol for audio and video. The tradeoffs are scale and noise: big servers need bots and moderators, and the best audio depends on members boosting the server.

Who it is for

Most gaming squads and communities, especially mixed groups across PC, mobile and console.

Price

Free to use; Nitro Basic $2.99 per month, Nitro $9.99 per month.

NITRO BASIC $2.99/month
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Drop-in voice channels with no need to call or invite
• Voice, video and screen streaming with soundboard effects
• Server boosts raise audio to 128, 256 or 384 kbps
• Apps on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and consoles
• DAVE end-to-end encryption protocol for audio and video

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Most of your friends probably already have an account
• Strength: Persistent voice channels keep a party open before and after games
• Strength: Free tier covers voice, video and text for the whole server
• Weakness: Higher audio bitrates need server boosts
• Weakness: HD streaming and larger uploads sit behind Nitro
• Weakness: A busy server needs bots and moderators to stay organized

Key facts

• Price: Free; Nitro Basic $2.99 a month
• Nitro: $9.99 a month
• Level 1 boost audio: 128 kbps
• Level 3 boost audio: 384 kbps
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, consoles

Where it ranks

Discord is No. 1 in our Best Voice Chat Apps for Gamers verdict.