Discord is a free app that combines the voice chat aspects of services like Skype and Teamspeak with the text chat aspects of Internet Relay Chat (IRC) and instant messaging services. Here's how to use the Discord app for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and web browsers.
How Discord Works in 148,000 Milliseconds or Less
Discord was created for online gamers as a free alternative to voice chat services like TeamSpeak, Mumble, and Ventrilo. These services facilitate Voice over IP (VoIP) communication between members of gaming clans, guilds, and other groups. Rather than using the voice communication tools built into games, which are often lower quality and lacking in features, gamers use these services to play together.
The downside is that most VoIP services require a server, which is usually not free. Some hosting companies offer a free VoIP server when renting a regular game server. However, there is usually a cost associated with running a TeamSpeak, Mumble, or Ventrilo server.
Discord offers a similar service at no cost. The Discord app is free to download, signing up for a Discord account is free, and anyone can create a Discord server for free.
