TeamSpeak vs Discord is a famous consideration for gamers and streamers in 2025. Both platforms offer voice chat, but they meet different needs. TeamSpeak focuses on clear sound, low delay, and strong privacy for gamers.
Many esports pros use it for serious play. For example, TeamSpeak lets you host your own server, giving full control over data and settings. Meanwhile, Discord revolutionized gaming communication with its easy-to-use tools.
Whether you ask if TeamSpeak is better than Discord or want to learn about how much TeamSpeak server hosting costs, this guide helps you pick the best voice chat for gaming in 2025.
Overview of TeamSpeak and Discord
It’s helpful to know what each platform has to offer before you decide between TeamSpeak vs Discord. Both are good for gamers and streamers, but they have distinct styles and functionality.
TeamSpeak: What it Offers for Gamers and Streamers
TeamSpeak is a voice-over-IP (VoIP) app built for clear, fast voice chat. This platform uses AES-based encryption to keep every conversation private. Thanks to this military-grade encryption, the platform is able to keep your talks secure.
Users may host their own servers, which gives them complete control over their data and privacy. A competitive player, for instance, may set up a private server so that no one else can join and keep their strategies hidden.
TeamSpeak Systems GmbH, the business that makes TeamSpeak, is all about sound quality and safety. You may also add features like voice effects or notifications to the app using plugins.
Pro players often choose TeamSpeak for its ultra-low latency, high sound quality, and total control. While setup is more complex than Discord, these features make TeamSpeak a top pick for serious gamers.
TeamSpeak uses a tiered licensing system, making it adaptable for various user needs. For personal, non-commercial use, you can self-host a free server supporting up to 32 concurrent users. This feature makes TeamSpeak a perfect option for small gaming groups seeking full control.
Aside from that, Annual Activation Licenses (AALs) and Authorized TeamSpeak Hosting Provider (ATHP) licenses also help TeamSpeak be more flexible for any user size.
With these strengths and trade-offs in mind, it’s important to see how TeamSpeak compares to its main competitor, Discord. Let’s learn how Discord offers a different approach to voice and community management.
Discord: Revolutionizing Communication for Gaming Communities
Discord combines voice, video, and text chat in one easy-to-use platform. It is popular for its social features like emojis, bots, and streaming tools. For example, a streamer can broadcast gameplay while chatting with fans on the same app.
Discord is free and accessible, but it handles privacy differently than TeamSpeak. The platform uses the Opus codec for voice, which delivers good audio quality but may introduce more latency and higher system resource usage as more users join a channel.
For those reasons, Discord chat for gamers is especially popular, offering a seamless way to connect and communicate during gameplay. Creating and managing servers is quick, making it easy to build gaming communities.
All in all, while TeamSpeak for gamers excels in security and audio quality, Discord shines in social features and ease of use. One side is the top pick for pros, another side is loved by casual gamers and streamers. Understanding these differences helps you choose the best voice chat for gamers.
Key Differences Between TeamSpeak and Discord
Knowing the main differences between TeamSpeak and Discord helps you pick the right tool for your gaming needs.
Audio Quality
TeamSpeak for gamers offers top audio quality. This platform normally offers the maximum audio bitrate of 11.87 KiBs (or around 97 kbps) for its users. Thanks to that, the app’s sound stays clear and steady with echo cancellation and noise reduction features.
For example, during a team match, players hear each other without background noise or delays.
Discord uses the Opus codec with bit rates up to 64 Kbps for free users. This advantage can cause sound quality to drop when many people join a voice channel. So, in large groups, Discord audio may not be as crisp as TeamSpeak.
Latency
TeamSpeak provides very low latency, and the app’s voice chats happen with almost no delay (around 20 and 40 milliseconds). This is key for fast games where quick talk matters. For example, in a shooter game, players can give instant commands without lag.
Discord’s latency is higher, averaging around 50 to 100 milliseconds. This can cause slight delays, which might hurt performance in fast-paced games.
Resource Usage
TeamSpeak is light on your system. It uses about 60 to 70 MB of RAM. This makes it great for older or low-end computers.
Discord uses more resources, often over 200 MB of RAM. This is because it runs many extra features like video chat, screen sharing, and bots.
TeamSpeak 5 User Interface Overhaul
Discord has a modern, easy-to-use interface. It suits casual gamers and big communities. Users can quickly find channels, join chats, and share media.
TeamSpeak’s interface is more technical and less polished. But recent updates have made it easier to use. It still appeals more to users who want deep control over settings.
These differences show why TeamSpeak for gamers is favored for clear sound and low lag, while Discord is popular for social features and ease of use.
Server Hosting
Server hosting affects privacy, cost, and control for users of TeamSpeak vs Discord. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right platform for your gaming or streaming needs.
Privacy & Security
Gamers may run their own servers using TeamSpeak. This implies that you either operate the server on your own hardware or rent space from a hosting company. You have complete control over who may join and how data is handled when you host it yourself.
TeamSpeak keeps your audio communications confidential by using military-grade encryption. For instance, an esports team may set up its own server so that no one else can hear them discuss strategies.
Discord, on the other hand, runs all of its servers on its own hardware. This platform does provide transit encryption on conversations, but customers have less control over how their data is stored and who may see it.
The platform’s robust end-to-end encryption only applies to video or voice chat. Besides, Discord’s servers handle your discussions, which may worry users who want the highest level of protection.
Cost
TeamSpeak lets up to 32 people utilize a free server. You also have to pay for server licensing. For a 64-slot server, prices start at around $55 a year. The bigger the server, the more it costs, with costs going up to $500 a year for big communities.
Discord allows free server creation with no user limits. This feature allows both casual players and big groups of people to use it easily.
You can also get Nitro subscriptions from Discord to get more features like better voice quality, personalized emoticons, and server boosts. You may get Nitro for $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year.
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A Future-Ready Comparison for Esports and Streamers
In today’s esports and streaming scene, communication platforms must deliver top-tier performance, flexibility, and integration. Both TeamSpeak vs Discord have evolved to meet these demands, but their technical features and future-ready capabilities set them apart for different user groups.
Technical Data: Bitrate and Latency
- TeamSpeak 5 (latest version) supports audio bitrates up to 128 kbps per channel, delivering crisp, high-fidelity sound for team comms. Its average voice latency is 20–40 ms, making it a favorite for pro gamers who need instant, lag-free coordination.
- Discord offers a maximum audio bitrate of 96 kbps for free users and up to 384 kbps for Nitro subscribers. However, typical voice latency ranges from 50–100 ms, which is higher than TeamSpeak and can be noticeable in fast-paced matches.
Pricing and Premium Features
- Discord Nitro unlocks higher bitrates, custom emojis, and enhanced streaming for $9.99/month or $99.99/year.
- TeamSpeak 5 is free for public use, but private or commercial servers require a license (starting at a few dollars per month). This model appeals to esports teams needing dedicated, private infrastructure.
API, OBS, and Integration
- TeamSpeak 5 is built with a modern API, making it easy to integrate with streaming tools like OBS Studio. Plugins allow for real-time overlays, voice activity widgets, and custom notifications—features that are essential for streamers and tournament organizers.
- Discord also offers robust API support and direct OBS integration, letting streamers display chat, alerts, and voice activity on their broadcasts. Its bot ecosystem and webhooks make it a flexible choice for community management and interactive streams.
Why Do Pros Use TeamSpeak Over Discord?
Many esports pros choose TeamSpeak over Discord for its ultra-low latency, superior audio clarity, and total server control. These features give teams a competitive edge. Next, let’s explore how customization and strong community tools set TeamSpeak apart for professionals.
Customization and Control for Esports Professionals
First, the biggest advantage of TeamSpeak is the customization feature. With TeamSpeak, esports teams are able to build and run their own servers. Teams can make private voice rooms and give roles to players and mods.
For example, a pro esports team can create secret rooms to talk strategy safely. Also, TeamSpeak Systems GmbH supports plugins that add features like voice effects or alerts. Teams can change their setup to fit what they need.
TeamSpeak uses AES-based encryption to keep talks private and safe. This helps teams stop leaks of their plans.
Community and Communication Needs in Esports
Next, TeamSpeak works well with many users at once. This application keeps the voice clear and cuts lag. Teams can host a free TeamSpeak channel to talk with coaches and players during big events. This keeps communication fast and smooth.
However, free TeamSpeak servers come with important limits. Most free servers cap the number of users, often at 32 people per server, and may restrict features like advanced permissions or file transfers.
On the other hand, TeamSpeak also helps manage big groups easily. Different teams can have their own rooms so talks don’t get mixed up.
This clear control and strong privacy make TeamSpeak for gamers a top choice for esports pros, especially for those who want high control over data and security. Meanwhile, Discord grows in streaming and casual gaming for its ease and social features.
Discord’s Growing Role in Esports and Streaming
Discord has become a top choice for casual gamers and streamers thanks to its ease of use and strong community features.
With over 150 million active users each month and about 30% involved in gaming and esports, it’s widely used for real-time communication in major tournaments like Apex Legends scrims and League of Legends events. Check more of the platform’s pros right below!
Seamless Streaming and Integration
- Discord combines voice, text, and video chat in one platform, making it easy for streamers to broadcast gameplay while chatting with viewers in real time.
For example, a streamer can use Discord’s screen share feature to stream live gameplay directly to their server, allowing fans to watch, comment, and interact instantly.
- Discord supports video streaming at up to 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second for Nitro users, with a maximum video bitrate of up to 8 Mbps. Free users can stream at 720p and 30 fps with lower bitrates.
Typical streaming latency is low, usually around 100–200 milliseconds, but may increase with server load or network conditions.
- Discord’s bots are another powerful tool. They are the powerful programs that run on external servers and connect to your Discord server using Discord’s API.
They normally operate based on commands that users type into text channels or through automated triggers. Bots can be added by inviting them to your server through a secure OAuth2 link, then assigning them roles and permissions.
These popular bots can moderate chat, welcome new members, play music, or send reminders about upcoming events.
Popularity Among Casual Gamers
Setting up Discord is easy and free. Anyone may set up a server in a few minutes and ask their friends to join. Players may build channels for various games or themes, which makes it easier to keep track of talks.
You may share pictures, movies, and links on the site, which makes talks more entertaining and interesting. For example, gamers may quickly upload footage of their finest performances or amusing situations.
You may use Discord on your phone or computer. Therefore, gamers may remain connected whether they are at home or on the move. Discord also keeps participants connected, whether they’re talking on the phone during a break or utilizing a PC for longer sessions.
In short, casual gamers and broadcasters like Discord because it’s easy to use, has streaming facilities, and has social aspects.
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Gaming Needs in 2025
Picking between TeamSpeak vs Discord depends on what you value most. TeamSpeak for gamers is the ideal solution if you want privacy, minimal latency, and great voice quality.
It provides you with complete control over your server and employs military-grade encryption to keep your conversations private. For instance, esports teams utilize TeamSpeak to set up secret servers where they can discuss strategy without worrying about leaks.
TeamSpeak is especially great for players with slower internet or older technology since it requires less bandwidth and system resources.
Discord is a great choice if you want a platform that is free, has a lot of social features, and is straightforward to use. You can build servers in just a few minutes thanks to its elegant interface.
You can text, talk, or video chat, exchange pictures and videos, and employ bots to do things like remind you of events and moderate conversations. For example, streamers utilize Discord to connect with their fans via live broadcasts and chat rooms, which creates lively communities.
TurisVPN: Ensuring a Secure and Fast Gaming Experience
Using a Free VPN like TurisVPN might make voice chat better on both platforms. A VPN masks your true IP address and makes your data unreadable. Based on that, hackers are kept away, and your location also remains secret.
For instance, if you use a Singapore VPN or a Malaysia VPN, you may cut down on latency by sending your data via a server that is close by. Your audio conversation will be clearer and more fluid, which is important if your internet connection is poor or unpredictable.
How a Singapore VPN or Malaysia VPN Can Improve Your Voice Chat Experience
With a VPN, your voice chat on TeamSpeak or Discord can be faster and safer. Here is how to set it up step-by-step:
Step 1: Choose a VPN Provider
Select a reliable VPN service such as TurisVPN that offers servers in Singapore or Malaysia. These locations are close to many gamers in Southeast Asia, reducing lag.
Step 2: Download and Install the VPN App
Download the TurisVPN app on your device. It works on PC, Mac, and mobile devices. Install it by following the on-screen instructions.
Step 3: Connect to a Nearby VPN Server
Open the VPN app and select a server in Singapore or Malaysia. Connecting to a nearby server lowers the distance your data travels, cutting down latency.
Step 4: Launch Your Voice Chat App
Start TeamSpeak for gamers or Discord after the VPN connection is active. Your voice chat will now route through the VPN server, improving security and speed.
Step 5: Test Your Connection
Join a voice channel and check for lag or voice clarity. If needed, try switching to another nearby VPN server to find the best performance.
Step 6: Enjoy Secure, Smooth Communication
With the VPN active, your real IP is hidden. This advantage protects you from hackers and prevents ISP throttling, keeping your voice chat clear during gaming or streaming sessions.
Following these steps with a Singapore VPN or Malaysia VPN ensures faster, safer voice chat on both TeamSpeak and Discord.
Bottom Line
Choosing between TeamSpeak vs Discord depends on what you need in 2025. If you want top sound quality, low lag, and full control, TeamSpeak for gamers is best. It offers private servers and strong security, ideal for esports teams.
Its voice, text, and video chats help grow communities fast. If you need a free TeamSpeak channel or want to know how much TeamSpeak server hosting costs, consider your priorities.
If you wish to know more about this topic, don’t hesitate and visit our TurisVPN blog for more information.
FAQs
Q1. Is TeamSpeak Safe?
Yes, TeamSpeak is safe. It uses military-grade encryption to protect all voice and text communication. Users can self-host servers, giving full control over data and who can join.
Besides, TeamSpeak systems GmbH ensures no access to your chats, and the platform does not sell user data. This strong privacy makes TeamSpeak a trusted choice for secure communication.
Q2. Do People Still Use TeamSpeak?
Yes, many gamers and esports professionals still use TeamSpeak for gamers. Despite Discord’s rise, TeamSpeak remains popular for its superior audio quality, low latency, and privacy.
Competitive players prefer it for clear, uninterrupted voice chat during tournaments. For example, large gaming clans host free TeamSpeak channels to coordinate gameplay without lag or interference.
Q3. How Much Is the TeamSpeak Server?
TeamSpeak server costs vary by size. Free servers support up to 32 users. Paid licenses start around $55 per year for 64 slots and go up to $500 per year for large communities.
For instance, a mid-sized esports team might pay $100 yearly for a 128-slot server to accommodate all members. Hosting providers also offer easy setup and DDoS protection for additional fees.
Q4. Is Teamspeak Better Than Discord?
TeamSpeak for gamers offers superior audio quality, low latency, and strong privacy, making it a favorite among esports pros and competitive players. Discord, however, shines with its user-friendly interface and rich social features.
It lets casual gamers and streamers create servers quickly, chat via voice, text, or video, and use bots for moderation. Discord is ideal for community building and easy setup.
In short, you can choose TeamSpeak for control and clarity. Choose Discord for social tools and simplicity.
Q5. Is Discord VoIP?
Yes, Discord is VoIP. It uses the Opus codec to deliver voice chat, video calls, and streaming over the internet. Gamers and streamers use Discord to talk, share screens, and build communities. Voice quality is generally good, but it can vary with server load and boosts.
