Open source
The Slack desktop app that doesn't slow your computer down
The official Slack client is built on Electron and routinely consumes 1 GB of RAM or more. msga is a lightweight native Slack client for Linux, macOS and Windows — sub-second startup, under 100 MB, and 0% CPU when you're not typing.
And it's open source
msga vs. the official Slack desktop app
Native desktop vs. Electron — the numbers side by side.
 MSGA |  Slack official | |
|---|---|---|
| Memory at startup | ~60 MB | 400 MB – 1 GB+ |
| Memory after an hour | ~80 MB | 1 – 2 GB+ |
| CPU load (idle) | ~0% | 1 – 5% |
| Startup time | < 1 second | 3 – 8 seconds |
| UI rendering | Your OS | Chromium browser |
| Open source | Yes — GPL-3.0 | No |
| Linux (any distro) | ✓ | ✓ |
| macOS (Apple Silicon) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Windows (10+) | ✓ | ✓ |
Supported Slack features
Core messaging works fully today. More features are shipping.
| MessagingSend, edit, delete and forward messages in real time | Supported |
| Channels & DMsPublic and private channels, direct messages, workspaces | Supported |
| ThreadsReply to messages without cluttering the channel | Supported |
| SearchFind any message, user or chat across your workspace | Supported |
| File sharingAttach and preview files in conversations | Supported |
| Emoji and Giphy reactionsReact to messages with any emoji, or drop a GIF reaction | Supported |
| App integrationsThird-party tools, bots and slash commands | Partial support |
| HuddlesLightweight always-on audio spaces | Planned |
Built in the open
msga is GPL-3.0-licensed and developed publicly on GitHub. If you're a Linux user who wants a faster Slack experience, contributions and bug reports are welcome.
github.com/punarinta/make-slack-great-again