Best Audio Social Apps and Clubhouse Alternatives in 2026

Clubhouse took the social media world by storm when it launched in 2020, pioneering the concept of drop-in audio conversations. At its peak, the invite-only app attracted millions of users and sparked a wave of imitation across the tech industry. However, by 2026, Clubhouse has largely faded from relevance — the company laid off most of its staff in 2023, and its user base has shrunk dramatically.

But the audio social concept Clubhouse popularized didn’t die — it got absorbed. Major platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Discord, and Telegram all integrated live audio features directly into their existing apps. For most users, this means you no longer need a standalone app for group audio conversations.

In this article, I’ve listed the best audio social apps and Clubhouse alternatives in 2026. These platforms offer live audio rooms, group conversations, and community-driven discussions — and they’re available on both Android and iOS.

Best Audio Social Apps & Clubhouse Alternatives

Below are my picks for the best platforms that offer Clubhouse-style audio experiences. The audio social landscape has changed a lot since 2021 — several standalone apps have shut down, while established platforms have matured their audio features significantly.

1. X Spaces (formerly Twitter Spaces)

X Spaces (rebranded along with Twitter’s transformation to X in 2023) is arguably the most prominent Clubhouse alternative available today. It’s built directly into the X app, which means you get instant access to a massive audience without needing to build a following on a separate platform.

Anyone on X can now host a Space — the earlier restriction requiring 600+ followers has been removed. To start one, simply tap the “+” compose button and select “Spaces.” As a host, you control who can speak: everyone, people you follow, or only people you invite. Spaces supports up to 13 speakers at a time, plus an unlimited number of listeners.

One of the biggest advantages of X Spaces over the original Clubhouse is discoverability. Spaces appear at the top of your timeline and in search results, making it easy to find live conversations on topics you care about. X also supports recording Spaces, so hosts can share replays with their audience — a feature Clubhouse was slow to implement. If you’re already active on X, Spaces is the most convenient audio social experience available.

2. Telegram Voice Chats & Live Streams

Telegram has come a long way since first introducing basic voice chats in late 2020. In 2026, Telegram’s voice chat feature is a fully mature audio platform that rivals — and in some ways surpasses — what Clubhouse ever offered.

Group and channel admins can launch voice chats that support thousands of simultaneous listeners. Telegram also added support for video alongside audio, a raise-hand feature for listeners who want to speak, and the ability to schedule voice chats in advance. The integration with Telegram’s massive channel ecosystem means you can host audio events for communities of any size.

What makes Telegram particularly compelling is privacy and accessibility. There’s no follower requirement to start or join a voice chat, and Telegram’s end-to-end encryption options give users more control over their data than most competitors. If you already use Telegram for messaging or follow channels there, the voice chat feature is a natural and powerful way to engage in live audio discussions.

3. Discord Stage Channels

Discord has been a powerhouse for voice communication long before Clubhouse existed, and its Stage Channels feature brings the Clubhouse-style “speaker and audience” format to Discord’s already excellent audio infrastructure.

Stage Channels live within Discord servers and allow moderators to host structured audio events. Listeners can use the “raise hand” feature to request speaking permission, and moderators have full control — they can promote listeners to speakers, mute participants, or remove people from the stage. The interface clearly shows who is speaking, which was always a pain point with Clubhouse.

Discord’s major advantage is its community infrastructure. With text channels, voice channels, roles, bots, and now Stage Channels all under one roof, you can build a much richer community experience than any standalone audio app could offer. Stage Channels work especially well for Q&A sessions, AMAs, community meetings, and educational events. Discord is available on Android, iOS, desktop, and web — making it one of the most accessible options on this list.

What Happened to Other Clubhouse Alternatives?

When Clubhouse was at its peak in 2021, a flood of competitors entered the audio social space. Most of them didn’t survive. Here’s a quick rundown of notable platforms that have since shut down or faded away:

Reddit Talk launched as Reddit’s answer to Clubhouse, allowing subreddit moderators to host live audio rooms. However, Reddit quietly discontinued the feature in 2023 to focus on other initiatives. Fireside, an India-based Clubhouse clone developed by the makers of Chingari, also failed to maintain momentum and is no longer actively developed. Spotify Greenroom (later rebranded to Spotify Live) was Spotify’s ambitious entry into live audio — it too was shut down in 2023.

Other smaller apps like Leher and Riffr have similarly faded. The pattern is clear: standalone audio social apps struggled to survive once major platforms added the same functionality. The winners were platforms that already had large, engaged user bases.

Other Platforms Worth Considering

Beyond the top three listed above, there are a few more platforms that offer audio social features worth exploring in 2026:

Spoon is one of the few standalone audio platforms that has managed to survive. With a focus on live audio streaming and interactive talk shows, Spoon has carved out a niche — particularly in Asian markets. Unlike Clubhouse, Spoon allows creators to monetize their content directly through virtual gifts and tips, which has helped it maintain an active creator community.

Clubhouse itself is still technically available on both Android and iOS, though it’s a shadow of its former self. If you’re nostalgic for the original experience, you can still download the app and find some active rooms — particularly around tech, entrepreneurship, and music topics.

Conclusion

The audio social revolution that Clubhouse started in 2020 has permanently changed how we think about social media. While Clubhouse itself may have faded, the concept lives on through features built into platforms we already use daily — X Spaces, Telegram Voice Chats, and Discord Stage Channels are all excellent ways to host or join live audio conversations in 2026.

My top recommendation? If you want the largest potential audience, go with X Spaces. If you value privacy and already have a Telegram community, Telegram Voice Chats are hard to beat. And if you’re building a dedicated community with ongoing engagement, Discord Stage Channels offer the most complete toolkit. The best part is that all three are free and available on both Android and iOS.