discord.py is back in active development, but several alternatives emerged during its hiatus. Here are the main Python Discord bot libraries in 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Library | Status | Slash Commands | Voice | Maintained |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| discord.py | Active | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pycord | Active | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nextcord | Active | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Interactions.py | Active | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Hikari | Active | Yes | Via extensions | Yes |
| disnake | Slowing | Yes | Yes | Less active |
discord.py
The original library, now actively maintained again. Use it if you want the largest community, most tutorials, and best documentation.
Pycord
Pycord forked from discord.py during its hiatus. It added slash commands, buttons, modals, and select menus early. Many developers stayed with Pycord even after discord.py returned. Good choice if you already use it.
Nextcord
Another discord.py fork with quick adoption of new Discord API features. Slightly smaller community than Pycord but actively maintained.
Interactions.py
Designed specifically around interactions (slash commands, buttons, modals). Less focused on traditional message-based bots. Good for interaction-heavy bots.
Which Should You Choose?
- New bot, no preference: Use discord.py. Largest ecosystem.
- Already using Pycord: Stay with Pycord. Migration is unnecessary.
- Interaction-focused bot: Consider Interactions.py.
- Want something different: Hikari is a clean alternative with a different design philosophy.
Hosting Your Bot
All these libraries work with Space-Node Discord bot hosting. Deploy with Python, pm2 or systemd for 24/7 operation.
FAQ
Is discord.py dead? No. It is actively maintained again as of 2024.
Should I switch from Pycord to discord.py? Only if you need features exclusive to discord.py. Both are capable.
Which library has the best slash command support? All major libraries now support slash commands. discord.py, Pycord, Nextcord, and Interactions.py all handle them well.
Once your bot is ready, you need somewhere to run it. Space-Node offers Discord bot hosting with a free starter plan, so you can deploy without upfront costs regardless of which library you pick.
Related: Pycord vs discord.py comparison, Free Discord bot hosting, Host a Discord bot 24/7