Skype Alternatives for Linux

There are many alternatives to Skype for Linux and since it's discontinued a lot of people are looking for a replacement. The best Linux alternative is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Skype and loads of them are available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Linux alternatives to Skype are Telegram, Element, Discord and Matrix.

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Alternatives
Skype alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Signal icon
     1501 likes

    An open-source messaging app emphasizing privacy with encrypted communication. Share texts, calls, photos, and videos without ads or trackers, available across major platforms. Developed by Signal Technology Foundation and praised globally for security measures.

    278 Signal alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2011

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Android Auto
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    • OpenAPK
    • US flagUnited States
    Signal screenshot 1
    Good alternative?
     
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    8
  2. Telegram icon
     2167 likes

    Maximize your messaging experience with efficient communication, speedy delivery, and optional end-to-end encrypted Secret Chats. Engage in unlimited channels and groups up to 200,000 members. Enhance chat management and media sharing with Telegram Premium and its exclusive benefits. All core features remain free.

    349 Telegram alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2014

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Auto
    • Linux Mobile
    • Android Wear
    • PortableApps.com
    • FreeBSD
    • Apple Car Play
    • AE flagUnited Arab Emirates
    Telegram Desktop
    Good alternative?
     
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    16
  3. Element icon
     851 likes

    Provides secure collaboration with end-to-end encryption, supporting chat, voice, and video calls. Available on all major platforms, it enables digital sovereignty with a decentralized design and interoperability through bridges to systems like Slack and Teams. Includes enterprise-grade SaaS.

    370 Element alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2016

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    • Cloudron
    • GB flagUnited Kingdom
    Video calls for desktop and mobile
    Good alternative?
     
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    7
  4. Discord icon
     1171 likes

    An integrated platform for text and voice communications. Offers tailored channels for different topics, customizable moderation tools, low latency for fluency, and managed user roles for optimal community facilitation.

    259 Discord alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2015

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Epic Games Store
    • Flathub
    • Electron
    • Playstation
    • Xbox
    • Meta Quest
    • Debian
    • Ubuntu
    • Linux Mint
    • Fedora
    • US flagUnited States
    Desktop UI
    Good alternative?
     
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    32
  5. Matrix icon
     422 likes

    Open standard protocol enabling decentralized, encrypted instant messaging, VoIP signaling, IoT device connectivity, and persistent data management across federated servers without central control or single points of failure, bridging communication platforms.

    211 Matrix alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2016

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • WebRTC
    • Python
    • JavaScript
    • Go (Programming Language)
    • Cloudron
    • Java
    • Perl
    • GB flagUnited Kingdom
    Main Page
    Good alternative?
     
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    1
  6. Tox icon
     573 likes

    With the rise of widespread government monitoring programs, Tox is an easy to use application that allows you to connect with friends and loved ones without anyone else listening in.

    231 Tox alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2013

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • F-Droid
    • US flagUnited States
    The Universal Tox Client. A Tox client that runs on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, FreeBSD & the web. Written in JS using React & React Native / electron.
    Good alternative?
     
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    5
  7. Mumble icon
     498 likes

    Free, open source voice chat featuring low-latency, high quality audio, secure encrypted communication, self-hosting options, in-game overlays, positional audio, scripting support, low resource usage, and robust user permission controls for gaming and collaboration.

    82 Mumble alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2009

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • iPhone
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    Good alternative?
     
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    5
  8. Slack icon
     888 likes

    Offers unified communication for teams with advanced real-time messaging, contextual features, versatile chat tools, and organized conversations in dedicated channels with integrated file sharing on Mac, Windows, Linux, and mobile platforms for enhanced productivity.

    278 Slack alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2014

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Electron
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • US flagUnited States
    Slack screenshot 1
    Good alternative?
     
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    3
  9. Wire icon
     335 likes

    Secure communication platform featuring encrypted chats and calls, file and media sharing, self-deleting messages, device verification, group collaboration, and customizable settings. Supports use across multiple devices with no phone number required for access.

    317 Wire alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2014

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • OpenAPK
    Good alternative?
     
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    9
  10. Jami icon
     249 likes

    Open source decentralized communication platform supporting secure end-to-end encrypted calls, messaging, group conferencing, file and media sharing, SIP compatibility, multi-device sync, and strong privacy, available across desktop and mobile systems.

    192 Jami alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2015

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • OpenAPK
    Good alternative?
     
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    9
  11. Zulip icon
     277 likes

    Threaded group conversations combine live and asynchronous messaging, separating topics for organized collaboration, supporting open-source, cloud, and self-hosted deployments, secure communication with encryption, and multi-platform access for diverse teams.

    260 Zulip alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2015

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    • US flagUnited States
    Zulip screenshot 1
    Good alternative?
     
  12. Mattermost icon
     257 likes

    Self-hosted collaboration platform featuring chat, workflow automation, voice and video calling, screen sharing, AI capabilities, broad third-party integration support, cross-platform apps, compatibility with Slack imports, and flexible deployment options for secure team communication.

    157 Mattermost alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2015

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • JavaScript
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Go (Programming Language)
    • Cloudron
    Good alternative?
     
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    1
12 of 75 Skype alternatives