Instant Messengers

All apps in Instant Messengers category. Use the filters below to narrow down your search. 
  1. Signal icon
    Signal icon

    Signal

     1249 likes

    An encrypted messaging app focused on privacy, supporting texts, calls, photos, videos, files, and group chats, with no ads or trackers.

    220 Signal alternatives
    Signal screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    Signal screenshot 1
    Signal screenshot 2
    +4
    Signal screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Ad-free
    3.  Self Destructing Messages
    4.  Private messaging
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  Encrypted Connection
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  Mobile friendly
    9.  Desktop Application
    10.  Stickers
    11.  VoiP Calls
    12.  Support for MarkDown
  2. Telegram icon
    Telegram icon

    Telegram

     2040 likes

    Experience instant messaging with remarkable speed and robust security. Join massive group chats or channels. Enjoy free and advanced features.

    293 Telegram alternatives
    Telegram Desktop

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Linux Mobile
    • Android Wear
    • PortableApps.com
    • FreeBSD
    Telegram iOS #1
    Telegram iOS #2
    +17
    Telegram iOS #3

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Stickers
    2.  Chat Bot
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  End-to-End Encryption
    5.  Multi Device Support
    6.  Channels
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  Bots
    9.  VoiP Calls
    10.  Multiple Account support
    11.  Two-factor Authentication
    12.  Portable
  4. Element icon
    Element icon

    Element

     704 likes

    A secure collaboration app with end-to-end encryption and interoperability across web, desktop, and mobile. Includes chat, voice, and video calls.

    299 Element alternatives
    Video calls for desktop and mobile

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    Collaboration widgets
    Collaboration and screen sharing
    +1
    Connect with other apps

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Decentralized
    3.  Federated
    4.  Matrix Protocol
    5.  Voice Chat
    6.  Federation
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  VoiP Calls
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  Real time collaboration
    11.  Ad-free
    12.  Cloud Sync
  5. Discord icon
    Discord icon

    Discord

     1064 likes

    A versatile platform for text and voice communication, featuring topic-specific channels, customizable moderation, and smooth low latency interactions.

    183 Discord alternatives
    Discord screenshot 1

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Epic Games Store
    • Flathub
    • Electron
    • Playstation
    • Xbox
    Discord screenshot 1
    Discord screenshot 2
    +7
    Discord screenshot 3

    Top Discord Features

    1.  Screen Sharing
    2.  VoiP Calls
    3.  Multi Channel
    4.  Text chat
    5.  Bots
    6.  Text to Speech
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  Two-factor Authentication
    9.  Desktop Sharing
    10.  End-to-End Encryption
    11.  Syntax Highlighting
    12.  Support for @mentions
  6. Matrix icon
    Matrix icon

    Matrix

     349 likes

    Matrix defines a set of open APIs for decentralised communication, suitable for securely publishing, persisting and subscribing to data over a global open federation of servers with no single point of control.

    160 Matrix alternatives
    Main Page

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • WebRTC
    • Python
    • JavaScript
    • Go (Programming Language)
    • Cloudron
    • Java
    • Perl

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  End-to-End Encryption
    3.  Federation
    4.  Distributed
    5.  Spaces
    6.  Voice Chat
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  No Tracking
    9.  VoiP Calls
    10.  Chat Bot
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Multiple Account support
  7. Ad
    Screenshot
    Infomaniak kChat icon

    Infomaniak kChat

    kChat is a secure instant messaging for businesses, which makes it possible to discuss matters live and organise projects.

    Learn More
  8. Pidgin icon
    Pidgin icon

    Pidgin

     1519 likes

    Pidgin is a chat program which lets you log into accounts on multiple chat networks simultaneously. This means that you can be chatting with friends on XMPP and sitting in an IRC channel at the same time.

    123 Pidgin alternatives
    Pidgin screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    Pidgin chat window
    Contact window
    +4
    For accounts on multiple chat networks

    Top Pidgin Features

    1.  Support for Multiple protocols
    2.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    3.  Supports XMPP
    4.  Multiple Account support
    5.  IRC
    6.  Portable
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  VoiP Calls
    10.  Multiple languages
    11.  Xmpp
    12.  Multiple chat protocols
  9. Tox icon
    Tox icon

    Tox

     546 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.

    212 Tox alternatives
    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.

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • F-Droid
    qTox. A Tox client developed in C++ with the Qt framework
    uTox. A Tox client written in C using OS primitives to draw it's interface
    +5
    Ricin. A Tox client written in Vala using the GTK toolkit.

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  Peer-To-Peer
    3.  End-to-End Encryption
    4.  No registration required
    5.  Multiplatform
    6.  Screen Sharing
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  AES-256 Encryption
    9.  P2P Network
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Client side encryption
    12.  White-labeled
  10. Jitsi Meet icon
    Jitsi Meet icon

    Jitsi Meet

     253 likes

    Go ahead, video chat with the whole team. In fact, invite everyone you know. Jitsi Meet is a fully encrypted, 100% open source video conferencing solution that you can use all day, every day, for free.

    145 Jitsi Meet alternatives
    Jitsi Meet screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Apple Watch
    • F-Droid
    Jitsi Meet screenshot 1
    Jitsi Meet screenshot 2

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Browser-based
    2.  Video Conferencing
    3.  End-to-End Encryption
    4.  Screen Sharing
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Remote Work
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  Stream audio
    9.  Unlimited users
    10.  WebRTC
    11.  Live Broadcasting
    12.  Audio Calling
  12. WhatsApp icon
    WhatsApp icon

    WhatsApp

     842 likes

    Free messaging without SMS fees, web sync, and multimedia sharing, supporting group and video chats, available on iPhone, Android, and desktop.

    251 WhatsApp alternatives
    WhatsApp screenshot 1
    WhatsApp screenshot 2
    +2
    WhatsApp screenshot 3

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Wear

    Top WhatsApp Features

    1.  Mobile friendly
    2.  End-to-End Encryption
    3.  Dark Mode
    4.  Custom Backgrounds
    5.  Stickers
    6.  Ad-free
    7.  Two-factor Authentication
    8.  Picture in Picture
    9.  Expiring Stories
    10.  Support for @mentions
    11.  Screen Sharing
    12.  Multiple Account support
  13. Slack icon
    Slack icon

    Slack

     851 likes

    Facilitates teams' real-time collaboration with versatile chat interface and advanced search in configurable channels across multiple platforms.

    214 Slack alternatives
    Slack screenshot 1

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Electron
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Slack screenshot 1
    Slack screenshot 2
    +7
    Slack screenshot 3

    Top Slack Features

    1.  Multi Channel
    2.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    3.  Support for @mentions
    4.  Channels
    5.  Threaded Conversations
    6.  Ad-free
    7.  Real time collaboration
    8. IFTTT icon  IFTTT Integration
    9.  VoiP Calls
    10.  HIPAA compliant
    11.  Reactions
    12.  Multiple teams
  14. Jitsi Desktop icon
    Jitsi Desktop icon

    Jitsi Desktop

     489 likes

    Jitsi Desktop (previously SIP Communicator) is a legacy audio/video and chat communicator with full encryption, precedessor of Jitsi Meet .

    79 Jitsi Desktop alternatives
    Contact list

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    Call Window in an Audio/Video call.
    Call history
    +13
    Conference call.

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Video Conferencing
    2.  SIP
    3.  No registration required
    4.  Support for Multiple protocols
    5.  Live Meeting
    6.  WebRTC
    7.  Multiple Account support
    8.  Desktop Sharing
    9.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    10.  Voice Chat
    11.  Web-Based
    12.  Unlimited users
    Discontinued

    Jitsi Desktop is not actively developed anymore: last version, released in October 2017, can be still downloaded from GitHub. Its successor is Jitsi Meet icon Jitsi Meet

  15. Jami icon
    Jami icon

    Jami

     224 likes

    Jami (formerly GNU Ring, SFLphone) positions itself as a potential free Skype replacement

    162 Jami alternatives
    Jami video conference OS X

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Jami conference call Linux
    Jami screensharing Linux
    +12
    Jami instant message on mobile device

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  Ad-free
    3.  Video Conferencing
    4.  Peer-To-Peer
    5.  Multi Platform
    6.  End-to-End Encryption
    7.  SIP client
    8.  Screen Sharing
    9.  Dark Mode
    10.  Multiple Account support
    11.  No registration required
    12.  No Tracking
  16. SimpleX Chat icon
    SimpleX Chat icon

    SimpleX Chat

     66 likes

    SimpleX - the most private and secure chat and applications platform - now with double ratchet E2E encryption! Built on Haskell with Love and Coffee.

    58 SimpleX Chat alternatives
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Self-Hosted
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Flatpak
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 1
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 2
    +5
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Decentralized
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  No registration required
    5.  Dark Mode
    6.  Multiple Account support
    7.  Self Destructing Messages
    8.  Voice messages
    9.  VoiP Calls
    10.  Private notes
  17. Wire icon
    Wire icon

    Wire

     306 likes

    Wire is the most secure collaboration platform featuring messenger, voice, video, conference calls, file-sharing, and external collaboration –all protected by the most secure end-to-end-encryption.

    279 Wire alternatives
    Wire screenshot 1
    Wire screenshot 2
    +2
    Wire screenshot 3

    License model

    • Free Personal • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  VoiP Calls
    3.  Encrypted calls
    4.  Screen Sharing
    5.  Multiple Account support
    6.  WebRTC
    7.  Secure File Sharing
    8.  Voice Chat
    9.  Voice messages
    10.  Integrated File Sharing
    11.  File Sending
    12.  Private Chat
  18. Beeper icon
    Beeper icon

    Beeper

     62 likes

    Experience seamless messaging integration across 14 networks with this universal app, available on multiple platforms and offering real-time sync.

    19 Beeper alternatives
    Beeper screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    Beeper screenshot 1
    Beeper screenshot 2
    +8
    Beeper screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Support for Multiple protocols
    2.  Ad-free
    3.  Telegram
    4.  Sms from PC
    5.  Slack client
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Multiple Account support
    8.  End-to-End Encryption
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  Unified inbox
    11.  Cloud Sync
    12.  No registration required