Smartphone Messaging Apps

Having a computer in your pocket is the norm nowadays with the proliferation of smartphones. That means that communicating over the Internet with specialized apps has become the norm as well. After all, why potentially subject yourself to international calling fees and poor cell reception when you can just call someone using WhatsApp or Telegram or Signal and not pay any money at all for substantially better audio quality?

Those three apps and more can be found on this page and provide free and easy-to-use interfaces to send text-based messages; attach photos, videos, and music; and make free voice (and oftentimes even video!) calls internationally.

WhatsApp to add Screen Sharing for video calls

at 7:50 PM

WhatsApp to introduce unique usernames for better privacy and contact management

at 8:35 PM

You can now change Signal's icon and name to make it look like another app

at 5:25 PM

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Signal
Free • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
iPad
Flathub
Ubuntu
Debian
201 alternatives to Signal
Signal is a messaging app with an unexpected focus on privacy, combined with all the features expected from a modern IM app. Signal has received a lot of praise from all around the world for its security and privacy-respecting technologies.
Suggest and vote on features
Signal Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionSignal has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Privacy focusedSignal is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Ad-freeSignal doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. Self Destructing MessagesSignal supports the use of private messages that will be auto deleted according to a specified time or action.
5. No TrackingSignal will not track you or use your personal data.
6. VoiP CallsSignal allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
7. Dark ModeSignal supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. LightweightSignal consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
9. Works OfflineSignal can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
Security focused
GPLv3
Encrypted Connection
Private messaging
Mobile friendly
Secure Chat
Stickers
Based on phone number
Protected by Password
Desktop Application
Top 3 alternatives
Telegram
Freemium • Proprietary
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
HUAWEI AppGallery
Windows Phone
iPad
Apple Watch
Linux Mobile
Android Wear
PortableApps.com
FreeBSD
258 alternatives to Telegram
Telegram is a messaging app created by former VK creators with a focus on speed and security. It’s superfast, simple and free. It is like SMS, but more powerful.
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Telegram Features
1. LightweightTelegram consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Ad-freeTelegram doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. End-to-End EncryptionTelegram has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. Privacy focusedTelegram is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Dark ModeTelegram supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. VoiP CallsTelegram allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
7. Multiple Account supportTelegram support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
8. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
9. Two-factor AuthenticationTelegram supports two-factor authentication (2FA).
Stickers
Chat Bot
Multi Device Support
Bots
Channels
Secret chats
Integrated File Sharing
Cloud based
Persistent History
Folders
Top 3 alternatives
WhatsApp
Free • Proprietary
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Wear
241 alternatives to WhatsApp
WhatsApp is an iPhone and Android messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS.
Suggest and vote on features
WhatsApp Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionWhatsApp has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Dark ModeWhatsApp supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
3. Two-factor AuthenticationWhatsApp supports two-factor authentication (2FA).
4. VoiP CallsWhatsApp allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
5. Expiring StoriesYou can create, view, interact and share temporary stories in WhatsApp.
6. Support for @mentionsWhatsApp supports the use of mentions through @ to a particular user, who will be notified personally.
Mobile friendly
Custom Backgrounds
Stickers
Based on phone number
Voice messages
Data transfer
Push to talk
Sync with Google Drive
Data Mining
Notifications
Top 3 alternatives
Wire
Free Personal • Open Source
Group Chat App
Video Calling App
Instant Messenger
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
F-Droid
Software as a Service (SaaS)
256 alternatives to Wire
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.
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Wire Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionWire has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. VoiP CallsWire allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
3. Screen SharingYou can use Wire to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
4. Privacy focusedWire is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Multiple Account supportWire support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
Security focused
Encrypted calls
Voice Chat
File Sending
Voice messages
WebRTC
Private Chat
Secure Chat
Integrated File Sharing
Secure File Sharing
Top 3 alternatives
Briar
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Group Chat App
Linux
Android
Flathub
F-Droid
52 alternatives to Briar
An open-source decentralized and encrypted messaging app even without internet connection via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Messages are stored securely on your device, not in the cloud. Connect directly with nearby contacts - no Internet access is required.
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Briar Features
1. DecentralizedBriar is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. Works OfflineBriar can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. End-to-End EncryptionBriar has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Briar without registration.
5. Self Destructing MessagesBriar supports the use of private messages that will be auto deleted according to a specified time or action.
6. Ad-freeBriar doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
7. LightweightBriar consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
8. Dark ModeBriar supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
9. Privacy focusedBriar is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
Bluetooth Support
Mesh network
Support for TOR
Peer-To-Peer
LAN
Non-cloud solution
Secure Chat
Distributed
Sync via TOR network
Top 3 alternatives
Viber
Freemium • Proprietary
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Video Calling App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
HUAWEI AppGallery
iPad
Apple Watch
164 alternatives to Viber
With Viber, everyone in the world can connect. Freely. More than 460 million Viber users text, make HD-quality phone and video calls, and send photo and video messages worldwide over WiFi or 3G - for free.
Suggest and vote on features
Viber Features
1. Desktop SharingViber enables you to share your screen with other people in the same office or working remotely.
2. VoiP CallsViber allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
Phone calls
Animated stickers
Call Transfer
Secret chats
Multiple languages
Hidden chat
Voice Chat
Encrypted VoIP calls
Push to talk
Top 3 alternatives
Facebook Messenger
Free • Proprietary
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Video Calling App
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Blackberry
Windows S
Android Tablet
Windows Phone
iPad
Apple Watch
Android Wear
188 alternatives to Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is a faster way to message. Reach friends right on their phones, get and send messages fast, message everyone at once and more.
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Facebook Messenger Features
1. VoiP CallsFacebook Messenger allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
2. Face FilterFacebook Messenger uses augmented reality to overlay visual effects/elements on a live video or image.
3. Expiring StoriesYou can create, view, interact and share temporary stories in Facebook Messenger.
Stickers
Messages
Text messaging
In-app Money Transfer
Private messaging
Top 3 alternatives
WeChat
Freemium • Proprietary
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Video Calling App
Mac
Windows
Android
iPhone
Blackberry
Windows S
Android Tablet
Windows Phone
iPad
Apple Watch
158 alternatives to WeChat
WeChat is a complete mobile communication and private social networking app. Free, cross-platform, and full-featured, WeChat is the best way to keep in touch with everyone you care about.
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WeChat Features
In-app Money Transfer
Multiple languages
Sync Contacts
Talk radio
Stickers
People nearby
Voice messages
Based on phone number
Top 3 alternatives
Wickr
Freemium • Proprietary
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
86 alternatives to Wickr
Wickr is a free end-to-end encrypted text, video, picture and voice messenger with full sender control.
Suggest and vote on features
Wickr Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionWickr has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Self Destructing MessagesWickr supports the use of private messages that will be auto deleted according to a specified time or action.
Private Chat
Built-In Proxy
Secret chats
Photographic filters
Integrated File Sharing
Discontinued
Wickr will not accept user registrations for Wickr Me after December 31, 2022, and will discontinue Wickr Me on December 31, 2023.
Top 3 alternatives
Berty
Free • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
10 alternatives to Berty
Berty is a secure peer-to-peer messaging app that works with or without internet access, cellular data or trust in the network. Berty is a privacy-first messaging application built on top of the Berty Protocol.
Suggest and vote on features
Berty Features
1. DecentralizedBerty is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. End-to-End EncryptionBerty has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Berty without registration.
4. Privacy focusedBerty is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Works OfflineBerty can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
6. Command line interfaceBerty either have CLI support or is a CLI-only app.
Peer-To-Peer
Distributed
Voice messages
Anonymous Chat
Anticensorship
Serverless
Top 3 alternatives
Plus Messenger
Free • Proprietary
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Video Calling App
Android
iPhone
57 alternatives to Plus Messenger
Plus Messenger is an messaging app that uses Telegram 's API. Plus Messenger has all of Telegram's features plus themes. Plus Messenger is free for android devices.
Suggest and vote on features
Plus Messenger Features
1. Self Destructing MessagesPlus Messenger supports the use of private messages that will be auto deleted according to a specified time or action.
2. Ad-freePlus Messenger doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. End-to-End EncryptionPlus Messenger has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
Supports Telegram
Based on phone number
File Storage
Telegram
Voice Chat
Secure Chat
Top 3 alternatives
Quicksy
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Group Chat App
Android
34 alternatives to Quicksy
A spin-off of the popular Jabber/XMPP client Conversations with automatic contact discovery.
Suggest and vote on features
Quicksy Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionQuicksy has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. DecentralizedQuicksy is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
Supports XMPP
Based on phone number
OMEMO
Xmpp
Secure Chat
Integrated File Sharing
Voice messages
Top 3 alternatives
Kik
Free • Proprietary
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Android
iPhone
Kindle Fire
87 alternatives to Kik
Kik is way more than just messaging. It’s the easiest way to connect with your friends, stay in the loop, and explore – all through chat. No phone numbers, just pick a username.
Suggest and vote on features
Kik Features
Support for GIF
Chat Bot
Top 3 alternatives
jTalk
Free • Proprietary
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Android
Android Tablet
70 alternatives to jTalk
Full-featured XMPP messenger.
Suggest and vote on features
jTalk Features
Multiple languages
Xmpp
Vcard
Top 3 alternatives
Protox
Free • Open Source
Android
12 alternatives to Protox
Qt 5 Tox client for Android.

Top 3 alternatives