Open Source Messages AlternativesTop Instant Messengers & Encrypted Chat Apps like Messages

The best open source alternative to Messages is Signal. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 50 alternatives to Messages and many of them is open source so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source alternatives to Messages are Pidgin, Wire, Fossify Messages and Molly.

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Alternatives list

  1. Signal icon

    Signal

     1392 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.

    223 Signal alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    Signal screenshot 1
     
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    3
    Signal vs Messages Comments
    jamiegray
    Positive
    1

    it's safe, secure, cross platform

    Conner Vieira
    Positive
    1

    It works cross platform, is free, open source, and end to end encrypted

    Guest
    Positive
    0

    It is one of the best security and privacy messaging apps available. And has an easy incredible design

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Signal is Free and Open SourceMessages is Free and Proprietary
    • Signal is Privacy focused, Security-focused and LightweightMessages is not according to our users
  2. Pidgin icon

    Pidgin

     1530 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.

    121 Pidgin alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    Pidgin screenshot 1
     
  4. Wire icon

    Wire

     324 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.

    287 Wire alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Wire screenshot 1
     
  7. FluffyChat icon

    FluffyChat

     40 likes

    Encrypted messenger supporting multi-platform access, unlimited group and private chats, file and voice message sharing, decentralized operation, open-source code, custom themes including dark mode, advanced moderation, push notifications, and no advertisements.

    192 FluffyChat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu Touch
    • F-Droid
    FluffyChat screenshot 1
     
  9. QKSMS icon

    QKSMS

     62 likes

    QKSMS brings a refreshingly beautiful and responsive Material Design touch to the stale state of text messaging.

    27 QKSMS alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    QKSMS screenshot 1
     
  11. QUIK icon

    QUIK

     20 likes

    QUIK is an open source replacement to the stock messaging app on Android. It is a continuation of QKSMS.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    QUIK screenshot 1
     
  12. Adium icon

    Adium

     336 likes

    Adium is a free and open source instant messaging application for Mac OS X, written using Mac OS Xs Cocoa API, released under the GNU GPL and developed by the Adium team. Based on the libpurple protocol library, Adium can connect you to any number of messaging accounts on any...

    69 Adium alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Mac
    Adium screenshot 1
     
  14. AirMessage icon

    AirMessage

     11 likes

    Apple’s messaging network has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, though it has long been locked down to their platforms. But now, AirMessage makes it easy to send and receive messages to your friends and family through group chats, images, videos and audio messages!

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • Self-Hosted
    • Apple Messages
    AirMessage screenshot 1
     
12 of 36 Messages alternatives