Messages Alternatives for Linux

Messages is not available for Linux but there are plenty of alternatives that runs on Linux with similar functionality. 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 50 alternatives to Messages and many of them are available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Linux alternatives to Messages are Skype, Pidgin, Wire and FluffyChat.

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Messages alternatives are mainly Instant Messengers but may also be Video Calling Apps or Group Chat Apps.  Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Messages.
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Messages alternatives page was last updated Oct 24, 2023
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  1. Signal icon
    Signal icon

    Signal

     1210 likes
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    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.

    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.  Security-focused
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  No Tracking

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Encrypted Chat
    3.  Video Calling
    4.  Instant Messaging
    5.  Self Destructing Messages
    6.  Private messaging
    7.  Encrypted Connection
    8.  Mobile friendly
    9.  Dark Mode
    10.  Desktop Application
    11.  Secure Chat
    12.  Stickers
    13.  GPLv3
    14.  Based on phone number
    15.  Protected by Password
    16.  VoiP Calls
    17.  Client side encryption
    Signal iconMessages Icon

    Signal VS Messages

    Is Signal a good alternative to Messages?
     
    Comments about Signal as an Alternative to Messages
     
    jamiegray

    it's safe, secure, cross platform

    Positive comment •Mar 15, 2019
    1
    Conner Vieira

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

    Positive comment •Mar 9, 2020
    1
    Guest

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

    Positive comment •Jun 30, 2022
    0
    Messages Icon
    Signal icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Signal is a great Messages alternative.

    • Signal is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to Messages.

    • Signal is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Messages.

    • Signal is Free and Open SourceMessages is Free and Proprietary
    • Signal is Privacy focused and Security-focusedMessages is not according to our users
  2. Skype icon
    Skype icon

    Skype

     2577 likes
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    Skype is the most popular free voice-over IP and instant messaging service globally. It allows users to text, video and voice call over the internet. Users can also call landlines and mobiles at competitive rates using Skype credit, premium accounts and subscriptions.

    309 Skype alternatives
    Skype screenshot 1

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Android Wear
    • PortableApps.com
    Skype screenshot 1
    Skype screenshot 2
    +9
    Skype screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Ad-free

    Features

    1.  Video Calling
    2.  Screen Sharing
    3.  VoiP Calls
    4.  Microsoft Office integration
    5.  Video Conferencing
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  IFTTT Integration
    8.  Live Captions Translation
    9.  Voice messages
    10.  Multiple languages
    11.  Exchange Integration
    12.  Secure Chat
    13.  Voice Chat
    Skype iconMessages Icon

    Skype VS Messages

    Is Skype a good alternative to Messages?
     

    • Skype is the most popular Web-based & Android Tablet alternative to Messages.

    • Skype is Freemium and ProprietaryMessages is Free and Proprietary
    • Skype is LightweightMessages is not according to our users
  4. Pidgin icon
    Pidgin icon

    Pidgin

     1517 likes
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    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.

    124 Pidgin alternatives
    For accounts on multiple chat networks

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    All your friends in one place
    71 languages are supported
    +4
    Pidgin screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    2.  No Tracking
    3.  Ad-free

    Features

    1.  Support for Multiple protocols
    2.  Supports XMPP
    3.  Multiple Account support
    4.  IRC
    5.  Portable
    6.  VoiP Calls
    7.  Multiple languages
    8.  Xmpp
    9.  Multiple chat protocols
    10.  Messages
    Pidgin iconMessages Icon

    Pidgin VS Messages

    Is Pidgin a good alternative to Messages?
     
  5. Wire icon
    Wire icon

    Wire

     303 likes
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    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.

    282 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.  Security-focused
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Video Calling
    3.  Encrypted Chat
    4.  VoiP Calls
    5.  Encrypted calls
    6.  Screen Sharing
    7.  Multiple Account support
    8.  WebRTC
    9.  Secure File Sharing
    10.  Voice Chat
    11.  Voice messages
    Wire iconMessages Icon

    Wire VS Messages

    Is Wire a good alternative to Messages?
     

    • Wire is the most popular SaaS & Self-Hosted alternative to Messages.

    • Wire is Free Personal and Open SourceMessages is Free and Proprietary
    • Wire is Security-focused and Privacy focusedMessages is not according to our users
  6. FluffyChat icon
    FluffyChat icon

    FluffyChat

     26 likes
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    FluffyChat is an open, nonprofit and cute matrix messenger app for Ubuntu Touch, Android and iOS.

    192 FluffyChat alternatives
    FluffyChat screenshot 1
    FluffyChat screenshot 2
    FluffyChat screenshot 3

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu Touch
    • F-Droid

    Properties

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  Privacy focused
    3.  No Tracking
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Matrix Protocol
    2.  Voice messages
    3.  Encrypted Chat
    4.  End-to-End Encryption
    5.  Multiple Account support
    6.  VoiP Calls
    7.  Two-factor Authentication
    8.  Dark Mode
    FluffyChat iconMessages Icon

    FluffyChat VS Messages

    Is FluffyChat a good alternative to Messages?
     
  7. Trillian icon
    Trillian icon

    Trillian

     278 likes
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    Trillian is an instant messaging app that works on phones, tablets, and desktops while keeping your chats neatly synchronized between all of them! We think conversation should be easily shared between all of your devices, not trapped as text messages on your phone.

    154 Trillian alternatives
    Trillian screenshot 1

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Blackberry
    • iPad
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Trillian screenshot 1
    Trillian screenshot 2
    +2
    Trillian screenshot 3

    Trillian Features

    1.  Support for Multiple protocols
    2.  Xmpp
    3.  Messages
    4.  IMAP Support
    5.  POP3 Support
    Trillian iconMessages Icon

    Trillian VS Messages

    Is Trillian a good alternative to Messages?
     
  9. Empathy icon
    Empathy icon

    Empathy

     157 likes
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    Empathy is a messaging program which supports text, voice, video chat, and file transfers over many different protocols. You can tell it about your accounts on all those services and do all your chatting within one application.

    140 Empathy alternatives
    Empathy screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • BSD
    chatroom - conference
    call

    Empathy Features

    1.  Unified messaging
    2.  Support for Multiple protocols
    3.  Xmpp
    4.  SIP
    5.  Integrated File Sharing
    6.  Voice Chat
    Discontinued

    Empathy is currently unmaintained. Last version, 3.25, released in August 2017, can be still downloaded from the official website.

    Empathy iconMessages Icon

    Empathy VS Messages

    Is Empathy a good alternative to Messages?
     
  10. Status icon
    Status icon

    Status

     21 likes
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    Status combines a private messenger, secure crypto wallet, and Ethereum Web3 DApp browser into one powerful communication tool. Chat with friends and growing communities. Buy, sell, store, and exchange digital assets.

    188 Status alternatives
    Status screenshot 1
    Status screenshot 2
    +4
    Status screenshot 3

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • F-Droid
    • APK Downloader

    Properties

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Blockchain
    3.  Peer-To-Peer
    4.  Stickers
    5.  Desktop Application
    Status iconMessages Icon

    Status VS Messages

    Is Status a good alternative to Messages?
     
  11. BlueBubbles icon
    BlueBubbles icon

    BlueBubbles

     5 likes
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    BlueBubbles is an open-source and cross-platform ecosystem of apps aimed to bring iMessage to Android, Windows, Linux, and the Web! With BlueBubbles, you'll be able to send messages, media, and much more to your friends and family.

    5 BlueBubbles alternatives
    BlueBubbles screenshot 1
    BlueBubbles screenshot 2
    +1
    BlueBubbles screenshot 3

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Online
    • Mac
    • Android
    • Linux
    • Android Tablet
    • Flathub

    BlueBubbles Features

    1.  IMessage
    2.  Text messaging
    BlueBubbles iconMessages Icon

    BlueBubbles VS Messages

    Is BlueBubbles a good alternative to Messages?
     
  12. Sphinx Chat icon
    Sphinx Chat icon

    Sphinx Chat

     3 likes
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    Sphinx.chat lets you use your lightning node to talk to anyone else who is running lightning and a sphinx compatible chat client.

    58 Sphinx Chat alternatives
    Sphinx Chat screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone

    Properties

    1.  Decentralized

    Features

    1.  WEB3
    2.  Text messaging
    3.  Blockchain
    Sphinx Chat screenshot 1
    Sphinx Chat screenshot 2
    +1
    Sphinx Chat screenshot 3
    Sphinx Chat iconMessages Icon

    Sphinx Chat VS Messages

    Is Sphinx Chat a good alternative to Messages?
     
  13. TeleGuard icon
    TeleGuard icon

    TeleGuard

     7 likes
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    TeleGuard is the data-secure messenger from Swisscows. TeleGuard encrypts every message and all telephone calls with encryption algorithm currently available: SALSA 20. TeleGuard servers are located in Switzerland, they are not subject to the data protection laws of the EU /...

    163 TeleGuard alternatives
    TeleGuard screenshot 1
    TeleGuard screenshot 2
    +3
    TeleGuard screenshot 3

    License model

    • Free Personal • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Snapcraft

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Ad-free

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  VoiP Calls
    3.  Multiple languages
    4.  Encrypted Connection
    5.  Stickers
    6.  Integrated File Sharing
    TeleGuard iconMessages Icon

    TeleGuard VS Messages

    Is TeleGuard a good alternative to Messages?
     
  14. Adamant Messenger icon
    Adamant Messenger icon

    Adamant Messenger

     6 likes
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    The most secure and anonymous messenger, encrypted with Blockchain.

    134 Adamant Messenger alternatives
    Adamant Messenger screenshot 1
    Adamant Messenger screenshot 2
    +2
    Adamant Messenger screenshot 3

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad

    Properties

    1.  No Tracking
    2.  Decentralized
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  Privacy focused
    5.  No registration required

    Features

    1.  Dark Mode
    2.  End-to-End Encryption
    3.  Blockchain
    4.  Anonymous Chat
    5.  Support for TOR
    Adamant Messenger iconMessages Icon

    Adamant Messenger VS Messages

    Is Adamant Messenger a good alternative to Messages?
     
12 of 20 Messages alternatives