Discord AlternativesOnly Open Source apps categorised as Encrypted Chat Apps

The best open source Encrypted Chat alternative to Discord is Element. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Element or Mumble. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Discord and many of them are open source Encrypted Chat Apps so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source Encrypted Chat App alternatives to Discord are Tox, Matrix, Zulip and Jami.

filter to find the best alternatives

Discord alternatives are mainly Encrypted Chat Apps, but if you're looking for Group Chat Apps or Instant Messengers you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Online, iPhone, Chrome OS, Self-Hosted, Open Source, Screen Sharing and Windows Phone. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Discord.
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Alternatives list

  1. Element icon

    Element

     769 likes
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    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.

    302 Element alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    • Snapcraft
    Video calls for desktop and mobile
     
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    147
    Comments about Element as an Alternative to Discord
    Comment summary: Element is praised for being decentralized, secure, and user-hostable, but criticized for its user experience and lack of robust voice features compared to Discord. Users appreciate its federated nature and encryption but find the platform lacking in ease of use and speed. Voice features and channels are noticeably missing, limiting its capabilities for seamless voice communication. While there are positive remarks on privacy and open-source benefits, many view it as a work in progress.
    Top Positive Comment
    kaspian
    6

    Much better, no censorship, decentralized and End to end encryped!

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    37

    Voice features are just lacking too far behind or practically non existent compared to discord. No channels, no audio wizards setup or even basic settings like volume control or open mic threshold settings, no push to talk. It's very very barebones. If it were to have Mumbe's voice features instead of Jitsi's it would be a discord killer.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    brickelt963-altto
    Positive
    0

    The advantage of Element for me is that it's open source. I really appreciate the fact that it's a flexible solution that isn't polluted by foreign investment and the profit rationale that is becoming increasingly prevalent in Discord. Especially since I've seen documentaries showing financial relations with Chinese companies already well known for their government ties. I also like Revolt, which deserves to develop even further to reach its closest equivalent.

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    3 of 16 comments
    Discord Icon
    Element icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Element is a great Discord alternative.

    • Element is the most popular Web-based, Windows, Android & Mac alternative to Discord.

    • Element is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Discord.

    • Element is Free Personal and Open SourceDiscord is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Element is Privacy focused and LightweightDiscord is not according to our users
  2. Mumble icon

    Mumble

     480 likes
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    Mumble was the first and is the most successful and wide spread free and open source software for VoIP. It was the first VoIP software to provide low-latency audio suitable for gaming, and at the same time was a pioneer in high audio quality.

    50 Mumble alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • iPhone
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    Mumble 1.2.3 Release Candidate – some users in different channels
     
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    143
    Comments about Mumble as an Alternative to Discord
    Comment summary: Mumble offers great audio quality and lower latency compared to Discord and is open-source, allowing users to host their own servers. However, it lacks Discord's screen sharing, video calling, and rich text chat features. Mumble is primarily voice-oriented and resembles TeamSpeak more than Discord. Despite being resource-efficient and easy to join servers, the self-hosting requirement might be a downside for some users.
    Top Positive Comment
    scottfrost
    2

    Mumble doesn't support screen sharing, which is a critical feature of Discord

    Top Negative Comment
    Julien Beauvais
    2

    Mumble are for real time communication not differed and persistent chat like Discord.

    Guest
    Positive
    5

    The audio quality is great and has less latency than Discord. The server is self-hosted so there is more flexibility as well. But that's the only expect that is better than Discord. Discord has much more functionality like video calling, rich text server chat, etc.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 12 comments
    Discord Icon
    Mumble icon

    • Most users think Mumble is a great Discord alternative.

    • Mumble is Free and Open SourceDiscord is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Mumble is Lightweight and Privacy focusedDiscord is not according to our users
  4. Stoat Chat icon

    Stoat Chat

     108 likes
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    Stoat (previously Revolt) is a chat platform that puts users first. With text & voice channels, video calling, screen sharing, permissions, mod tools, bots & more. Join any community or build one just the way you like it. It also respects your privacy.

    46 Stoat Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Rust
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • GitHub
    User settings page, on "Appearance" tab
     
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    44
    Comments about Stoat Chat as an Alternative to Discord
    Comment summary: Stoat Chat is praised for its familiar UI, making it easy for Discord users to transition. The platform is appreciated for being open-source, offering better privacy, and having free features akin to Discord's Nitro. However, users express concerns over the lack of end-to-end encryption in DMs, a less flexible role system, and issues with media quality. Some find the absence of mobile apps and federation limiting, while others prefer Stoat Chat's relaxed guidelines and self-hosting capability.
    Top Positive Comment
    Gruak
    9

    Revolt has much better privacy policy, is open source, and therefore much more trustworthy.

    Top Negative Comment
    Wizzrimp
    -1

    cant make a damn invite link

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Looks and feels like Discord to use, plus being FOSS

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 12 comments
    Discord Icon
    Stoat Chat icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Stoat Chat is a great Discord alternative.

    • Stoat Chat is Free and Open SourceDiscord is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Stoat Chat is Privacy focused and LightweightDiscord is not according to our users
  5. Tox icon

    Tox

     558 likes
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    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.

    211 Tox alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • F-Droid
    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.
     
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    76
    Comments about Tox as an Alternative to Discord
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    12

    The privacy capability gives Tox an edge over most other alternatives to Discord.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Top Negative Comment
    givi o
    0

    Tox is not an alternative.

    rad1an
    Negative
    1

    It doesn't have servers, is less convenient

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    3 of 8 comments
    Discord Icon
    Tox icon

    • Most users think Tox is a great Discord alternative.

    • Tox is Free and Open SourceDiscord is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Tox is Privacy focused, Security-focused and LightweightDiscord is not according to our users
  6. Matrix icon

    Matrix

     381 likes
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    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.

    166 Matrix alternatives

    Cost / License

    • 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
    Main Page
     
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    38
    Comments about Matrix as an Alternative to Discord
    somegirlfromit
    Negative
    7

    Matrix.org is a transport protocol. Discord is chat software. Matrix is no more software than Discord is a protocol.

    brickelt963-altto
    Positive
    0

    The advantage of Element for me is that it's open source. I really appreciate the fact that it's a flexible solution that isn't polluted by foreign investment and the profit rationale that is becoming increasingly prevalent in Discord. Especially since I've seen documentaries showing financial relations with Chinese companies already well known for their government ties. It's like creating a Discord ‘server’ with rooms from lots of different places ^^.

    luananeder
    Positive
    0

    The protocol has the potential to be a good Discord alternative.

    Issue is the clients are almost all awful, which makes the UX horrible. So not a feasible alternative, at least not until a good app appears.

    Discord Icon
    Matrix icon

    • Most users think Matrix is a great Discord alternative.

    • Matrix is Free and Open SourceDiscord is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Matrix is Privacy focused, Security-focused and LightweightDiscord is not according to our users
  7. Zulip icon

    Zulip

     265 likes
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    Zulip is the only modern team chat app that is designed for both live and asynchronous conversations. Zulip topics create a separate space for each discussion, so different conversations will never get in each other's way.

    222 Zulip alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    Zulip screenshot 1
     
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    43
    Comments about Zulip as an Alternative to Discord
    Comment summary: Zulip's structure, with topic-based message organization, makes conversations easier to follow compared to Discord’s flow. It excels in code-oriented support and threaded chat, suiting collaborative and asynchronous work. Users highlight its open source, self-hostable nature, ease of use, responsive development, and versatility for teams. Zulip avoids distractions and offers effective management of channels and members.
    Top Positive Comment
    Geobomatic
    1

    Zulip approach instant messaging in an innovative way, a hybrid between pure IM and old fashioned forum. It helps keeping the messages organized and not jumble around many discussion in the same flow

    jvoight
    Positive
    0

    I like Zulip because it treats conversation structure as first-class, not an afterthought. The topic model forces messages to live somewhere stable. When you come back after a day—or a week—you can read what matters without wading through a firehose.

    samia_
    Positive
    0

    A place within the channel where you can have conversations organized by topic.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 12 comments
    Discord Icon
    Zulip icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Zulip is a great Discord alternative.

    • Zulip is Free Personal and Open SourceDiscord is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Zulip is Privacy focusedDiscord is not according to our users
  9. Jami icon

    Jami

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

    160 Jami alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Jami video conference OS X
     
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    26
    Comments about Jami as an Alternative to Discord
    RemovedUser
    Positive
    8

    Decentralized, end-to-end encrypted, and ironically works better than other services that I have used. I'm not sure if it has group calls, though.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    1

    Ring lacks most chat features.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Discord Icon
    Jami icon

    • Most users think Jami is a great Discord alternative.

    • Jami is Free and Open SourceDiscord is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Jami is Privacy focusedDiscord is not according to our users
  10. Wire icon

    Wire

     312 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.

    281 Wire alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Flathub
    • Snapcraft
    Wire screenshot 1
    Wire screenshot 2
    Wire screenshot 3
     
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    33
    Comments about Wire as an Alternative to Discord
    luananeder
    Negative
    1

    Does not seem to have anything similar to discord’s ‘servers’

    Discord Icon
    Wire icon

    • Most users think Wire is a great Discord alternative.

    • Wire is the most popular SaaS alternative to Discord.

    • Wire is Free Personal and Open SourceDiscord is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Wire is Security-focused and Privacy focusedDiscord is not according to our users
  11. Mattermost icon

    Mattermost

     253 likes
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    Mattermost is a secure, open source platform for communication, collaboration, and workflow orchestration across tools and teams.

    130 Mattermost alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Subscription
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • JavaScript
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Go (Programming Language)
    • Cloudron
    Mattermost screenshot 1
     
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    • Almost everyone thinks Mattermost is a great Discord alternative.

    • Mattermost is the most popular commercial alternative to Discord.

    • Mattermost is Paid and Open SourceDiscord is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Mattermost is LightweightDiscord is not according to our users
  12. SimpleX Chat icon

    SimpleX Chat

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

    69 SimpleX Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Self-Hosted
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Flatpak
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 1
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 2
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 3
     
  13. RetroShare icon

    RetroShare

     163 likes
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    RetroShare is a open source cross-platform, private and secure decentralized communication system. It lets you to securely chat, share photos, videos, and more, using OpenPGP to authenticate peers and .

    136 RetroShare alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • BSD
    • OpenSSL
    • OpenPGP
    Network tab with contact list and broadcast subtab open. The subtab shows text and image sent by one contact to all connected contacts.
     
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  14. Element X icon

    Element X

     40 likes
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    It is the brand new, and fastest ever, Matrix client. It is for personal and community use, and will support enterprise functionality later this year.

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Element X screenshot 1
    Element X screenshot 2
    Element X screenshot 3
     
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    2
    Comments about Element X as an Alternative to Discord
    brickelt963-altto
    Positive
    0

    The advantage of Element for me is that it's open source. I really appreciate the fact that it's a flexible solution that isn't polluted by foreign investment and the profit rationale that is becoming increasingly prevalent in Discord. Especially since I've seen documentaries showing financial relations with Chinese companies already well known for their government ties. It's like creating a Discord ‘server’ with rooms from lots of different places ^^.

    luananeder
    Negative
    0

    Does not even supports Matrix’s “Spaces”, so not similar at all to Discord and its “servers”.

    Discord Icon
    Element X icon

    • Most users think Element X is a great Discord alternative.

    • Element X is Free and Open SourceDiscord is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Element X is Lightweight and Privacy focusedDiscord is not according to our users
12 of 25 Discord alternatives