Empathy Alternatives

Empathy is described as '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' and is a very popular instant messenger in the social & communications category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Empathy for a variety of platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android and iPhone apps. The best Empathy alternative is Element, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Empathy are Skype, Matrix.org, Jitsi Desktop and Pidgin.

Empathy alternatives are mainly Instant Messengers but may also be Group Chat Apps or Encrypted Chat Apps. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Empathy.

Empathy alternatives page was last updated

Empathy

156

Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger

Empathy is a messaging program which supports text, voice, video chat, and file transfers over many different protocols....

More about Empathy

Element
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
Matrix.org
Flathub
F-Droid
Cloudron
273 Element alternatives
Element is a secure collaboration and messaging app based on the Matrix protocol. It’s decentralised to deliver digital sovereignty, and based on an open standard for easy connections and interoperability. It is end-to-end encrypted by default.
- - Element is the most popular Web-based, Windows, Android & Mac alternative to Empathy.
- - Element is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Empathy.
Suggest and vote on features
Element Features
1. DecentralizedElement is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. End-to-End EncryptionElement has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. Privacy focusedElement is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
4. VoiP CallsElement allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
5. No TrackingElement will not track you or use your personal data.
6. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Element simultaneously.
7. Dark ModeElement supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. Ad-freeElement doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
9. File VersioningElement has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
Federated
Matrix Protocol
Voice Chat
Federation
Direct Messaging
Community-based
Per-room avatars
Multiple languages
Custom widgets
Message redaction
Skype
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Video Calling App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
BSD
Windows Phone
iPad
Android Wear
PortableApps.com
314 Skype alternatives
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.
Suggest and vote on features
Skype Features
1. Screen SharingYou can use Skype to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
2. VoiP CallsSkype allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
3. LightweightSkype consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
4. Dark ModeSkype supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. IFTTT IntegrationYou can connect different services to automatically trigger actions within Skype using IFTTT.
6. Live Captions TranslationSkype can add captions to a video call, audio messages or multimedia file and translate them in real time.
Microsoft Office integration
Voice messages
Video Conferencing
Multiple languages
Exchange Integration
Secure Chat
Voice Chat
Team Messaging
Messages
Comments about Skype as a Alternative to Empathy
This alternative is disputed. Skype is still a legitimate Empathy alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.
Guest
No multi protocol chat client.
Negative comment•
0

Guest
Empathy is used for multiple accounts at a time. Skype is exclusive for their services.
Negative comment•
2

Guest
Non Foss and not federated
Negative comment•
0
Matrix.org
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
WebRTC
Python
JavaScript
Go (Programming Language)
Cloudron
Java
Perl
137 Matrix.org alternatives
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.
Suggest and vote on features
Matrix.org Features
1. DecentralizedMatrix.org is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. End-to-End EncryptionMatrix.org has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. Privacy focusedMatrix.org is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
4. VoiP CallsMatrix.org allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
5. Ad-freeMatrix.org doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. No TrackingMatrix.org will not track you or use your personal data.
7. Multiple Account supportMatrix.org support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
8. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Matrix.org simultaneously.
Federation
Distributed
Security focused
Spaces
Chat Bot
Voice Chat
Support for Multiple protocols
WebRTC
Server side history
Jitsi Desktop
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Video Calling App
Web Conferencing Tool
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
BSD
Self-Hosted
78 Jitsi Desktop alternatives
Jitsi Desktop (previously SIP Communicator) is a legacy audio/video and chat communicator with full encryption, precedessor of Jitsi Meet .
Suggest and vote on features
Jitsi Desktop Features
1. Privacy focusedJitsi Desktop is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
2. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Jitsi Desktop without registration.
3. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsJitsi Desktop can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
4. Multiple Account supportJitsi Desktop support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
5. Desktop SharingJitsi Desktop enables you to share your screen with other people in the same office or working remotely.
Video Conferencing
SIP
Support for Multiple protocols
Live Meeting
Voice Chat
WebRTC
SIP client
Web-Based
Unlimited users
OTR
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
Pidgin
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Video Calling App
IRC Client
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
PortableApps.com
Xfce
118 Pidgin alternatives
Pidgin is an easy to use, multi-protocol chat client client used by millions. Connect to AIM, MSN, Yahoo, XMPP, and more chat networks all at once. It has built-in support for NSS, offering client-to-server message encryption for protocols that support it.
Suggest and vote on features
Pidgin Features
1. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsPidgin can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
2. Multiple Account supportPidgin support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
3. VoiP CallsPidgin allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
4. PortablePidgin can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Support for Multiple protocols
Supports XMPP
IRC
Multiple languages
Multiple chat protocols
Messages
Xmpp
Comments about Pidgin as a Alternative to Empathy
Almost everyone thinks Pidgin is a great Empathy alternative.
Guest
can use a lot of the same protocols as empathy.. which allows you to consolidate needing multiple clients
Positive comment•
0
Tox
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
Android Tablet
BSD
F-Droid
189 Tox alternatives
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.
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Tox Features
1. DecentralizedTox is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. Privacy focusedTox is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. End-to-End EncryptionTox has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Tox without registration.
5. No TrackingTox will not track you or use your personal data.
6. AES-256 EncryptionTox has AES-256 Encryption, i.e. very strong security.
7. Screen SharingYou can use Tox to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
8. LightweightTox consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
9. Dark ModeTox supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
Peer-To-Peer
Security focused
Multiplatform
P2P Network
Built-in player
GPLv3
Client side encryption
White-labeled
Point-to-point encryption
VoiP Calls
Jitsi Meet
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Video Calling App
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
Apple Watch
F-Droid
131 Jitsi Meet alternatives
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 — with no account needed.
Suggest and vote on features
Jitsi Meet Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionJitsi Meet has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Screen SharingYou can use Jitsi Meet to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
3. Ad-freeJitsi Meet doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. No TrackingJitsi Meet will not track you or use your personal data.
5. Privacy focusedJitsi Meet is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
6. LightweightJitsi Meet consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Browser-based
Video Conferencing
Stream audio
Security focused
Remote Work
Unlimited users
WebRTC
Live Broadcasting
Audio Calling
Voice Chat
Jami
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Video Calling App
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
147 Jami alternatives
Jami (formerly GNU Ring, SFLphone) positions itself as a potential free Skype replacement
Suggest and vote on features
Jami Features
1. DecentralizedJami is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. Privacy focusedJami is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Ad-freeJami doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. End-to-End EncryptionJami has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
5. Screen SharingYou can use Jami to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
6. No TrackingJami will not track you or use your personal data.
Video Conferencing
Peer-To-Peer
Multi Platform
SIP client
Team Messaging
Multiple languages
Distributed
SIP
Intercom Support
Voice Chat
Wire
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Open Source
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Video Calling App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
F-Droid
Software as a Service (SaaS)
262 Wire alternatives
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.
- - Wire is the most popular SaaS alternative to Empathy.
Suggest and vote on features
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
SeaMonkey
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Web Browser
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
PortableApps.com
250 SeaMonkey alternatives
Web-browser, advanced e-mail, newsgroup and feed client, IRC chat, and HTML editing in one application. Itis built on the open source Mozilla Gecko engine, the same code which underlies Thunderbird and is the base for the Firefox browser.
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SeaMonkey Features
1. WYSIWYG SupportSeaMonkey integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
2. Privacy focusedSeaMonkey is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. LightweightSeaMonkey consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
4. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsSeaMonkey can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
5. PortableSeaMonkey can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
6. Ad-freeSeaMonkey doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Integrated Email Client
Built-in RSS reader
Add-ons
Built-in Download Manager
Customizable
Support for Firefox extensions
Modular System
Zulip
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Open Source
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
BSD
iPad
Self-Hosted
221 Zulip alternatives
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.
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Zulip Features
1. Support for MarkDownZulip supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Syntax HighlightingZulip supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
Threaded Conversations
Support for Hotkeys
Community-based
Integrated File Sharing
Chat Bot
GitHub integration
Secure Chat
Third party integrations
Chat organizer
Live topics
Conversations
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Encrypted Chat App
Android
Android Tablet
F-Droid
144 Conversations alternatives
Conversations is a privacy focused, open source XMPP Texting [Jabber] client for Android 4.0+ smart phones with wife-approved easy encryption [OTR, OMEMO, or GPG].
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Conversations Features
1. DecentralizedConversations is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. End-to-End EncryptionConversations has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. OpenPGPConversations supports OpenPGP, a standard of PGP encryption that is open-source for public use.
4. GPG EncryptionConversations supports GPG (aka GnuPG) for encryption of things like emails, messages, files, etc.
5. LightweightConversations consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
6. Dark ModeConversations supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
7. Ad-freeConversations doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
8. Self Destructing MessagesConversations supports the use of private messages that will be auto deleted according to a specified time or action.
9. Privacy focusedConversations is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
Image Sharing
Encrypted Connection
Supports XMPP
OMEMO
OTR
Federated
Chat Bot
Intuitive Interface
Xmpp
Secure Chat