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Facebook Messenger Alternatives

Facebook Messenger is a fast and ubiquitous way to message. With the ability to message cross-platform to anyone using Messenger on the web, iOS, Android, Windows, and any other support operating system, it is understandably a popular way to message everyone at once.

That said, there are alternatives to Messenger that are also popular and provide additional security in the form of end-to-end encryption. This is especially helpful and important to securing the contents of your messages to friends, family, and other contacts, ensuring peace of mind for everyone involved.

At the end of the day, though, Facebook is one of the biggest forces on the Internet. It can seem daunting or pointless to try and find ways against using services from a company that seems to be everywhere you look, but AlternativeTo has you covered with a hand-made curated list of apps and services you can use to live without Facebook or any of its services, including Messenger.

Facebook Messenger 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 Facebook Messenger.
This page was last updated
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Facebook Messenger is a faster way to message. Reach friends right on their phones, get and send messages fast, message...

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  1. Signal icon

    Signal

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    • Mac
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    • Android
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    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    202 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
    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.  VoiP CallsSignal allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
    6.  Dark ModeSignal supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
    7.  No TrackingSignal will not track you or use your personal data.
    8.  Works OfflineSignal can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Signal vs Facebook Messenger opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Signal is a great alternative to Facebook Messenger.
    Guest

    It's the most secure messaging app out there. Unlike messenger it doesn't rely on personal tracking and ad funding, but is backed by a non-profit.

    Top positive comment• ago
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    8
    Guest

    It's the only one which is completely secure.

    Top positive comment• ago
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    4
    Vintagehotdog

    Again both parties have to have the app as they just dropped SMS

    Top negative comment• ago
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    0
    Uraael

    It respects your privacy.

    Positive comment• ago
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    pelicanowl

    I like Signal because it allows me to message people without having to worry about my data being sold

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    0
    nosborm

    Private. Open. Secure. etc.

    Positive comment• ago
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    0
  2. Telegram icon

    Telegram

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    256 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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    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.  PortableTelegram can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
    8.  Works OfflineTelegram can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
    9.  Multiple Account supportTelegram support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
    Telegram Desktop
    Telegram iOS #1
    Telegram iOS #2
    Telegram vs Facebook Messenger opinions
    Most users think Telegram is a great alternative to Facebook Messenger.
    brandonc

    backed by a non profit (compared to fb's reliance on ad dollars)

    Positive comment• ago
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    tibi97427

    It's tidy, you want to search a link, a picture, a video : with messenger good luck, with telegram it's all organized.

    Positive comment• ago
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  4. Element icon

    Element

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    • Self-Hosted
    • Matrix.org
    • Cloudron
    • F-Droid
    • FLATHUB
    262 alternatives to Element 

    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.

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    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.  Support for MarkDownElement supports MarkDown for document formatting.
    6.  File VersioningElement has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
    7.  No TrackingElement will not track you or use your personal data.
    8.  Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Element simultaneously.
    9.  DRM FreeNo Digital rights management (DRM), i.e. no copy protection.
    Video calls for desktop and mobile
    Collaboration widgets
    Element vs Facebook Messenger opinions
    Most users think Element is a great alternative to Facebook Messenger.
  5. Discord icon

    Discord

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    • Mac
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    • BSD
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    • Epic Games Store
    • Electron / Atom Shell
    • FreeBSD
    • Playstation
    • Xbox
    151 alternatives to Discord 

    Whether you’re part of a school club, a gaming group, a worldwide art community, or just a handful of friends that want to spend time together, Discord makes it easy to talk every day and hang out more often.

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    Features
    1.  VoiP CallsDiscord allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
    2.  Ad-freeDiscord doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
    3.  Screen SharingYou can use Discord to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
    4.  Text to SpeechDiscord allows you to transform written text into spoken text.
    5.  LightweightDiscord consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    6.  Two-factor AuthenticationDiscord supports two-factor authentication (2FA).
    7.  Dark ModeDiscord supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
    Discord Desktop Client Dark Mode
    Discord Desktop Client Light Mode
  6. Jitsi Meet icon

    Jitsi Meet

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    • Online
    • Android
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    • Self-Hosted
    • Apple Watch
    • F-Droid
    122 alternatives to Jitsi Meet 

    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
    Features
    1.  No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Jitsi Meet without registration.
    2.  End-to-End EncryptionJitsi Meet has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
    3.  Screen SharingYou can use Jitsi Meet to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
    4.  Ad-freeJitsi Meet doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
    5.  No TrackingJitsi Meet will not track you or use your personal data.
    6.  LightweightJitsi Meet consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
  8. Skype icon

    Skype

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    • PortableApps.com
    310 alternatives to Skype 

    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
    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.  Live Captions TranslationSkype can add captions to a video call, audio messages or multimedia file and translate them in real time.
    5.  IFTTT IntegrationYou can connect different services to automatically trigger actions within Skype using IFTTT.
    Main window on MS Windows
    Call on Windows
    Skype vs Facebook Messenger opinions
    Most users think Skype is a great alternative to Facebook Messenger.
  9. WhatsApp icon

    WhatsApp

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    243 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
    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.  Support for @mentionsWhatsApp supports the use of mentions through @ to a particular user, who will be notified personally.
    5.  VoiP CallsWhatsApp allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
    6.  Expiring StoriesYou can create, view, interact and share temporary stories in WhatsApp.
    Android (1)
    Android (2)
    WhatsApp vs Facebook Messenger opinions
    Most users think WhatsApp is a great alternative to Facebook Messenger.
  10. Tox icon

    Tox

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    179 alternatives to Tox 

    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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    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.  Screen SharingYou can use Tox to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
    6.  LightweightTox consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    7.  No TrackingTox will not track you or use your personal data.
    8.  Dark ModeTox supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
    9.  AES-256 EncryptionTox has AES-256 Encryption, i.e. very strong security.
    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.
    qTox. A Tox client developed in C++ with the Qt framework
    Tox vs Facebook Messenger opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Tox is a great alternative to Facebook Messenger.
  11. Jami icon

    Jami

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    138 alternatives to Jami 

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

     Suggest and vote on features
    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.
    Jami video conference OS X
    Jami conference call Linux
  12. Pidgin icon

    Pidgin

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    • PortableApps.com
    • Xfce
    116 alternatives to Pidgin 

    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.

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    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.
    Pidgin chat window
    Contact window
Showing 10 of 186 alternatives
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