Facebook Messenger Alternatives for Linux

Facebook Messenger 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 100 alternatives to Facebook Messenger and loads of them are available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Linux alternatives to Facebook Messenger are Telegram, Element, Discord and Skype.

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

Facebook Messenger

228

Free • Proprietary
Instant Messenger

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Signal
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
iPad
Flathub
Ubuntu
Debian
209 Signal alternatives
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.
- - Signal is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to Facebook Messenger.
- - Signal is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Facebook Messenger.
Suggest and vote on features
Signal 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. No TrackingSignal will not track you or use your personal data.
6. Dark ModeSignal supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
7. VoiP CallsSignal allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
8. LightweightSignal consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
9. Works OfflineSignal can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
Security focused
Private messaging
Encrypted Connection
Mobile friendly
GPLv3
Secure Chat
Stickers
Desktop Application
Based on phone number
Protected by Password
Comments about Signal as a Alternative to Facebook Messenger
Almost everyone thinks Signal is a great Facebook Messenger alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Grant Cruickshank
It respects your privacy.
Top positive comment •
1

nosborm
Private. Open. Secure. etc.
Top positive comment •
1

Paul West
Again both parties have to have the app as they just dropped SMS
Top negative comment •
1

pelicanowl
I like Signal because it allows me to message people without having to worry about my data being sold
Positive comment •
1

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.
Positive comment •
9

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5 of 6 comments
Telegram
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
HUAWEI AppGallery
Windows Phone
iPad
Apple Watch
Linux Mobile
Android Wear
PortableApps.com
FreeBSD
272 Telegram alternatives
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.
- - Telegram is the most popular Web-based & Android Tablet alternative to Facebook Messenger.
Suggest and vote on features
Telegram 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. Multiple Account supportTelegram support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
8. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
9. Two-factor AuthenticationTelegram supports two-factor authentication (2FA).
Stickers
Chat Bot
Multi Device Support
Channels
Bots
Secret chats
Cloud based
Animated stickers
Integrated File Sharing
Persistent History
Comments about Telegram as a Alternative to Facebook Messenger
Most users think Telegram is a great Facebook Messenger alternative.
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 •
0

brandonc
backed by a non profit (compared to fb's reliance on ad dollars)
Positive comment •
0
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
275 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 Self-Hosted alternative to Facebook Messenger.
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. Dark ModeElement supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. Support for MarkDownElement supports MarkDown for document formatting.
7. File VersioningElement has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
8. No TrackingElement will not track you or use your personal data.
9. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Element simultaneously.
Federated
Matrix Protocol
Voice Chat
Federation
Direct Messaging
Custom widgets
Simple installation
Clean design
Multiple languages
Per-room avatars
Opinions about Element as a Alternative to Facebook Messenger
Almost everyone thinks Element is a great Facebook Messenger alternative.
Discord
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Group Chat App
Video Calling App
Instant Messenger
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
BSD
iPad
Epic Games Store
Flathub
Electron / Atom Shell
FreeBSD
Playstation
Xbox
159 Discord alternatives
Discord is a versatile communication platform that supports text, voice, and video interactions, offering organized servers for topic-focused discussions, customizable moderation tools, and low latency technology for smooth conversation and content sharing.
Suggest and vote on features
Discord 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. Dark ModeDiscord supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. Two-factor AuthenticationDiscord supports two-factor authentication (2FA).
7. Multiple Account supportDiscord support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
8. No Coding RequiredDiscord can be used without an coding or programming skills.
9. Desktop SharingDiscord enables you to share your screen with other people in the same office or working remotely.
Multi Channel
Text chat
Bots
Chat Bot
Voice Chat
Multiple Servers
Push to talk
Public groups chat
Stickers
Custom Smileys
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
311 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
Video Conferencing
Multiple languages
Exchange Integration
Secure Chat
Voice messages
Team Messaging
Voice Chat
Messages
Opinions about Skype as a Alternative to Facebook Messenger
Some users think Skype is a great Facebook Messenger alternative, some don't.
Pidgin
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Video Calling App
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
Flathub
PortableApps.com
122 Pidgin alternatives
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.
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. PortablePidgin can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
4. No TrackingPidgin will not track you or use your personal data.
5. Ad-freePidgin doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. VoiP CallsPidgin allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
Support for Multiple protocols
Supports XMPP
IRC
Multiple languages
Xmpp
Multiple chat protocols
Messages
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
193 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.
Suggest and vote on features
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
Opinions about Tox as a Alternative to Facebook Messenger
Almost everyone thinks Tox is a great Facebook Messenger alternative.
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
Distributed
SIP client
Multiple languages
Team Messaging
SIP
Voice Chat
Intercom Support
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 Facebook Messenger.
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
Comments about Wire as a Alternative to Facebook Messenger
Almost everyone thinks Wire is a great Facebook Messenger alternative.
Guest
It's secure. It doesn't spy on you. It makes money from enterprise customers, no shady business.
Positive comment •
0

Guest
It supports multiple apps, and has rich chat features and group chats
Positive comment •
-2