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Hangouts Alternatives

Hangouts is described as 'messaging app that lets you send and receive messages, photos and more, and even start free video and voice calls – one to one or with a group!' and is a leading Group Chat app in the social & communications category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Hangouts for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Android, Linux, Mac and iPhone. The best alternative is Telegram, which is free. Other great apps like Hangouts are Signal, Element, Discord and Skype.

Hangouts alternatives are mainly Group Chat Apps but may also be Instant Messengers or Video Calling Apps. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Hangouts.
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Hangouts is a messaging app that lets you send and receive messages, photos and more, and even start free video and voice...

Learn more about Hangouts
  1. Telegram icon

    Telegram

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    258 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.

     Suggest and vote on features
    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 Hangouts opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Telegram is a great alternative to Hangouts.
    Guest

    Smooth, clear, and encrypted messaging and voice calling.

    Positive comment• ago
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    15
    assistantphilrichards

    Supports large audio files, does not compress photos when sending

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    1
    Guest

    Support audio and video conversation, fast and secure.

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    Guest

    telegram is text messaging app only, and doesn't support audio and video conversation .

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    -28
  2. Signal icon

    Signal

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    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.

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    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 Hangouts opinions
    Most users think Signal is a great alternative to Hangouts.
    Goldmaster

    Far better, with a much simpler interface and usage. With a focus on speed, privacy and security. This should be on everyone's phone.

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    Guest

    Easy security for beginners, multi-platform, current development, doesn't restrict communications to insecure recipients, obvious visual indicators that you are communicating secure or non-secure.

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    8
    JohnFastman

    Unlike Google products, Signal offers end-to-end encryption, meaning that your messages cannot be intercepted or read by anyone except the intended recipient, if they have Signal too. Google's emails and messages are intercepted by mass surveillance and used to profile users as part of Google's business model. Signal is also open source, which means you can inspect the code yourself.

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    Guest

    No web interface

    (Otherwise, the service is great.)

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    3
  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
    Collaboration and screen sharing
    Element vs Hangouts opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Element is a great alternative to Hangouts.
    Guest

    Supports all Hangouts features, as well as encrypted conversations. Respects your privacy, and you don't need an email address to sign up.

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    Guest

    its deep architecture makes it better than Hangouts and the other security-focused alternatives too.

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  5. Discord icon

    Discord

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    149 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.

     Suggest and vote on features
    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
    Discord Desktop Client Screenshare
    Discord vs Hangouts opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Discord is a great alternative to Hangouts.
    Guest

    Discord is aimed at gaming. Gamers prefer this over alternatives like Hangouts and Skype.

    Top positive comment• ago
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    3
    AlanLeiken

    A lot more feature-packed and fun to use, though I may be biased as a gamer.

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    1
    Guest

    Doesn`t Have Video Chat Otherwise Great

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    -7
    Guest

    Because it is the best way to chat, you can make all kinds of fancy edits and also the call quality is much better than hangouts in my opinion

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    2
    Guest

    Although it's complex, Discord has way more features than Hangouts and is more reliable than Google's half-hearted messaging efforts.

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  6. Skype icon

    Skype

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    311 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
    Screenshot
    Skype vs Hangouts opinions
    Most users think Skype is a great alternative to Hangouts.
    Guest

    skype is quite similar to hangouts

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    0
    Guest

    They offer the same thing, but Hangouts offers better service

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    2
    5247009

    No web interface, numerous privacy concerns, and advertising.

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    -4
  8. Jitsi Desktop icon

    Jitsi Desktop

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    71 alternatives to Jitsi Desktop 

    Jitsi Desktop (previously SIP Communicator) is a legacy audio/video and chat communicator with full encryption, precedessor of Jitsi Meet .

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    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.
    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 icon Jitsi Meet

    Contact list
    Call Window in an Audio/Video call.
    Jitsi Desktop vs Hangouts opinions
    Most users think Jitsi Desktop is a great alternative to Hangouts.
  9. Jitsi Meet icon

    Jitsi Meet

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    • Apple Watch
    • F-Droid
    121 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
    Screenshot
    Jitsi Meet vs Hangouts opinions
    pros, cons and recent comments
    JohnFastman

    Fully functioning, free, open-source, end-to-end encrypted, browser-based (install nothing) Skype- or Google Hangouts alternative. Stable video and sound, screen share, password protection for rooms and a few other handy features. Highly recommended. No more reason to accept Skype and Google's surveillance of your conversations.

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    gitbreaker222

    Open source, works without account, easy access, good design, stable connection

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  10. Matrix.org icon

    Matrix.org

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    130 alternatives to Matrix.org 

    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.

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    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.  VoiP CallsMatrix.org allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
    4.  Multiple Account supportMatrix.org support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
    5.  Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Matrix.org simultaneously.
    Main Page
  11. 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
    uTox. A Tox client written in C using OS primitives to draw it's interface
    Tox vs Hangouts opinions
    Most users think Tox is a great alternative to Hangouts.
    Guest
    • Encrypted text, voice and video chat
    • File and Desktop sharing
    • Emoji and markdown (basic support on qTox) support
    • Group chat
    • Open source (Protocol: https://github.com/irungentoo/toxcore)
    • Multiple cross-platform clients (mainly qTox, uTox)
    • No true offline messaging (decentralized by design)
    • Still in development (but fully usable; contribute bug reports by trying out)
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    5
  12. Slack icon

    Slack

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    • Electron / Atom Shell
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    210 alternatives to Slack 

    Slack is a unified communication platform built with an optimized workflow to keep modern teams focused and productive. A familiar chat interface facilitates discussions while advanced features are easily exposed based on context.

     Suggest and vote on features
    Features
    1.  Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsSlack can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
    2.  Support for @mentionsSlack supports the use of mentions through @ to a particular user, who will be notified personally.
    3.  Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Slack simultaneously.
    4.  IFTTT IntegrationYou can connect different services to automatically trigger actions within Slack using IFTTT.
    5.  VoiP CallsSlack allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Slack vs Hangouts opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Slack is a great alternative to Hangouts.
    michaelchung89

    Everything Hangouts has + integrations, seems to be their main competitive advantage.

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    allisoncorrigan

    Surprised not to see it at the top of the list - best alternative to Hangouts! Fun to use, simple, and integrates with just about any tool.

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    -2
    stephenbarrow895

    Slack works great as a chat tool but it's much more than that, it's like a centralized notification hub for all other tools.

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    -1
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