Open Source Hangouts Alternatives

The best open source alternative to Hangouts is Signal. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Hangouts and loads of them is open source so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source alternatives to Hangouts are Element, Matrix.org, Jitsi Desktop and Jitsi Meet.

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

1037

Free • Proprietary
Group Chat App

Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
iPad
Google Chrome
Android Wear

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Signal
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
iPad
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
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. VoiP CallsSignal allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
7. Dark ModeSignal supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
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
GPLv3
Encrypted Connection
Private messaging
Mobile friendly
Secure Chat
Stickers
Based on phone number
Protected by Password
Desktop Application
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.
Positive comment•
1

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.
Positive comment•
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.
Positive comment•
0

Guest
No web interface

(Otherwise, the service is great.)
Negative comment•
3
Element
Do you think 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
Cloudron
F-Droid
FLATHUB
266 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.
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
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.
Positive comment•
2

Guest
its deep architecture makes it better than Hangouts and the other security-focused alternatives too.
Positive comment•
2
Matrix.org
Do you think 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
133 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.
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
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Video Calling App
Web Conferencing Tool
Instant Messenger
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
BSD
Self-Hosted
68 alternatives to Jitsi Desktop
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
SIP client
Web-Based
Unlimited users
Voice Chat
WebRTC
Audio Conferencing
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

Jitsi Desktop vs Hangouts opinions
Most users think Jitsi Desktop is a great alternative to Hangouts.
Jitsi Meet
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Video Calling App
Group Chat App
Encrypted Chat App
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
Apple Watch
F-Droid
127 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
Jitsi Meet 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. Privacy focusedJitsi Meet is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
7. 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
Jitsi Meet vs Hangouts opinions
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.
Positive comment•
2

gitbreaker222
Open source, works without account, easy access, good design, stable connection
Positive comment•
2
Tox
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
Android Tablet
BSD
F-Droid
181 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.
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. 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.
Peer-To-Peer
Security focused
Multiplatform
P2P Network
Built-in player
GPLv3
White-labeled
Video Conferencing
Client side encryption
VoiP Calls
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)
Positive comment•
5
Pidgin
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Video Calling App
IRC Client
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
PortableApps.com
Xfce
117 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.
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
Pidgin vs Hangouts opinions
Most users think Pidgin is a great alternative to Hangouts.
5247009
Extremely integrated with countless other chat services, but no web service. You can add functionality through plugins, unlike all other alternatives.
Positive comment•
3

gkaeppel
A bit basic but super easy to use.
Positive comment•
-1
Jami
Do you think 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
143 alternatives to Jami
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
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Open Source
Group Chat App
Video Calling App
Instant Messenger
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
F-Droid
Software as a Service (SaaS)
257 alternatives to Wire
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.
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
Wire vs Hangouts opinions
Almost everyone thinks Wire is a great alternative to Hangouts.
Guest
End to end encryption, high audio quality, clear financial model (based on pay pro version) and Swiss based
Positive comment•
0

Guest
My replacement for Hangouts needed to have integrated video/voice/text chat but also keep the text chat server side so any device could jump back into the conversation. Wire has all of these and is also available on any platform AND is open source!
Positive comment•
0

Guest
Privacy focused alternative with end-to-end encryption.
Positive comment•
2
Zulip
Do you think 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 alternatives to Zulip
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.
Suggest and vote on features
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
Code Syntax Highlighting
GitHub integration
Secure Chat
Third party integrations
Chat organizer
Zulip vs Hangouts opinions
hrishikeshpatil
Streams and topics instead of groups
Positive comment•
0