ICQ AlternativesInstant Messengers & Video Calling Apps like ICQ

ICQ has been discontinued. Similar apps include Signal, which is free and open source. Other options are Telegram, Element, Tox and Pidgin. You're spoiled for choice with Instant Messengers like ICQ: we list more than 50 alternatives for Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac and Linux.

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Alternatives
ICQ alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Signal icon
     1505 likes

    An open-source messaging app emphasizing privacy with encrypted communication. Share texts, calls, photos, and videos without ads or trackers, available across major platforms. Developed by Signal Technology Foundation and praised globally for security measures.

    280 Signal alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2011

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Debian
    • Ubuntu
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android Auto
    • F-Droid
    • US flagUnited States
    Signal screenshot 1
    Good alternative?
     
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  2. Telegram icon
     2169 likes

    Maximize your messaging experience with efficient communication, speedy delivery, and optional end-to-end encrypted Secret Chats. Engage in unlimited channels and groups up to 200,000 members. Enhance chat management and media sharing with Telegram Premium and its exclusive benefits. All core features remain free.

    353 Telegram alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2014

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • FreeBSD
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Linux Mobile
    • iPad
    • Android Tablet
    • AE flagUnited Arab Emirates
    Telegram Desktop
    Good alternative?
     
  3. Element icon
     851 likes

    Provides secure collaboration with end-to-end encryption, supporting chat, voice, and video calls. Available on all major platforms, it enables digital sovereignty with a decentralized design and interoperability through bridges to systems like Slack and Teams. Includes enterprise-grade SaaS.

    372 Element alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2016

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android Tablet
    • Cloudron
    • GB flagUnited Kingdom
    Element screenshot 1
    Good alternative?
     
  4. Tox icon
     575 likes

    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.

    231 Tox alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2013

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    • US flagUnited States
    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.
    Good alternative?
     
  5. Pidgin icon
     1533 likes

    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.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2009

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flathub
    • US flagUnited States
    Pidgin screenshot 1
    Good alternative?
     
  6. SimpleX Chat icon
     121 likes

    Open-source messaging platform enabling private, identifier-free chats, encrypted group discussions, file and media sharing, plus audio and video calls. Employs double-ratchet protocol, stores user data on-device, protects metadata, and lets users self-host relay servers.

    97 SimpleX Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2022

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Self-Hosted
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    • Flathub
    • OpenAPK
    Good alternative?
     
  7. WhatsApp icon
     865 likes

    Exchange messages without SMS fees using this app for iPhone, Android and desktop, featuring group chats, multimedia sharing, and video calls. The app requires an internet connection and the latest version for optimal functionality.

    296 WhatsApp alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2010

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android Tablet
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Wear
    • Android Auto
    • Apple Car Play
    Good alternative?
     
  8. Molly icon
     60 likes

    Molly is a hardened version of Signal for Android, the fast simple yet secure messaging app by Signal Foundation.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2020

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    • Obtainium
    Good alternative?
     
  9. Zulip icon
     277 likes

    Threaded group conversations combine live and asynchronous messaging, separating topics for organized collaboration, supporting open-source, cloud, and self-hosted deployments, secure communication with encryption, and multi-platform access for diverse teams.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2015

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    • US flagUnited States
    Zulip screenshot 1
    Good alternative?
     
  10. Rakuten Viber icon
     337 likes

    Offers secure messaging with end-to-end encryption, unlimited free calls, group chats for up to 250 members, rich media sharing, emoji reactions, AR lenses, self-destruct messages, affordable international calls, community channels, and robust privacy across devices.

    186 Rakuten Viber alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2010

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android Tablet
    • Android Wear
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • Samsung Galaxy Store
    Good alternative?
     
  11. FluffyChat icon
     44 likes

    Encrypted messenger supporting multi-platform access, unlimited group and private chats, file and voice message sharing, decentralized operation, open-source code, custom themes including dark mode, advanced moderation, push notifications, and no advertisements.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2020

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Ubuntu Touch
    • iPad
    • Android Tablet
    • Matrix.org
    • F-Droid
    • Flathub
    • Snapcraft
    Good alternative?
     
  12. Conversations icon
     107 likes

    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].

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2015

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    Good alternative?
     
12 of 93 ICQ alternatives