Matrix AlternativesInstant Messengers & Group Chat Apps like Matrix

Matrix is described as 'Open protocol for decentralized, end-to-end encrypted communication supporting instant messaging, VoIP, IoT, data persistence, and silos bridging over federated servers' and is a very popular instant messenger in the social & communications category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Matrix for a variety of platforms, including Android, Web-based, Linux, Windows and Mac apps. The best Matrix alternative is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Matrix are Element, Telegram, Discord and Pidgin.

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Alternatives list

  1. Signal icon

    Signal

     1464 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.

    251 Signal alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Android Auto
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    Signal screenshot 1
     
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    Signal vs Matrix Comments
    alternativepun3n
    Negative
    5

    Signal is not an open standard for decentralized communication. It's a messaging app, a secure messaging protocol, a non-profit foundation and it's open source too. But it's completely centralistic by design.

    Biep
    Positive
    0

    It is "open source" - but who can check what is actually run on their server? With Matrix it is close to trivial to run one's own server, compiled from open source.

    • Signal is Free and Open SourceMatrix is also Free and Open Source
  2. Element icon

    Element

     835 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.

    352 Element alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    Element screenshot 1
     
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    3
    Element vs Matrix Comments
    Guest
    Negative
    15

    Element is not an alternative to Matrix, it's a client for Matrix.

    Guest
    Negative
    3

    Element uses Matrix protocol, so it is a client to login to my Matrix account. Element is not an alternative to Matrix

    Guest
    Negative
    3

    Element is matrix homeserver and client not an alternative.

    • Element is Free Personal and Open SourceMatrix is Free and Open Source
  4. Telegram icon

    Telegram

     2124 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.

    321 Telegram alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Auto
    • Linux Mobile
    • Android Wear
    • PortableApps.com
    • FreeBSD
    • Apple Car Play
    Telegram Desktop
     
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    3
    Telegram vs Matrix Comments
    alternativepun3n
    Negative
    5

    Telegram is not an open standard for decentralized communication. It's just a centralized messaging app from a private company.

    EpicLPer
    Negative
    1

    Telegram is not a self-hosted solution, but overall a good platform.

    Guest
    Negative
    9

    Telegram is neither encrypted nor open source

    • Telegram is Freemium and ProprietaryMatrix is Free and Open Source
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Zenzap icon
    Zenzap

    Cloud-based platform for business chat, messaging, and task management, delivering structured communication, instant access control, integration with business tools, and business-grade security while supporting flexible workflows...

    https://www.zenzap.co
    Learn More
  6. Discord icon

    Discord

     1143 likes

    An integrated platform for text and voice communications. Offers tailored channels for different topics, customizable moderation tools, low latency for fluency, and managed user roles for optimal community facilitation.

    231 Discord alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Epic Games Store
    • Flathub
    • Electron
    • Playstation
    • Xbox
    Desktop UI
     
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    2
    Discord vs Matrix Comments
    kaspian
    Negative
    4

    Not privacy focused, not encrypted. Slow.

    EpicLPer
    Negative
    5

    Discord is not self-hosted and no real alternative to Matrix since it's an "all in one" solution, neither just a client nor protocol.

    • Discord is Freemium and ProprietaryMatrix is Free and Open Source
    • Discord is a Video Calling Matrix is an Instant Messenger
  8. Pidgin icon

    Pidgin

     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.

    124 Pidgin alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    Pidgin screenshot 1
     
  9. Stoat Chat icon

    Stoat Chat

     145 likes

    Instant messaging platform supporting text and voice channels, live video calls, secure screen sharing, private group chats, customizable permissions, moderation tools, bot integration, privacy-focused design, open-source development, and cross-platform use.

    81 Stoat Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • Rust
    • F-Droid
    Stoat Chat screenshot 1
     
  10. WhatsApp icon

    WhatsApp

     859 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.

    272 WhatsApp alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Auto
    • Android Wear
    • Apple Car Play
    WhatsApp screenshot 1
     
  11. Briar icon

    Briar

     135 likes

    Censorship-resistant peer-to-peer messaging that bypasses centralized servers. Connect via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Tor, with privacy built-in.

    95 Briar alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    Briar screenshot 1
     
  12. I2P icon

    I2P

     256 likes

    The I2P network provides strong privacy protections for communication over the Internet. Many activities that would risk your privacy on the public Internet can be conducted anonymously inside I2P.

    46 I2P alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • BSD
    • F-Droid
    I2P screenshot 1
     
  15. Zulip icon

    Zulip

     275 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 types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    Zulip screenshot 1
     
12 of 196 Matrix alternatives