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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hyphanet (former Freenet) is free software which lets you anonymously share files, browse and publish "freesites".
Self-hosted collaboration platform featuring chat, workflow automation, voice and video calling, screen sharing, AI capabilities, broad third-party integration support, cross-platform apps, compatibility with Slack imports, and flexible deployment options for secure team communication.
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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.