Matrix AlternativesInstant Messengers & Group Chat Apps like Matrix

Matrix is described as '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' 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 Linux, Mac, Windows, Android and iPhone apps. The best Matrix alternative is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Matrix are Telegram, Element, Discord and Pidgin.

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Matrix alternatives are mainly Instant Messengers, but if you're looking for Group Chat Apps or Encrypted Chat Apps you can filter on that. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Matrix.
Matrix iconMatrix
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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.

More about Matrix
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Matrix alternatives page was last updated Apr 19, 2025
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  1. Signal icon

    Signal

     1280 likes
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    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.

    219 Signal alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    Signal screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Security-focused
    3.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Encrypted Chat
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  Video Calling
    5.  Self Destructing Messages
    6.  Private messaging
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  Encrypted Connection
    9.  Mobile friendly
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Desktop Application
    12.  Secure Chat

    Signal VS Matrix

     
    Comments about Signal as an Alternative to Matrix
    alternativepun3n
    Negative Sep 6, 2023
    2

    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.

    Matrix Icon
    Signal icon

    • Most users think Signal is a great Matrix alternative.

    • Signal is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to Matrix.

    • Signal is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Matrix.

    • Signal is Free and Open SourceMatrix is also Free and Open Source
    • Signal is Privacy focused and Security-focusedMatrix is not according to our users
  2. Telegram icon

    Telegram

     2051 likes
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    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.

    294 Telegram alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • International

    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

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused
    3.  Security-focused

    Features

    1.  Encrypted Chat
    2.  Stickers
    3.  Chat Bot
    4.  Large File Transfer
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  End-to-End Encryption
    7.  Video Calling
    8.  Multi Device Support
    9.  Channels
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Bots
    12.  Secret chats

    Telegram VS Matrix

     
    Comments about Telegram as an Alternative to Matrix
    Most Recent Comment
    EpicLPer
    Negative Jan 18, 2022
    1

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

    alternativepun3n
    Negative Sep 6, 2023
    1

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

    Guest
    Negative Jul 23, 2020
    7

    Telegram is neither encrypted nor open source

    Matrix Icon
    Telegram icon

    • Some users think Telegram is a great Matrix alternative, some don't.

    • Telegram is the most popular Web-based & Android Tablet alternative to Matrix.

    • Telegram is Freemium and ProprietaryMatrix is Free and Open Source
    • Telegram is Lightweight and Privacy focusedMatrix is not according to our users
  4. Element icon

    Element

     720 likes
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    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.

    301 Element alternatives

    License model

    • Free Personal • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    Video calls for desktop and mobile

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Clean design

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Decentralized
    3.  Federated
    4.  Team Collaboration
    5.  Encrypted Chat
    6.  Video Calling
    7.  Matrix Protocol
    8.  Voice Chat
    9.  Direct Messaging
    10.  Federation
    11.  Cross-Platform
    12.  Dark Mode

    Element VS Matrix

     
    Comments about Element as an Alternative to Matrix
    Most Recent Comment
    Guest
    Negative Dec 5, 2020
    12

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

    Guest
    Negative Dec 18, 2024
    0

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

    Guest
    Negative Sep 29, 2024
    0

    Element is matrix homeserver and client not an alternative.

    Matrix Icon
    Element icon

    • Most users think Element is a great Matrix alternative.

    • Element is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to Matrix.

    • Element is Free Personal and Open SourceMatrix is Free and Open Source
    • Element is Privacy focusedMatrix is not according to our users
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  6. Discord icon

    Discord

     1076 likes
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    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.

    188 Discord alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Epic Games Store
    • Flathub
    • Electron
    • Playstation
    • Xbox
    Discord screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Gaming-focused

    Features

    1.  Screen Sharing
    2.  VoiP Calls
    3.  Video Calling
    4.  Multi Channel
    5.  Text chat
    6.  Bots
    7.  Voice Chat
    8.  Multiple Servers
    9.  Push to talk
    10.  Public groups chat
    11.  Custom Smileys
    12.  Text to Speech

    Discord VS Matrix

     
    Comments about Discord as an Alternative to Matrix
    EpicLPer
    Negative Jan 18, 2022
    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.

    kaspian
    Negative Jan 30, 2023
    2

    Not privacy focused, not encrypted. Slow.

    Matrix Icon
    Discord icon

    • This alternative is disputed. Discord is a legitimate Matrix alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • Discord is Freemium and ProprietaryMatrix is Free and Open Source
  7. Pidgin icon

    Pidgin

     1522 likes
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    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.

    122 Pidgin alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    Pidgin screenshot 1

    Top Pidgin Features

    1.  Support for Multiple protocols
    2.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    3. XMPP icon  Supports XMPP
    4.  Multiple Account support
    5.  IRC
    6.  Portable
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  VoiP Calls
    10.  Multiple languages
    11.  Multiple chat protocols
    12.  Messages

    Pidgin VS Matrix

     
  8. WhatsApp icon

    WhatsApp

     843 likes
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    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.

    252 WhatsApp alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Auto
    • Android Wear
    • Apple Car Play
    • iPad
    WhatsApp screenshot 1
    WhatsApp screenshot 2
    WhatsApp screenshot 3

    Top WhatsApp Features

    1.  Mobile friendly
    2.  End-to-End Encryption
    3.  Dark Mode
    4.  Custom Backgrounds
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Two-factor Authentication
    7.  Screen Sharing
    8.  VoiP Calls
    9.  Picture in Picture
    10.  Passkey Support
    11.  Support for @mentions
    12.  Expiring Stories

    WhatsApp VS Matrix

     
  10. Revolt icon

    Revolt

     91 likes
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    Revolt is a user-first, privacy focused chat platform.

    44 Revolt alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Rust
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • GitHub
    Revolt screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Support for Themes

    Features

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  Text chat
    3.  No Tracking
    4.  Bots
    5.  Multiple Servers
    6.  VoiP Calls
    7.  Cross-Platform
    8.  Dark Mode
    9.  Reactions
    10.  Two-factor Authentication
    11.  Support for @mentions
    12.  Support for MarkDown

    Revolt VS Matrix

     
  11. I2P icon

    I2P

     221 likes
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    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

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • BSD
    I2P screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  Anonymous Email
    3.  Online Anonymity
    4.  P2P Network
    5.  Built-in Torrent client
    6.  Anonymous Proxy
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  No Logs
    9.  End-to-End Encryption
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  No registration required

    I2P VS Matrix

     
  12. Element X icon

    Element X

     29 likes
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    It is the brand new, and fastest ever, Matrix client. It is for personal and community use, and will support enterprise functionality later this year.

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Element X screenshot 1
    Element X screenshot 2
    Element X screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Matrix Protocol
    2.  End-to-End Encryption
    3.  VoiP Calls
    4.  No Tracking
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Support for MarkDown
    8.  Decentralized
    9.  Support for @mentions
    10.  Cloud Sync
    11.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    12.  Voice Chat

    Element X VS Matrix

     
  13. Mattermost icon

    Mattermost

     249 likes
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    Mattermost is a secure, open source platform for communication, collaboration, and workflow orchestration across tools and teams.

    128 Mattermost alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • JavaScript
    • Go (Programming Language)
    • Cloudron
    Mattermost screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Team Collaboration
    2.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    3.  Chat Bot
    4.  On-premises software
    5.  Multi Channel
    6.  Full-Text Search
    7.  Built-in viewer
    8.  Dark Mode
    9.  Real time collaboration
    10.  Support for @mentions
    11.  Support for MarkDown
    12.  End-to-End Encryption

    Mattermost VS Matrix

     
  14. Hyphanet icon

    Hyphanet

     174 likes
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    Hyphanet (former Freenet) is free software which lets you anonymously share files, browse and publish "freesites".

    51 Hyphanet alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • International

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    Hyphanet screenshot 1

    Hyphanet Features

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  No Tracking
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  Fully anonymous
    5.  Java based
    6.  Anonymous Secure Filesharing
    7.  Peer-To-Peer
    8.  Virtual filesystem

    Hyphanet VS Matrix

     
  15. Molly icon

    Molly

     35 likes
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    Molly is an independent Signal fork for Android.

    188 Molly alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Secure Chat
    2.  Encrypted Chat
    3.  End-to-End Encryption
    4.  No Tracking
    5.  Text messaging
    6.  Monero exchange
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Dark Mode
    9.  Cloud Sync
    10.  SOCKS proxy client and server

    Molly VS Matrix

     
12 of 161 Matrix alternatives