Matrix AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Encrypted Chat Apps

The best Encrypted Chat alternative to Matrix is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Matrix and loads of them are Encrypted Chat Apps so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Encrypted Chat App alternatives to Matrix are Telegram, Element, Discord and WhatsApp.

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

  1. Signal icon
     1373 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.

    217 Signal alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    • Snapcraft
     
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    1
    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.

    • Signal is Free and Open SourceMatrix is also Free and Open Source
  2. Telegram icon
     2082 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.

    286 Telegram alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    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
     
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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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Telegram is Freemium and ProprietaryMatrix is Free and Open Source
  3. Element icon
     781 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.

    307 Element alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    • Snapcraft
     
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    3
    Element vs Matrix Comments
    Guest
    Negative
    13

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    1

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    1

    Element is matrix homeserver and client not an alternative.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Element is Free Personal and Open SourceMatrix is Free and Open Source
  4. Discord icon
     1112 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.

    181 Discord alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Epic Games Store
    • Flathub
    • Electron
    • Playstation
    • Xbox
     
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    2
    Discord vs Matrix Comments
    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.

    kaspian
    Negative
    4

    Not privacy focused, not encrypted. Slow.

    • Discord is Freemium and ProprietaryMatrix is Free and Open Source
  5. WhatsApp icon
     851 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.

    251 WhatsApp alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Auto
    • Android Wear
    • Apple Car Play
     
  6. Stoat Chat icon
     112 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.

    51 Stoat Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • Rust
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
     
  7. Mattermost icon
     254 likes

    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.

    134 Mattermost alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • JavaScript
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Go (Programming Language)
    • Cloudron
     
  8. Zulip icon
     267 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.

    225 Zulip alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
     
  9. Rocket.Chat icon
     159 likes

    Open-source chat server supporting real-time group, direct, and private messaging, video calls, file sharing, helpdesk chat, API integrations, desktop notifications, emojis, LDAP authentication, cross-platform apps, and customizable extensions for teams.

    144 Rocket.Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Cloudron
     
  10. FluffyChat icon
     37 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.

    188 FluffyChat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu Touch
    • F-Droid
     
12 of 60 Matrix alternatives