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

    Signal

     1353 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.

    215 Signal alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    • Snapcraft
    Signal screenshot 1
     
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    1
    7
    Comments about Signal as an Alternative to Matrix
    alternativepun3n
    Negative
    4

    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

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

    • 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
  2. Telegram icon

    Telegram

     2075 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.

    285 Telegram alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • 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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    8
    Comments about Telegram as an Alternative to Matrix
    alternativepun3n
    Negative
    4

    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
    8

    Telegram is neither encrypted nor open source

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    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
  4. Element icon

    Element

     766 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

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    • Snapcraft
    Video calls for desktop and mobile
     
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    3
    8
    Comments about Element as an Alternative to Matrix
    Guest
    Negative
    12

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    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
    0

    Element is matrix homeserver and client not an alternative.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    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
  5. Discord icon

    Discord

     1105 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.

    191 Discord alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • 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
    Comments about Discord as an Alternative to Matrix
    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
    3

    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
  6. WhatsApp icon

    WhatsApp

     849 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.

    249 WhatsApp alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Auto
    • Android Wear
    • Apple Car Play
    WhatsApp screenshot 1
     
  7. Stoat Chat icon

    Stoat Chat

     108 likes
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    Stoat (previously Revolt) is a chat platform that puts users first. With text & voice channels, video calling, screen sharing, permissions, mod tools, bots & more. Join any community or build one just the way you like it. It also respects your privacy.

    46 Stoat Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Rust
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • GitHub
    User settings page, on "Appearance" tab
     
  9. Element X icon

    Element X

     39 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.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Element X screenshot 1
    Element X screenshot 2
    Element X screenshot 3
     
  10. Mattermost icon

    Mattermost

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

    130 Mattermost alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Subscription
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • JavaScript
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Go (Programming Language)
    • Cloudron
    Mattermost screenshot 1
     

    • Mattermost is the most popular SaaS alternative to Matrix.

    • Mattermost is the most popular commercial alternative to Matrix.

    • Mattermost is Paid and Open SourceMatrix is Free and Open Source
  12. Zulip icon

    Zulip

     263 likes
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    Zulip is the only modern team chat app that is designed for both live and asynchronous conversations. Zulip topics create a separate space for each discussion, so different conversations will never get in each other's way.

    221 Zulip alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    Zulip screenshot 1
     
12 of 58 Matrix alternatives