Matrix AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Video Calling Apps

The best Video Calling 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 Video Calling Apps so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Video Calling App alternatives to Matrix are Telegram, Element, Discord and Pidgin.

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Matrix alternatives are mainly Video Calling 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
     1377 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.

    220 Signal alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
     
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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
     2084 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.

    291 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
     790 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.

    314 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
    14

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    2

    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
    2

    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
     1114 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.

    188 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. Pidgin icon
     1530 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.

    120 Pidgin alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
     
  6. 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.

    252 WhatsApp alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Auto
    • Android Wear
    • Apple Car Play
     
  7. 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.

    229 Zulip alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
     
  8. 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.

    191 FluffyChat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu Touch
    • F-Droid
     
  9. Echoed icon
     22 likes

    Lightweight communication platform with unlimited channels, seamless voice and video, screen sharing, private file sharing, advanced task and calendar tools, robust privacy features, emoji and thread support, and multi-platform efficiency for gaming or team communities.

    60 Echoed alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
     
  10. Session icon
     125 likes

    Decentralized messenger featuring end-to-end encryption for individual and group chats, no registration needed, no tracking or metadata logs, IP address protection, secure attachment sharing, multi-device sync, dark mode, open-source code, and ad-free use.

    73 Session alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
     
12 of 56 Matrix alternatives