Off-the-Record Messaging AlternativesInstant Messengers & Encrypted Chat Apps like Off-the-Record Messaging

Off-the-Record Messaging is described as 'Off-the-Record (OTR) Messaging allows you to have private conversations over any instant messaging (MSN,Gtalk, Facebook and so on) by providing encryption, authentication, deniability, perfect forward' and is a instant messenger in the social & communications category. There are more than 25 alternatives to Off-the-Record Messaging for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone and Mac apps. The best Off-the-Record Messaging alternative is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Off-the-Record Messaging are Telegram, Element, Tox and Jami.

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Alternatives list

  1. Signal icon

    Signal

     1358 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.

    216 Signal alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

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

    • Signal is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to Off-the-Record Messaging.

    • Signal is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Off-the-Record Messaging.

    • Signal is Free and Open SourceOff-the-Record Messaging is also Free and Open Source
    • Signal is Privacy focused, Security-focused and LightweightOff-the-Record Messaging is not according to our users
  2. Telegram icon

    Telegram

     2077 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.

    286 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
     

    • Telegram is the most popular Web-based & Android Tablet alternative to Off-the-Record Messaging.

    • Telegram is Freemium and ProprietaryOff-the-Record Messaging is Free and Open Source
    • Telegram is Lightweight, Privacy focused and Security-focusedOff-the-Record Messaging is not according to our users
  4. Element icon

    Element

     769 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.

    302 Element alternatives

    Cost / License

    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
     

    • Element is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to Off-the-Record Messaging.

    • Element is Free Personal and Open SourceOff-the-Record Messaging is Free and Open Source
    • Element is Privacy focused and LightweightOff-the-Record Messaging is not according to our users
  5. Tox icon

    Tox

     558 likes
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    With the rise of widespread government monitoring programs, Tox is an easy to use application that allows you to connect with friends and loved ones without anyone else listening in.

    211 Tox alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • F-Droid
    The Universal Tox Client. A Tox client that runs on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, FreeBSD & the web. Written in JS using React & React Native / electron.
     
  6. Jami icon

    Jami

     237 likes
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    Jami (formerly GNU Ring, SFLphone) positions itself as a potential free Skype replacement

    160 Jami alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Jami video conference OS X
     
  7. Berty icon

    Berty

     15 likes
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    Berty is a secure peer-to-peer messaging app that works with or without internet access, cellular data or trust in the network. Berty is a privacy-first messaging application built on top of the Berty Protocol.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Berty screenshot 1
    Berty screenshot 2
    Berty screenshot 3
     
  9. Session icon

    Session

     118 likes
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    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

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    Session screenshot 1
    Session screenshot 2
    Session screenshot 3
     
  10. ChatSecure icon

    ChatSecure

     69 likes
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    ChatSecure is a free and open source messaging app that features OTR encryption over XMPP. You can connect to your existing accounts on Facebook or Google, create new accounts on public XMPP servers(including via Tor), or even connect to your own server for extra security.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • iPhone
    • iPad
    iOS (1)
    iOS (2)
    iOS (3)
     
  13. Silence IM icon

    Silence IM

     54 likes
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    Protect your communication in transit and on your phone. Silence (formerly SMSSecure) is a full replacement for the default text messaging application: all messages are encrypted locally and messages to other Silence users are encrypted over the air.

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Android
    Silence IM screenshot 1
    Silence IM screenshot 2
    Silence IM screenshot 3
     
  14. KryptEY icon

    KryptEY

     9 likes
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    Android keyboard for secure E2EE communication through the signal protocol in any messenger. Communicate securely and independent, regardless of the legal situation or whether messengers use E2EE.

    60 KryptEY alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    KryptEY screenshot 1
     
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