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 Android, Windows, Linux, iPhone and iPad 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
     1351 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

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
     
    • 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
     2074 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.

    284 Telegram alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • 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
     
    • 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
  3. Element icon
     763 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

    • Free Personal
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
     
    • 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
  4. Tox icon
     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.

    212 Tox alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • F-Droid
     
  5. Jami icon
     236 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

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
     
  6. Berty icon
     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.

    50 Berty alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
     
  7. ChatSecure icon
     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.

    111 ChatSecure alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • iPhone
    • iPad
     
  8. Session icon
     116 likes
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    Session is the world's first open-source, decentralised private messenger to use industry-leading Signal Protocol encryption — without asking for your phone number.

    73 Session alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • F-Droid
     
  9. KryptEY icon
     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.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
     
  10. Silence IM icon
     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

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Android
     
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