Session AlternativesTop Instant Messengers & Video Calling Apps like Session

Session is described as 'Decentralized messenger with end-to-end encryption, no registration, no tracking, metadata protection, secure file sharing, and multi-device syncing' and is a very popular instant messenger in the social & communications category. There are more than 50 alternatives to Session for a variety of platforms, including Android, Linux, iPhone, Windows and Mac apps. The best Session alternative is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Session are Telegram, Element, Matrix and Tox.

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Alternatives list

  1. Signal icon

    Signal

     1357 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

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    • Snapcraft
    Signal screenshot 1
     
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    12
    Comments about Signal as an Alternative to Session
    RemovedUser
    Positive
    2

    Signal isn't decentralised,it isn't open source and it requires your phone number.It isn't trustworthy anymore.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Session Icon
    Signal icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Signal is a great Session alternative.

    • Signal is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to Session.

    • Signal is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Session.

    • Signal is Free and Open SourceSession is also Free and Open Source
    • Signal is Security-focused and LightweightSession 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 Session.

    • Telegram is Freemium and ProprietarySession is Free and Open Source
    • Telegram is Lightweight and Security-focusedSession 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

    • 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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    6
    Comments about Element as an Alternative to Session
    RemovedUser
    Positive
    0

    Element is decentralised,fully open source and end-to-end encrypted by default.

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

    • Almost everyone thinks Element is a great Session alternative.

    • Element is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to Session.

    • Element is Free Personal and Open SourceSession is Free and Open Source
    • Element is LightweightSession is not according to our users
  5. Matrix icon

    Matrix

     381 likes
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    Matrix defines a set of open APIs for decentralised communication, suitable for securely publishing, persisting and subscribing to data over a global open federation of servers with no single point of control.

    166 Matrix alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • WebRTC
    • Python
    • JavaScript
    • Go (Programming Language)
    • Cloudron
    • Java
    • Perl
    Main Page
     
  6. 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

    • Free
    • Open Source

    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.
     
  9. 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.

    248 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
     
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    1
    Comments about WhatsApp as an Alternative to Session
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    Other than what users send and receive in chats facebook now meta knows everything.Whom you contact,when,for how long.And in general also this app wastes a lot of time.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Session Icon
    WhatsApp icon
    • WhatsApp is Free and ProprietarySession is Free and Open Source
  10. 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
     
  11. Briar icon

    Briar

     108 likes
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    An open-source decentralized and encrypted messaging app even without internet connection via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Messages are stored securely on your device, not in the cloud. Connect directly with nearby contacts - no Internet access is required.

    75 Briar alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    Briar screenshot 1
    Briar screenshot 2
    Briar screenshot 3
     
  12. Wire icon

    Wire

     312 likes
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    Wire is the most secure collaboration platform featuring messenger, voice, video, conference calls, file-sharing, and external collaboration –all protected by the most secure end-to-end-encryption.

    281 Wire alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Flathub
    • Snapcraft
    Wire screenshot 1
    Wire screenshot 2
    Wire screenshot 3
     

    • Wire is the most popular SaaS alternative to Session.

    • Wire is Free Personal and Open SourceSession is Free and Open Source
    • Wire is Security-focusedSession is not according to our users
  13. bitchat icon

    bitchat

     39 likes
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    A secure, decentralized, peer-to-peer messaging app that works over Bluetooth mesh networks. No internet required, no servers, no phone numbers — just pure encrypted communication.

    54 bitchat alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    bitchat screenshot 1
    bitchat screenshot 2
     
  14. Threema icon

    Threema

     136 likes
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    Threema is a new mobile messaging app that puts security first. With true end-to-end encryption, you can rest assured that only you and the intended recipient can read your messages.

    121 Threema alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • F-Droid
    • Flathub
    Threema screenshot 1
    Threema screenshot 2
    Threema screenshot 3
     

    • Threema is the most popular commercial alternative to Session.

    • Threema is Paid and Open SourceSession is Free and Open Source
    • Threema is Security-focusedSession is not according to our users
12 of 73 Session alternatives