Session AlternativesTop Instant Messengers & Video Calling Apps like Session

Session is described as 'The world's first open-source, decentralised private messenger to use industry-leading Signal Protocol encryption — without asking for your phone number' 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, iPhone, Linux, 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.

Session iconSession
  103
  • ...

Session is the world's first open-source, decentralised private messenger to use industry-leading Signal Protocol...

More about Session
More about Session
Session alternatives page was last updated Apr 19, 2025
Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard
  1. Signal icon

    Signal

     1275 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    219 Signal alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

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

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Security-focused
    3.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Encrypted Chat
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  Video Calling
    5.  Self Destructing Messages
    6.  Private messaging
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  Encrypted Connection
    9.  Mobile friendly
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Desktop Application
    12.  Secure Chat

    Signal VS Session

     
    Comments about Signal as an Alternative to Session
    RemovedUser
    Positive •Sep 7, 2021
    2

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

    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 Privacy focused and Security-focusedSession is not according to our users
  2. Telegram icon

    Telegram

     2049 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    295 Telegram alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • International

    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

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused
    3.  Security-focused

    Features

    1.  Encrypted Chat
    2.  Stickers
    3.  Chat Bot
    4.  Large File Transfer
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  End-to-End Encryption
    7.  Video Calling
    8.  Multi Device Support
    9.  Channels
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Bots
    12.  Secret chats

    Telegram VS Session

     

    • 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 Privacy focusedSession is not according to our users
  4. Element icon

    Element

     718 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    Video calls for desktop and mobile

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Clean design

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Decentralized
    3.  Federated
    4.  Team Collaboration
    5.  Encrypted Chat
    6.  Video Calling
    7.  Matrix Protocol
    8.  Voice Chat
    9.  Direct Messaging
    10.  Federation
    11.  Cross-Platform
    12.  Dark Mode

    Element VS Session

     
    Comments about Element as an Alternative to Session
    RemovedUser
    Positive •Sep 7, 2021
    0

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

    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 Freemium and Open SourceSession is Free and Open Source
    • Element is Privacy focusedSession is not according to our users
  5. Matrix icon

    Matrix

     359 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    161 Matrix alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

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

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Security-focused
    3.  Lightweight
    4.  Support for Themes

    Features

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  End-to-End Encryption
    3.  Federation
    4.  Team Collaboration
    5.  Random Video Chat
    6.  Encrypted Chat
    7.  Voice Chat
    8.  No Tracking
    9.  Spaces
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Support for @mentions

    Matrix VS Session

     
  6. Tox icon

    Tox

     551 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    213 Tox alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    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.

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Security-focused
    3.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Encrypted Chat
    2.  Decentralized
    3.  Peer-To-Peer
    4.  End-to-End Encryption
    5.  Multiplatform
    6.  No registration required
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  AES-256 Encryption
    9.  Screen Sharing
    10.  P2P Network
    11.  Secure Chat
    12.  Anonymous Secure Filesharing

    Tox VS Session

     
  7. Jami icon

    Jami

     230 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

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

    160 Jami alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CA flagCanada

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Jami video conference OS X

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  Ad-free
    3.  Video Conferencing
    4.  Peer-To-Peer
    5.  Video Calling
    6.  Multi Platform
    7.  Encrypted Chat
    8.  Distributed
    9.  End-to-End Encryption
    10.  SIP client
    11.  Screen Sharing
    12.  No Tracking

    Jami VS Session

     
  9. WhatsApp icon

    WhatsApp

     843 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    251 WhatsApp alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Wear
    • Android Auto
    • Apple Car Play
    WhatsApp screenshot 1
    WhatsApp screenshot 2
    WhatsApp screenshot 3

    Top WhatsApp Features

    1.  Mobile friendly
    2.  End-to-End Encryption
    3.  Dark Mode
    4.  Custom Backgrounds
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Two-factor Authentication
    7.  Screen Sharing
    8.  VoiP Calls
    9.  Picture in Picture
    10.  Passkey Support
    11.  Support for @mentions
    12.  Expiring Stories

    WhatsApp VS Session

     
    Comments about WhatsApp as an Alternative to Session
    Guest
    Negative •Sep 3, 2024
    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.

    Session Icon
    WhatsApp icon
    • WhatsApp is Free and ProprietarySession is Free and Open Source
  10. Wire icon

    Wire

     308 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    279 Wire alternatives

    License model

    • Free Personal • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CH flagSwitzerland

    Platforms

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

    Properties

    1.  Security-focused
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Video Calling
    3.  Encrypted Chat
    4.  VoiP Calls
    5.  Encrypted calls
    6.  Screen Sharing
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Secure File Sharing
    9.  Multiple Account support
    10.  WebRTC
    11.  Private Chat
    12.  File Sending

    Wire VS Session

     

    • Wire is the most popular SaaS alternative to Session.

    • Wire is Free Personal and Open SourceSession is Free and Open Source
    • Wire is Security-focused and Privacy focusedSession is not according to our users
  11. Briar icon

    Briar

     96 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    74 Briar alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • International

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    Briar screenshot 1
    Briar screenshot 2
    Briar screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  Works Offline
    3.  Bluetooth Support
    4.  End-to-End Encryption
    5.  Mesh network
    6. Tor icon  Support for TOR
    7.  No registration required
    8.  Self Destructing Messages
    9.  Peer-To-Peer
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  No Tracking

    Briar VS Session

     
  12. Revolt icon

    Revolt

     89 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Revolt is a user-first, privacy focused chat platform.

    42 Revolt alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Rust
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • GitHub
    Revolt screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Support for Themes

    Features

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  Text chat
    3.  No Tracking
    4.  Bots
    5.  Multiple Servers
    6.  VoiP Calls
    7.  Cross-Platform
    8.  Dark Mode
    9.  Reactions
    10.  Two-factor Authentication
    11.  Cloud Sync
    12.  Support for MarkDown

    Revolt VS Session

     
  13. Threema icon

    Threema

     121 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    123 Threema alternatives

    License model

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CH flagSwitzerland

    Platforms

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

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Security-focused

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Encrypted Chat
    3.  Integrated File Sharing
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  Confirm messages
    6.  Image Sharing
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  No Tracking
    9.  Cloud Sync
    10.  Multiple Account support
    11.  Two-factor Authentication
    12.  Encrypted Backup

    Threema VS Session

     

    • Threema is the most popular commercial alternative to Session.

    • Threema is Paid and Open SourceSession is Free and Open Source
    • Threema is Privacy focusedSession is not according to our users
  14. Element X icon

    Element X

     27 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    95 Element X alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Element X screenshot 1
    Element X screenshot 2
    Element X screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  VoiP Calls
    2.  Ad-free
    3.  Matrix Protocol
    4.  Dark Mode
    5.  Decentralized
    6.  End-to-End Encryption
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  Real time collaboration
    9.  Support for MarkDown
    10.  Support for @mentions
    11.  Cloud Sync
    12.  Voice Chat

    Element X VS Session

     
12 of 69 Session alternatives