Session Alternatives

Session is described as 'is 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 popular Encrypted Chat app in the social & communications category. There are more than 25 alternatives to Session for a variety of platforms, including Android, Windows, Linux, Mac and iPhone. The best alternative is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Session are Telegram, Element, Matrix.org and Tox.

Session alternatives are mainly Encrypted Chat Apps but may also be Instant Messengers or Group Chat Apps. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Session.

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Session

Free • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App

Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
iPad
F-Droid

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

Learn more about Session

Signal
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
iPad
Flathub
Ubuntu
Debian
200 alternatives to Signal
Signal is a messaging app with an unexpected focus on privacy, combined with all the features expected from a modern IM app. Signal has received a lot of praise from all around the world for its security and privacy-respecting technologies.
Suggest and vote on features
Signal Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionSignal has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Privacy focusedSignal is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Ad-freeSignal doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. Self Destructing MessagesSignal supports the use of private messages that will be auto deleted according to a specified time or action.
5. VoiP CallsSignal allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
6. Dark ModeSignal supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
7. No TrackingSignal will not track you or use your personal data.
8. Works OfflineSignal can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
Security focused
GPLv3
Encrypted Connection
Private messaging
Stickers
Protected by Password
Forward Secrecy
Secure Chat
Desktop Application
Encrypted VoIP calls
Signal vs Session
pros, cons and recent comments
RemovedUser
Signal isn't decentralised,it isn't open source and it requires your phone number.It isn't trustworthy anymore.
Positive comment• ago

0
Telegram
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
HUAWEI AppGallery
Windows Phone
iPad
Apple Watch
Linux Mobile
Android Wear
PortableApps.com
FreeBSD
260 alternatives to Telegram
Telegram is a messaging app created by former VK creators with a focus on speed and security. It’s superfast, simple and free. It is like SMS, but more powerful.
Suggest and vote on features
Telegram Features
1. LightweightTelegram consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Ad-freeTelegram doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. End-to-End EncryptionTelegram has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. Privacy focusedTelegram is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Dark ModeTelegram supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. VoiP CallsTelegram allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
7. PortableTelegram can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
8. Works OfflineTelegram can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
9. Multiple Account supportTelegram support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
Stickers
Chat Bot
Multi Device Support
Bots
Channels
Secret chats
Cloud based
Integrated File Sharing
Persistent History
Video Conferencing
Element
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Group Chat App
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
Matrix.org
Cloudron
F-Droid
FLATHUB
261 alternatives to Element
Element is a secure collaboration and messaging app based on the Matrix protocol. It’s decentralised to deliver digital sovereignty, and based on an open standard for easy connections and interoperability. It is end-to-end encrypted by default.
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Element Features
1. DecentralizedElement is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. End-to-End EncryptionElement has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. Privacy focusedElement is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
4. VoiP CallsElement allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
5. No TrackingElement will not track you or use your personal data.
6. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Element simultaneously.
7. Dark ModeElement supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. Ad-freeElement doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
9. File VersioningElement has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
Federated
Matrix Protocol
Direct Messaging
Voice Chat
Federation
Community-based
Per-room avatars
Multiple languages
Custom widgets
Message redaction
Element vs Session
pros, cons and recent comments
RemovedUser
Element is decentralised,fully open source and end-to-end encrypted by default.
Positive comment• ago

0
Matrix.org
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
WebRTC
Python
JavaScript
Go (Programming Language)
Cloudron
Java
Perl
130 alternatives to Matrix.org
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.
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Matrix.org Features
1. DecentralizedMatrix.org is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. End-to-End EncryptionMatrix.org has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. Privacy focusedMatrix.org is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
4. VoiP CallsMatrix.org allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
5. No TrackingMatrix.org will not track you or use your personal data.
6. Ad-freeMatrix.org doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
7. Multiple Account supportMatrix.org support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
8. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Matrix.org simultaneously.
Federation
Distributed
Security focused
Spaces
Support for Multiple protocols
Chat Bot
Voice Chat
WebRTC
Server side history
Tox
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
Android Tablet
BSD
180 alternatives to Tox
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.
Suggest and vote on features
Tox Features
1. DecentralizedTox is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. Privacy focusedTox is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. End-to-End EncryptionTox has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Tox without registration.
5. Screen SharingYou can use Tox to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
6. LightweightTox consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
7. No TrackingTox will not track you or use your personal data.
8. Dark ModeTox supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
9. AES-256 EncryptionTox has AES-256 Encryption, i.e. very strong security.
Peer-To-Peer
Security focused
Multiplatform
P2P Network
Built-in player
GPLv3
White-labeled
Video Conferencing
Client side encryption
VoiP Calls
WhatsApp
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Wear
244 alternatives to WhatsApp
WhatsApp is an iPhone and Android messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS.
Suggest and vote on features
WhatsApp Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionWhatsApp has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Dark ModeWhatsApp supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
3. Two-factor AuthenticationWhatsApp supports two-factor authentication (2FA).
4. Support for @mentionsWhatsApp supports the use of mentions through @ to a particular user, who will be notified personally.
5. VoiP CallsWhatsApp allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
6. Expiring StoriesYou can create, view, interact and share temporary stories in WhatsApp.
Mobile friendly
Custom Backgrounds
Stickers
Voice messages
Multiple languages
Data export/import
Data transfer
Push to talk
Push Notifications
Data-management
Jami
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Video Calling App
Instant Messenger
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
139 alternatives to Jami
Jami (formerly GNU Ring, SFLphone) positions itself as a potential free Skype replacement
Suggest and vote on features
Jami Features
1. DecentralizedJami is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. Privacy focusedJami is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Ad-freeJami doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. End-to-End EncryptionJami has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
5. Screen SharingYou can use Jami to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
6. No TrackingJami will not track you or use your personal data.
Video Conferencing
Peer-To-Peer
Multi Platform
SIP client
Team Messaging
Multiple languages
Distributed
SIP
Intercom Support
Voice Chat
Wire
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Open Source
Group Chat App
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
F-Droid
Software as a Service (SaaS)
257 alternatives to Wire
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.
Suggest and vote on features
Wire Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionWire has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. VoiP CallsWire allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
3. Screen SharingYou can use Wire to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
4. Privacy focusedWire is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Multiple Account supportWire support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
Security focused
Encrypted calls
Voice Chat
File Sending
Voice messages
WebRTC
Private Chat
Secure Chat
Integrated File Sharing
Secure File Sharing
Keybase
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Team Collaboration Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Ruby
JavaScript
Go (Programming Language)
Java
Tor
iPad
62 alternatives to Keybase
Keybase is a new and free security app for mobile phones and computers. For the geeks among us: it's open source and powered by public-key cryptography.
Suggest and vote on features
Keybase Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionKeybase has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. PGP EncryptionKeybase supports PGP, an encryption system used for sending encrypted emails and files.
3. Git SupportKeybase supports Git, a free and open source distributed version control system.
4. Self Destructing MessagesKeybase supports the use of private messages that will be auto deleted according to a specified time or action.
5. Encrypted BackupKeybase uses encryption algorithms to keep your files safe as well as prevent unauthorized access.
6. GPG EncryptionKeybase supports GPG (aka GnuPG) for encryption of things like emails, messages, files, etc.
7. Ad-freeKeybase doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Two-Step verification
Security focused
Public key encryption
Git integration
File Storage
Electron based
GitHub integration
Private repositories
Ruby
Facebook integration
Briar
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Group Chat App
Linux
Android
Flathub
F-Droid
50 alternatives to Briar
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.
Suggest and vote on features
Briar Features
1. DecentralizedBriar is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. End-to-End EncryptionBriar has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. Works OfflineBriar can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
4. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Briar without registration.
5. Self Destructing MessagesBriar supports the use of private messages that will be auto deleted according to a specified time or action.
6. Ad-freeBriar doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
7. LightweightBriar consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
8. Dark ModeBriar supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
9. Privacy focusedBriar is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
Bluetooth Support
No Internet required
Mesh network
Support for TOR
Peer-To-Peer
LAN
Non-cloud solution
Secure Chat
Distributed
No Tracking