Sideband AlternativesInstant Messengers & Encrypted Chat Apps like Sideband

Sideband is described as 'Decentralized messaging client for Android, Linux and macOS allowing you to communicate with people or LXMF-compatible systems over Reticulum networks using LoRa, Packet Radio, WiFi, I2P, or any other medium Reticulum supports' and is a instant messenger in the social & communications category. There are more than 10 alternatives to Sideband for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Android, Mac, Flathub and F-Droid apps. The best Sideband alternative is Element. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Element or Tox. Other great apps like Sideband are bitchat, Briar, Delta Chat and Element X.

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Alternatives list

  1. Element icon
     793 likes

    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.

    313 Element alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

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

    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.

    215 Tox alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • F-Droid
     
  3. SimpleX Chat icon
     94 likes

    Open-source messaging platform enabling private, identifier-free chats, encrypted group discussions, file and media sharing, plus audio and video calls. Employs double-ratchet protocol, stores user data on-device, protects metadata, and lets users self-host relay servers.

    70 SimpleX Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Self-Hosted
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Flatpak
    • Android Tablet
     
  4. bitchat icon
     47 likes

    Decentralized messaging app enabling secure peer-to-peer communication over Bluetooth mesh networks with end-to-end encryption, channel-based group chats, store & forward delivery, automatic peer discovery, no accounts or phone numbers, and privacy safeguards.

    58 bitchat alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
     
  5. Briar icon
     112 likes

    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.

    79 Briar alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
     
  6. Delta Chat icon
     68 likes

    Provides a chat experience over email, with all messages and contacts stored on user devices, open source code, group media support, and compatibility with any provider. No central servers, no tracking, works without SIM, and can be used by anyone just via email.

    80 Delta Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
     
  7. FluffyChat icon
     37 likes

    Encrypted messenger supporting multi-platform access, unlimited group and private chats, file and voice message sharing, decentralized operation, open-source code, custom themes including dark mode, advanced moderation, push notifications, and no advertisements.

    191 FluffyChat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu Touch
    • F-Droid
     
  8. Meshtastic icon
     12 likes

    Meshtastic is a project that enables you to use inexpensive LoRa radios as a long range off-grid communication platform in areas without existing or reliable communications infrastructure. This project is 100% community driven and open source!

    10 Meshtastic alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Self-Hosted
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Flatpak
    • Android
     
  9. Fractal icon
     16 likes

    Fractal is a Matrix messaging app for GNOME written in Rust. Its interface is optimized for collaboration in large groups, such as free software projects.

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • GNOME
    • Flatpak
     
  10. Dino icon
     23 likes

    Dino is a modern open-source chat client for the desktop. It focuses on providing a clean and reliable Jabber/XMPP experience while having your privacy in mind. Using GTK+/Vala.

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
     
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