The Best Signal AlternativesTop Instant Messengers & Video Calling Apps like Signal

Signal is described as 'An encrypted messaging app focused on privacy, supporting texts, calls, photos, videos, files, and group chats, with no ads or trackers' and is a leading instant messenger in the social & communications category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Signal for a variety of platforms, including Android, iPhone, Windows, Linux and Mac apps. The best Signal 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 Signal are Matrix, Discord, Telegram and Threema.

filter to find the best alternatives

Signal alternatives are mainly Instant Messengers, but if you're looking for Encrypted Chat Apps or Group Chat Apps you can filter on that. Other popular filters include EU, Blackberry, Encrypted Chat, Apple Watch, Instant Messaging, Android Tablet and Windows Phone. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Signal.
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Alternatives list

  1. Element icon

    Element

     834 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.

    346 Element alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    Element screenshot 1
     
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    4
    Element vs Signal Comments
    LinuxDoge
    Positive
    3

    No phone number. You can choose a good server, but communicate with all. You can run it over Tor. The app is easy to use but full of features, that Signal still dreams of. There are Apps for every platform, in every Form.

    CatarinaTeles
    Positive
    8

    Decentralization and promotes home-servers

    Guest
    Positive
    0

    It offers encrypted communication with a bonus of decentralized infrastructure.

    3 of 4 comments
    • Element is Free Personal and Open SourceSignal is Free and Open Source
    • Element is DecentralizedSignal is not according to our users
  2. Tox icon

    Tox

     573 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.

    224 Tox alternatives

    Cost / License

    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.
     
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    4
    Tox vs Signal Comments
    naught101
    Positive
    7

    Tox is decentralised, so messages don't travel via a single server.

    Schnatt_App
    Positive
    1

    simple, easy to use, no phone number required

    Guest
    Negative
    0

    It doesn't have Perfect Forward Secrecy which makes it not applicable to be a Signal competitor as it makes it vulnerable to Key Compromise Impersonation attacks. It also requires those who want to communicate to be online at the same time. Also it is no longer truly multi platform, as there is no client for iOS.

    3 of 4 comments
    • Tox is Free and Open SourceSignal is also Free and Open Source
    • Tox is DecentralizedSignal is not according to our users
  4. Wire icon

    Wire

     332 likes

    Secure communication platform featuring encrypted chats and calls, file and media sharing, self-deleting messages, device verification, group collaboration, and customizable settings. Supports use across multiple devices with no phone number required for access.

    300 Wire alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

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

    Beautiful user interface, recommended by security researchers, open source

    Guest
    Positive
    2

    Works fairly similarly, easy to use, very smooth for the most part, seems actually a little less buggy than signal at times.. I still prefer signal because of the fact that it's from openwhisper systems and I believe it to be the most secure of all the secure private messengers

    • Wire is Free Personal and Open SourceSignal is Free and Open Source
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Zoom icon
    Zoom

    Provides robust video meetings with up to 100 participants, screen sharing, real-time chat, cloud recording, whiteboard and document collaboration, AI-generated meeting summaries, seamless device switching, phone and messaging in...

    https://www.zoom.com
    Learn More
  6. Matrix icon

    Matrix

     417 likes

    Open standard protocol enabling decentralized, encrypted instant messaging, VoIP signaling, IoT device connectivity, and persistent data management across federated servers without central control or single points of failure, bridging communication platforms.

    192 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
     
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    4
    Matrix vs Signal Comments
    cadetdc1t8x
    Negative
    5

    Matrix is a protocol that Element uses. Matrix does not replace the functionality that element offers

    James Browne
    Negative
    4

    Its NOT alternative t signal. It is great and I love the Matrix protocol but not a messenger. Its a protocol a messenger could use... those are two distinctly different things.

    Guest
    Negative
    1

    Matrix is only a protocol, doesn't have a default messaging app.

    3 of 4 comments
    • Matrix is Free and Open SourceSignal is also Free and Open Source
    • Matrix is DecentralizedSignal is not according to our users
  8. Discord icon

    Discord

     1141 likes

    An integrated platform for text and voice communications. Offers tailored channels for different topics, customizable moderation tools, low latency for fluency, and managed user roles for optimal community facilitation.

    226 Discord alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Epic Games Store
    • Flathub
    • Electron
    • Playstation
    • Xbox
    Desktop UI
     
  9. Telegram icon

    Telegram

     2122 likes

    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.

    314 Telegram alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • 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
     
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    10
    Telegram vs Signal Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Radach Kajak
    -2

    more of my friends have it, they have channels for news, entertainment, with movies, etc.

    Top Negative Comment
    LinuxDoge
    12

    You literally need an Android emulator to have encrypted chats on desktop. Group chats and channels are always unencrypted, this is the shadiest messenger existing, apart from Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, TikTok Messenger, Snapchat, Twitter Messenger, and all the others maybe.

    Telegram is bullshit, dont deal with it, only if its a replacement for Whatsapp. Go to Element or even Signal.

    Sam Lander
    Negative
    0

    Telegram has a great UI. It also has the opportunity for E2EE (but only on mobile, and only if you select it). The E2EE is likely as good as Signal, or so we hope. That's because it isn't fully open-source. So you can't necessarily trust it.

    And before it was pro-free-speech. Now, after Pavel Durov was arrested, they have started censoring people who post "offensive memes" like crazy. It has basically become Whatsapp.

    3 of 10 comments
    • Telegram is Freemium and ProprietarySignal is Free and Open Source
  10. Threema icon

    Threema

     146 likes

    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.

    136 Threema alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • F-Droid
    • Flathub
    Threema screenshot 1
     
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    5
    Threema vs Signal Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    aljasser
    2

    User keys are not generated by an algorithm, but by the user. You don't need to register a phone number or an email. A pin will be given to you and that will be enough to connect.

    RemovedUser
    Positive
    0

    A very good alternative, albeit paid. It requires you to buy it, which might not be a big issue to some, but it is a compromise. However, the app itself is open source, meaning you are not buying a cat in the bag.

    konsumschaf
    Positive
    0

    It is secure, the business plan is clear and it respects you privacy

    3 of 5 comments
    • Threema is Paid and Open SourceSignal is Free and Open Source
  11. SimpleX Chat icon

    SimpleX Chat

     115 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.

    79 SimpleX Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • Self-Hosted
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Flatpak
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 1
     
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    1
    SimpleX Chat vs Signal Comments
    cricky
    Positive
    1

    SimpleX provides a similar experience to Signal with enhanced privacy

    • SimpleX Chat is Free and Open SourceSignal is also Free and Open Source
    • SimpleX Chat is DecentralizedSignal is not according to our users
  12. Briar icon

    Briar

     134 likes

    Censorship-resistant peer-to-peer messaging that bypasses centralized servers. Connect via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Tor, with privacy built-in.

    94 Briar alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    Briar screenshot 1
     
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    2
    Briar vs Signal Comments
    RemovedUser
    Positive
    0

    Sadly, Briar is very limited to platforms. It mainly supports Android, with some preliminary desktop support. This is not enough for a messaging app. Briar Desktop is time limited anyway, so its a pain to use as an alternative currently.

    davyto
    Negative
    1

    Only for Android, no iOS or PC. It might be cool for some use cases but not for everyday use.

    • Briar is Free and Open SourceSignal is also Free and Open Source
    • Briar is DecentralizedSignal is not according to our users
  13. Session icon

    Session

     142 likes

    Decentralized messenger featuring end-to-end encryption for individual and group chats, no registration needed, no tracking or metadata logs, IP address protection, secure attachment sharing, multi-device sync, dark mode, open-source code, and ad-free use.

    79 Session alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    Session screenshot 1
     
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    16
    Session vs Signal Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Open Source
    5

    Session doesn't require your phone number. Also decentralized - the big advantage.

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    0

    It lacks Perfect Forward Secrecy which makes it not applicable to be a Signal competitor as it makes it vulnerable to Key Compromise Impersonation attacks.

    RemovedUser
    Positive
    2

    It is a great alternative, forked from Signal and also not requiring a phone number.

    3 of 16 comments
    • Session is Free and Open SourceSignal is also Free and Open Source
    • Session is DecentralizedSignal is not according to our users
  14. Jami icon

    Jami

     249 likes

    Open source decentralized communication platform supporting secure end-to-end encrypted calls, messaging, group conferencing, file and media sharing, SIP compatibility, multi-device sync, and strong privacy, available across desktop and mobile systems.

    179 Jami alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Jami video conference OS X
     
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    1
    Jami vs Signal Comments
    RemovedUser
    Positive
    0

    Jami is great, open source and most importantly works well. It is not as secure as others, albeit still perfectly viable as a solution. Yet there is not enough security research to make it an instant swap, for example.

    • Jami is Free and Open SourceSignal is also Free and Open Source
    • Jami is DecentralizedSignal is not according to our users
  15. Jitsi Meet icon

    Jitsi Meet

     292 likes

    Open-source video conferencing platform with encryption by default, up to 75 participants, live group chat, HD audio, screen and document sharing, Etherpad editing, mobile and browser support, custom deployment options, privacy-first features, and community-driven development.

    173 Jitsi Meet alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Apple Watch
    • F-Droid
    Jitsi Meet screenshot 1
     
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    2
    Jitsi Meet vs Signal Comments
    RemovedUser
    Negative
    0

    Jitsi is more focused, if not completely, on the video calling functionality. Signal is primarily for messaging. This is not a good alternative for Signal, but only for its video calls.

    saviour-simple
    Positive
    -1

    signal desktop should not be used due to massive vulnerabilities existing since 2018

    • Jitsi Meet is Free and Open SourceSignal is also Free and Open Source
    • Jitsi Meet is a Video Calling Signal is an Instant Messenger
12 of 245 Signal alternatives