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Signal Alternatives

Signal is described as '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' and is a leading Encrypted Chat app 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. The best alternative is Telegram, which is free. Other great apps like Signal are Element, Tox, Wire and Matrix.org.

Signal alternatives are mainly Group Chat Apps but may also be Encrypted Chat Apps or Instant Messengers. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Signal.
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Signal iconSignal
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Signal is a messaging app with an unexpected focus on privacy, combined with all the features expected from a modern IM...

Learn more about Signal
  1. Telegram icon

    Telegram

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    262 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
    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
    Telegram Desktop
    Telegram iOS #1
    Telegram iOS #2
    Telegram vs Signal opinions
    Some users think Telegram is a great alternative to Signal, some don't.
    Guest

    Just as private in practice, far more user friendly, more features, very lightweight.

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    -4
    lucianton

    I like the stickers function

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    Guest

    Not end-to-end encrypted by default, contacts and data stored on servers.

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    57
    evilmicrowizard

    Lacking default E2E encryption. Also heavily favored by various kinds of financial spammers.

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    Distortion

    Not E2EE by default, using doubtful encryption algorithm.

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    3
    JellyBoy

    Not end-te-end encrypted by default

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    18
  2. Element icon

    Element

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    • Self-Hosted
    • Matrix.org
    • Cloudron
    • F-Droid
    • FLATHUB
    264 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.

     Suggest and vote on features
    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.  Support for MarkDownElement supports MarkDown for document formatting.
    6.  File VersioningElement has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
    7.  No TrackingElement will not track you or use your personal data.
    8.  Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Element simultaneously.
    9.  DRM FreeNo Digital rights management (DRM), i.e. no copy protection.
    Video calls for desktop and mobile
    Collaboration widgets
    Collaboration and screen sharing
    Element vs Signal opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Element is a great alternative to Signal.
    CatarinaTeles

    Decentralization and promotes home-servers

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    4
  4. Tox icon

    Tox

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    179 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.

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    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.  Dark ModeTox supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
    7.  LightweightTox consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    8.  No TrackingTox will not track you or use your personal data.
    9.  VoiP CallsTox allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
    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.
    qTox. A Tox client developed in C++ with the Qt framework
    uTox. A Tox client written in C using OS primitives to draw it's interface
    Tox vs Signal opinions
    Most users think Tox is a great alternative to Signal.
    iomezk

    Tox is P2P, so you don't need to watch ads or pay for servers with your private data

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    naught101

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

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    5
  5. Wire icon

    Wire

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    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    259 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.

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    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
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Wire vs Signal opinions
    Most users think Wire is a great alternative to Signal.
    Guest

    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

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    1
    jamiegray

    Beautiful user interface, recommended by security researchers, open source

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    0
  6. Matrix.org icon

    Matrix.org

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    • Self-Hosted
    • WebRTC
    • Python
    • JavaScript
    • Go (Programming Language)
    • Cloudron
    • Java
    • Perl
    134 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.

     Suggest and vote on features
    Features
    1.  End-to-End EncryptionMatrix.org has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
    2.  DecentralizedMatrix.org is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
    3.  Multiple Account supportMatrix.org support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
    4.  VoiP CallsMatrix.org allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
    5.  Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Matrix.org simultaneously.
    Main Page
    Matrix.org vs Signal opinions
    Most users think Matrix.org is a great alternative to Signal.
    cadetdc1t8x

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

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    Pachem

    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.

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  8. Jitsi Meet icon

    Jitsi Meet

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    • Self-Hosted
    • Apple Watch
    • F-Droid
    121 alternatives to Jitsi Meet 

    Go ahead, video chat with the whole team. In fact, invite everyone you know. Jitsi Meet is a fully encrypted, 100% open source video conferencing solution that you can use all day, every day, for free — with no account needed.

     Suggest and vote on features
    Features
    1.  No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Jitsi Meet without registration.
    2.  End-to-End EncryptionJitsi Meet has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
    3.  Screen SharingYou can use Jitsi Meet to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
    4.  Ad-freeJitsi Meet doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
    5.  LightweightJitsi Meet consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
  9. Skype icon

    Skype

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    • Android Wear
    • PortableApps.com
    314 alternatives to Skype 

    Skype is the most popular free voice-over IP and instant messaging service globally. It allows users to text, video and voice call over the internet. Users can also call landlines and mobiles at competitive rates using Skype credit, premium accounts and subscriptions.

     Suggest and vote on features
    Features
    1.  Screen SharingYou can use Skype to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
    2.  VoiP CallsSkype allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
    3.  LightweightSkype consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    4.  IFTTT IntegrationYou can connect different services to automatically trigger actions within Skype using IFTTT.
    5.  Live Captions TranslationSkype can add captions to a video call, audio messages or multimedia file and translate them in real time.
    Main window on MS Windows
    Call on Windows
    Screenshot
    Skype vs Signal opinions
    This alternative is disputed. Skype is still a legitimate alternative to Signal, but it might have issues that some users think are important.
    Guest

    Skype has no focus on privacy or being open.

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    14
    Guest

    Not encrypted, data stored on Microsoft servers

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    Anipe

    Made by mycrosoft and isnt encrypted OR private

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    1
    arndtadler

    Not end-to-end encrypted by default, contacts and data stored on servers.

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    3
  10. Session icon

    Session

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    45 alternatives to Session 

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

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    Features
    1.  DecentralizedSession is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
    2.  End-to-End EncryptionSession has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
    3.  Privacy focusedSession is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Session vs Signal opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Session is a great alternative to Signal.
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    Pachem

    Its super secure.. Its easy to use. Its a good alternative.

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    rikich

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

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    1
    zzu

    It checks all the boxes. it is THE private messaging platform.

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    Guest

    I like the app because it routes you like what Tor does with its browser.

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    Guest

    It's more secure and it's decentralised. Also you don't need a mobile phone to register, which is great.

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    kylepiira

    It's basically Signal but without phone numbers

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    alexblinton

    Doesn't requite a phone number

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    7 of 11 comments
  11. Jami icon

    Jami

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    135 alternatives to Jami 

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

     Suggest and vote on features
    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.
    Jami video conference OS X
    Jami conference call Linux
    Jami screensharing Linux
    Jami vs Signal opinions
    pros, cons and recent comments
    Guest

    It's versatile and safer!

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  12. Keybase icon

    Keybase

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    • Ruby
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    • Go (Programming Language)
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    • Tor
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    61 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
    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.  Encrypted BackupKeybase uses encryption algorithms to keep your files safe as well as prevent unauthorized access.
    5.  Self Destructing MessagesKeybase supports the use of private messages that will be auto deleted according to a specified time or action.
    6.  Ad-freeKeybase doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
    7.  GPG EncryptionKeybase supports GPG (aka GnuPG) for encryption of things like emails, messages, files, etc.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Keybase vs Signal opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Keybase is a great alternative to Signal.
    Guest

    It doesn't need telephone number

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Showing 10 of 200 alternatives
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