Free Signal Alternatives for Windows

There are many alternatives to Signal for Windows if you are looking for a replacement. The best free Windows alternative is Element. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Element or Tox. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Signal and loads of them are free and available for Windows so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting free Windows alternatives to Signal are Matrix, Telegram, Session and SimpleX Chat.

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, Open Source, Blackberry, Encrypted Chat, Apple Watch, Instant Messaging and Android Tablet. 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

     769 likes
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    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.

    302 Element alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    • Snapcraft
    Video calls for desktop and mobile
     
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    68
    Comments about Element as an Alternative to Signal
    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.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 4 comments
    Signal Icon
    Element icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Element is a great Signal alternative.

    • Element is the most popular Web-based, Windows, Android & Mac alternative to Signal.

    • Element is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Signal.

    • Element is Free Personal and Open SourceSignal is Free and Open Source
  2. Tox icon

    Tox

     558 likes
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    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.

    211 Tox alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    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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    42
    Comments about Tox as an Alternative to Signal
    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.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 4 comments
    Signal Icon
    Tox icon

    • Most users think Tox is a great Signal alternative.

    • Tox is Free and Open SourceSignal is also Free and Open Source
  4. Wire icon

    Wire

     312 likes
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    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.

    281 Wire alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Flathub
    • Snapcraft
    Wire screenshot 1
    Wire screenshot 2
    Wire screenshot 3
     
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    46
    Comments about Wire as an Alternative to Signal
    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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Signal Icon
    Wire icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Wire is a great Signal alternative.

    • Wire is the most popular SaaS alternative to Signal.

    • Wire is Free Personal and Open SourceSignal is Free and Open Source
  5. Matrix icon

    Matrix

     381 likes
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    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.

    166 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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    24
    Comments about Matrix as an Alternative to Signal
    cadetdc1t8x
    Negative
    5

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

    James Browne
    Negative
    3

    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.

    RemovedUser
    Negative
    1

    Matrix is a terrible and bloated protocol, and apart from this, it is not a good alternative to Signal. It is not a messenger that you could expect as an alternative and it is not viable for many reasons.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 4 comments
    Signal Icon
    Matrix icon

    • Most users think Matrix is a great Signal alternative.

    • Matrix is Free and Open SourceSignal is also Free and Open Source
  6. Telegram icon

    Telegram

     2076 likes
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    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.

    286 Telegram alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • 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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    76
    Comments about Telegram as an Alternative to Signal
    Top Positive Comment
    Radach Kajak
    -2

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    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.

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    3 of 10 comments
    Signal Icon
    Telegram icon

    • Most users think Telegram is a great Signal alternative.

    • Telegram is Freemium and ProprietarySignal is Free and Open Source
  7. Session icon

    Session

     118 likes
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    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.

    73 Session alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    Session screenshot 1
    Session screenshot 2
    Session screenshot 3
     
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    64
    Comments about Session as an Alternative to Signal
    Comment summary: Session is often praised for its decentralized nature and not requiring a phone number, unlike Signal which is still centralized. Users appreciate the enhanced privacy features of Session, including its open-source nature and similar functionality to Signal. Some mention minor issues with sending pictures on Windows. While Signal is respected for its security, concerns exist about its centralized platform.
    Top Positive Comment
    Open Source
    6

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

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    -2

    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.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    RemovedUser
    Positive
    2

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 16 comments
    Signal Icon
    Session icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Session is a great Signal alternative.

    • Session is Free and Open SourceSignal is also Free and Open Source
  9. SimpleX Chat icon

    SimpleX Chat

     89 likes
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    SimpleX - the most private and secure chat and applications platform - now with double ratchet E2E encryption! Built on Haskell with Love and Coffee.

    69 SimpleX Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Self-Hosted
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Flatpak
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 1
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 2
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 3
     
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    11
    Comments about SimpleX Chat as an Alternative to Signal
    cricky
    Positive
    1

    SimpleX provides a similar experience to Signal with enhanced privacy

    Signal Icon
    SimpleX Chat icon

    • Most users think SimpleX Chat is a great Signal alternative.

    • SimpleX Chat is Free and Open SourceSignal is also Free and Open Source
  10. Jami icon

    Jami

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

    160 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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    14
    Comments about Jami as an Alternative to Signal
    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.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Signal Icon
    Jami icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Jami is a great Signal alternative.

    • Jami is Free and Open SourceSignal is also Free and Open Source
  11. Briar icon

    Briar

     108 likes
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    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.

    75 Briar alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    Briar screenshot 1
    Briar screenshot 2
    Briar screenshot 3
     
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    13
    Comments about Briar as an Alternative to Signal
    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.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    davyto
    Negative
    1

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

    Signal Icon
    Briar icon

    • Most users think Briar is a great Signal alternative.

    • Briar is Free and Open SourceSignal is also Free and Open Source
  12. WhatsApp icon

    WhatsApp

     849 likes
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    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.

    248 WhatsApp alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Auto
    • Android Wear
    • Apple Car Play
    WhatsApp screenshot 1
     
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    13
    Comments about WhatsApp as an Alternative to Signal
    arndtadler
    Negative
    34

    WhatsApp is not Free Software and is not focused on privacy. Difficult to use in Usecases which demand high control of the Software and a verifiable Data-protection

    Guest
    Negative
    2

    WhatsApp is owned by facebook. Google "Facebook Privacy" and you'll see why this is one of the worst alternatives.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    -15

    Also end-to-end encrypted by default.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Signal Icon
    WhatsApp icon

    • This alternative is disputed. WhatsApp is a legitimate Signal alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • WhatsApp is Free and ProprietarySignal is Free and Open Source
  13. Zulip icon

    Zulip

     264 likes
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    Zulip is the only modern team chat app that is designed for both live and asynchronous conversations. Zulip topics create a separate space for each discussion, so different conversations will never get in each other's way.

    221 Zulip alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    Zulip screenshot 1
     
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    7
    Comments about Zulip as an Alternative to Signal
    PlaidRadish
    Positive
    0

    Zulip is the only other open source, secure option in the list of alternatives on this site.

    Signal Icon
    Zulip icon

    • Most users think Zulip is a great Signal alternative.

    • Zulip is Free Personal and Open SourceSignal is Free and Open Source
  14. RetroShare icon

    RetroShare

     163 likes
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    RetroShare is a open source cross-platform, private and secure decentralized communication system. It lets you to securely chat, share photos, videos, and more, using OpenPGP to authenticate peers and .

    136 RetroShare alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • BSD
    • OpenSSL
    • OpenPGP
    Network tab with contact list and broadcast subtab open. The subtab shows text and image sent by one contact to all connected contacts.
     
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    1
    Comments about RetroShare as an Alternative to Signal
    Open Source
    Positive
    1

    Retroshare has all the advantages of Signal and none of its disadvantages.

    Signal Icon
    RetroShare icon

    • Most users think RetroShare is a great Signal alternative.

    • RetroShare is Free and Open SourceSignal is also Free and Open Source
12 of 84 Signal alternatives