Open Source Signal Alternatives for Linux

There are many alternatives to Signal for Linux if you are looking for a replacement. The best open source Linux 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 open source and available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source Linux alternatives to Signal are Matrix, Threema, 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, Blackberry, Encrypted Chat, Open Source, Self-Hosted, Apple Watch and Instant Messaging. 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
     815 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.

    325 Element alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
     
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    4
  2. Tox icon
     569 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.

    220 Tox alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • F-Droid
     
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    4
  3. Wire icon
     330 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.

    290 Wire alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
     
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    2
  4. Matrix icon
     408 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.

    180 Matrix alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • WebRTC
    • Python
    • JavaScript
    • Go (Programming Language)
    • Cloudron
    • Java
    • Perl
     
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    4
  5. Threema icon
     143 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.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • F-Droid
    • Flathub
     
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    5
  6. Session icon
     132 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.

    77 Session alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
     
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    16
  7. SimpleX Chat icon
     107 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.

    76 SimpleX Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • Self-Hosted
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Flatpak
     
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    1
  8. Jami icon
     250 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.

    170 Jami alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
     
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    1
  9. Briar icon
     126 likes

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

    85 Briar alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
     
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    2
  10. Proton Meet icon
     32 likes

    Provides secure end-to-end encrypted video calls with privacy features such as background blur, noise reduction, and meeting locks, supports up to 50 free participants, guest links, ad-free use, seamless calendar integration, and multi-device access.

    21 Proton Meet alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
     
  11. Zulip icon
     271 likes

    Threaded group conversations combine live and asynchronous messaging, separating topics for organized collaboration, supporting open-source, cloud, and self-hosted deployments, secure communication with encryption, and multi-platform access for diverse teams.

    235 Zulip alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
     
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    1
  12. Delta Chat icon
     79 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.

    85 Delta Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Linux Mobile
     
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    1
12 of 64 Signal alternatives