Signal AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Encrypted Chat Apps

The best Encrypted Chat alternative to Signal is Telegram, which is free. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Signal and loads of them are Encrypted Chat Apps so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Encrypted Chat App alternatives to Signal are Element, Discord, Matrix and Tox.

filter to find the best alternatives

Most Signal alternatives are Encrypted Chat Apps, but you can also narrow the list to Instant Messengers or Group Chat Apps. Other popular filters are Self-Hosted, Apple Watch, Encrypted Chat, Instant Messaging and Android Tablet. You can also filter for EU-based alternatives if you prefer software from the European Union.
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Alternatives
Signal alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Telegram icon
     2170 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.

    354 Telegram alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2014

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • FreeBSD
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Linux Mobile
    • iPad
    • Android Tablet
    • AE flagUnited Arab Emirates
    Telegram Desktop
    Good alternative?
     
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    10
  2. Element icon
     851 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.

    372 Element alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2016

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android Tablet
    • Cloudron
    • GB flagUnited Kingdom
    Element screenshot 1
    Good alternative?
     
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    4
  3. Discord icon
     1173 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.

    261 Discord alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2015

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Debian
    • Ubuntu
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android Tablet
    • US flagUnited States
    Desktop UI
    Good alternative?
     
  4. Matrix icon
     424 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.

    213 Matrix alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2016

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android Tablet
    • Python
    • GB flagUnited Kingdom
    Main Page
    Good alternative?
     
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    4
  5. Tox icon
     575 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.

    231 Tox alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2013

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    • US flagUnited States
    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.
    Good alternative?
     
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    4
  6. Jitsi Meet icon
     298 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.

    187 Jitsi Meet alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2016

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android Tablet
    • Apple Watch
    • F-Droid
    Good alternative?
     
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    2
  7. SimpleX Chat icon
     122 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.

    97 SimpleX Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2022

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Self-Hosted
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    • Flathub
    • OpenAPK
    Good alternative?
     
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    1
  8. bitchat icon
     66 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.

    75 bitchat alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2025

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • OpenAPK
    Good alternative?
     
  9. WhatsApp icon
     865 likes

    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.

    297 WhatsApp alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2010

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android Tablet
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Wear
    • Android Auto
    • Apple Car Play
    Good alternative?
     
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    3
  10. Jami icon
     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.

    192 Jami alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2015

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android Tablet
    • OpenAPK
    Good alternative?
     
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    1
  11. Wire icon
     335 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.

    317 Wire alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2014

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Self-Hosted
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android Tablet
    Good alternative?
     
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    2
  12. Briar icon
     139 likes

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

    111 Briar alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2018

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Android
    • F-Droid
    • Flathub
    • OpenAPK
    • Flatpak
    Good alternative?
     
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    2
12 of 135 Signal alternatives