Signal AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Encrypted Chat Apps

The best Encrypted Chat alternative to Signal 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 Encrypted Chat Apps so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Encrypted Chat App alternatives to Signal are Matrix, Discord, Threema and Telegram.

filter to find the best alternatives

Signal alternatives are mainly Encrypted Chat Apps, but if you're looking for Instant Messengers or Group Chat Apps you can filter on that. Other popular filters include EU, Encrypted Chat, Apple Watch, Windows Phone, Instant Messaging, Android Tablet and Open Source. 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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Get a badge for your siteSignal alternatives page was last updated Sep 2, 2026

Element
840 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.
354 Element alternatives
Cost / License
Free Personal
Open Source (AGPL-3.0)
Application typeApplication types
Instant Messenger
Video Calling
Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
Snapcraft
Matrix.org
Flathub
F-Droid
Cloudron
OpenAPK
United Kingdom
+3
Good alternative?Is Element a good alternative to Signal?

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4comments
Element vs Signal Comments
Positive comment by LinuxDoge · Dec 5, 2022
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.
Positive comment by CatarinaTeles · Nov 20, 2020
Decentralization and promotes home-servers
Positive comment by Guest · Nov 21, 2025
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
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
Free
Open Source (GPL-3.0)
Application typeApplication types
Instant Messenger
Video Calling
Origin
United States
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
Android Tablet
BSD
F-Droid
United States
+5
Good alternative?Is Tox a good alternative to Signal?

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4comments
Tox vs Signal Comments
Positive comment by naught101 · Apr 3, 2019
Tox is decentralised, so messages don't travel via a single server.
Positive comment by Schnatt_App · Jun 9, 2023
simple, easy to use, no phone number required
Negative comment by Guest · Jan 15, 2025
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
Wire
333 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.
Cost / License
Free Personal
Open Source (GPL-3.0)
Application typeApplication types
Instant Messenger
Video Calling
Origin
Switzerland
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
Snapcraft
Flathub
F-Droid
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Switzerland
Good alternative?Is Wire a good alternative to Signal?

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2comments
Wire vs Signal Comments
Positive comment by jamiegray · Jun 12, 2019
Beautiful user interface, recommended by security researchers, open source
Positive comment by Guest · May 8, 2019
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
2 of 2 comments
Wire is Free Personal and Open SourceSignal is Free and Open Source
Matrix
419 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.
199 Matrix alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Instant Messenger
Group Chat
Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
WebRTC
Python
JavaScript
Go (Programming Language)
Cloudron
Java
Perl
United Kingdom
Good alternative?Is Matrix a good alternative to Signal?

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4comments
Matrix vs Signal Comments
Negative comment by cadetdc1t8x · Dec 14, 2020
Matrix is a protocol that Element uses. Matrix does not replace the functionality that element offers
Negative comment by James Browne · Jun 8, 2022
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.
Negative comment by Guest · Nov 21, 2025
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
Discord
1152 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.
234 Discord alternatives
Cost / License
Freemium
Proprietary
Application typeApplication types
Video Calling
Group Chat
Origin
United States
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Snapcraft
Epic Games Store
Flathub
Electron
Playstation
Xbox
United States
+8
Good alternative?Is Discord a good alternative to Signal?
Threema
147 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.
139 Threema alternatives
Cost / License
Paid
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat
Origin
Switzerland
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
HUAWEI AppGallery
iPad
F-Droid
Flathub
Switzerland
Good alternative?Is Threema a good alternative to Signal?

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5comments
Threema vs Signal Comments
Top Positive Comment by aljasser · Mar 25, 2017
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.
Positive comment by RemovedUser · Feb 8, 2025
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.
Positive comment by konsumschaf · Dec 1, 2018
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
Telegram
2136 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.
328 Telegram alternatives
Cost / License
Freemium
Proprietary
Application typeApplication types
Instant Messenger
Video Calling
Origin
United Arab Emirates
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
United Arab Emirates
+9
Good alternative?Is Telegram a good alternative to Signal?

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10comments
Telegram vs Signal Comments
Top Positive Comment by Radach Kajak · Nov 13, 2024
more of my friends have it, they have channels for news, entertainment, with movies, etc.
Top Negative Comment by LinuxDoge · Dec 5, 2022
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.
Negative comment by Sam Lander · Mar 20, 2025
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
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.
85 SimpleX Chat alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source (AGPL-3.0)
Application typeApplication types
Instant Messenger
Video Calling
Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
Self-Hosted
Flathub
F-Droid
Flatpak
OpenAPK
United Kingdom
Good alternative?Is SimpleX Chat a good alternative to Signal?

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1comment
SimpleX Chat vs Signal Comments
Positive comment by cricky · Nov 30, 2024
SimpleX provides a similar experience to Signal with enhanced privacy
1 of 1 comments
SimpleX Chat is Free and Open SourceSignal is also Free and Open Source
SimpleX Chat is DecentralizedSignal is not according to our users
Session
143 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.
86 Session alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source (GPL-3.0)
Application typeApplication types
Instant Messenger
Video Calling
Origin
Switzerland
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
HUAWEI AppGallery
iPad
Snapcraft
Flathub
F-Droid
OpenAPK
Switzerland
Good alternative?Is Session a good alternative to Signal?

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16comments
Session vs Signal Comments
Top Positive Comment by Open Source · Jun 20, 2021
Session doesn't require your phone number. Also decentralized - the big advantage.
Top Negative Comment by Guest · Jan 16, 2025
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.
Positive comment by RemovedUser · Feb 8, 2025
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
Briar
137 likes
Censorship-resistant peer-to-peer messaging that bypasses centralized servers. Connect via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Tor, with privacy built-in.
99 Briar alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source (GPL-3.0)
Application typeApplication types
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat
Origin
International
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
Flathub
F-Droid
Global
Good alternative?Is Briar a good alternative to Signal?

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2comments
Briar vs Signal Comments
Positive comment by RemovedUser · Feb 8, 2025
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.
Negative comment by davyto · Dec 24, 2020
Only for Android, no iOS or PC. It might be cool for some use cases but not for everyday use.
2 of 2 comments
Briar is Free and Open SourceSignal is also Free and Open Source
Briar is DecentralizedSignal is not according to our users
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.
184 Jami alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Instant Messenger
Video Calling
Origin
Canada
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Canada
+9
Good alternative?Is Jami a good alternative to Signal?

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1comment
Jami vs Signal Comments
Positive comment by RemovedUser · Feb 8, 2025
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.
1 of 1 comments
Jami is Free and Open SourceSignal is also Free and Open Source
Jami is DecentralizedSignal is not according to our users
bitchat
64 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.
66 bitchat alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat
Origin
United States
Platforms
Mac
Android
iPhone
iPad
United States
Good alternative?Is bitchat a good alternative to Signal?

12 of 123 Signal alternatives

Signal AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Encrypted Chat Apps

Alternatives list

Element

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Element vs Signal Comments

Tox

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Tox vs Signal Comments

Wire

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Wire vs Signal Comments

Matrix

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Matrix vs Signal Comments

Discord

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Threema

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Threema vs Signal Comments

Telegram

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SimpleX Chat

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Session

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Session vs Signal Comments

Briar

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Briar vs Signal Comments

Jami

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Jami vs Signal Comments

bitchat

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