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Open Source Telegram Alternatives

The best open source alternative to Telegram is Signal. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Telegram and loads of them is open source so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source alternatives to Telegram are Element, Tox, Wire and Matrix.org.

Telegram alternatives are mainly Encrypted Chat Apps but may also be Group Chat Apps or Instant Messengers. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Telegram.
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Telegram is a messaging app created by former VK creators with a focus on speed and security. It’s...

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  1. Signal icon

    Signal

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    • Flathub
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    202 alternatives to Signal 

    Signal is a 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.

     Suggest and vote on features
    Features
    1.  End-to-End EncryptionSignal has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
    2.  Privacy focusedSignal is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
    3.  Ad-freeSignal doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
    4.  Self Destructing MessagesSignal supports the use of private messages that will be auto deleted according to a specified time or action.
    5.  VoiP CallsSignal allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
    6.  Dark ModeSignal supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
    7.  Works OfflineSignal can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
    8.  No TrackingSignal will not track you or use your personal data.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Signal vs Telegram opinions
    Most users think Signal is a great alternative to Telegram.
     all • positive • negative      relevance • date
    revxo5852

    Signal has end-to-end encryption by default, Telegram does not. Signal does not store your conversations and files in the cloud, Telegram does.

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    JohnFastman

    Signal uses open source, end-to-end encryption to keep your messages to another Signal user secure and private. It installs on your Android and replaces your default messaging app. (On iPhone it's a separate app.) It's super easy to use. You can still send messages to people who don't have it, but I'd encourage everyone to use it. Plain SMS messages are routinely recorded and stored forever without your persmission. Signal combats that in a very user friendly way.

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    16
    LeSnake

    requires a phone number, uses it own protocols,

    server is open source, but seemed to be closed source for a short time

    If you are already making the effort to switch, use element instead, since it uses the open protocol instead of an own

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    2
    lesm

    Signal and Telegram are the best and most secure.

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    mpodana2

    im not so sure, but it helpfull i guess

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    randomperson

    Unlike Telegram, Signal is fully end-to-end encrypted, even for non-disappearing messages.

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    Planetjunkie

    Telegram is amazing, the downside is that the server is closed source and E2EE is not by default on groups, it would be nice if they added a option to keep all chats E2EE by default when signing up or in the options of the app, but overall a great app

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    7 of 18 comments
  2. Element icon

    Element

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    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Matrix.org
    • Cloudron
    • F-Droid
    • FLATHUB
    263 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 Telegram opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Element is a great alternative to Telegram.
     all • positive • negative      relevance • date
    Guest

    Element is structured more honestly out in the open, compared to Telegram.

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    4
    Guest

    Great group functionality

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    2
    calkesh

    Element is severely lacking in uptake. It could be the best messenger in the world (and may well be) but ultimately, if I can't talk to my friends on there, there's no incentive for me to use it.

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    -1
    FiTekno

    I like this because of fact its purpose is to be decentralized. however time shows as knowledge is needed to bridges be made from other platforms.

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    0
    LeSnake

    Great encryption, uses matrix protocol, so it's decentralized, while offering similar and even more functions.

    But the UI isn't as intuitive as the telegram one, and the encryption sometimes can't decrypt a message.

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    rrhyast

    Better than telegram and discord but need a lot of work to be popular

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    Guest

    The group features match up to telegrams with a more discordesqe UI.

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    7 of 11 comments
  4. Tox icon

    Tox

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    • BSD
    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.

     Suggest and vote on features
    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 Telegram opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Tox is a great alternative to Telegram.
    rrhyast

    Ugly UI and less user friendly

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    1
    Centaro

    P2P encrypted communication

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    1
  5. Wire icon

    Wire

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    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    • 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.

     Suggest and vote on features
    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 Telegram opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Wire is a great alternative to Telegram.
    cityroler

    always End-to-End encrypted; servers in the EU; high quality audio and video calls;

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    10
    Guest

    Multiplatform, chat, audio and video calling with great quality and: Clientside is already open source and they are currently working on completely opensourcing the serverside too. Great application.

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    7
    gnudesign

    Privacy and security focused, lot of features but way behind Telegram's user experience design.

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    0
    Guest

    It is fully open source instead Telegram (server and client).

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    Guest

    Always end-to-end encrypted. Fully open source.

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  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 Telegram opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Matrix.org is a great alternative to Telegram.
    LeSnake

    Matrix is a protocol used by i.e. Element, not a messenger iself

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  8. 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 Telegram opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Jami is a great alternative to Telegram.
    UsernameUn

    Decentralized and encrypted. Available on all major devices. There is video conferencing and the ability to show a desktop.

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    1
  9. Pidgin icon

    Pidgin

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    • PortableApps.com
    • Xfce
    116 alternatives to Pidgin 

    Pidgin is an easy to use, multi-protocol chat client client used by millions. Connect to AIM, MSN, Yahoo, XMPP, and more chat networks all at once. It has built-in support for NSS, offering client-to-server message encryption for protocols that support it.

     Suggest and vote on features
    Features
    1.  Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsPidgin can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
    2.  Multiple Account supportPidgin support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
    3.  VoiP CallsPidgin allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
    4.  PortablePidgin can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
    Pidgin chat window
    Contact window
    Pidgin vs Telegram opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Pidgin is a great alternative to Telegram.
  10. Keybase icon

    Keybase

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

    everything is encrypted and gives cloud drive, git, a stellar wallet other than a chat

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  11. Zulip icon

    Zulip

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    • Self-Hosted
    225 alternatives to Zulip 

    Zulip is a group chat app in which messages are threaded by topic, helping you have long-running, organized conversations. Zulip's threading makes it easy for people not always on chat (like managers, remote team members, contractors, part-time workers, etc) to weigh in on...

     Suggest and vote on features
    Features
    1.  Support for MarkDownZulip supports MarkDown for document formatting.
    2.  Syntax HighlightingZulip supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
  12. Briar icon

    Briar

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    • Linux
    • Android
    • F-Droid
    • Flathub
    48 alternatives to Briar 

    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.

     Suggest and vote on features
    Features
    1.  DecentralizedBriar is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
    2.  End-to-End EncryptionBriar has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
    3.  Works OfflineBriar can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
    4.  No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Briar without registration.
    5.  Privacy focusedBriar is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
    6.  No TrackingBriar will not track you or use your personal data.
    7.  LightweightBriar consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    8.  Dark ModeBriar supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
    private messages
    private group
Showing 10 of 92 alternatives
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