Telegram Alternatives for Linux

There are many alternatives to Telegram for Linux if you are looking for a replacement. The best Linux alternative is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Telegram and loads of them are available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Linux alternatives to Telegram are Element, Tox, Matrix.org and Pidgin.

Telegram alternatives are mainly Instant Messengers but may also be Group Chat Apps or Encrypted Chat Apps. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Telegram.

Telegram alternatives page was last updated

1949

Freemium • Proprietary
Instant Messenger

Telegram is a messaging app created by former VK creators with a focus on speed and security. It’s...

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Signal
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
iPad
Flathub
Ubuntu
Debian
208 Signal alternatives
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.
- - Signal is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to Telegram.
- - Signal is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Telegram.
Suggest and vote on features
Signal 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. No TrackingSignal will not track you or use your personal data.
6. Dark ModeSignal supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
7. VoiP CallsSignal allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
8. LightweightSignal consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
9. Works OfflineSignal can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
Security focused
Private messaging
Encrypted Connection
GPLv3
Stickers
Mobile friendly
Secure Chat
Desktop Application
Based on phone number
Protected by Password
Comments about Signal as a Alternative to Telegram
Almost everyone thinks Signal is a great Telegram alternative.
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.
Top positive comment•
10

jdakfkj333
Signal is completely open source. I still prefer Telegram, because it gives me ability to delete chats for everyone, very fast upload/download rates, bots, etc.

But if you need something a bit more privacy-oriented, such as doing work in another country, then Signal may be safer.
Top positive comment•
0

Guest
can't use signal without smartphone. (scan qr-code bla-bla-bla...)
Top negative comment•
24

gauri avri jais
Telegram offers secure, encrypted messaging and file sharing, ensuring privacy. Its user-friendly interface, cross-platform availability, and cloud-based sync enable seamless communication. With features like large group capacity and self-destructing messages, Telegram is a versatile platform for both personal and professional interactions.
Positive comment•
0

someATuser
Signal is not an alternative since Telegram is a cloud messenger, so totally different.
Negative comment•
0

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5 of 22 comments
Element
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
Matrix.org
Flathub
F-Droid
Cloudron
273 Element alternatives
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.
- - Element is the most popular Web-based, Android Tablet & Self-Hosted alternative to Telegram.
Suggest and vote on features
Element 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. No TrackingElement will not track you or use your personal data.
6. Dark ModeElement supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
7. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Element simultaneously.
8. Ad-freeElement doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
9. File VersioningElement has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
Federated
Matrix Protocol
Voice Chat
Federation
Direct Messaging
Community-based
Per-room avatars
Clean design
Multiple languages
Custom widgets
Comments about Element as a Alternative to Telegram
Almost everyone thinks Element is a great Telegram alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
Element is structured more honestly out in the open, compared to Telegram.
Top positive comment•
6

rrhyast
Better than telegram and discord but need a lot of work to be popular
Top positive comment•
1

jdakfkj333
Element is a good privacy chat that you can host yourself. However, not many people use it compared to Signal or Telegram.
Positive comment•
0

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.
Negative comment•
-3

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.
Positive comment•
0

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5 of 12 comments
Tox
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
Android Tablet
BSD
F-Droid
189 Tox alternatives
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
Tox 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. No TrackingTox will not track you or use your personal data.
6. AES-256 EncryptionTox has AES-256 Encryption, i.e. very strong security.
7. Screen SharingYou can use Tox to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
8. LightweightTox consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
9. Dark ModeTox supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
Peer-To-Peer
Security focused
Multiplatform
P2P Network
Built-in player
GPLv3
Client side encryption
White-labeled
Point-to-point encryption
VoiP Calls
Comments about Tox as a Alternative to Telegram
Almost everyone thinks Tox is a great Telegram alternative.
rrhyast
Ugly UI and less user friendly
Negative comment•
1

Centaro
P2P encrypted communication
Positive comment•
1
Matrix.org
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
WebRTC
Python
JavaScript
Go (Programming Language)
Cloudron
Java
Perl
137 Matrix.org alternatives
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
Matrix.org Features
1. DecentralizedMatrix.org is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. End-to-End EncryptionMatrix.org has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. Privacy focusedMatrix.org is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
4. VoiP CallsMatrix.org allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
5. Ad-freeMatrix.org doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. No TrackingMatrix.org will not track you or use your personal data.
7. Multiple Account supportMatrix.org support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
8. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Matrix.org simultaneously.
Federation
Distributed
Security focused
Spaces
Chat Bot
Voice Chat
Support for Multiple protocols
WebRTC
Server side history
Comments about Matrix.org as a Alternative to Telegram
Most users think Matrix.org is a great Telegram alternative.
LeSnake
Matrix is a protocol used by i.e. Element, not a messenger iself
Negative comment•
4
Pidgin
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger
Video Calling App
IRC Client
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
PortableApps.com
Xfce
118 Pidgin alternatives
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
Pidgin 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.
Support for Multiple protocols
Supports XMPP
IRC
Multiple languages
Multiple chat protocols
Messages
Xmpp
Opinions about Pidgin as a Alternative to Telegram
Almost everyone thinks Pidgin is a great Telegram alternative.
Wire
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Open Source
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Video Calling App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
F-Droid
Software as a Service (SaaS)
262 Wire alternatives
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.
- - Wire is the most popular SaaS alternative to Telegram.
Suggest and vote on features
Wire 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
Security focused
Encrypted calls
Voice Chat
File Sending
Voice messages
WebRTC
Private Chat
Secure Chat
Integrated File Sharing
Secure File Sharing
Comments about Wire as a Alternative to Telegram
Almost everyone thinks Wire is a great Telegram alternative.
cityroler
always End-to-End encrypted; servers in the EU; high quality audio and video calls;
Top positive comment•
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.
Top positive comment•
7

gnudesign
Privacy and security focused, lot of features but way behind Telegram's user experience design.
Positive comment•
0

Guest
It is fully open source instead Telegram (server and client).
Positive comment•
0

Guest
Always end-to-end encrypted. Fully open source.
Positive comment•
6
Jami
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Video Calling App
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
147 Jami alternatives
Jami (formerly GNU Ring, SFLphone) positions itself as a potential free Skype replacement
Suggest and vote on features
Jami 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.
6. No TrackingJami will not track you or use your personal data.
Video Conferencing
Peer-To-Peer
Multi Platform
SIP client
Team Messaging
Multiple languages
Distributed
SIP
Intercom Support
Voice Chat
Comments about Jami as a Alternative to Telegram
Almost everyone thinks Jami is a great Telegram alternative.
UsernameUn
Decentralized and encrypted. Available on all major devices. There is video conferencing and the ability to show a desktop.
Positive comment•
1