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, Wire and Matrix.org.
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Telegram alternatives are mainly Instant Messengers but may also be Video Calling Apps or Group Chat Apps. Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Telegram.- Instant Messenger
- Freemium • Proprietary
1230 likes221 Signal alternativesSignal 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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- iPhone
- iPad
- Flathub
- Ubuntu
- Debian
Signal VS Telegram
Is Signal a good alternative to Telegram?
699 likes296 Element alternativesElement 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.
License model
- Freemium • Open Source
Application types
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Self-Hosted
- Matrix.org
- Flathub
- F-Droid
- Cloudron
Element VS Telegram
Is Element a good alternative to Telegram?Comments about Element as an Alternative to Telegram
Comment summary: Element is praised for its decentralization and privacy features, as well as strong encryption and versatility provided by the Matrix protocol. However, users note Element's lower user base compared to more popular platforms like Telegram, which limits its appeal despite its potential. Some also criticize its less intuitive UI and occasional encryption issues, suggesting it needs more development to become widely popular.Sam LanderElement is a good privacy chat that you can host yourself. However, not many people use it compared to Signal or Telegram.
1calkeshElement 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.
-3FiTeknoI 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.
0
547 likes211 Tox alternativesWith 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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- Android Tablet
- BSD
- F-Droid
Tox VS Telegram
Is Tox a good alternative to Telegram?Comments about Tox as an Alternative to Telegram
rrhyastUgly UI and less user friendly
2CentaroP2P encrypted communication
1
307 likes281 Wire alternativesWire 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.
+2
License model
- Free Personal • Open Source
Application types
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Self-Hosted
- F-Droid
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
Wire VS Telegram
Is Wire a good alternative to Telegram?Comments about Wire as an Alternative to Telegram
cityroleralways End-to-End encrypted; servers in the EU; high quality audio and video calls;
10gnudesignPrivacy and security focused, lot of features but way behind Telegram's user experience design.
0It is fully open source instead Telegram (server and client).
0
346 likes161 Matrix.org alternativesMatrix 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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Self-Hosted
- WebRTC
- Python
- JavaScript
- Go (Programming Language)
- Cloudron
- Java
- Perl
Matrix.org VS Telegram
Is Matrix.org a good alternative to Telegram?Comments about Matrix.org as an Alternative to Telegram
LeSnakeMatrix is a protocol used by i.e. Element, not a messenger iself
9
1518 likes124 Pidgin alternativesPidgin is a chat program which lets you log into accounts on multiple chat networks simultaneously. This means that you can be chatting with friends on XMPP and sitting in an IRC channel at the same time.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- BSD
- Flathub
- PortableApps.com
Top Pidgin Features
Pidgin VS Telegram
Is Pidgin a good alternative to Telegram?
225 likes162 Jami alternativesJami (formerly GNU Ring, SFLphone) positions itself as a potential free Skype replacement
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
Jami VS Telegram
Is Jami a good alternative to Telegram?Comments about Jami as an Alternative to Telegram
UsernameUnDecentralized and encrypted. Available on all major devices. There is video conferencing and the ability to show a desktop.
1
Comments about Signal as an Alternative to Telegram
Signal has end-to-end encryption by default, Telegram does not. Signal does not store your conversations and files in the cloud, Telegram does.
can't use signal without smartphone. (scan qr-code bla-bla-bla...)
Not a Telegram alternative since it doesn't offer Telegram's core function, the cloud.
So Signal can only be compared to Whatsapp and other old style messengers.