Tor Messenger AlternativesInstant Messengers and other similar apps like Tor Messenger

Tor Messenger is described as 'Cross-platform chat program that aims to be secure by default and sends all of its traffic over Tor. It supports a wide variety of transport networks, Off-the-Record (OTR) messaging and has an easy-to-use graphical user interface' and is a instant messenger in the social & communications category. There are more than 10 alternatives to Tor Messenger for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Linux, Mac, Android and BSD apps. The best Tor Messenger alternative is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Tor Messenger are Element, Tox, Pidgin and Jitsi Desktop.

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Tor Messenger alternatives are mainly Instant Messengers but may also be Video Calling Apps or Encrypted 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 Tor Messenger.
Tor Messenger iconTor Messenger
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Tor Messenger is a cross-platform chat program that aims to be secure by default and sends all of its traffic over Tor. It supports a wide variety of transport networks, Off-the-Record (OTR) messaging and has an easy-to-use...

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Tor Messenger alternatives page was last updated Mar 12, 2019
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  1. Signal icon
    Signal icon

    Signal

     1207 likes
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    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.

    221 Signal alternatives
    Signal screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    Signal screenshot 1
    Signal screenshot 2
    +4
    Signal screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Security-focused

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Encrypted Chat
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  Video Calling
    5.  Instant Messaging
    6.  Self Destructing Messages
    7.  Private messaging
    8.  No Tracking
    9.  Encrypted Connection
    10.  Mobile friendly
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Desktop Application
    13.  Secure Chat
    14.  Stickers
    15.  GPLv3
    16.  Based on phone number
    17.  Protected by Password
    18.  VoiP Calls
    19.  Client side encryption
    Signal iconTor Messenger Icon

    Signal VS Tor Messenger

    Is Signal a good alternative to Tor Messenger?
     

    • Signal is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to Tor Messenger.

    • Signal is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Tor Messenger.

    • Signal is Free and Open SourceTor Messenger is also Free and Open Source
    • Signal is Privacy focused and Security-focusedTor Messenger is not according to our users
  2. Element icon
    Element icon

    Element

     690 likes
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    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.

    294 Element alternatives
    Video calls for desktop and mobile

    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
    Collaboration widgets
    Collaboration and screen sharing
    +1
    Connect with other apps

    Properties

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Federated
    3.  Team Collaboration
    4.  Encrypted Chat
    5.  Video Calling
    6.  Instant Messaging
    7.  Matrix Protocol
    8.  Voice Chat
    9.  Direct Messaging
    10.  Federation
    11.  Simple installation
    12.  Cross-Platform
    13.  Dark Mode
    14.  Clean design
    15.  Custom widgets
    16.  VoiP Calls
    17.  No Tracking
    Element iconTor Messenger Icon

    Element VS Tor Messenger

    Is Element a good alternative to Tor Messenger?
     

    • Element is the most popular Web-based, Android Tablet & Self-Hosted alternative to Tor Messenger.

    • Element is Freemium and Open SourceTor Messenger is Free and Open Source
    • Element is Decentralized and Privacy focusedTor Messenger is not according to our users
  4. Tox icon
    Tox icon

    Tox

     546 likes
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    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.

    210 Tox alternatives
    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.

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • F-Droid
    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
    +5
    Ricin. A Tox client written in Vala using the GTK toolkit.

    Properties

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  Privacy focused
    3.  Security-focused
    4.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Encrypted Chat
    2.  Peer-To-Peer
    3.  End-to-End Encryption
    4.  No registration required
    5.  Multiplatform
    6.  Screen Sharing
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  AES-256 Encryption
    9.  P2P Network
    10.  Client side encryption
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  White-labeled
    13.  Built-in player
    14.  GPLv3
    15.  VoiP Calls
    Tox iconTor Messenger Icon

    Tox VS Tor Messenger

    Is Tox a good alternative to Tor Messenger?
     
  5. Pidgin icon
    Pidgin icon

    Pidgin

     1516 likes
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    Pidgin 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.

    124 Pidgin alternatives
    Pidgin screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    Pidgin chat window
    Contact window
    +4
    For accounts on multiple chat networks

    Properties

    1.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions

    Features

    1.  Support for Multiple protocols
    2.  Supports XMPP
    3.  Multiple Account support
    4.  IRC
    5.  Portable
    6.  No Tracking
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  VoiP Calls
    9.  Multiple languages
    10.  Xmpp
    11.  Multiple chat protocols
    12.  Messages
    Pidgin iconTor Messenger Icon

    Pidgin VS Tor Messenger

    Is Pidgin a good alternative to Tor Messenger?
     
  6. Jitsi Desktop icon
    Jitsi Desktop icon

    Jitsi Desktop

     487 likes
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    Jitsi Desktop (previously SIP Communicator) is a legacy audio/video and chat communicator with full encryption, precedessor of Jitsi Meet .

    79 Jitsi Desktop alternatives
    Contact list

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    Call Window in an Audio/Video call.
    Call history
    +9
    Conference call.

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions

    Features

    1.  Video Conferencing
    2.  SIP
    3.  No registration required
    4.  Support for Multiple protocols
    5.  Live Meeting
    6.  WebRTC
    7.  Multiple Account support
    8.  Desktop Sharing
    9.  Voice Chat
    10.  Web-Based
    11.  Unlimited users
    12.  SIP client
    13.  Audio Conferencing
    Discontinued

    Jitsi Desktop is not actively developed anymore: last version, released in October 2017, can be still downloaded from GitHub. Its successor is Jitsi Meet icon Jitsi Meet

    Jitsi Desktop iconTor Messenger Icon

    Jitsi Desktop VS Tor Messenger

    Is Jitsi Desktop a good alternative to Tor Messenger?
     
  7. Jami icon
    Jami icon

    Jami

     222 likes
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    Jami (formerly GNU Ring, SFLphone) positions itself as a potential free Skype replacement

    162 Jami alternatives
    Jami video conference OS X

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Jami conference call Linux
    Jami screensharing Linux
    +9
    Jami instant message on mobile device

    Properties

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Ad-free
    2.  Video Conferencing
    3.  Peer-To-Peer
    4.  Multi Platform
    5.  Video Calling
    6.  Encrypted Chat
    7.  SIP client
    8.  End-to-End Encryption
    9.  Distributed
    10.  Team Messaging
    11.  Multiple languages
    12.  SIP
    13.  Dark Mode
    14.  Voice Chat
    15.  No Tracking
    16.  Screen Sharing
    17.  Support ZRTP
    Jami iconTor Messenger Icon

    Jami VS Tor Messenger

    Is Jami a good alternative to Tor Messenger?
     
  9. Briar icon
    Briar icon

    Briar

     82 likes
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    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.

    70 Briar alternatives
    Briar screenshot 1
    Briar screenshot 2
    +2
    Briar screenshot 3

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Android
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Windows
    • Mac

    Properties

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Works Offline
    2.  Bluetooth Support
    3.  End-to-End Encryption
    4.  Mesh network
    5.  Support for TOR
    6.  No registration required
    7.  Self Destructing Messages
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Dark Mode
    10.  No Tracking
    11.  Peer-To-Peer
    12.  LAN
    13.  Non-cloud solution
    14.  Secure Chat
    15.  Distributed
    Briar iconTor Messenger Icon

    Briar VS Tor Messenger

    Is Briar a good alternative to Tor Messenger?
     
  10. RetroShare icon
    RetroShare icon

    RetroShare

     154 likes
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    RetroShare is a open source cross-platform, private and secure decentralized communication system. It lets you to securely chat, share photos, videos, and more, using OpenPGP to authenticate peers and .

    120 RetroShare alternatives
    Network tab with contact list and broadcast subtab open. The subtab shows text and image sent by one contact to all connected contacts.

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • BSD
    • OpenSSL
    • OpenPGP
    RetroShare screenshot 1
    RetroShare screenshot 2
    +2
    RetroShare screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Decentralized
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Serverless
    2.  End-to-End Encryption
    3.  Peer-To-Peer
    4.  Anonymous Secure Filesharing
    5.  Secure File Sharing
    6.  Secure Chat
    7.  Shared Folders
    8.  GPG Encryption
    9.  Tor
    10.  i2P integration
    11.  Voice Chat
    RetroShare iconTor Messenger Icon

    RetroShare VS Tor Messenger

    Is RetroShare a good alternative to Tor Messenger?
     
  11. Adium icon
    Adium icon

    Adium

     337 likes
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    Adium is a free and open source instant messaging application for Mac OS X, written using Mac OS Xs Cocoa API, released under the GNU GPL and developed by the Adium team. Based on the libpurple protocol library, Adium can connect you to any number of messaging accounts on any...

    68 Adium alternatives
    Adium screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    Adium screenshot 1

    Adium Features

    1.  Support for Themes
    2.  Support for Multiple protocols
    3.  Xmpp
    4.  Supports XMPP
    5.  Multiple languages
    6.  Tabbed interface
    7.  Messages
    8.  OTR
    Discontinued

    The last update is from March 2021.

    Adium iconTor Messenger Icon

    Adium VS Tor Messenger

    Is Adium a good alternative to Tor Messenger?
     
  12. Empathy icon
    Empathy icon

    Empathy

     157 likes
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    Empathy is a messaging program which supports text, voice, video chat, and file transfers over many different protocols. You can tell it about your accounts on all those services and do all your chatting within one application.

    140 Empathy alternatives
    Empathy screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • BSD
    chatroom - conference
    call

    Empathy Features

    1.  Unified messaging
    2.  Support for Multiple protocols
    3.  Xmpp
    4.  SIP
    5.  Integrated File Sharing
    6.  Voice Chat
    Discontinued

    Empathy is currently unmaintained. Last version, 3.25, released in August 2017, can be still downloaded from the official website.

    Empathy iconTor Messenger Icon

    Empathy VS Tor Messenger

    Is Empathy a good alternative to Tor Messenger?
     
  13. Bitmessage icon
    Bitmessage icon

    Bitmessage

     50 likes
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    Bitmessage is a P2P communications protocol used to send encrypted messages to another person or to many subscribers. It is decentralized and trustless, meaning that you need-not inherently trust any entities like root certificate authorities.

    57 Bitmessage alternatives
    Bitmessage screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD

    Bitmessage Features

    1.  Peer-To-Peer
    Add Channel
    Bitmessage iconTor Messenger Icon

    Bitmessage VS Tor Messenger

    Is Bitmessage a good alternative to Tor Messenger?
     
  14. YakYak icon
    YakYak icon

    YakYak

     21 likes
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    Desktop client for Google Hangouts.

    100 YakYak alternatives
    YakYak screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Hangouts

    YakYak Features

    1.  Portable
    YakYak screenshot 1
    YakYak screenshot 2
    Discontinued

    The last version was released in June 2021.

    YakYak iconTor Messenger Icon

    YakYak VS Tor Messenger

    Is YakYak a good alternative to Tor Messenger?
     
12 of 18 Tor Messenger alternatives