The Best Open Source WhatsApp AlternativesTop Instant Messengers & Video Calling Apps like WhatsApp
The best open source alternative to WhatsApp is Signal. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to WhatsApp and loads of them is open source so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source alternatives to WhatsApp are Element, Wire, Tox and Matrix.
filter to find the best alternatives
WhatsApp alternatives are mainly Instant Messengers, but if you're looking for Encrypted Chat Apps or Group Chat Apps you can filter on that. 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 WhatsApp.- Instant Messenger
- Free • Proprietary
- 219 Signal alternatives
An open-source messaging app emphasizing privacy with encrypted communication. Share texts, calls, photos, and videos without ads or trackers, available across major platforms. Developed by Signal Technology Foundation and praised globally for security measures.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- iPhone
- iPad
- Flathub
- Ubuntu
- Debian
Comments about Signal as an Alternative to WhatsApp
Comment summary: Users overwhelmingly prefer Signal over WhatsApp for its strong privacy and security features. Signal is praised for being open-source, not owned by a major corporation like Facebook, and for its minimal data collection. It is run by a non-profit and provides excellent encryption, making it a top choice for security-conscious users. However, a few comments suggest that Signal may lack some features when compared to WhatsApp.Top Positive CommentMost Recent CommentJoseph LeskeySignal is an excellent open source WhatsApp alternative, offering simplicity, competitive features, simplicity, and privacy-focused design.
Does not track you! Very good security features Nice functionnalities
- 301 Element alternatives
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.
License model
- Free Personal • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Self-Hosted
- Matrix.org
- Flathub
- F-Droid
- Cloudron
Comments about Element as an Alternative to WhatsApp
Top Positive CommentVladimir StudinskyDecentral (federation), sure. Open source - client, protocol and server
Most Recent CommentIt is floss (free/libre and open source) and the developers are friendly and open to the community.
resuFederated, strong focus on privacy and security.
- 280 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.
License model
- Free Personal • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
Switzerland
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Self-Hosted
- F-Droid
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
Comments about Wire as an Alternative to WhatsApp
Top Positive CommentBasically Signal on steroids. Also, open source and doesn't ask for your phone number, allows creation of throwaway accounts as well as basic group conversation functionality. Perfect.
Most Recent CommentMore Privacy oriented, more secure, but best of all OpenSource. Unfortunately it ain't free (as in money but free as in freedom).
Elegant UI, encrypted communication, on all relevant operating systems, has great VoIP and video call quality and so on.
- 213 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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- Android Tablet
- BSD
- F-Droid
Comments about Tox as an Alternative to WhatsApp
Most Recent CommentFocused on security messages are encrypted and it is Open Source. Like whatsapp, you can send files, groups chats and video messaging. Skype is more popular with normies, but Tox has all the bells and whistles that whatsapp did.
MetaPixel_Secure and high quality peer-to-peer communication, audio and video group calls, and unlimited file transfers. The only disadvantage compared to alternatives is that you can only successfully communicate if both peers are online, but that is part of the nature of the protocol and thus safety is prioritized.
Works well on desktop but not mobile like Whatsapp. Only mobile apps are experimental and not user friendly.
- 162 Matrix 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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- Self-Hosted
- WebRTC
- Python
- JavaScript
- Go (Programming Language)
- Cloudron
- Java
- Perl
Comments about Matrix as an Alternative to WhatsApp
You can choose, which client you like the most and use it
- 159 Jami alternatives
Jami (formerly GNU Ring, SFLphone) positions itself as a potential free Skype replacement
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
Canada
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
Comments about Jami as an Alternative to WhatsApp
Oscar SandersonJami is a great alternative to Whatsapp since it is decentrailsed so no one can read your messages and it is open source so its privacy claims are verifyable unlike Whatsapp
- 125 Threema alternatives
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.
License model
- Paid • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
Switzerland
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Online
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- HUAWEI AppGallery
- iPad
- F-Droid
Comments about Threema as an Alternative to WhatsApp
Most Recent CommentSecure, non-US based and you're the Customer, not the product.
They really take care of your privacy!
Its trustworthy and just works well.
Threema is a great whatapp alternative. Just as easy to use as whatsapp, but (hopefully) more secure and non US based. However, just like whatsapp, it is an app only and lacks a client for PC.... :(
Inside: E2E encryption everywhere, P2P calls for better video/audio quality, state-of-the-art technologies. Outside: a beautiful modern interface, animations, responsiveness. I ?? it