WhatsApp Alternatives for Linux

WhatsApp is not available for Linux but there are plenty of alternatives that runs on Linux with similar functionality. 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 WhatsApp and loads of them are available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Linux alternatives to WhatsApp are Telegram, Element, Wire and Tox.

filter to find the best alternatives

WhatsApp alternatives are mainly Instant Messengers, but if you're looking for Group Chat Apps or Encrypted Chat Apps you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Apple Watch, Open Source, EU, Self-Hosted, Windows Phone, Kindle Fire and Windows. 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.
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WhatsApp alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Delta Chat icon
     74 likes

    Provides a chat experience over email, with all messages and contacts stored on user devices, open source code, group media support, and compatibility with any provider. No central servers, no tracking, works without SIM, and can be used by anyone just via email.

    82 Delta Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
     
  2. Zulip icon
     268 likes

    Threaded group conversations combine live and asynchronous messaging, separating topics for organized collaboration, supporting open-source, cloud, and self-hosted deployments, secure communication with encryption, and multi-platform access for diverse teams.

    233 Zulip alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
     
    |
    1
    Zulip vs WhatsApp Comments
    hrishikeshpatil
    Positive
    0

    Messages seperated by streams and topics

    • Zulip is Free Personal and Open SourceWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
    • Zulip is Privacy focused and LightweightWhatsApp is not according to our users
  3. FluffyChat icon
     39 likes

    Encrypted messenger supporting multi-platform access, unlimited group and private chats, file and voice message sharing, decentralized operation, open-source code, custom themes including dark mode, advanced moderation, push notifications, and no advertisements.

    192 FluffyChat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu Touch
    • F-Droid
     
  4. Keybase icon
     142 likes

    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.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Ruby
    • JavaScript
    • Tor
    • Go (Programming Language)
    • Java
     
  5. Linphone icon
     143 likes

    Linphone is one of the most famous open source softphones in the world. It is fully SIP-based, for all calling, presence and IM features.

    83 Linphone alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
     
  6. XMPP icon
     23 likes

    XMPP, or Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol, is an open standard for instant messaging and real-time communication, allowing for message exchanges between any two entities on the Internet. It's known for its decentralized and extensible nature.

    38 XMPP alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Windows Phone
    • Self-Hosted
     
  7. Session icon
     127 likes

    Decentralized messenger featuring end-to-end encryption for individual and group chats, no registration needed, no tracking or metadata logs, IP address protection, secure attachment sharing, multi-device sync, dark mode, open-source code, and ad-free use.

    74 Session alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
     
    |
    4
    Session vs WhatsApp Comments
    Guest
    Positive
    1

    no phone number, open source, encrypted

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    No login data required - it auto-generates seed phrase and that's it; developed by non-profit; developers don't run the infrastructure; everythnig is open-source

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Brad Maron
    Positive
    2

    Similar feature set but with the best privacy measures on the market

    3 of 4 comments
    • Session is Free and Open SourceWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
    • Session is Privacy focusedWhatsApp is not according to our users
  8. Franz icon
     120 likes

    Centralize multiple chat and messaging services in one customizable interface, organize workspaces, receive synchronized notifications, manage multiple accounts per service, and easily access popular platforms on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Privacy controls included.

    73 Franz alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     
    |
    1
    Franz vs WhatsApp Comments
    Guest
    Negative
    3

    Franz is not a messaging application, it just allows you to group up multiple messaging apps like messenger, whatsapp, slack etc

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Franz is Freemium and Open SourceWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
  9. Trillian icon
     280 likes

    Trillian is an instant messaging app that works on phones, tablets, and desktops while keeping your chats neatly synchronized between all of them! We think conversation should be easily shared between all of your devices, not trapped as text messages on your phone.

    151 Trillian alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Blackberry
    • iPad
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
     
    |
    1
    Trillian vs WhatsApp Comments
    yee42069
    Negative
    1

    just a messaging service consolidator

    • Trillian is Freemium and ProprietaryWhatsApp is Free and Proprietary
  10. WeChat icon
     109 likes

    WeChat is a complete mobile communication and private social networking app. Free, cross-platform, and full-featured, WeChat is the best way to keep in touch with everyone you care about.

    149 WeChat alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Blackberry
    • Android Tablet
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Linux
    • Flathub
     
  11. Encrypted video meetings with unlimited participants, screen sharing, recording with secure storage, no data sale or registration, chat, reactions, calendar and background features, hosted entirely in Switzerland on renewable energy and compliant with strict privacy laws.

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • F-Droid
     
  12. AWS Wickr icon
     50 likes

    Secure communication for individuals, teams, and large organizations.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
     
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