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 Telegram, which is free. 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 Signal, Element, Wire and Tox.

WhatsApp 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 WhatsApp.

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814

Free • Proprietary
Instant Messenger

Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Wear

WhatsApp is an iPhone and Android messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS.

Learn more about WhatsApp

Telegram
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
HUAWEI AppGallery
Windows Phone
iPad
Apple Watch
Linux Mobile
Android Wear
PortableApps.com
FreeBSD
259 alternatives to Telegram
Telegram is a messaging app created by former VK creators with a focus on speed and security. It’s superfast, simple and free. It is like SMS, but more powerful.
Suggest and vote on features
Telegram Features
1. LightweightTelegram consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Ad-freeTelegram doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. End-to-End EncryptionTelegram has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. Privacy focusedTelegram is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Dark ModeTelegram supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. VoiP CallsTelegram allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
7. Multiple Account supportTelegram support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
8. IFTTT IntegrationYou can connect different services to automatically trigger actions within Telegram using IFTTT.
9. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
Stickers
Chat Bot
Multi Device Support
Bots
Channels
Secret chats
Integrated File Sharing
Persistent History
Cloud based
Folders
Telegram vs WhatsApp opinions
Almost everyone thinks Telegram is a great alternative to WhatsApp.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
Telegram can be used on a desktop PC without the need of a mobile smartphone. Especially useful for older people, who don't use smartphones.
Top positive comment•
35

mrmbl
You can have a username that you can change any time, so you don't have to share your phone number with strangers in groups
Top positive comment•
16

Guest
If you are looking for a more secure and privacy friendly alternative to WhatsApp, then Telegram is NOT for you. Chats are unencrypted by default, group chats can't be encrypted at all and the business model is not transparent.
Top negative comment•
8

valenfpolanco
I prefer Whatsapp :) love it.
Positive comment•
0

LinuxDoge
Better than whatsapp yes, but still bad.

Chats are still only encrypted if you choose to, Groups are always unencrypted, the Desktop version doesnt support encrypted Chats for years, for no reason.

Use Signal or Matrix
Positive comment•
1

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5 of 38 comments
Signal
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
iPad
Flathub
Ubuntu
Debian
202 alternatives to Signal
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.
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. VoiP CallsSignal allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
7. Dark ModeSignal supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
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
GPLv3
Encrypted Connection
Private messaging
Mobile friendly
Secure Chat
Stickers
Based on phone number
Protected by Password
Desktop Application
Signal vs WhatsApp opinions
Almost everyone thinks Signal is a great alternative to WhatsApp.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
purpelli12
It's so much better! And they're always improving. Nothing better for security
Top positive comment•
3

Pietrosmus
Open-source clients, non-profit organization, minimal metadata collection.
Top positive comment•
2

swapnilgnu
Run by a non-profit org. Respects users' privacy. Doesn't sell users data (metadata). Both, the server and client, apps are opensource.
Positive comment•
1

nichtRick
Has everything you need and cares about privacy
Positive comment•
1

danielcastelli
Privacy first. Best one on the market.
Positive comment•
1

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5 of 53 comments
Element
Do you think 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
Cloudron
F-Droid
FLATHUB
266 alternatives to Element
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.
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. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Element simultaneously.
7. Ad-freeElement doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
8. Dark ModeElement supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
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
Multiple languages
Custom widgets
Message redaction
Element vs WhatsApp opinions
Almost everyone thinks Element is a great alternative to WhatsApp.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
It is open source, encrypted (end to end), the server is also open source, which means that you or your university could run the server for you. This last point makes it very solid in the long run (like email survived because the protocol was federated).
Top positive comment•
13

Guest
It is floss (free/libre and open source) and the developers are friendly and open to the community.
Top positive comment•
1

resu
Federated, strong focus on privacy and security.
Positive comment•
0

Guest
Element is end-to-end encrypted (including groups unlike Telegram) and does not require a phone number (which is personally identifiable information. Signal requires it). Element is very simple to use for the average person yet very useful for the advanced one (a personal server can be deployed). It is also libre/free (as in freedom) and fully open-source, based on a libre/free protocol (matrix.org).
Positive comment•
11

Guest
This service is an alternative to Slack & MS Teams, but too technical and not designed for individual use.
Negative comment•
-8

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Wire
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Open Source
Group Chat App
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
F-Droid
Software as a Service (SaaS)
257 alternatives to Wire
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.
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
Wire vs WhatsApp opinions
Almost everyone thinks Wire is a great alternative to WhatsApp.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
More a competition for skype then whatsapp. however there's nothing you can do on whatsapp that you cannot do on wire. its trustworthy, has phone calls, can be used on PC/Mac as well.. registration with phonenumber is optional, which is nice.
Top positive comment•
14

Guest
You don't need to give your phone number for use. Still safe, good and nice chat app. On phone and on pc, web too.
Top positive comment•
4

Guest
More Privacy oriented, more secure, but best of all OpenSource. Unfortunately it ain't free (as in money but free as in freedom).
Positive comment•
0

Guest
Elegant UI, encrypted communication, on all relevant operating systems, has great VoIP and video call quality and so on.
Positive comment•
4

Guest
Basically 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.
Positive comment•
8

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5 of 7 comments
Tox
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
Android Tablet
BSD
F-Droid
180 alternatives to Tox
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. Screen SharingYou can use Tox to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
6. LightweightTox consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
7. No TrackingTox will not track you or use your personal data.
8. Dark ModeTox supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
9. AES-256 EncryptionTox has AES-256 Encryption, i.e. very strong security.
Peer-To-Peer
Security focused
Multiplatform
P2P Network
Built-in player
GPLv3
White-labeled
Video Conferencing
Client side encryption
VoiP Calls
Tox vs WhatsApp opinions
Almost everyone thinks Tox is a great alternative to WhatsApp.
Guest
Works well on desktop but not mobile like Whatsapp. Only mobile apps are experimental and not user friendly.
Negative comment•
0

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.
Positive comment•
3

Guest
Focused 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.
Positive comment•
4
Matrix.org
Do you think 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
131 alternatives to Matrix.org
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
Matrix.org vs WhatsApp opinions
Almost everyone thinks Matrix.org is a great alternative to WhatsApp.
Guest
You can choose, which client you like the most and use it
Positive comment•
-1
Skype
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Group Chat App
Video Calling App
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
BSD
Windows Phone
iPad
Android Wear
PortableApps.com
309 alternatives to Skype
Skype is the most popular free voice-over IP and instant messaging service globally. It allows users to text, video and voice call over the internet. Users can also call landlines and mobiles at competitive rates using Skype credit, premium accounts and subscriptions.
Suggest and vote on features
Skype Features
1. Screen SharingYou can use Skype to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
2. VoiP CallsSkype allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
3. LightweightSkype consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
4. Dark ModeSkype supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. IFTTT IntegrationYou can connect different services to automatically trigger actions within Skype using IFTTT.
6. Live Captions TranslationSkype can add captions to a video call, audio messages or multimedia file and translate them in real time.
Microsoft Office integration
Video Conferencing
Multiple languages
Exchange Integration
Secure Chat
Voice messages
Team Messaging
Voice Chat
Messages
Skype vs WhatsApp opinions
Some users think Skype is a great alternative to WhatsApp, some don't.
Guest
It’s not a good alternative for Skype, it is good for calls but not for messages
Negative comment•
0

EchtWahr
Skype is not a classic instant messenger like whatsapp
Negative comment•
0

blarticuspaul
great video chat services
Positive comment•
0
Jami
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Video Calling App
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
140 alternatives to Jami
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
Jami vs WhatsApp opinions
Most users think Jami is a great alternative to WhatsApp.
Sandro_Linux
Jami 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
Positive comment•
0
Viber
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Video Calling App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
HUAWEI AppGallery
iPad
Apple Watch
167 alternatives to Viber
With Viber, everyone in the world can connect. Freely. More than 460 million Viber users text, make HD-quality phone and video calls, and send photo and video messages worldwide over WiFi or 3G - for free.
Suggest and vote on features
Viber Features
1. Desktop SharingViber enables you to share your screen with other people in the same office or working remotely.
2. VoiP CallsViber allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
Phone calls
Animated stickers
Call Transfer
Secret chats
Multiple languages
Hidden chat
Voice Chat
Encrypted VoIP calls
Push to talk
Viber vs WhatsApp opinions
Most users think Viber is a great alternative to WhatsApp.
UnleavenedEagle
Best commercial solution!

Active userbase

End to end encryption

No conference calling

Requires phone number
Positive comment•
-1
Threema
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Group Chat App
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
HUAWEI AppGallery
Mac
Windows
Linux
99 alternatives to Threema
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.
Suggest and vote on features
Threema Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionThreema has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Privacy focusedThreema is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. No TrackingThreema will not track you or use your personal data.
4. Ad-freeThreema doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
5. Encrypted BackupThreema uses encryption algorithms to keep your files safe as well as prevent unauthorized access.
Integrated File Sharing
Security focused
Confirm messages
Encrypted calls
Voting
Integrated App lock
Sync Contacts
Secure Chat
Multiple languages
Image Sharing
Threema vs WhatsApp opinions
Most users think Threema is a great alternative to WhatsApp.
duco
It's also end to end encryped but not run by a US company that could force the company to give out data. It has a better data protection then signal as no mobile phone number is required. The address book can be uploaded but doesn't has to. Also you can scan the IDs of others as QR-Code and three dots display very prominent for each contact how secure it is.
Positive comment•
1

Guest
Secure, non-US based and you're the Customer, not the product.

They really take care of your privacy!
Positive comment•
1

Guest
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.... :(
Positive comment•
1

Guest
Its trustworthy and just works well.
Positive comment•
1