WhatsApp AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Instant Messengers

The best Instant Messenger alternative to WhatsApp 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 Instant Messengers so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Instant Messenger alternatives to WhatsApp are Telegram, Element, Matrix and Fluxer.

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Most WhatsApp alternatives are Instant Messengers, but you can also narrow the list to Group Chat Apps or Encrypted Chat Apps. Other popular filters are Apple Watch, Open Source, Android, Windows and Windows Phone. You can also filter for EU-based alternatives if you prefer software from the European Union.
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Alternatives
WhatsApp alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Signal icon
     1503 likes

    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.

    279 Signal alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2011

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Android Auto
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    • OpenAPK
    • US flagUnited States
    Signal screenshot 1
    Good alternative?
     
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    59
  2. Telegram icon
     2168 likes

    Maximize your messaging experience with efficient communication, speedy delivery, and optional end-to-end encrypted Secret Chats. Engage in unlimited channels and groups up to 200,000 members. Enhance chat management and media sharing with Telegram Premium and its exclusive benefits. All core features remain free.

    351 Telegram alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2014

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Auto
    • Linux Mobile
    • Android Wear
    • PortableApps.com
    • FreeBSD
    • Apple Car Play
    • AE flagUnited Arab Emirates
    Telegram Desktop
    Good alternative?
     
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    42
  3. Element icon
     851 likes

    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.

    370 Element alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2016

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    • Cloudron
    • GB flagUnited Kingdom
    Element screenshot 1
    Good alternative?
     
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    13
  4. Matrix icon
     422 likes

    Open standard protocol enabling decentralized, encrypted instant messaging, VoIP signaling, IoT device connectivity, and persistent data management across federated servers without central control or single points of failure, bridging communication platforms.

    211 Matrix alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2016

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • WebRTC
    • Python
    • JavaScript
    • Go (Programming Language)
    • Cloudron
    • Java
    • Perl
    • GB flagUnited Kingdom
    Main Page
    Good alternative?
     
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    4
  5. Fluxer icon
     57 likes

    Free and open-source instant messaging and VoIP platform with private DMs, group chats, markdown, file sharing, video calls, screen sharing, moderation tools, quick search, custom emojis, CSS themes, AGPLv3 self-hosting, and multi-device access.

    40 Fluxer alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2026

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Good alternative?
     
  6. Jitsi Meet icon
     298 likes

    Open-source video conferencing platform with encryption by default, up to 75 participants, live group chat, HD audio, screen and document sharing, Etherpad editing, mobile and browser support, custom deployment options, privacy-first features, and community-driven development.

    187 Jitsi Meet alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2016

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Apple Watch
    • F-Droid
    Good alternative?
     
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    2
  7. Tox icon
     573 likes

    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.

    231 Tox alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2013

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • F-Droid
    • US flagUnited States
    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.
    Good alternative?
     
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    3
  8. SimpleX Chat icon
     121 likes

    Open-source messaging platform enabling private, identifier-free chats, encrypted group discussions, file and media sharing, plus audio and video calls. Employs double-ratchet protocol, stores user data on-device, protects metadata, and lets users self-host relay servers.

    97 SimpleX Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2022

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Flatpak
    • Flathub
    • iPhone
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    • Obtainium
    • OpenAPK
    • Self-Hosted
    Good alternative?
     
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    4
  9. Wire icon
     335 likes

    Secure communication platform featuring encrypted chats and calls, file and media sharing, self-deleting messages, device verification, group collaboration, and customizable settings. Supports use across multiple devices with no phone number required for access.

    317 Wire alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2014

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • OpenAPK
    Good alternative?
     
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    7
  10. Jami icon
     249 likes

    Open source decentralized communication platform supporting secure end-to-end encrypted calls, messaging, group conferencing, file and media sharing, SIP compatibility, multi-device sync, and strong privacy, available across desktop and mobile systems.

    192 Jami alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2015

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • OpenAPK
    Good alternative?
     
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    2
  11. Briar icon
     139 likes

    Censorship-resistant peer-to-peer messaging that bypasses centralized servers. Connect via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Tor, with privacy built-in.

    111 Briar alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2018

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Flatpak
    • Flathub
    • Android
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    Good alternative?
     
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    3
  12. Threema icon
     150 likes

    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.

    152 Threema alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2012

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Android Auto
    • OpenAPK
    Good alternative?
     
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    5
12 of 149 WhatsApp alternatives