Signal
Similar look and feel of WhatsApp and other commonly used messaging apps, makes switching easy. Signal requires your phone number as an personal identifier.
Open Source Messaging
The Messaging we recommend, filtered to Open Source. See all Messaging →
SimpleX Chat
Decentralized messenger that assigns no identifier to users, not even a random number. Contacts are established via one-time invite links or QR codes, with all data stored on-device only.
Molly
Hardened fork of Signal for Android that adds an encrypted local database, automatic RAM wiping on lock, and Tor/SOCKS proxy support via Orbot. Ships in two variants: one with FCM push and one fully FOSS without Google.
Session
No phone number or email address is required to signup. Similar functionality like Element, but still in an earlier stage of development. Decentralized servers routed through…
Threema
No native desktop apps available yet, but there is a web version for your browser. No phone number is required to signup but there is a payment involved to get the app.…
Briar
Briar doesn't rely on a central server: messages are synchronized directly between the users' devices via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Online sync via the Tor network is possible, too.…
Cwtch
User friendly, lightweight, for desktop and Android. End-to-end encrypted and takes place over Tor v3 onion services. Privacy-preserving, multi-party messaging protocol. Built…
Ricochet Refresh
Based on Ricochet but improved security and compatibility with Tor Onion Services v3 instead of older v2.
Element
A modern alternative to IRC or Discord. Good for team chats and groups.
Delta Chat
Delta Chat doesn't have their own servers but uses the most massive and diverse open messaging system ever: the existing e-mail server network. Chat with anyone if you know…
Tox
Wide range of features but a highly experimental protocol, use with caution.
Jami
Jami: Instant messaging and video calling
Brave Talk
The person creating the call requires to use Brave Browser, but the participants can join from any browser.
Jitsi Meet
Desktop version downloads can be found here .
Status
No phone number or email address is required to signup. Uses the peer-to-peer (p2p) messaging protocol Waku that removes centralized third parties from messages.
Stoat
Open source, self-hostable Discord alternative, formerly Revolt. Built for communities that want off Discord, but it is not end-to-end encrypted.
Linphone
Linphone: Video and instant messaging