Free Telegram alternatives

All Telegram alternatives

1. W

   W

   WhatsApp

   4.7(18.8M) · App StoreLike

   WhatsApp is Meta's messaging app for text, voice notes, photos, group chats and voice or video calls. Personal messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default using the Signal Protocol, and each account is linked to a phone number. Companion apps run on desktop and the web, and WhatsApp Business lets companies chat with their customers.

   8 WhatsApp alternatives

   Pros

   • Huge user base makes it easy to reach almost anyone
   • Personal chats and calls are encrypted by default with the Signal Protocol
   • WhatsApp Business lets companies talk with their customers

   Cons

   • Owned by Meta, which collects metadata about how you use it
   • Every account is tied to a phone number

   Cost / License

   FreeProprietary

   Categories

   Messaging Apps

   Platforms

   WebWindowsMaciPhoneAndroid

   Features

   Disappearing messagesEnd-to-end encryptionGroup chatsVoice and video calls

   Visit websiteMore about WhatsApp
2. 

   

   Signal

   4.7(1.1M) · App StoreLike

   Signal is a free, open-source messenger run by the nonprofit Signal Foundation. Messages, calls, group chats and media are end-to-end encrypted with the Signal Protocol, and the service is designed to collect as little metadata as possible. Registration requires a phone number, though usernames let you chat without sharing it, and the app has no ads or trackers.

   10 Signal alternatives

   Pros

   • Signal Protocol encrypts messages, calls and groups end to end
   • Run by a nonprofit, with minimal metadata and no ads
   • Usernames let you chat without revealing your phone number

   Cons

   • A phone number is still required to register
   • Fewer of your contacts are likely to use it than mainstream apps

   Cost / License

   FreeOpen source

   Categories

   Messaging Apps

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroid

   Features

   Ad-freeDisappearing messagesEnd-to-end encryptionGroup chatsVoice and video calls

   Visit websiteMore about Signal
3. 

   

   Discord

   4.7(3.6M) · App StoreLike

   Discord is a chat platform built around servers, each with its own text channels, voice channels and roles. It started with gamers but now hosts communities of every kind, from open-source projects to study groups, with drop-in voice rooms, screen sharing, threads and forums. Bots extend servers, and an optional Nitro subscription adds perks such as larger uploads and higher-quality streaming.

   11 Discord alternatives

   Pros

   • Drop-in voice channels make spontaneous conversations easy
   • Roles, bots and permissions scale to very large communities
   • Generous free tier across desktop, mobile and the web

   Cons

   • Not designed for workplace compliance or admin controls
   • Busy servers and notifications can quickly feel overwhelming
   • Text messages are not end-to-end encrypted

   Cost / License

   FreemiumProprietary

   Categories

   Team ChatMessaging Apps

   Platforms

   WebWindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroid

   Features

   API accessChannelsGroup chatsScreen sharingThreaded conversationsVoice and video calls

   Visit websiteMore about Discord
4. 

   

   Viber

   4.6(831.1K) · App StoreLike

   Viber is a messaging and calling app from Rakuten Viber, offering one-to-one and group chats, voice and video calls, stickers, and large public communities and channels. Chats and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default, and disappearing messages are available. Paid Viber Out credits let users call regular mobile and landline numbers.

   8 Viber alternatives

   Pros

   • Chats and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default
   • Large public communities and channels
   • Viber Out credits let you call regular mobile and landline numbers

   Cons

   • Ads and sponsored content appear in the app
   • A phone number is required to sign up
   • Widely used in some countries but rare in others

   Cost / License

   FreemiumProprietary

   Categories

   Messaging Apps

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroid

   Features

   Disappearing messagesEnd-to-end encryptionGroup chatsVoice and video calls

   Visit websiteMore about Viber
5. 

   

   Messenger

   4.7(13.8M) · App StoreLike

   Messenger is Meta's chat app for messaging and calling people you know on Facebook, with group chats, voice and video calls, reactions, stickers and media sharing. Personal chats and calls have been end-to-end encrypted by default since late 2023, and disappearing messages are available. It runs on iPhone, iPad and Android as well as in the browser.

   8 Messenger alternatives

   Pros

   • Easy way to reach Facebook contacts without swapping phone numbers
   • Personal chats and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default
   • Rich group chats, video calls, reactions and stickers

   Cons

   • Collects extensive data linked to your Meta profile
   • Requires a Facebook account to use

   Cost / License

   FreeProprietary

   Categories

   Messaging Apps

   Platforms

   WebiPhoneAndroid

   Features

   Disappearing messagesEnd-to-end encryptionGroup chatsVoice and video calls

   Visit websiteMore about Messenger
6. 

   

   Element

   3.3(590) · App StoreLike

   Element is a messaging app from the team that created Matrix, an open standard for decentralized, federated chat. Rooms, direct messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted, and people on different Matrix servers can talk to each other like email. Individuals can join a public server for free, while organizations and governments self-host or buy Element's enterprise server suite, with bridges to other chat networks.

   12 Element alternatives

   Pros

   • End-to-end encryption by default for private rooms and messages
   • Federated Matrix network, so no single company controls your chats
   • Open source and self-hostable, popular with public sector bodies

   Cons

   • Encryption keys and device verification can confuse newcomers
   • Running your own Matrix server takes real technical effort
   • Fewer business integrations than mainstream team chat apps

   Cost / License

   FreemiumOpen source

   Categories

   Team ChatMessaging Apps

   Platforms

   WebWindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroidSelf-hosted

   Features

   ChannelsEnd-to-end encryptionNo phone number requiredThreaded conversationsVoice and video calls

   Visit websiteMore about Element
7. 

   

   Session

   4.4(5.2K) · App StoreLike

   Session is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted messenger that needs no phone number or email: an account is just a randomly generated Session ID. Messages are relayed through a decentralized network of community-operated nodes using onion routing, which hides IP addresses and limits metadata. It supports one-to-one chats, small private groups and larger communities on desktop and mobile.

   9 Session alternatives

   Pros

   • No phone number or email: an account is just a random Session ID
   • Onion routing hides IP addresses and limits metadata
   • Decentralized network of community-operated nodes

   Cons

   • Messages can arrive more slowly than on centralized apps
   • Small user base compared with mainstream messengers
   • Losing your recovery phrase means losing your account

   Cost / License

   FreeOpen source

   Categories

   Messaging Apps

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroid

   Features

   Ad-freeDisappearing messagesEnd-to-end encryptionGroup chatsNo phone number required

   Visit websiteMore about Session
8. 

   

   SimpleX Chat

   4.3(271) · App StoreLike

   SimpleX Chat is an open-source messenger that does not assign users any identifier, not even a random one: contacts connect through one-time links or QR codes. Messages are end-to-end encrypted and pass through relay servers that keep no user profiles, and anyone can run their own relays. It supports groups, voice and video calls, disappearing messages and multiple chat profiles.

   9 SimpleX Chat alternatives

   Pros

   • No user identifiers at all, not even random ones
   • Anyone can run their own relay servers
   • Groups, calls, disappearing messages and multiple chat profiles

   Cons

   • Connecting through one-time links is less convenient than a contact list
   • Small user base, so few contacts will already be on it
   • Using one account across several devices is limited

   Cost / License

   FreeOpen source

   Categories

   Messaging Apps

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroidSelf-hosted

   Features

   Disappearing messagesEnd-to-end encryptionGroup chatsNo phone number requiredVoice and video calls

   Visit websiteMore about SimpleX Chat
9. 

   

   Olvid

   4.5(42) · App StoreLike

   Olvid is an end-to-end encrypted messenger developed in France that works without a phone number, email address or central user directory: contacts are added by exchanging codes in person or through trusted introductions. Its security has been certified by ANSSI, the French cybersecurity agency, and its apps are open source. Messaging is free, with paid subscriptions for advanced features and for businesses.

   8 Olvid alternatives

   Pros

   • No phone number, email or central user directory required
   • Security certified by ANSSI, the French cybersecurity agency
   • Open source apps on desktop and mobile

   Cons

   • Adding contacts in person or via introductions slows onboarding
   • Small user base, so most contacts will need to install it
   • Advanced features and business use require a subscription

   Cost / License

   FreemiumOpen source

   Categories

   Messaging Apps

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroid

   Features

   Ad-freeEnd-to-end encryptionGroup chatsNo phone number requiredVoice and video calls

   Visit websiteMore about Olvid