Open source Element alternatives

All Element alternatives

1. 

   

   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
2. 

   

   Mattermost

   4.8(5.6K) · App StoreLike

   Mattermost is an open-source collaboration platform offering channels, threads, calls and playbooks for structured workflows. Organizations can run it on their own servers or in a private cloud to keep full control of their data, which appeals to engineering teams, public agencies and regulated industries. Plugins, webhooks and an API connect it to DevOps tools like GitLab, Jira and Jenkins.

   8 Mattermost alternatives

   Pros

   • Self-hosting keeps full control over data and infrastructure
   • Strong DevOps integrations with GitLab, Jira and Jenkins
   • Playbooks structure incident response and repeatable workflows

   Cons

   • Self-hosted deployments need ongoing admin work
   • Smaller app ecosystem than Slack
   • Advanced compliance and enterprise features require paid plans

   Cost / License

   FreemiumOpen source

   Categories

   Team Chat

   Platforms

   WebWindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroidSelf-hosted

   Features

   ChannelsIntegrationsPlugins & extensionsSingle sign-on (SSO)Threaded conversationsVoice and video calls

   Visit websiteMore about Mattermost
3. 

   

   Rocket.Chat

   4.4(3.7K) · App StoreLike

   Rocket.Chat is an open-source communications platform that can be self-hosted or used as a cloud service. Besides team channels, threads, direct messages and calls, it includes an omnichannel module that routes website chat, email and messaging apps to support agents. Its marketplace and APIs let organizations customize it heavily, and self-hosting suits teams with strict data residency needs.

   9 Rocket.Chat alternatives

   Pros

   • Omnichannel module routes website chat, email and messaging apps
   • Self-hostable open source platform for strict data residency needs
   • Marketplace and APIs allow deep customization

   Cons

   • Self-hosted setups require regular maintenance and upgrades
   • Some features are reserved for paid editions
   • The wide range of settings makes administration complex

   Cost / License

   FreemiumOpen source

   Categories

   Team ChatCustomer Support & Live Chat

   Platforms

   WebWindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroidSelf-hosted

   Features

   API accessChannelsIntegrationsLive chat widgetThreaded conversationsVoice and video calls

   Visit websiteMore about Rocket.Chat
4. 

   

   Zulip

   26KstarsLike

   Zulip is an open-source team chat app whose threading model files every channel message under a named topic, so people can catch up on several discussions without losing context. It supports Markdown, code blocks and LaTeX math, and integrates with common developer tools. It can be self-hosted for free or used through Zulip Cloud, which suits open-source projects, research groups and remote teams.

   8 Zulip alternatives

   Pros

   • Topic-based threading makes catching up on discussions easy
   • Markdown, code blocks and LaTeX suit technical teams
   • Free to self-host under an open source license

   Cons

   • The topic model takes some getting used to after Slack
   • Video calls rely on external services such as Jitsi or Zoom

   Cost / License

   FreemiumOpen source

   Categories

   Team Chat

   Platforms

   WebWindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroidSelf-hosted

   Features

   API accessChannelsIntegrationsMarkdown supportThreaded conversations

   Visit websiteMore about Zulip
5. 

   

   Telegram

   4.0(282.8K) · App StoreLike

   Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app that syncs chats across phones, desktops and the web, with very large groups, broadcast channels and an extensive bot platform. Its client apps are open source, but the server is not, and only the optional Secret Chats are end-to-end encrypted. Telegram Premium adds extras such as bigger uploads and faster downloads.

   10 Telegram alternatives

   Pros

   • Cloud sync across phone, desktop and web
   • Huge groups, broadcast channels and a powerful bot platform
   • Open source clients that are fast and polished

   Cons

   • Regular chats are not end-to-end encrypted, only Secret Chats are
   • Secret Chats do not sync across devices and are unavailable in groups
   • Server code is closed, unlike the client apps

   Cost / License

   FreemiumOpen source

   Categories

   Messaging Apps

   Platforms

   WebWindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroid

   Features

   API accessChannelsCross-device syncGroup chatsVoice and video calls

   Visit websiteMore about Telegram
6. 

   

   Threema

   4.2(715) · App StoreLike

   Threema is a privacy-focused messenger from Switzerland that end-to-end encrypts messages, calls, groups and files. Each user gets a random Threema ID, so no phone number or email address is required, and the address book is only synced if you choose to. The apps are open source and sold for a one-time fee, while Threema Work targets companies and public institutions.

   9 Threema alternatives

   Pros

   • No phone number or email needed, thanks to a random Threema ID
   • Swiss company with a strong privacy focus and GDPR compliance
   • One-time purchase instead of ads or a subscription

   Cons

   • Being a paid app discourages contacts from joining
   • Smaller user base than mainstream messengers

   Cost / License

   PaidOpen source

   Categories

   Messaging Apps

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroid

   Features

   End-to-end encryptionGDPR compliantGroup chatsNo phone number requiredVoice and video calls

   Visit websiteMore about Threema
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
10. 

    

    Jitsi Meet

    3.5(492) · App StoreLike

    Jitsi Meet is an open-source video conferencing app that runs in the browser, with mobile and desktop apps as well. Anyone can host meetings for free on the public meet.jit.si service or deploy their own server for full control. It includes screen sharing, chat, breakout rooms, background blur, live streaming to YouTube and optional end-to-end encryption. The project is maintained by 8x8.

    9 Jitsi Meet alternatives

    Pros

    • Free meetings on meet.jit.si, with guests joining from the browser
    • Open source and self-hostable for full control
    • Optional end-to-end encryption and live streaming to YouTube

    Cons

    • Call quality can degrade with many participants
    • Fewer admin and scheduling features than commercial suites
    • Self-hosting at scale needs tuning and plenty of bandwidth

    Cost / License

    FreeOpen source

    Categories

    Video Conferencing

    Platforms

    WebWindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroidSelf-hosted

    Features

    Breakout roomsEnd-to-end encryptionLive streamingScreen sharingVirtual backgrounds

    Visit websiteMore about Jitsi Meet