5 Open Source Alternatives To WhatsApp

The best Communication, and Social Media tools similar to WhatsApp

Signal Android stands out as a leading open-source alternative to WhatsApp. For those seeking different features or workflows, we've curated a comprehensive list of WhatsApp alternatives, each offering unique strengths.

Notable mentions in the WhatsApp alternative space include: Berty, Session, Lokinet, Kontalk.

The WhatsApp ecosystem primarily consists of Communication solutions, with additional options in Social Media. Explore these alternatives to discover tools that align with your specific WhatsApp-related requirements, whether you're looking for enhanced features, different user experiences, or specialized functionalities.

Signal Android iconSignal Android

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Signal Android screenshot

Signal is a powerful messaging app that prioritizes your privacy. With state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption, Signal ensures that your conversations remain secure and private. Whether you're sending text messages, sharing media, or making voice and video calls, Signal provides a seamless and secure communication experience. Here's what makes Signal stand out:

  • End-to-End Encryption: Every message and call is encrypted using the Signal Protocol, ensuring that only you and the recipient can read or listen to them.
  • Multimedia Sharing: Share text, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs, and files without worrying about SMS or MMS fees.
  • Crystal-Clear Calls: Make high-quality voice and video calls to anyone, anywhere in the world, without long-distance charges.
  • Encrypted Stickers: Add a layer of fun to your conversations with encrypted stickers, and even create and share your own sticker packs.
  • Group Chats: Easily stay connected with family, friends, and coworkers through secure group chats.
  • No Ads or Trackers: Signal is free from ads, affiliate marketers, and creepy tracking, letting you focus on what matters.
  • Independent Nonprofit: Supported by grants and donations, Signal is independent and can't be acquired by major tech companies.

Signal offers a simple, powerful, and secure messaging experience for everyone. With its strong focus on privacy and user security, Signal is the go-to app for those who value their digital communications.

Berty iconBerty

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Berty screenshot

Berty Messenger is a secure peer-to-peer messaging app designed to work with or without internet access or cellular data. Created by Berty Technologies, this open-source project aims to facilitate open and free communication without any limitations imposed by centralized systems. The app is built on the Wesh Network protocol, demonstrating Berty Technologies’ commitment to privacy and decentralization.

  • Decentralized Communication: Berty Messenger operates on a decentralized network, ensuring that no central authority can control or surveil your communications.
  • Offline Functionality: The app works even without internet access or cellular data, making it a reliable tool for communication in any situation.
  • Open Source: Fully open-source, Berty Messenger allows developers to contribute and audit the code, ensuring transparency and security.
  • Privacy-First: Built with privacy in mind, the app employs end-to-end encryption to keep your conversations secure.
  • Community-Driven: Supported by a non-profit organization, Berty Messenger is developed in collaboration with a global community of developers and privacy advocates.

Berty Messenger is more than just an app; it’s a movement towards preserving privacy and ensuring unrestricted communication for everyone. With its robust set of features and community-driven development, Berty Messenger stands as a testament to what can be achieved through open-source collaboration.

Session iconSession

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Session screenshot

Session is an end-to-end encrypted messenger designed for people who prioritize privacy and freedom from surveillance. By removing sensitive metadata collection, Session ensures that your communications remain private and secure.

  • No Phone Numbers: Session accounts are completely anonymous, requiring no phone number or email for registration.
  • No Data Breaches: With no data collection, there's nothing to leak, ensuring your information remains safe.
  • No Footprints: Messages are sent through an onion routing network, leaving no trace behind.
  • Open Source: Session's code is open for anyone to view, audit, and contribute to, ensuring transparency and trust.
  • Censorship Resistant: With no central point of failure, Session is harder to shut down, making it resilient against censorship.
  • Group Chats: Communicate with up to 100 friends at once with the same encrypted protections as one-on-one chats. For larger groups, use communities to connect with as many people as you want.
  • Voice Messages: Send personal voice messages to ensure your message is conveyed accurately.
  • Attachments: Share files, images, and other attachments securely through a network that prioritizes your privacy.

Session is a powerful tool for anyone seeking to maintain their privacy and security in digital communications. By leveraging advanced encryption and routing technologies, Session offers a robust solution for private messaging.

Lokinet iconLokinet

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Lokinet screenshot

Lokinet provides anonymous and decentralized internet access by creating an IP-based overlay network. It ensures that your online activities remain private and free from surveillance. Lokinet is designed to be censorship-resistant and easy to use across multiple platforms, making it accessible for everyone who values their online privacy.

  • Decentralized Network: Lokinet operates on a decentralized network, eliminating single points of failure and enhancing privacy.
  • Onion-Routed Traffic: Utilizes onion-routing to anonymize your internet traffic, making it difficult for anyone to trace your activities.
  • No IP Addresses: Lokinet does not use traditional IP addresses, adding an extra layer of anonymity.
  • Censorship-Resistant: The network is designed to circumvent censorship, allowing you to access restricted content.
  • Cross Platform: Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, ensuring you can maintain privacy on any device.
  • Easy to Use: User-friendly interface makes it simple to install and navigate.

Lokinet is a robust solution for those who want to maintain their privacy and freedom online. It combines advanced technology with ease of use, ensuring that anyone can browse the internet securely and anonymously.

Kontalk iconKontalk

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Kontalk screenshot

Kontalk is an innovative messaging platform designed to offer secure and private communication for everyone. It leverages end-to-end encryption to ensure that your messages remain confidential and inaccessible to unauthorized parties. Kontalk is community-driven, meaning it is run by volunteers who contribute to its infrastructure and development, ensuring it remains free and open-source forever. The platform is based on rock-solid Internet standards, making it perfect for mobile phones and other devices.

  • End-to-End Encryption: Ensures that messages are encrypted from sender to receiver, preventing any intermediaries from accessing the content.
  • Community-Driven: Operated by a network of volunteers who provide servers and share costs, fostering a decentralized and resilient infrastructure.
  • Open Source: All software used in the Kontalk network, both server and client, is completely open source, allowing anyone to inspect, modify, or contribute to the code.
  • XMPP-Based: Utilizes the XMPP protocol, a well-established standard for messaging and presence, ensuring reliability and compatibility across different platforms.

Kontalk stands out as a secure, community-oriented messaging solution that prioritizes user privacy and transparency. Its open-source nature and decentralized operation make it a trustworthy choice for those seeking a reliable and private communication platform.