10 Best Open Source Telegram Alternatives
A curated collection of the 10 best open source and self-hosted alternatives to Telegram in 2026.
Looking for a free, privacy-friendly, or self-hosted replacement for Telegram in 2026? The top open-source alternative is Signal — Privacy-first encrypted messaging app.
Other highly rated open-source Telegram alternatives include Cinny, Stoat and Quiet.
Privacy-first encrypted messaging app
Signal is a privacy-focused messaging app that prioritizes secure communication without compromising usability. Built on open-source principles, Signal offers state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption for all messages, calls, and media, ensuring only you and your intended recipients can access your conversations. - End-to-End Encryption: All messages, calls, and media are encrypted by default using the open-source Signal Protocol. - Free Messaging & Calls: Send texts, voice messages, photos, videos, and files without SMS fees. Make crystal-clear voice and video calls globally at no cost. - Group Chats: Create encrypted group conversations for family, friends, or coworkers. - Stickers & Expressions: Add encrypted stickers or create custom sticker packs to personalize chats. - No Ads or Trackers: Signal is ad-free and does not collect user data for tracking or monetization. - Nonprofit & Independent: Operated by a 501c3 nonprofit, free from corporate influence or acquisition. - Cross-Platform: Available on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux. - Open Source: Transparent development with public repositories for security audits. Signal operates as a centralized service with client-side encryption. While the core infrastructure is not self-hostable, the open-source Signal Protocol can be integrated into other applications. Clients are available for all major platforms, and the service is supported by donations and grants.
Privacy-focused Matrix client
Cinny is a modern, privacy-focused Matrix client that prioritizes simplicity and performance. Built with web technologies, it offers a clean interface while ensuring your data remains under your control. - Privacy-first: End-to-end encryption and no tracking - Lightweight: Fast and resource-efficient - Cross-platform: Works on web, desktop, and mobile - Customizable: Themes and plugins for enhanced functionality - Self-hostable: Full control over your data - Matrix protocol: Interoperable with other Matrix clients - Open source: Community-driven development Cinny is built with TypeScript and React, making it easy to self-host on any server. The project provides Docker images and detailed deployment guides for seamless setup. All data is stored on your own infrastructure, ensuring maximum privacy and compliance with data protection regulations.
Open-source group chat for communities
Stoat is the open-source group chat app for friends and communities that works the way you always wished it would. Built in Europe under strict data protection laws, it offers servers, channels, voice chat, file sharing, and more—without ads, data mining, or shady partnerships. - Servers & Channels: Organize conversations with dedicated servers and channels. - Voice Chat: Built-in voice chat for real-time communication. - File Sharing: Share files up to 20MB with no subscription required. - Markdown Support: Write messages with rich formatting. - Role-Based Permissions: Intuitive moderation tools for community management. - Cross-Platform Sync: Syncs across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and web. - Custom Themes: Theming options and CSS support for personalization. - Group DMs: Supports up to 50 members in group DMs. - Public API: Developers can build custom clients or bots using the powerful API. - Open Issue Tracker: Community-driven development with an open issue tracker. Stoat is open-source and can be self-hosted for full control over your data. The software is built with privacy in mind, ensuring no ads, data mining, or shady partnerships. Hosting is free and open, allowing you to manage your community without external dependencies. Download | Open Web App | GitHub Repository
Peer-to-peer encrypted messaging without servers
Whether it's for an organization, a community, or a group chat with friends, Quiet lets you control all your data without running your own servers. !Mockup of Quiet app on desktop and mobile - Peer-to-peer messaging: Syncs directly between devices over Tor, eliminating the need for central servers - End-to-end encryption: All data encrypted between member devices - Slack-like interface: Organize chats in channels for structured conversations - No email or phone required: Create or join communities without sharing personal contact details - File sharing: Send and receive files of unlimited size - Tor integration: Built-in Tor network for enhanced privacy and anonymity - Cross-platform support: Available for macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS - Community control: Data remains solely on users' devices, ensuring full ownership Quiet operates as a fully peer-to-peer network, meaning no servers are required to run the service. Users can install the app on their devices and create communities directly. The project is open-source and available on GitHub.
Secure open-source messenger for professionals
Twake Chat is a secure and private-by-default messenger designed for professional communication. Built on the decentralized Matrix protocol, it ensures high levels of security and privacy while offering features like end-to-end encryption, multi-account support, and cross-device synchronization. - End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): Secure conversations with customizable security levels. - Multi-Account Support: Switch between personal and work accounts seamlessly. - Cross-Platform Sync: Synchronize messages and data across all devices (mobile, tablet, laptop). - Matrix Protocol Integration: Communicate across platforms like Telegram, Discord, and Signal via bridges. - Jitsi Integration: Built-in videoconferencing for improved collaboration. - Corporate Directory (SSO): Facilitate communication with contacts from phone books and corporate directories. - On-Premises Deployment: Host Twake Chat on your own infrastructure for enhanced security and performance. - User-Friendly Interface: Simple registration, usage, and maintenance with strong community support. Twake Chat is powered by the Matrix protocol and can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud. The open-source server (ToM-server) is available on GitHub, and the project offers technical documentation for self-hosting. Mobile apps are available for both Android and iOS.
Send push notifications via simple HTTP requests
ntfy (pronounced notify) is a simple HTTP-based pub-sub notification service designed for real-time alerts. It allows you to send notifications to your phone or desktop via scripts, REST API, or direct HTTP requests from any computer. The service is infinitely flexible, privacy-friendly, and 100% free software. - Simple HTTP API: Send notifications via PUT/POST requests with minimal setup. Topics are created on the fly, and authentication is optional. - Multi-Platform Support: Receive notifications on Android, iOS, or web browsers with desktop notifications. - Rich Notifications: Customize priorities, action buttons, tags, emojis, and file attachments (images, videos, documents). - Automation Ready: Integrate with tools like GitHub Actions, Ansible, Node-RED, and health monitoring services (e.g., changedetection.io, healthchecks.io). - Self-Hostable: Deploy ntfy on your own infrastructure for full control over data and privacy. - Open Source: The entire project is open source under the Apache 2.0 license. - No Sign-Up Required: Use the public server or host your own without mandatory registration. - Pro Features: Optional paid plans (ntfy Pro) for reserved topic names and advanced features. ntfy is designed for easy self-hosting. You can deploy it using Docker, Kubernetes, or directly on a server. The project provides detailed documentation for installation, configuration, and integration. Self-hosting ensures full data privacy and control over your notification infrastructure.
All-in-one community platform with AI agents
Mezon is an all-in-one community platform designed for live interaction, collaboration, and entertainment. Whether you're gaming with friends, organizing a worldwide community, or building a business hub, Mezon provides the tools to connect, engage, and monetize seamlessly. - Super-Fast Messaging: Zero-limit, instant delivery for seamless communication. - Voice Channels: Engage in real-time voice conversations with friends or community members. - Clan Customization: Create and personalize your own community space for discussions, hobbies, or trends. - In-Community Payments: Send money instantly, reward creators, and shop with zero platform fees. - AI Agents: Voice AI for summarizing conversations, Assistant Mode, and Bot Shadow Mode for text channel summaries. - Enterprise Integrations: Connect with global customers and deliver large-scale experiences. - Cross-Platform Access: Available on mobile (iOS/Android) and desktop. Mezon is a cloud-based platform with no self-hosting option. The open-source components and APIs are available for developers to integrate and extend functionality. For more details, visit the Developer Documentation.
Privacy-first open source chat app with voice & video
Fluxer is a privacy-first, open source chat application designed for friends, groups, and communities. It offers a comprehensive suite of communication features including text messaging, voice and video calls, screen sharing, and organized community channels—all while prioritizing user privacy and control. - Messaging: Full Markdown support, private DMs, group chats, and organized community channels with file sharing and link previews. - Voice & Video: Multi-device calls, built-in screen sharing, noise suppression, echo cancellation, and camera control. - Moderation Tools: Granular roles and permissions, audit logs, webhooks, and bot support for transparent community management. - Search & Navigation: Quick search through message history, filter by author or date, and a quick switcher with keyboard shortcuts. - Customization: Upload custom emojis and stickers, save media, apply custom CSS themes, and toggle compact mode. - Self-Hosting: Fully open source (AGPLv3) with no licensing fees. Host your own instance and switch between multiple servers. - Global Voice Regions: Sixteen voice regions across six continents for optimized call quality. - Multilingual Support: Available in over thirty languages with community-driven translations. Fluxer is fully open source under the AGPLv3 license. The backend can be self-hosted on your own hardware, and the same apps are used for both official and self-hosted instances. No license keys or cut-down community editions are required. For setup instructions, refer to the self-hosting guide.
Secure decentralized team messaging & collaboration
Element is a Matrix-based end-to-end encrypted messenger and secure collaboration app. It operates on the decentralized Matrix network, enabling interoperability and easy connections between different services. - End-to-end encryption for all communications - Decentralized architecture built on the open Matrix protocol - Self-hosting capability for digital sovereignty - Interoperability with other Matrix-compatible services - Cross-platform support (web, desktop, mobile) - Group messaging & collaboration tools - File sharing & voice/video calls - Enterprise-grade security with compliance options Element is built on the Matrix open standard and can be self-hosted for complete data control. The platform supports various deployment options including Docker containers and Kubernetes. For organizations requiring managed services, Element Matrix Services provides hosted solutions with enterprise support. Matrix protocol ensures data portability and interoperability across different Matrix clients and servers.
Private messenger with metadata-free routing
Session is a decentralized, end-to-end encrypted messenger designed to protect your private data. By routing all messages through an onion routing network, it eliminates metadata collection risks while ensuring your conversations remain secure and private. - Metadata-Free Routing: All messages are routed through an onion network to prevent metadata collection. - No Phone Numbers: Sign up using only an Account ID—no phone number or email required. - End-to-End Encryption: Messages are encrypted so only you and the recipient can read them. - Disappearing Messages: Set messages to auto-delete after a set time for added privacy. - Group & Community Chats: Securely chat with groups of up to 100+ members. - Open Source: Fully open-source codebase, allowing anyone to audit and contribute. - No Trackers: Your data is never collected, tracked, or sold to third parties. - Decentralized Network: Powered by thousands of nodes run by a global community. Session is a decentralized application built on a peer-to-peer network. While the official app is available for Android, iOS, and Desktop, users can also run their own nodes to contribute to the network. The project is maintained by the Session Foundation.
About Telegram
A cloud-based messaging app with a focus on speed and security.