There is no single best Tox client for everyone: choose by device and interface. For a desktop graphical app, consider qTox or lightweight µTox; for a terminal, Toxic; for Android, aTox or TRIfA. These are independent front ends to Tox core, and their features differ. Check the specific project’s current release and maintenance status before downloading.
How to choose a Tox client
Tox clients provide different interfaces to Tox core. The client you install determines which features and platforms are implemented in that app; do not assume every client supports the same calling, group-chat, screen-sharing, or file-transfer capabilities. This shortlist groups five clients by their practical fit rather than claiming they are the most popular, most secure, or objectively best choices. The Tox client index lists additional projects.
- Desktop GUI: qTox, with an important repository-maintenance distinction, or µTox for a lightweight interface.
- Terminal: Toxic, for users who prefer a command-line interface or work without a graphical desktop.
- Android: aTox or TRIfA; compare their current releases and feature details before choosing.
Desktop graphical Tox clients
qTox: A feature-oriented desktop GUI
qTox is a desktop graphical option. The Tox project’s client listing describes text messaging, calls, video, screen sharing, and file transfers. Those descriptions are not a guarantee that every feature is available in every current build or on every supported platform, so check the release and platform details for the repository you plan to use.
Pay particular attention to which qTox repository you visit. The qTox repository says, “Due to a lack of resources, this repository of qTox is no longer maintained.” Separately, the TokTok qTox repository identifies itself as the official fork developed by the toxcore developer team. The first statement applies to the qTox repository that made it; it does not establish that all qTox development has stopped. Verify the current release and download location rather than relying on an old link or package.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
µTox: A lightweight desktop GUI
µTox is positioned as a lightweight client. Its project identifies Windows and Linux as its primary platforms, with OpenBSD, FreeBSD, NetBSD, and DragonFlyBSD as secondary platforms. It marks macOS support as unmaintained, so macOS users should not assume a current supported build is available.
The µTox project repository describes the software as alpha and cautions that users may encounter bugs or crashes. That is the project’s own warning, not an independently measured defect rate. The repository recommends aTox rather than µTox for Android.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Terminal Tox client
Toxic: A command-line interface
Toxic is the terminal-oriented choice for someone who wants a text interface or needs to use a machine without a graphical desktop. Tox project listings describe an ncurses interface and support for basic features, one-to-one audio and video, audio conferences, and public group chats. Check the Toxic repository for current platform, release, and feature information; the listing is not a guarantee that every described capability works in every current build.
Android Tox clients
aTox: An Android-specific option
aTox is an Android client listed by the Tox project and described on its project page as a modern Android client. µTox also points Android users to aTox. Check its repository for current releases and supported features before installing.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
TRIfA: A second Android option to compare
TRIfA is another Android client listed in the Tox client index. That listing does not provide a current comparative feature or maintenance audit, so use TRIfA as an option to investigate rather than assuming it matches aTox feature for feature. Confirm its present repository, release activity, and Android compatibility before choosing it.
What to verify before installing
- Find the project’s current source. Start with the client’s project page or repository, and distinguish an older repository from any stated fork, as with qTox.
- Check release and maintenance evidence. Look for recent releases and project updates. A client listing or repository description alone does not establish current maintenance.
- Confirm your platform and required features. Check your operating system and the specific functions you need, such as calls, video, group chats, screen sharing, or file transfers.
- Use the project’s own cautions. For example, µTox identifies itself as alpha software and marks macOS unmaintained.
Security: no universal safest client established
The available project descriptions do not establish a current independent comparative security audit of these five clients. Tox’s protocol and a feature list alone are not evidence that every client build has equivalent security. To compare security meaningfully, look for current audit evidence, trustworthy release provenance, and signs of active maintenance; the sources cited here do not support naming one client as the safest.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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