The Best Decentralized Messaging Apps in 2026
Element is the choice for organizations wanting a full Matrix collaboration hub, combining end-to-end encrypted messaging with self-hosted, private-cloud, managed, and air-gapped deployment options. The best free option is Delta Chat: it is open source, turns end-to-end encryption on by default, and costs nothing on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS or Android. SimpleX Chat fits privacy-focused users seeking anonymous messaging because it lets people connect without profile identifiers while encrypting messages, files, calls, and disappearing messages. For Android users wanting synchronized XMPP accounts, Xabber supports multiple XMPP accounts, syncs connected devices, and provides OMEMO end-to-end encrypted chats; its free account keeps 30 days of history and allows file transfers up to 100 MB. Session also has a free tier with 10 MB attachments and up to 100 group members. Starting paid prices among the listed apps range from $1 per month for Xabber’s Enhanced or Premium account to $2.99 per month for Session’s Pro plan.
Our top picks
-
Top ranked
Element#1 of 369.4/10A Matrix-based collaboration app with encrypted messaging and flexible deployment options.
Free plan
-
Runner-up
Delta Chat#2 of 369.2/10A free, open-source messenger with default end-to-end encryption across desktop and mobile.
Free plan
-
Top-ranked free plan
SimpleX Chat#3 of 369.1/10Private messaging with encrypted chats, calls, files and groups—without profile identifiers.
Free plan
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
The full ranking 36 tools, best first
-
Best forOrganizations wanting a full Matrix collaboration hub
A Matrix-based collaboration app with encrypted messaging and flexible deployment options.
9.4/10★★★★★Visit Element -
Best forPeople wanting private messaging across devices
A free, open-source messenger with default end-to-end encryption across desktop and mobile.
9.2/10★★★★★Visit Delta Chat -
Best forPrivacy-focused users seeking anonymous messaging
Private messaging with encrypted chats, calls, files and groups—without profile identifiers.
9.1/10★★★★★Visit SimpleX Chat -
Best forUsers wanting a broad, free decentralized communicator
A free, open-source communicator spanning private chats, calls, conferencing and file sharing.
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit Jami -
Best forPrivate chats, calls, and expiring messages
Private messaging with onion-routed delivery, disappearing messages, and optional calls.
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit Session -
Best forPeople needing private messaging without central servers
Free, serverless messaging with encrypted chats across desktop and Android.
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit Briar -
Best forPeople seeking free encrypted personal communication
Free encrypted chats, calls, groups, and file sharing, delivered through independent clients.
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit Tox -
Best forDesktop users preferring federated XMPP messaging
A free, open-source XMPP client for desktop users who value federation and customization.
- End-to-end encryption
- Group chat
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit Psi+ -
Best forDesktop users who want a capable XMPP client
A feature-rich desktop XMPP client for individual and group conversations.
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit Gajim -
Best forAndroid users wanting federated XMPP chats and calls
A focused Android XMPP client for encrypted chats, group conversations, and calls.
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Conversations -
Best forMatrix users wanting a free desktop and Android client
A free, open-source Matrix client for Linux, Windows, and Android, with calls out of scope.
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit KDE -
Best forCrypto users wanting encrypted chats alongside a wallet
A free desktop and mobile app pairing peer-to-peer chats with crypto wallet tools.
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit Status -
Best forApple users seeking XMPP messaging with encrypted calls
A free Apple-platform XMPP client with OMEMO chats, calls, and media sharing.
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Monal -
Best forMobile users needing offline Bluetooth mesh chat
Free messaging across Bluetooth mesh and Nostr, without account registration.
- End-to-end encryption
- Group chat
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit bitchat -
Best forTor-focused users seeking encrypted peer-to-peer chat
Open-source peer-to-peer chat over Tor, with experimental groups and file sharing.
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Cwtch -
Best forAndroid users wanting synchronized XMPP accounts
A focused XMPP client with synchronized accounts, OMEMO chats and modest paid storage tiers.
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit Xabber -
Best forAndroid users needing interoperable XMPP chats and calls
An Android XMPP client with OMEMO encryption, calls, and routes to external networks.
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit Cheogram -
Best forPeople seeking cross-platform peer-to-peer chats and calls
Free peer-to-peer chats and calls across desktop and mobile, with community-run relays.
- Self-hosting
- End-to-end encryption
- Group chat
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit Hugin -
Best forMobile users seeking private offline peer-to-peer chats
A free, open-source mobile messenger for encrypted peer-to-peer and proximity chats.
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit Berty -
Best forCrypto users seeking anonymous, blockchain-based messaging
Free, anonymous messaging with IPFS file sharing and crypto transfers in chat.
7.3/10★★★★☆Visit ADAMANT -
Best forMobile users needing offline mesh chat and relays
Airhop pairs offline Bluetooth mesh chat with encrypted messaging and optional internet routes.
- End-to-end encryption
- Group chat
7.2/10★★★★☆Visit Airhop -
Best forBrowser users wanting ephemeral peer-to-peer video chat
A free browser app for ephemeral, encrypted room chat with video and screen sharing.
- Self-hosting
- End-to-end encryption
- Group chat
7.1/10★★★★☆Visit Chitchatter -
Best forMatrix users wanting a self-hosted desktop client
A free Matrix client with web, desktop, and self-hosting options.
7.0/10★★★★☆Visit Cinny -
Best forMobile Matrix users wanting encrypted backups
A free, open-source Matrix client with encrypted backups and experimental calls.
6.9/10★★★☆☆Visit FluffyChat -
Best forLinux users wanting XMPP with OMEMO 2
A Linux-focused XMPP messenger with encrypted chats, media sharing, and experimental calls.
6.8/10★★★☆☆Visit Kaidan -
Best forWindows users wanting serverless peer-to-peer chats
A free, open-source Windows messenger for encrypted chats without central registration.
- End-to-end encryption
- Group chat
6.7/10★★★☆☆Visit Technitium -
Best forMobile users seeking Nostr and mesh messaging together
A free Nostr messenger that combines encrypted chats, mesh messaging, calls, and Lightning payments.
- Self-hosting
- End-to-end encryption
- Group chat
6.6/10★★★☆☆Visit Nymchat -
Best forMessaging over Bluetooth, LoRa, Wi-Fi, or TCP
A free, open-source messenger for private chats across varied mesh links.
- End-to-end encryption
- Group chat
6.5/10★★★☆☆Visit Ratspeak -
Best forDesktop users prioritizing anonymous Tor messaging
A free desktop messenger for anonymous, encrypted conversations over Tor.
6.4/10★★★☆☆Try Ricochet Refresh -
Best forMatrix users wanting customizable clients across devices
A customizable, federated Matrix client family for people choosing clients across devices.
6.3/10★★★☆☆Visit SchildiChat -
Best forDesktop users wanting a straightforward Matrix client
Quaternion is a free Matrix desktop client with rooms, timelines, encrypted chats, and file attachments.
- Account required
- End-to-end encryption
- Group chat
6.2/10★★★☆☆Visit Quaternion -
Best forReticulum users needing messaging and telemetry tools
A free Reticulum client for messaging, voice, maps, location sharing, and telemetry.
- End-to-end encryption
6.1/10★★★☆☆Visit Sideband -
Best forGroups needing local-network chat without internet
A free, self-hosted local chat network for nearby groups, without end-to-end encryption.
- Self-hosting
- Group chat
6.0/10★★★☆☆Visit LOAM -
Best forLinux users wanting an XMPP desktop client with calls
A Linux XMPP client with encrypted messaging and calls, but no hosted service.
5.9/10★★★☆☆Visit Dino -
Best forDesktop users seeking a lightweight XMPP client
A lightweight desktop XMPP client with tiled chats, message carbons, and platform-specific conveniences.
5.8/10★★★☆☆Visit Swift -
Best forAndroid users needing basic federated XMPP chat
A free Android client for individual and group chat through an XMPP account.
- Account required
- Group chat
5.7/10★★★☆☆Visit yaxim
No tools match those filters.
Compare at a glance
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Element | Yes | 9.4 | |
| 2 | Delta Chat | Yes | Free | 9.2 |
| 3 | SimpleX Chat | Yes | Free | 9.1 |
| 4 | Jami | Yes | Free | 9.0 |
| 5 | Session | Yes | $2.99/mo | 8.9 |
| 6 | Briar | Yes | Free | 8.8 |
| 7 | Tox | Yes | Free | 8.7 |
| 8 | Psi+ | Yes | Free | 8.6 |
| 9 | Gajim | Yes | Free | 8.5 |
| 10 | Conversations | Yes | 8.4 | |
| 11 | NeoChat | Yes | Free | 8.3 |
| 12 | Status | Yes | Free | 8.2 |
| 13 | Monal | Yes | Free | 8.1 |
| 14 | BitChat | Yes | Free | 7.9 |
| 15 | Cwtch | Yes | Free | 7.8 |
| 16 | Xabber | Yes | $1/mo | 7.7 |
| 17 | Cheogram | Yes | Free | 7.6 |
| 18 | Hugin Messenger | Yes | Free | 7.5 |
| 19 | Berty Messenger | Yes | Free | 7.4 |
| 20 | ADAMANT Messenger | Yes | Free | 7.3 |
| 21 | Airhop | Yes | Free | 7.2 |
| 22 | Chitchatter | Yes | Free | 7.1 |
| 23 | Cinny | Yes | Free | 7.0 |
| 24 | FluffyChat | Yes | Free | 6.9 |
| 25 | Kaidan | Yes | Free | 6.8 |
| 26 | Mesh | Yes | Free | 6.7 |
| 27 | Nymchat | Yes | Free | 6.6 |
| 28 | Ratspeak | Yes | Free | 6.5 |
| 29 | Ricochet Refresh | Yes | Free | 6.4 |
| 30 | SchildiChat | Yes | Free | 6.3 |
| 31 | Quaternion | Yes | Free | 6.2 |
| 32 | Sideband | Yes | Free | 6.1 |
| 33 | LOAM | Yes | Free | 6.0 |
| 34 | Dino | Yes | Free | 5.9 |
| 35 | Swift | Yes | Free | 5.8 |
| 36 | yaxim | Yes | Free | 5.7 |
Head-to-head All 24 comparisons →
- Element vs SimpleX Chat
- Element vs Jami
- Element vs Session
- Element vs Briar
- Element vs Tox
- Element vs Psi+
- Delta Chat vs Session
- Delta Chat vs Briar
- Delta Chat vs Tox
Explore other topics All topics →
- AI Tools 301 directories · 8,215 tools ranked AI Writing Tools · AI Video Generators · Text-to-Speech Software
- Web Hosting & Domains 267 directories · 5,920 tools ranked Shared Web Hosting · Managed Cloud Hosting · Dedicated Server Hosting
- Productivity 155 directories · 4,874 tools ranked Note-Taking Apps · Calendar Apps · Project Management Software
- Marketing 132 directories · 3,864 tools ranked SEO Tools · Influencer Marketing Platforms · Email Marketing Software
- Sales & CRM 151 directories · 4,136 tools ranked Real Estate CRM Software · CRM Software · Proposal Software
- Customer Service 50 directories · 1,468 tools ranked Chatbot Builders · Knowledge Base Software · Call Center Software
How we rank decentralized messaging apps
Every tool on this page was researched by iTechGuides Editors from its official website — pricing pages, plan tables and product documentation. We rank on how well each one does this category's core job, what the free or entry plan includes, and where it falls short. Where we have enough verified facts, the score out of 10 is a rubric — job fit, value and how much we could verify — shown with its breakdown on every tool's page; a tool we have not verified enough to score yet shows its rank without a number. Scores are re-checked when a product changes its plans. Read the full editorial policy, or submit a tool we missed.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update