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Head-to-head · Decentralized Messaging Apps

Jami vs Tox

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Jami #4 in Decentralized Messaging Apps 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Jami
Tox #7 in Decentralized Messaging Apps 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Tox

Jami leads on 0 checks, Tox on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreJami · 9.0/10
  • Free planboth

Jami scores higher on our rubric for decentralized messaging apps: 9.0 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.

Jami is the better fit for users wanting a broad, free decentralized communicator. Tox is the better fit for people seeking free encrypted personal communication.

  • Jami fits best

    Users wanting a broad, free decentralized communicator

  • Tox fits best

    People seeking free encrypted personal communication

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.

Side by side

Feature Jami 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Tox 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.7
Ranking #4 in Decentralized Messaging Apps #7 in Decentralized Messaging Apps
Best for Users wanting a broad, free decentralized communicator People seeking free encrypted personal communication
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Support Email, Community, Docs Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Jami 0/4 · Tox 0/4
End-to-end encryption Not checked yet Not checked yet
Self-hosting Not checked yet Not checked yet
Group chat Not checked yet Not checked yet
Account required Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Network architecture Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • End-to-end encryption with perfect forward secrecy
  • Messaging, group calls, conferencing, file and screen sharing
  • Available on web, desktop and mobile platforms
  • Encrypted text, voice and video calls, plus group chats
  • File sharing without artificial limits or caps
  • Peer-to-peer networking with Tor support
Cons
  • No central server means its architecture differs from conventional hosted apps
  • SIP is the only listed integration
  • No numeric maximum is given for group participation or linked devices
  • Clients are alpha software under heavy development
  • The project warns of possible usability and security issues
  • A professional security audit has not been completed
Our verdict

Jami brings private messaging, voice and video calls, group conversations, conferencing, file sharing and screen sharing into a free, open-source application. Its peer-to-peer architecture operates without a central server, and creating an…

Read the review →

Tox is a free, open-source protocol for personal communication, with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, group chats, screen sharing, and file transfers. It is aimed at people who want those features without a subscription and are…

Read the review →
  1. JamiDecentralized Messaging Apps 9.0Free plan
  2. ToxDecentralized Messaging Apps 8.7Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Jami — where it wins

    • End-to-end encryption with perfect forward secrecy
    • Messaging, group calls, conferencing, file and screen sharing
    • Available on web, desktop and mobile platforms

    Where it doesn't

    • No central server means its architecture differs from conventional hosted apps
    • SIP is the only listed integration
    • No numeric maximum is given for group participation or linked devices
  • Tox — where it wins

    • Encrypted text, voice and video calls, plus group chats
    • File sharing without artificial limits or caps
    • Peer-to-peer networking with Tor support

    Where it doesn't

    • Clients are alpha software under heavy development
    • The project warns of possible usability and security issues
    • A professional security audit has not been completed
  • Jami9.0/10 · Free plan

    A free, open-source communicator spanning private chats, calls, conferencing and file sharing.

    Visit JamiFull verdict →
  • Tox8.7/10 · Free plan

    Free encrypted chats, calls, groups, and file sharing, delivered through independent clients.

    Visit ToxFull verdict →

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update