Head-to-head · Decentralized Messaging Apps
Jami vs 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
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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 |
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| Cons |
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| 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 → |
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 →
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All decentralized messaging apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update






