Tox

A New Kind of Instant Messaging

Tox is free, open-source instant messaging software for private conversations with friends and family. It is distributed peer-to-peer and uses end-to-end encryption, so there are no central servers to store conversations or respond to data requests. The project is developed by volunteer contributors rather than a company, and its code is developed in the open.

Tox supports instant messaging, encrypted voice and video calls, screen sharing, file sharing without artificial limits, and group chats that combine messaging, calls, video, and file sharing. The protocol is implemented in a core library that is separate from the user interface, allowing multiple independent Tox client projects to build on it. The project is free software, with no advertising and no paid editions, trials, or usage-based pricing described.

12 alternatives to Tox

Ranked by how well each tool replaces Tox: shared features, audience, price and popularity.

AstraChat
A complete XMPP messaging solution. Enterprise alternative to WhatsApp and Slack for large
Covers 3 of 13 key features.
File sharingVoice callsEnd to end encryption
73 out of 100 match—
Telegram
Fast. Secure. Powerful.
Covers 6 of 13 key features.
Free planOpen sourceMessagingVoice callsVideo callsFile sharing
71 out of 100 matchFree
Signal
Speak freely
Covers 6 of 13 key features.
Free planEnd to end encryptionFile sharingVoice callsVideo calls
66 out of 100 matchFree
WhatsApp
Free private messaging and calling app for individuals and businesses.
Covers 4 of 13 key features.
Free planFile sharingScreen sharingVideo callsVoice calls
66 out of 100 matchFree
Jami
Share, freely and privately
Covers 5 of 13 key features.
Free planOpen sourceGroup chatsScreen sharingFile sharingEnd to end encryption
66 out of 100 matchFree
Stoat
Find your community
Covers 5 of 13 key features.
Free planOpen sourceOpen sourceFile sharingVoice callsVideo calls
65 out of 100 matchContact sales
Discord
Voice, video and text communities.
Covers 3 of 13 key features.
Free planVoice callsVideo callsFile sharing
65 out of 100 matchFree
Gajim
Free and fully featured chat app for XMPP.
Covers 4 of 13 key features.
Free planOpen sourceEnd to end encryptionFile sharingVoice callsOpen source
65 out of 100 matchFree
Threema
Secure communication for individuals and companies
Covers 7 of 13 key features.
Open sourceEnd to end encryptionMessagingVoice callsVideo calls
65 out of 100 match$3/mo
Trillian
A secure instant messaging platform for businesses.
Covers 6 of 13 key features.
Free planMessagingFile sharingScreen sharingVideo calls
63 out of 100 match$2.99/mo
Conversations
A Jabber/XMPP client for Android 6.0+ smartphones.
Covers 5 of 13 key features.
Free planOpen sourceMessagingEncryptionOpen sourceVoice calls
63 out of 100 matchContact sales
RetroShare
Secure communication for everyone
Covers 6 of 13 key features.
Free planOpen sourceMessagingFile sharingVoice callsVideo calls
62 out of 100 matchContact sales