Best Open-Source Telegram Alternatives You Must Try in 2026 (All Free & Private)

Tired of Telegram’s closed-source code and want full privacy + open-source apps? Here are the 7 best open-source Telegram alternatives everyone is switching to in 2026. All are 100% free, no ads, and work perfectly on Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac & Linux.

1. Signal (The King of Privacy)

• End-to-end encryption by default
• Open-source code (everyone can check it)
• Disappearing messages, voice/video calls, stories
• Same speed as Telegram
  Download → signal.org

2. Session (No Phone Number Needed)

• No phone number or email required
• Fully decentralized (no central server)
• Onion routing (like Tor)
• Groups up to 10,000 members
  Download → getsession.org

3. Element (Matrix Network)

• Completely decentralized – you can even host your own server
• Huge rooms (100k+ members)
• Voice/video calls, spaces, encrypted files
• Works with bridges (connect WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord)
  Download → element.io

4. Delta Chat (Chat Over Email)

• Uses your existing email (Gmail, Yahoo, anything)
• No new account, no server tracks you
• End-to-end encryption
• Looks exactly like normal chat app
  Download → delta.chat

5. Briar (Works Without Internet)

• Works via Bluetooth & Wi-Fi when internet is down
• Perfect for protests or remote areas
• Tor built-in
• Super secure
  Download → briarproject.org (Android only)

6. SimpleX Chat (Most Private in 2026)

• No user IDs, no phone number, no username
• Impossible to track or spam
• Groups, calls, files, disappearing messages
• Fastest growing in 2026
  Download → simplex.chat

7. XMPP + Conversations / Dino / Gajim

• Oldest open protocol (used by governments)
• Host your own server or use public ones
• 100% control over data
  Best apps:
  Android → Conversations
  Windows/Mac/Linux → Dino or Gajim

Quick Comparison (2026)

Pick any one – all are better for privacy than Telegram in 2026.

Which one are you switching to first? Comment below