As more people become conscious about privacy, data ownership, and transparency, interest in open‑source Telegram alternatives has surged in 2025. While Telegram is popular for its speed, design, and security, it’s not fully open‑source — its server‑side code remains closed.
That’s why users, developers, and privacy advocates are turning to messaging platforms that are truly open‑source, giving full visibility into how your data is processed.
In this guide, we’ll look at the best open‑source Telegram alternatives in 2025 — apps that give you Telegram‑style features while offering total transparency, better encryption, and community‑driven innovation.
Why Choose Open‑Source Messaging Apps?
Before jumping into the list, here’s why picking open‑source messengers (including open‑source Telegram alternatives) is worth it:
- Transparency: Their code is public, so anyone can audit it for security flaws.
- Privacy‑First: No hidden tracking or secret analytics scripts.
- Customizability: You can modify the client or host your own server.
- Community Support: Frequent updates and crowd‑tested security patches.
- Freedom from Centralized Control: Your data belongs to you, not any company.
1. Signal – The Most Trusted Privacy‑Focused App
Signal is often the first name mentioned when discussing open‑source Telegram alternatives.
Key Features:
- End‑to‑end encryption for all messages, calls, and files.
- Open‑source codebase audited by global cybersecurity teams.
- Self‑destructing messages and screen‑lock verification.
- No ads, trackers, or linked metadata.
Why Try It: Signal remains the gold standard for private communication worldwide, perfect for users who value simple interfaces combined with robust privacy protection.
Available on: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux
2. Element (Matrix) – Decentralized Powerhouse
Element, built on the Matrix protocol, is one of the most advanced open‑source Telegram alternatives in 2025. It focuses on decentralization and interoperability.
Key Features:
- Fully decentralized architecture (you can host your own server).
- End‑to‑end encryption by default.
- Bridges to Slack, Discord, and IRC.
- Enterprise features like video calls, file sync, and collaboration.
Why Try It: Great choice for teams or academic communities who need private servers and deep customization similar to Telegram groups or channels but with more control.
Available on: All major platforms + self‑hosting options
3. Session – Anonymous & Decentralized Chat
If anonymity matters most to you, Session is a top pick among open‑source Telegram alternatives.
Key Features:
- No phone number or email required to register.
- Runs on a peer‑to‑peer network (based on Oxen Blockchain).
- Completely anonymous messaging and file sharing.
- Built‑in self‑destruct timers and metadata‑free routing.
Why Try It: Perfect for activists, journalists, and privacy‑enthusiasts wanting Telegram‑level features without identity tracking.
Available on: Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, macOS
4. Briar – Offline and Secure Peer‑to‑Peer Chats
Briar shines where internet access is limited or monitored. It uses Bluetooth or Wi‑Fi for encrypted chat without servers.
Key Features:
- No central servers — just direct peer connections.
- Offline messaging using Bluetooth mesh network.
- End‑to‑end encrypted blogs and forums.
- Open‑source and sponsor‑funded (no ads ever).
Why Try It: Briar is ideal for those who want Telegram‑tier communication even in restricted regions or emergencies.
Available on: Android (Desktop support in development).
5. Delta Chat – Looks Like Telegram, Works via Email
For users seeking a fast, familiar interface, Delta Chat feels closest to Telegram — but completely email‑based.
Key Features:
- Uses existing email servers as the backend.
- Fully open‑source and peer‑audited.
- Encryption via OpenPGP.
- Works offline for drafts and message sync.
Why Try It: You use your email address to chat as if it were Telegram, making it easy to ditch proprietary servers without losing usability.
Available on: Android, iOS, Desktop
6. SimpleX Chat – New‑Age Privacy Protocol
SimpleX Chat is a fast‑growing name in secure messaging and a fresh entrant to the list of open‑source Telegram alternatives.
Key Features:
- No user IDs, phone numbers, or servers storing messages.
- Based on transient communication nodes for ultimate privacy.
- Encrypted voice chats available in 2025 update.
- Peer‑reviewed by the cryptography community.
Why Try It: For those seeking absolute data ownership and next‑gen security, SimpleX Chat pushes beyond Telegram’s current capabilities.
Available on: Android, iOS, macOS, Linux
7. Tox Protocol (And qTox App)
Tox is a fully open‑source protocol popular for its independence from any central servers.
Key Features:
- Peer‑to‑peer architecture.
- Calls, text, and video with end‑to‑end encryption.
- Desktop clients like qTox and Venom provide Telegram‑like UI.
- Open community development with decentralized governance.
Why Try It: If you love privacy and control at the protocol level, Tox is a true Telegram alternative for self‑reliant users.
Available on: Windows, Linux, macOS
8. Threema Work / Threema Libre
Although not fully free, Threema Libre’s source code is open and verifiable. It’s designed for teams needing business‑grade security.
Key Features:
- End‑to‑end encryption with Swiss‑grade standards.
- Works without phone numbers or emails.
- Self‑hosted options for companies and NGOs.
- Syncs across devices securely.
Why Try It: A Telegram‑like experience with auditable Swiss privacy regulations behind it.
Available on: Android (open source) and iOS (paid version).
9. NeoChat / Nekogram / Nicegram — Modified Telegram Clients
For users who love Telegram’s core but want open custom clients:
- NeoChat and Nekogram are open‑source forks built on Telegram’s public API, adding privacy and theme enhancements.
- Nicegram offers advanced filters, multi‑account support, and ad‑free browsing.
Why Try Them: They combine Telegram’s UI with community‑driven open‑source improvements.
Available on: Android, iOS, Desktop
10. Jami (Open‑Source Skype Alternative)
Jami is a lesser‑known but powerful addition to open‑source Telegram alternatives.
Key Features:
- True P2P communications (no central servers).
- Free HD video and voice calls.
- Open‑source under GNU license.
- Secure for team and personal communication.
Why Try It: A complete privacy‑respecting Toolset that acts as Telegram + Zoom + Skype in one.
Available on: macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS
Comparison Table: Top Open‑Source Telegram Alternatives (2025)
| App | Encryption | Type | Highlight Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signal | End‑to‑End | Centralized | Trusted privacy leader |
| Element (Matrix) | End‑to‑End / Decentralized | Open network | Self‑hosting option |
| Session | Blockchain / Peer‑to‑Peer | Decentralized | No phone number required |
| Briar | Offline Peer‑to‑Peer | Fully decentralized | Works without Internet |
| Delta Chat | OpenPGP | Email‑based | Uses existing email server |
| SimpleX Chat | End‑to‑End (no IDs) | Server‑free | Absolute anonymity |
| Tox /qTox | Peer‑to‑Peer | Protocol | Voice and video over P2P |
| Threema Libre | End‑to‑End | Corporate / Individual | Swiss privacy build |
| Nekogram | Telegram API | Modified Client | Custom themes and privacy tweaks |
| Jami | End‑to‑End | P2P /Open | Video calls + messaging |
Which Open‑Source Telegram Alternative Is Best for You?
- 🕵️♂️ Maximum Privacy: Session or SimpleX Chat
- 💼 For Teams and Enterprises: Element (Matrix) or Threema Libre
- 🌍 For Everyday Messaging: Signal or Delta Chat
- 🧠 For Developers and Tech Users: Tox Protocol or Nekogram
- 🚴♀️ Low Network Areas: Briar
Conclusion: The Future of Secure Messaging Lies in Open Source
In 2025, digital freedom means transparency and control — two values embodied by these open‑source Telegram alternatives.
While Telegram remains fast and feature‑rich, apps like Element, Signal, and Session push privacy to new levels by removing centralized control, offering peer‑to‑peer security, and openly sharing their code with the world.
If you value privacy, decentralization, and data ownership, now’s the time to switch to open source.