Bye, Whatsapp

Signal

Signal is a popular private messaging, voice call and video call service. All communication between its users is end-to-end-encrypted by default.

Note: You register with your phone number. That’s why Signal requires you to activate your account via a smartphone app.

Element / Matrix

Element (previously Riot.im) is a libre instant messaging client based on the Matrix protocol. It includes text chats, audio/video calls and file transfers.

The Matrix protocol has a federated design and allows bridges to other communication apps. Furthermore, anyone can set up their own Matrix server and use it to collaborate with other people’s Matrix servers.

Snikket

Snikket is an open-source easy-to-use decentralized messaging app. It supports encrypted chats, voice and video calls and group messaging. It does not require a phone number, and allows you to add multiple devices on the same account.

Once you create your private Snikket instance (either hosted or self-hosted), you can invite your family and friends to join you by sharing a simple link. Snikket is part of an open network based on the standard messaging protocol XMPP, so you can also communicate with people on other Snikket instances and compatible messaging services.

XMPP

XMPP (also known as Jabber) is a widely-used free and open internet messaging standard. It’s very easy to use: just register an XMPP account and install an XMPP app. No phone number required.

Because it’s federated, there are lots of sites you can register on. It doesn’t matter if your friends sign up on a different site, all the sites talk to each other.

Delta Chat

Delta Chat is a FOSS, decentralized and secure instant messaging app based on email protocols. Delta Chat feels like Whatsapp or Telegram but you can also use and regard it as an e-mail app. You may use classic e-mail servers and an existing e-mail account, without the need to sign up to any platform. Your messages will be displayed on other users’ email clients. When they email you back, you will see their reply in the same chat. If you don’t want your messages/emails to be sent from your own email address, you can also send them anonymously from a public “chatmail server” (minimal e-mail servers designed for fast and secure operations).

Jami

Jami (formerly “Ring”) is a libre easy-to-use alternative to Skype, with voice call, video call and messaging.

It is open source and designed to respect its users’ privacy, with calls going directly from one user to another without using servers. It gives all its members a unique code, which they can share with others, so that they can add each other on the service.