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Alternatives

Best Messages alternatives in 2026

Messages is apple's built-in messaging app for iMessage and text. These 6 alternatives come from the same rankings, ordered by editorial score. Connected products carry a small, disclosed lift.

6 alternatives From best messaging apps How we rank

Ranked alternatives

  1. 1

    Signal

    Is open source; also runs on Android, Windows, Linux. Encrypts chats and calls by default, publishes its client apps under AGPL-3.0 and runs on Linux, Windows and Mac. Reaching a contact means they must install it, so its reach is smaller than WhatsApp's.

    Best for Private one-to-one and group messaging

    AndroidiOS, iPadOSWindowsmacOSLinuxFreeOpen source

    92.5score
    Visit Alternatives
  2. 2

    WhatsApp

    Also runs on Android, Windows, Web. Encrypts personal chats and calls by default and has the broadest contact reach of this list, with free voice and video calls. The client is closed source, so the code cannot be checked as Signal's can.

    Best for Messaging family, friends and groups already on it

    AndroidiOSmacOSWindowsWebFree

    90.0score
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  3. 3

    Telegram

    Is open source; also runs on Android, Windows, Linux. Offers large groups, public channels and sync across phone, desktop and web with no limit on media size. Regular chats are not end-to-end encrypted by default, which Signal and WhatsApp do provide.

    Best for Large groups, channels and cross-device sync

    AndroidiOS, iPadOSWindowsmacOSLinuxWebFreeOpen source

    85.0score
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  4. 4

    Element

    Is open source; also runs on Android, Windows, Linux. Encrypted, open and self-hostable on the Matrix network, with apps for every major platform. Its personal app is less familiar than WhatsApp, and organization features sit behind paid plans.

    Best for Self-hosted or organization chat on Matrix

    AndroidiOSWindowsmacOSLinuxWebFree plan, paid upgradesOpen source

    82.0score
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  5. 5

    Threema

    Is open source; is a one-time purchase; also runs on Android. Encrypts chats and calls by default, can be used without personal data and publishes its Android code under AGPL-3.0. The Private app costs money, so it reaches fewer people than the free mass-reach apps.

    Best for Privacy-focused messaging with a one-time fee

    AndroidiOSOne-time purchaseOpen source

    80.5score
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  6. 6

    Discord

    Also runs on Windows, Linux, Android. Community chat with voice channels, roles and bots, free for most use. Messages are not end-to-end encrypted by default, unlike Signal or WhatsApp, so it suits communities rather than private talk.

    Best for Communities that want text and voice channels

    WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidWebFree plan, paid upgrades

    78.5score
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Narrow the alternatives

Open-source alternatives to Messages

Messages alternatives for Linux

Messages alternatives for Windows

Messages alternatives for Android

About Messages alternatives

What is the best alternative to Messages?
On listme.name the highest-scored alternative is Signal, followed by WhatsApp. The right choice depends on price, platform and whether you need open source.
Is there a free alternative to Messages?
Yes. Free options include Signal, WhatsApp, Telegram.