Best Messaging Apps for Windows in 2026

The ranking

1. 1
   

   Signal

   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, iPadOSWindowsmacOSLinux·Free·Open source

   92.5score

   Visit Alternatives
2. 2
   

   WhatsApp

   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

   AndroidiOSmacOSWindowsWeb·Free

   90.0score

   Visit Alternatives
3. 3
   

   Telegram

   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, iPadOSWindowsmacOSLinuxWeb·Free·Open source

   85.0score

   Visit Alternatives
4. 4
   

   Element

   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

   AndroidiOSWindowsmacOSLinuxWeb·Free plan, paid upgrades·Open source

   82.0score

   Visit Alternatives
5. 5
   

   Discord

   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

   WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidWeb·Free plan, paid upgrades

   78.5score

   Visit Alternatives