Free, open-source alternatives to WhatsApp
Meta's messenger. 5 apps you can run yourself instead of WhatsApp, sorted by how well they replace it. Each one is open source, so your data stays with you.
SimpleX ChatBest match
The most private and secure chat and applications platform - now with double ratchet E2E encryption.
Element
Fully-featured Matrix client for Web, iOS & Android.
Snikket
All-in-one Dockerized easy XMPP solution, including web admin and clients.
Databag
Federated, end-to-end encrypted messaging service for the web, iOS, and Android, supporting text, photos, video, and WebRTC video and audio calls.
Jami
Universal communication platform which preserves the user's privacy and freedoms.
Side by side
| App | Stars | License | Activity | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SimpleX Chat | 19,549 | AGPL-3.0 | Haskell | |
| Element | 13,561 | Apache-2.0 | Node.js | |
| Snikket | 465 | Apache-2.0 | Docker | |
| Databag | 1,502 | Apache-2.0 | Docker | |
| Jami | - | GPL-3.0 | C++ |
Why replace WhatsApp?
WhatsApp works, but your data lives in someone else's account, the price can change at any time, and features can disappear. An open-source app you run yourself is yours: you choose where it runs, who can see the data, and when to update.
Questions
What is the best free alternative to WhatsApp?
SimpleX Chat is the closest open-source replacement for WhatsApp in our list. Element and Snikket are worth a look too, depending on what you need.
Can I self-host an alternative to WhatsApp?
Yes. All 5 apps on this page are open source and can run on your own server, usually with Docker, or on a managed host that installs them for you.