Top Hangouts Alternatives for Enhanced Communication

Hangouts, a messaging app developed by Google, has been a go-to for many, offering text, photo sharing, and group video and voice calls. While it's served its purpose for facilitating group video chats and integrating with Google documents, many users are now looking for robust and more specialized communication tools. Whether you prioritize security, advanced features, or simply a different user experience, there are numerous excellent Hangouts alternative options available today.

Best Hangouts Alternatives

With a diverse landscape of communication apps, finding the perfect replacement for Hangouts can seem daunting. This comprehensive list highlights the top alternatives, each offering unique strengths to cater to various needs, from secure messaging to dedicated gaming communication.

Telegram is a fantastic Hangouts alternative focusing on speed and security. It offers features like end-to-end encryption, secret chats with self-destructing messages, and large file transfer capabilities. Available on a wide array of platforms including Free, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone, Telegram is known for its cloud sync and ad-free experience, making it a powerful and private choice.

Discord

For gamers and communities, Discord stands out as a premier Hangouts alternative. It's a freemium service offering all-in-one voice, video, and text chat, along with screen sharing. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone, Discord boasts low latency, custom roles, and multiple servers, making it ideal for large group communication and community building.

Signal

Signal is an excellent open-source and free Hangouts alternative for those prioritizing privacy and security. It features end-to-end encryption for all communications, including text, voice calls, and video calls. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iPhone, Signal is highly regarded for its commitment to user privacy and self-destructing messages.

Skype

Skype remains a strong Hangouts alternative for general video and voice calls, especially for business and personal use. This freemium app is available across Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone. Key features include screen sharing, video conferencing, and integration with Microsoft Office, making it a versatile choice for various communication needs.

Slack

For team collaboration and productivity, Slack is an exceptional Hangouts alternative. This freemium service provides real-time messaging, archiving, and search, with features like multiple channels, app integrations, and video calling. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iPhone, Slack is built for modern teams to stay focused and productive.

Riot.im

Riot.im (now Element) is a free and open-source Hangouts alternative based on the Matrix protocol, offering decentralized and end-to-end encrypted communication. It provides group chat, video calling, and voice call features, available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone. Riot.im is a privacy-friendly option with robust collaboration tools.

Tox

Tox is a free and open-source Hangouts alternative that emphasizes decentralization and peer-to-peer encryption for secure messaging, file sharing, and audio/video calls. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and Android Tablet, Tox offers an ad-free and anonymity-focused experience, ideal for users who prioritize ultimate privacy.

Pidgin

Pidgin is a free and open-source multi-protocol chat client, serving as a versatile Hangouts alternative for users who manage multiple messaging accounts. It connects to various networks like AIM, MSN, Yahoo, and XMPP. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD, Pidgin is highly extensible with plugins for added functionality including video and voice calls.

WhatsApp is a widely used free Hangouts alternative, offering fast, simple, and secure messaging and calling globally. It features end-to-end encryption, group chat, integrated file sharing, and video/voice calls. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone, WhatsApp is a popular choice for personal communication due to its extensive user base and mobile-friendly design.

Wire

Wire is a freemium and open-source Hangouts alternative focusing on secure collaboration. It offers end-to-end encrypted messenger, voice, video, and conference calls, alongside file-sharing. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone, Wire is an excellent choice for businesses and individuals seeking robust privacy and security features.

Jitsi

Jitsi (formerly SIP Communicator) is a free and open-source Hangouts alternative for audio/video and chat with full encryption. It supports various protocols like SIP and XMPP, and offers features like desktop sharing and video conferencing. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone, Jitsi prioritizes privacy and offers a versatile communication suite.

Matrix.org

Matrix.org defines open APIs for decentralized communication, making it an excellent open-source Hangouts alternative for those interested in a federated and secure network. It supports end-to-end encryption for chat, group chat, voice, and video calls. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone, Matrix.org provides a flexible platform for real-time collaboration.

Jami

Jami (formerly Ring) is a free and open-source Hangouts alternative that provides secure, decentralized, and private voice, video, and chat communications. It offers peer-to-peer connections and end-to-end encryption for file sharing and calls. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iPhone, Jami is a compelling choice for strong privacy and freedom in communication.

Rambox

Rambox is a freemium and open-source cross-platform messaging and emailing app that serves as a multi-messenger Hangouts alternative by combining various web applications into one. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, Rambox offers support for multiple protocols, multiple accounts, and integrations with services like Skype and Slack, providing a unified communication experience.

Viber

Viber is a freemium mobile application that functions as a solid Hangouts alternative for free phone calls and text messages. It offers animated stickers, group chat, hidden chats, video calling, and voice calls. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iPhone, Viber provides a rich set of features for personal communication.

Jitsi Meet

Jitsi Meet is a free, 100% open-source, and fully encrypted video conferencing solution, making it an excellent Hangouts alternative for robust video calls. It requires no registration or installation and is browser-based, available on Web, Android, and iPhone. Jitsi Meet supports unlimited users, screen sharing, and peer-to-peer connections for secure and scalable meetings.

Zulip

Zulip is an open-source group chat app that serves as a unique Hangouts alternative by organizing messages into threaded conversations by topic. This freemium tool is designed for structured team collaboration and integrated file sharing. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone, Zulip helps teams have long-running, organized discussions.

Franz

Franz is a freemium messaging app that acts as a powerful Hangouts alternative by combining various chat and messaging services into one application. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, Franz supports multiple accounts and protocols, integrating services like Slack, WhatsApp, and Gmail for a unified messaging experience.

Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger is a widely used free Hangouts alternative for quick and easy messaging, especially for connecting with friends on Facebook. It offers group chat, video calling, voice calls, and in-app money transfer. Available on Windows, Web, Android, and iPhone, Messenger is convenient for casual communication with a large user base.

Conversations

Conversations is a free and open-source XMPP client for Android, functioning as a privacy-focused Hangouts alternative. It offers end-to-end encryption with OTR and OMEMO, group chat, and secure file sharing. As a decentralized and federated client, Conversations is an excellent choice for Android users prioritizing privacy and control over their communications.

Choosing the right communication tool depends entirely on your specific needs, whether that's enhanced security, seamless team collaboration, or a feature-rich personal messenger. Explore these Hangouts alternatives to find the perfect fit for your communication style.