Top Tox Alternatives for Private & Secure Communication

Tox has long been a go-to application for individuals prioritizing privacy in their digital communications. Built on the principle of keeping your conversations secure from prying eyes, Tox allows you to connect with friends and loved ones without worrying about government monitoring or corporate surveillance. It's free, open-source, and gives users full control over their communication. However, as the digital landscape evolves, so do the options for secure messaging. If you're looking for a reliable Tox alternative, you're in the right place.

Best Tox Alternatives

While Tox offers robust privacy features, exploring other platforms can introduce you to new functionalities, broader user bases, or different security philosophies. Here are some of the best alternatives to Tox that emphasize privacy, security, and user freedom.

Telegram is a popular messaging app known for its speed and security, making it a strong Tox alternative. Available across numerous platforms including Free, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone, it offers features like cloud sync, encrypted chat, and End-to-End Encryption for 'Secret Chats'. Telegram is free and provides large file transfer capabilities, persistent history, and robust privacy features, appealing to users who value both convenience and security.

Signal

Signal is widely regarded as one of the most secure messaging apps, making it an excellent open-source Tox alternative. Available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iPhone, Signal boasts End-to-End Encryption for all communications, including calls and messages. Its focus on privacy is paramount, with features like self-destructing messages, ad-free experience, and a strong commitment to user data protection.

Discord

Primarily known as an all-in-one voice, video, and text chat for gamers, Discord has expanded into a general communication platform and can serve as a Tox alternative for group interactions. Available on Freemium, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone, it offers features like voice calls, group chat, screen sharing, and bots. While not open-source, Discord provides robust community management tools and direct messaging.

Riot.im

Riot.im, now known as Element, is a free and open-source instant messaging and collaboration software based on the Matrix protocol, making it a decentralized and privacy-friendly Tox alternative. It supports End-to-End Encryption, group chat, video calls, and offers features like team collaboration and moderation tools. Available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone, it's ideal for those seeking a federated communication experience.

Pidgin

Pidgin is a versatile, open-source, multi-protocol chat client, serving as a classic Tox alternative for those who manage multiple messaging accounts. Available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, and Linux, Pidgin allows users to connect to various chat networks like XMPP, AIM, and MSN all at once. Its extensibility through plugins provides features like video calling and voice calls, making it highly customizable.

Wire

Wire is a secure collaboration platform that offers messenger, voice, video, and conference calls, making it a strong Freemium and open-source Tox alternative. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone, Wire emphasizes End-to-End Encryption for all communications and file sharing. Its focus on security and privacy, coupled with features like screen sharing and multiple account support, makes it suitable for both personal and professional use.

Mumble

Mumble is an open-source, low-latency, high-quality voice chat software primarily designed for gamers, but its features make it a viable Tox alternative for secure voice communication. Available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, and iPhone, Mumble offers encrypted chat, group voice chat, and positional audio. It's lightweight, ad-free, and supports self-hosted servers, providing users with complete control over their voice communications.

Jitsi

Jitsi, an open-source audio/video and chat communicator, offers full encryption and supports protocols like SIP and XMPP/Jabber, positioning it as a robust Tox alternative, especially for video conferencing. Available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone, Jitsi provides browser-based access, desktop sharing, and group chat, without requiring downloads or installations. Its strong emphasis on privacy and security makes it an excellent choice for secure online meetings.

Jami

Jami is a secure, decentralized, and open-source communication platform for voice, video, and chat, making it a compelling Tox alternative for privacy enthusiasts. Available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iPhone, Jami offers End-to-End Encryption, file sharing, and peer-to-peer communication, ensuring strong privacy and freedom. Its distributed nature means there's no central server, further enhancing security.

Keybase

Keybase is a free and open-source security app powered by public-key cryptography, offering encrypted chat and team collaboration features that make it a unique Tox alternative. Available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone, Keybase provides End-to-End Encryption for all messages, secure file sharing, and even integrates with Git. Its strong focus on verifiable identity and cryptographic security appeals to users seeking advanced privacy controls.

Choosing the right communication tool depends on your specific needs, whether it's uncompromised privacy, cross-platform availability, or specific features like group video calls. Each of these Tox alternatives offers a unique blend of security, functionality, and user experience. We encourage you to explore them and find the perfect fit for your secure communication requirements.