What is the best cross platform secure P2P chat application?

Options
Considered

User
Recs.

Feb 4, 2024

Last
Updated

Tox vs Jami (formerly GNU Ring, SFLphone) vs Orbit

vs Signal vs Bleep vs FireChat vs Briar vs Teleguard

Specs

Platforms

End-to-end encryption

Required Android Version

Media

VoIP

Technology

Videoconferencing

Messaging systems

Screensharing

Server stored messages

Publisher

Audio recording

DIY integrations

Proprietary Dependencies

Decentralized

Platforms

Windows, Linux, Mac, Mobile

End-to-end encryption

Yes

Required Android Version

5.0+

Media

Yes

VoIP

Yes

Technology

Python

Videoconferencing

Yes

Messaging systems

Yes

Screensharing

Server stored messages

Publisher

Audio recording

DIY integrations

Proprietary Dependencies

Decentralized

Platforms

End-to-end encryption

Required Android Version

Media

VoIP

Technology

Videoconferencing

Messaging systems

Screensharing

Server stored messages

Publisher

Audio recording

DIY integrations

Proprietary Dependencies

Decentralized

Platforms

Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, Mac OS X

End-to-end encryption

Yes

Required Android Version

Media

images / audio / video / files / contacts / GIFs / location

VoIP

Yes

Technology

Videoconferencing

Messaging systems

Screensharing

Server stored messages

Publisher

Open Whisper Systems

Audio recording

Yes

DIY integrations

Yes

Proprietary Dependencies

Yes

Decentralized

Platforms

End-to-end encryption

Required Android Version

Media

VoIP

Technology

Videoconferencing

Messaging systems

Screensharing

Server stored messages

Publisher

Audio recording

DIY integrations

Proprietary Dependencies

Decentralized

Platforms

End-to-end encryption

Required Android Version

Media

VoIP

Technology

Videoconferencing

Messaging systems

Screensharing

Server stored messages

Publisher

Audio recording

DIY integrations

Proprietary Dependencies

Decentralized

Platforms

End-to-end encryption

Required Android Version

Media

VoIP

Technology

Videoconferencing

Messaging systems

Screensharing

Server stored messages

Publisher

Audio recording

DIY integrations

Proprietary Dependencies

Decentralized

Platforms

IOS, Android

End-to-end encryption

Yes

Required Android Version

6.0+

Media

VoIP

Technology

Videoconferencing

Messaging systems

Screensharing

Server stored messages

Publisher

Audio recording

DIY integrations

Proprietary Dependencies

Decentralized

Pros + Cons

Pro
Communication is peer-to-peer

There is no 3rd party server relaying chat messages. Once a friend is added, communication is transmitted directly to them.

Comment

Pro
Multiple front-ends for multiple platforms available

At the moment there is no official Tox client, but a selection of 32 and 64 clients for Windows, OS X, Linux and Android is available.

Comment

Pro
Privacy focused

Tox uses military grade encryption and works completely peer-to-peer.

Comment

Pro
Free and open source

The code is licensed under GPL (may change in the future) and is available on GitHub.

Comment

Pro
Small, lightweight, fast

You can choose client which is small, lightweight and fast.

Comment

Con
Sucking more Android battery

It's sucking more Android battery. Best using it with greenify and use it when needed.

Comment

Con
Slow development of clients

Development of almost all clients seems abandoned.

Comment

Con
Early stages of development

Since Tox is relatively new, it has important features missing (like group video) and requires a proper code review before it can be deemed reliable and ready for everyday use.

Comment

Con
No support for multiple devices

Using the same account on multiple devices is not supported and does not work up to standards.

Comment

Pro
No central server required

If there is a wired and/or wireless connection between the caller and receiver, you can make a call.

Comment

Pro
Free and open-source code

Contribute to and/or audit the source code here.

Comment

Pro
Works without Internet access

If required, works within a Local Area Network (LAN) without the need for an Internet connection.

Comment

Pro
Active project

Active community with frequent articles posted on their blog.

Comment

Pro
Intercom calls and file transfers between devices

The same account can be setup on multiple devices. You can then make calls between the same account on different devices. You can also transfer files between devices without using third-party services (like email accounts).

Comment

Pro
Cross platform support (computers, smartphones and televisions)

Works with devices running Android, Android TV, GNU/Linux, iOS, macOS and Windows operating systems.

Comment

Pro
File sharing

Send files of all sizes between Jami users. FLAC, GIF, JPEG, JPG, MKV, MP3, MP4, OGG, PNG, WAV, WEBM and WEBP file extensions are automatically downloaded.

Comment

Pro
Open development

The Jami software has many features and is stable; yet, the rate of development is increasing as more developers are contributing to provide even more features while keeping the software stable. See here.

Comment

Pro
Language support

Translated into many languages and open for more translations. See here.

Comment

Pro
Crystal clear audio

Calls have crystal clear audio.

Comment

Pro
4K/UHD video calling

Record and send audio and video messages. This is convenient for when you want to send a quick message without typing.

Comment

Pro
Screen sharing and media streaming

You can change the source of the video feed you send your friends during a call, allowing you to share either your entire screen or only sections. You can also stream any audio and video media files, allowing your friends to see or hear them without having to transfer them first. This is accessed by right-clicking on the screen during a call.

Comment

Con
Group text chat

Not yet supported; however, group video conferences are supported. See here.

Comment

Con
Rename contact/conversation

Unable to rename a contact/conversation in the list.

Comment

Pro
History synchronization across devices

History is synchronized everywhere.

Comment

Pro
End-to-end encryption

All communication is end-to-end encrypted.

Comment

Pro
Supports multiple accounts

You can have multiple Jami and SIP accounts active concurrently.

Comment

Pro
SIP support

Answer and make VoIP telephone calls from anywhere in the world where you are connected to the internet.

Comment

Pro
Video conferences

Make audio and video calls with multiple people on Jami. Easily add new participants. Because Jami does not rely on servers, the conference is hosted by the device of the person who initiates it. It mixes the audio and video feeds from all the participants and sends it back to them so everyone can see and hear each other. For this reason, the maximum number of participants depends on the hosting device's computing power and available bandwidth. The developers have tested video conferencing with up to sixteen members; however, it could potentially go higher.

Comment

Con
Chat history shared across devices

Not yet supported. See here.

Comment

Pro
Provides security and privacy

Signal uses an advanced end to end encryption protocol that provides privacy for every message every time.

Comment

Pro
Free and open source

Signal is free and open source software, enabling anyone to verify its security by auditing the code. It's the only private messenger that uses open source, peer-reviewed cryptographic protocols to keep your messages safe.

Comment

Con
Single device

Signal can only be registered to one mobile device at a time. But you can link Signal to Signal Desktop.

Comment

Con
Needs access to your phone number and contacts to work

[add description]

Comment

Con
Privacy claims can't be validated

Since Bleep is not open source, there is no way to validate product's privacy claims.

Comment

Con
Seems they abandoned the project and have no actualizations for 2 years

[add description]

Comment

Pro
Free and cross-platform

Bleep is available for free on Windows, OS X & Android.

Comment

Pro
Privacy focused

Bleep uses end-to-end encryption to keep communications private and leaves no metadata on a central server so no-one even knows the communication took place.

Comment

Pro
Easily communicate between Android and iOS

Firechat allows for cross platform chat between Android and iOS users, making for an easy way to use a mesh network between OS's.

Comment

Pro
FOCUS ON PRIVACY DESIGNED TO BE THE MOST PRIVATE MESSENGER IN THE WORLD

Practical, modern messenger with full functionality for iOS and Android Independent company under Swiss data protection law and GDPR-compliant Complex encryption system for all transmitted data All servers are located in data centers in Switzerland No storage of user data on the servers No connection to a telephone number and no collection of user identification data

Comment