Sustainable Substitutes for Messaging

Privacy-friendly alternatives to WhatsApp and Messenger.

Element (Matrix)

An open-source, federated messaging app based on the Matrix protocol.

Element is fully open-source, including both client and server code, allowing for independent audits and community contributions.
Element uses end-to-end encryption by default for all communications, ensuring user privacy.
Element is ad-free and does not engage in data mining or targeted advertising.
Element does not use third-party trackers, it also has its own push notification infrastructure and does not depend on Google's service on Android.
Element operates on a decentralized network (Matrix), reducing reliance on single points of control and enhancing user privacy.
Element can be self-hosted, giving users full control over their data and communication infrastructure.
Element offers a free tier, though there are optional paid features for organisations.
Website
molly logo

Molly

An independent Signal fork for Android with improved features.

Molly is fully open-source, allowing for independent audits and community contributions to its codebase. Unlike Signal it doesn't use any proprietary blobs by Google.
Molly uses end-to-end encryption by default for all communications. On device preferences will be encrypted by passphrases. Push Notifications can be done Google-free with Unfied Push.
Molly is ad-free and does not engage in data mining or targeted advertising.
Molly does not use third-party trackers, it also has its own push notification infrastructure and does not depend on Google's service on Android.
Signal is free to use for all users, with no premium features locked behind paywalls.
Website

Signal

A privacy-focused messaging app with end-to-end encryption and open-source transparency.

Signal is mostly open-source, allowing for independent audits and community contributions to its codebase. Only some of the code is from Google and proprietary.
Signal uses end-to-end encryption by default for all communications, ensuring user privacy. It uses Google's notification system fro Push Notification on Android of course, which can be problematic.
Signal is ad-free and does not engage in data mining or targeted advertising.
Signal is free to use for all users, with no premium features locked behind paywalls (yet).
Website

Olvid

A French secure messaging app with no phone number required.

Olvid client apps are fully open-source, allowing for independent audits and reproducible builds.
Olvid uses end-to-end encryption by default for all communications, ensuring user privacy.
Olvid is ad-free and does not engage in data mining or targeted advertising.
Olvid is based in France, ensuring compliance with EU privacy laws.
Olvid does not require a phone number or email address for registration, allowing anonymous use.
Olvid offers free use of its basic features. For individuals it costs 4.99€ per month if they want secure audio/video calls and multi-device support.
Website

Wire

A Swiss secure messaging and video conferencing platform with end-to-end encryption.

Wire is free and open-source software, allowing anyone to inspect, modify, and enhance the code.
Wire is based in Switzerland, ensuring compliance with GDPR and strong European privacy laws.
Wire offers end-to-end encryption for all communications and does not perform data mining for advertisement, ensuring user privacy and security.
Wire can be self-hosted, giving organizations full control over their data and privacy.
Wire offers a free tier, mainly for messaging. For video conferencing one has to opt for one of the paid tiers.
Wire's service is ad-free for all its free and paid tiers, it's funded through enterprise plans.
Website

Threema

A Swiss end-to-end encrypted messaging app with a focus on privacy and metadata minimization.

Threema client apps are fully open-source, allowing for independent audits and reproducible builds.
Threema uses end-to-end encryption by default for all communications, ensuring user privacy.
Threema is ad-free and does not engage in data mining or targeted advertising.
Threema does not use third-party trackers, it also has its own push notification infrastructure and does not depend on Google's service on Android.
Threema is based in Switzerland, ensuring compliance with strict Swiss privacy laws.
Threema does not require a phone number or email address for registration, allowing anonymous use.
Website

Session

A decentralised, anonymous messaging app with a focus on privacy.

Session is fully open-source, allowing for independent audits and community contributions.
Session uses end-to-end encryption by default for all communications, ensuring user privacy.
Session is ad-free and does not engage in data mining or targeted advertising.
Session does not use third-party trackers, it also has its own push notification infrastructure and does not depend on Google's service on Android.
Session operates on a decentralized network, reducing reliance on single points of control and enhancing user privacy.
Session does not require a phone number or email address for registration, allowing anonymous use.
Session is available for free, with optional premium features (Session Pro) that require payment.
Website

How to move away from Big Tech Messaging Apps

Here's a guide on how to easily get away from Messenger and WhatsApp.

To transition away from Big Tech messaging services like WhatsApp, begin by backing up your chat history to ensure no important conversations are lost. On WhatsApp, you can back up your chats by navigating to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and selecting Back Up to save your messages to your device or cloud storage.

Convincing friends to make the move by emphasising the importance of privacy, data ownership, and supporting platforms that align with ethical values. Share resources such as this one to highlight the flaws of WhatsApp. Offer to assist friends with the migration process, and suggest starting with a small group to demonstrate the ease and advantages of the new service.