Communication·Standings
Compare Instant Messaging Software
Instant messaging software lets people exchange messages, share files and talk in groups; the right choice depends on the platforms you use and the features you need. Compare message history, end-to-end encryption, group size, file limits and guest access.
The board shows a signal score out of 10, plus marks for a public API, open-source code and a free tier. Use those details alongside the listed platform support and pricing to narrow your choices.
- 30 platforms
- 1 with a public API on this page
- 24 with a free tier
- Checked 28 Sept 2026
- 1 SCSimpleX Chatsimplex.chat
SimpleX Chat is an encrypted messaging platform for text, files, voice messages, groups, and audio/video calls.
- 2 RC
Rocket.Chatrocket.chatOpen-source messaging has a free plan, an API, and options to run it on your own server.
- 3 Z
Zulipzulip.comOpen-source messaging service available as hosted software or for self-hosting.
- 4 MTMicrosoft Teamsmicrosoft.com
Workplace messaging includes channels and guest accounts, with a free plan.
- 5 SSlackslack.com
Work messaging connects to services like Google Drive and Jira; its free plan keeps limited history.
- 6 C
Chantychanty.comWorkplace messaging runs on major computers and phones, with a free tier and an API.
- 7 W
Wirewire.comTeam communications app with guest accounts on phones, computers and the web.
- 8 P
Pumblepumble.comWork messaging offers unlimited message history on its free plan, plus channels and guest accounts.
- 9 D
Discorddiscord.comFree community messaging works in browsers and apps for computers and phones.
- 10 J
JANDIjandi.comWork messaging includes channels and guest accounts, with a free plan.
- 11 S
Sessiongetsession.orgPrivate messaging encrypts chats and offers disappearing messages; account creation needs no phone or email.
- 12 BBeeperbeeper.com
Messaging app that gathers chats from more than 10 networks into one inbox.
- 13 Iimoimo.im
imo is an instant communication app for calls and messages.
- 14 S
Signalsignal.orgFree messaging app for text, files, photos, and voice or video calls.
- 15 BBriarbriarproject.org
Free messenger that syncs device to device, including offline over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
- 16 T
Telegramtelegram.orgTelegram describes itself as a cloud-based mobile and desktop messaging app focused on security and speed.
- 17 V
Viberviber.comMessaging service for calls, texts, photos, videos, files and large moderated communities.
- 18 M
Monalmonal-im.orgFree XMPP messaging for Apple devices supports private, group, and voice messages.
- 19 CConversationsconversations.im
Android chat app with encrypted messages, group chats, file sharing, and calls.
- 20 T
Threemathreema.com - 21 F
Flockflock.comWork messaging offers channels and guest accounts, with browser extensions and computer and phone apps.
- 22 TM
Troop Messengertroopmessenger.comTeam messaging app with channels for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web and Windows; free plan included.
- 23 T
Twisttwist.comTeam messaging app that links to task, calendar, file storage and automation tools.
- 24 E
Elementelement.io - 25 ZZalozalo.me
Free messaging app for Android, iOS, macOS, web and Windows with unlimited message history.
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How to choose
Which platforms does it need to run on?
Choose software that supports the devices and operating systems you use. The board compares support for Android, macOS, Windows, iOS, Linux and web access.
Check platform support before deciding, especially if people in a group use different devices.
How much message history do I need?
Compare the message-history details on the board with how far back you need to find conversations.
Do I need end-to-end encryption?
Use the end-to-end encryption comparison to see which options match your privacy needs. The board also lists guest access, which can matter when people outside a group need to join.
What group size and file limits will work?
Check the maximum group size and file size limit against the conversations and files you expect to share.
Can I try it for free, and does it have an API?
Compare free plans, free trials and paid starting prices to understand the available ways to try or pay. A free plan and a free trial are different offers.
If you need software to connect with other services, check whether it has a public API. If you need to read or change its code, check its open-source status and licence.
Questions
What does instant messaging software do?
It lets people exchange messages and communicate in groups. The board compares message history, encryption, group size, file limits, guest access and supported platforms.
Which platforms should I check before choosing messaging software?
Check whether it supports the devices you use, including Android, macOS, Windows, iOS, Linux or web access.
How can I tell if a messaging app is free?
Check whether it has a free plan or free trial, and compare the paid starting price if one is listed. These are separate pricing details.
What does end-to-end encryption mean on a messaging app?
It is a privacy feature to compare when choosing messaging software. The board lists whether it is supported.
How do I know if messaging software connects to other apps?
Look for a public API mark. An API is a published way for other software to connect to a service.
Some top positions on this board can be paid placements, standing where they were sold. The facts on each platform are not for sale. How we rank · Disclosure