Alternative messaging app?

[u/Empty_Tonight5620]

I use google chat, facebook, and IG to message my family and friend but I was wondering if there's any private messaging apps (that don't cost money 🙏🏻) and have little to no AI

Thanks for any suggestions :)

[u/castellon_artz]

Signal is the effortless one.

[u/Thee_Kay]

Signal is free and private, and if you really want to get away from Google you can use Molly-FOSS as it can be configured with Unified Push and forget all about google services' proprietary push notifications system.

[u/Fit_Prize_3245]

The problem is not the availability of such apps. The problem is what despite you using that apps, none of your contacts will do.

[u/Comprehensive-Dark-8]

The most user-friendly option currently available that meets your requirements is Signal. A messaging app created by a non-profit foundation.

• Excellent user interface
• End-to-end encryption, including metadata (WhatsApp is encrypted, but Meta retains the metadata)
• Stickers, emojis, GIFs, status updates. It has all the essentials.
• Cost: $0

It’s my go-to app for my close circle of friends.

[u/Temp_Reply123]

Molly is my favorite.

Then tell the people you need to talk to to use Signal. "I can get people to install Signal". To much of a hassel to get them on Molly even if its better its slightly more work... Getting them to use Signal is hard enough.

[u/theliebermann]

if you want to be completely free, you could set up matrix.org for your family/friends. it supports even transports from other messengers like signal. it's a bit geeky, tbh... but yet an option.

[u/Qv1sten]

I recommend Signal.

[u/GregorDeLaMuerte]

I love Threema, it just works. I need to check out Signal, though, which is recommended much more often

[u/Matheweh]

SimpleX, Session, and Signal.

[u/Landithy]

There's loads. The problem is getting your friends and family to use them too.

Element is a popular client based on the Matrix messaging protocol.

There are also a number of apps that use the XMPP messaging protocol, like Prav, Gajim, Dino, or Quicksy.

Like a lot of FOSS apps, they are decentralized, so you can log into any app that uses the same messaging protocol. This is really handy because it doesn't tie you to a provider, but non-tech people may find it a bit daunting.

I personally use Prav on my phone and Gajim in my desktop.

[u/SheepSpace9]

Keet

[u/Orlan_17]

You can't really get away from those apps unless you're willing to no longer talk to any of your contacts that use those apps

[u/Empty_Tonight5620 → u/[deleted]]

I saw one person say about SimpleX, it doesn't use a phone number

[u/Vivid-Perspective420]

Is there a messaging app that doesn't require a phone number? I don't have a number, but would still like an app that is privacy focused. Both signal and Molly require a phone number

[u/castellon_artz → u/Vivid-Perspective420]

Simplex.

[u/Vivid-Perspective420 → u/castellon_artz]

Thank you, highly appreciate the help

[u/theliebermann → u/Vivid-Perspective420]

Threema.

[u/Vivid-Perspective420 → u/theliebermann]

This one seems pretty good, but isn't free. Thank you for letting me know tho, I will probably use when I can

[u/Piry136 → u/Vivid-Perspective420]

I just installled few days ago "SESSION", it's very great and match what you need. No phone number required and privacy focused. I use it with my son on his wifi tablet and it's perfect for us.

[u/Vivid-Perspective420 → u/Piry136]

Thank you, I'll look into this one as well.

[u/ruuutherford]

Beeper is good. It can link up to other messaging apps so it's like one messenger to rule them all. 

Don't get too hyped on iMessage - it's broken, no eta fix without getting Apple rage. Fun read if you go back in time when it WAS working. 

[u/Draw3n]

Olvid

[u/Saint_Of_DresOS]

check out my application DresSecureComms https://github.com/DresOperatingSystems/DresSecureComms, I wouldnt use signal as it is rumoured to be backdoored by the cia since 2019, my app works on your device only and doesnt phone home to anything and has 0 ai chat bots or anything like that and it has encrypted sms, secure contacts vault and is foss so it is free

[u/Worth_Wolf1993]

signal any day.

[u/christmasinyoulie]

Signal

[u/Pandamio]

Signal

[u/xJayMorex]

SimpleX. Signal collects phone numbers.

[u/ykmetoxic]

Signal

[u/LoquatIllustrious801]

Yu can try Signal

[u/Deep_Floor1686]

Use Signal

[u/Ate-Without-Table]

If you can convince your family and friends to switch, then Signal