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Best Instant Messaging Software in 2026

Instant messaging software supports real-time chats and group conversations. Use this list to compare tools for personal or work communication on Android, macOS, Windows, iOS, Linux, and the web.

  1. 1

    Rocket.Chat

    by Rocket.Chat
    Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+5

    Rocket.Chat offers core messaging features on a free plan, with named options describing additional deployment and administrative choices.

    8.9 Free plan Visit site
  2. 2

    SimpleX Chat

    Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+4

    SimpleX Chat pairs identifier-free network design with messaging, groups, and calls across mobile and desktop platforms.

    8.8 Free plan Visit site
  3. 3

    Zulip

    by Zulip
    Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+5

    Zulip provides channel-based team chat across common desktop and mobile platforms, with guest access and numerous listed integrations.

    8.5 Free plan · paid from $3.50/user/mo Visit site
  4. 4

    Beeper

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2

    Beeper centralizes many messaging services across major desktop and mobile systems, with free and paid account limits.

    7.7 Free plan · paid from $9.99/mo Visit site
  5. 5

    Briar

    Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+1

    Pick Briar for free, open-source messaging with device-to-device synchronization, offline connections, and default end-to-end encryption.

    7.7 Free plan Visit site
  6. 6

    Chanty

    by Chanty
    Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+5

    Choose Chanty if your team wants chat, task management, calls, and integrations in one tool, with a free plan for up to five members.

    7.6 Free plan · paid from $3/user/mo (annual) Visit site
  7. 7

    Discord

    by Discord
    Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4

    Discord combines community servers with voice, video, and text communication across desktop, mobile, and web. Its call encryption does not extend to messages.

    7.6 Free plan · paid from $2.99/user/mo Visit site
  8. 8

    Element

    by Element
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+4

    Element combines broad platform availability, guest access and unlimited message history. Its self-hosted option and integrations may appeal to organizations, while plan prices are not listed.

    7.5 Free plan Visit site
  9. 9

    Flock

    by Flock
    Free plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+4

    Flock offers a free entry point and plan descriptions for different team sizes, alongside a broad integration list and multiple platform options.

    7.5 Free plan · paid from $4.50/user/mo (annual) · 30-day trial Visit site
  10. 10

    imo

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2

    imo combines messaging, internet calls and large-group features across several platforms at no charge.

    7.5 Free plan Visit site
  11. 11

    JANDI

    by JANDI
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2

    JANDI combines workplace messaging with meetings, file storage, integrations, and administrative controls.

    7.5 Free plan Visit site
  12. 12

    Microsoft Teams

    by Microsoft Teams
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

    Teams covers messaging, calls, and meetings across platforms, with a free plan and business options that list expanded meeting and support features.

    7.4 Free plan Visit site
  13. 13

    Pumble

    Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4

    Pumble covers team messaging, file sharing, and meetings, with unlimited message history on the free plan.

    7.3 Free plan · paid from $2.49/user/mo (annual) · 7-day trial Visit site
  14. 14

    Session

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2

    Session offers private messaging across mobile and desktop, with a free plan and a $2.99 USD monthly Pro option.

    7.3 Free plan · paid from $2.99/mo Visit site
  15. 15

    Signal

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2

    Signal covers everyday messaging, file sharing and voice or video calls, with encryption and group controls. Keep the phone-registration and desktop setup requirements in mind.

    7.2 Free plan · paid from $1.99/mo Visit site
  16. 16

    Slack

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

    Slack combines channel conversations, app integrations, automation and built-in AI features across a wide range of platforms.

    7.2 Free plan · paid from $7.25/user/mo (annual) Visit site
  17. 17

    Conversations

    Free plan Android

    Conversations offers encrypted, federated messaging with broad media and calling support. Server compatibility and the Android-only platform are the main practical considerations.

    7.1 Free plan Visit site
  18. 18

    Telegram

    Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4

    Telegram offers messaging, large groups and channels, calls, and developer tools across several platforms.

    7.1 Free plan Visit site
  19. 19

    Troop Messenger

    by Troop Messenger
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

    Troop Messenger offers team messaging across desktop and mobile platforms, with guest access and several listed integrations.

    7.1 From $2.50/user/mo · 7-day trial Visit site
  20. 20

    Monal

    Free plan iPhoneMac

    Monal provides broad XMPP messaging and calling features without a listed charge. Privacy details vary by function, especially fallback call servers and locally stored logs.

    7.0 Free plan Visit site
  21. 21

    Twist

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

    Choose Twist if your team wants channel-based messaging, guest access, and apps across desktop and mobile platforms.

    7.0 Free plan · paid from $6/user/mo (annual) Visit site
  22. 22

    Viber

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2

    Choose Viber for free messaging and calls with other Viber users, device syncing, and Communities that can have unlimited members.

    7.0 Free plan Visit site
  23. 23

    Wire

    by Wire
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

    Wire brings messaging, conferencing and file collaboration together, with deployment choices that include offline or air-gapped on-premises environments.

    7.0 Free plan · paid from €7.45/user/mo (annual) Visit site
  24. 24

    KakaoTalk

    Free plan AndroidMacWindows
    6.4 Free plan Visit site
  25. 25

    Messenger

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb
    6.3 Free plan Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Compare free plans, paid starting prices, message history, end-to-end encryption, group-size limits, file-size limits, supported platforms, and guest access. If code access matters, check the open-source licence; also check whether a free trial fits your needs.

Questions

Which platforms can these messaging tools run on?

Listed platforms include Android, macOS, Windows, iOS, Linux, and the web. Check the platform details for the tool you plan to use.

Are free plans available?

Yes. Beeper, Briar, Conversations, imo, KakaoTalk, and Messenger list free plans.

Can I try a tool before paying?

A free trial is offered by tools in this category. Check the trial terms and what happens when it ends.

Do any options provide open-source code?

Yes. Open-source code is available from tools in this category. Check the licence before reading, changing, or redistributing code.

What should I compare before choosing?

Compare free plans, paid starting prices, message history, end-to-end encryption, group size, file-size limits, platforms, and guest access.

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