Open-source, decentralized messaging network built on a Haskell core with Kotlin Multiplatform and native iOS clients; end-to-end encrypted messaging without user IDs.
19.3k stars1.4k forksAGPL-3.0last commit Actively maintained
6 self-hosted Session alternatives
Session is a privacy-focused, decentralized messaging app providing end-to-end encrypted 1:1 and group chats. It uses onion routing and a network of decentralized nodes, requires no phone number, and is designed to minimize metadata collection.
Alternatives to Session
#2
Tinode is an open source instant messaging platform with a Go backend, web/mobile clients, JSON WebSocket and gRPC APIs, and support for one-to-one and group chat.
13.5k stars2.1k forksGPL-3.0last commit Actively maintained
#3
Tox is a decentralized, peer-to-peer communication system for encrypted messaging, voice/video calls, screen sharing, and file transfers without central servers.
2.7k stars311 forksGPL-3.0last commit Actively maintained
RetroShare is a decentralized friend-to-friend platform for encrypted chat, mail, forums, channels and secure file sharing, with optional Tor/I2P support.
2k stars323 forkslast commit Actively maintained
#5
Self-hosted, lightweight federated messenger with end-to-end encrypted threads and optional WebRTC audio/video calling across independently hosted nodes.
1.5k stars96 forksApache-2.0last commit Actively maintained
#6
Jami is a distributed communication platform for private messaging, audio/video calls, and conferencing, designed to work without central servers and with end-to-end encryption.
Activity unknown
What replacing Session actually involves
Every option on this page is open source and free to run on your own hardware, so you own the data and there is no subscription to cancel. 5 of 6 shipped a commit in the last six months. Licences in this list: AGPL-3.0, GPL-3.0, Apache-2.0. In exchange you take on hosting, backups and updates yourself.
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