WhatsApp

Best Self Hosted Alternatives to WhatsApp

A curated collection of the 5 best self hosted alternatives to WhatsApp.

WhatsApp is a cross-platform messaging and VoIP service (owned by Meta) that provides text messaging, voice and video calls, group chats, media/file sharing, and business messaging (WhatsApp Business/API). It uses end-to-end encryption for private communications.

Alternatives List

#1
SimpleX Chat

SimpleX Chat

Privacy-first messenger using SimpleX relays and end-to-end encryption, designed to avoid user identifiers, phone numbers, and centralized identity.

SimpleX Chat screenshot

SimpleX Chat is a privacy-focused messaging system built to minimize metadata by avoiding global user identifiers (no phone numbers, usernames, or accounts). It uses the SimpleX messaging protocol and relay servers to deliver end-to-end encrypted messages while aiming to keep social graphs and contact discovery off centralized infrastructure.

Key Features

  • No user IDs: contacts are added via invitation links/QR codes rather than usernames or phone numbers
  • End-to-end encryption with authentication and forward secrecy-oriented session design (protocol-level encryption)
  • Relay-based message delivery using SimpleX servers; clients can use public relays or run their own
  • Private contact connections and group messaging (group participation without public identity)
  • File and media attachments with encrypted transport
  • Multi-device support (via app clients) and cross-platform availability (desktop/mobile)

Use Cases

  • Secure 1:1 and group conversations for communities that cannot rely on phone-number identity
  • Private coordination for teams or activists needing reduced metadata exposure
  • Self-operated relays for organizations that want control over message transport infrastructure

Limitations and Considerations

  • Contact onboarding relies on exchanging invite links/QRs, which can be less convenient than directory-based messengers
  • Some features and UX may vary by client platform as the ecosystem evolves

SimpleX Chat is a strong option when the primary goal is private messaging with minimal metadata and without account-based identity. Its relay-based architecture and support for running your own servers make it suitable for both personal and organizational deployments where privacy properties matter most.

10.2kstars
538forks
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#2
Mumble

Mumble

Open-source VoIP voice chat with low latency, positional audio, access control, and a self-hostable server (Murmur) for teams and communities.

Mumble screenshot

Mumble is an open-source voice-over-IP (VoIP) application designed for low-latency, high-quality voice communication. It uses a client/server architecture: the Mumble desktop/mobile clients connect to the Murmur server, where admins manage channels, permissions, and authentication.

Key Features

  • Low-latency voice communication optimized for group chat
  • Murmur server with hierarchical channels and ACL-based permissions
  • Strong security: TLS-encrypted transport and optional end-to-end encryption (E2EE)
  • Multiple authentication options (e.g., built-in user database and external methods such as LDAP)
  • Opus audio codec support for high quality at low bitrates
  • Positional audio support for games (3D/spatial voice)
  • Text chat, channel messaging, and user status information
  • Cross-platform clients (notably Windows, macOS, Linux; mobile support available)

Use Cases

  • Voice comms for gaming clans and communities needing channels and positional audio
  • Team voice coordination for self-managed organizations (IT/ops, makerspaces, LAN parties)
  • Event voice backchannels with controlled access and moderation via permissions

Limitations and Considerations

  • Primarily focused on audio; it is not a full video-conferencing platform
  • Some advanced identity integrations depend on server configuration and build options

Mumble remains a popular choice for communities that value reliable, low-latency audio and fine-grained server-side control. Its mature ecosystem and performance-focused design make it suitable for both small groups and large, structured voice servers.

7.5kstars
1.3kforks
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#3
Synapse

Synapse

A Matrix homeserver that powers federated real-time chat with accounts, rooms, APIs, and integrations for clients like Element.

Synapse screenshot

Synapse is a reference Matrix homeserver implementation used to run a Matrix server for real-time communication. It provides user accounts, rooms, and federation so your server can communicate with other Matrix servers while supporting a wide ecosystem of clients (for example, Element).

Key Features

  • Implements the Matrix Client-Server API for messaging, rooms, profiles, and device sessions
  • Federation via the Matrix Server-Server API to communicate with other Matrix homeservers
  • End-to-end encryption support (handled by clients) with server-side key management endpoints and device tracking
  • Extensible integrations via Application Services (e.g., bridges/bots) and webhooks-like push mechanisms
  • Admin and moderation capabilities (user management, room management, server configuration controls)
  • Storage backends centered on PostgreSQL with caching to support large deployments

Use Cases

  • Host a private or public Matrix server for team/community chat using clients like Element
  • Build federated messaging services that interoperate with the wider Matrix network
  • Connect external networks (e.g., IRC/Slack-like ecosystems) via bridges using Matrix application services

Limitations and Considerations

  • Operational complexity increases for large federated deployments (tuning PostgreSQL, caching, workers)
  • E2EE is primarily client-driven; server configuration must be aligned with chosen client and key policies

Synapse is widely deployed and serves as a core building block of the Matrix ecosystem. It is a strong choice when you need standards-based federation, broad client compatibility, and a mature server implementation.

3.3kstars
435forks
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#4
Ergo

Ergo

Ergo is a modern, self-contained IRCv3 server with integrated services (NickServ/ChanServ), TLS, history playback, bouncers, and extensive IRCv3 capability support.

Ergo screenshot

Ergo is an IRC server that focuses on modern IRCv3 features while staying easy to run as a single, self-contained daemon. It bundles “IRC services” functionality (accounts, channel registration, etc.) directly into the server and emphasizes secure defaults and a good experience for always-on and mobile clients.

Key Features

  • Broad IRCv3 support (capabilities, message tags, modern client features)
  • Integrated services: account registration/login, nickname enforcement, channel registration and management
  • Persistent history playback (including modern replay mechanisms for clients that support them)
  • Built-in bouncer-style functionality for always-on connections and better mobile experience
  • TLS/SSL support and common security hardening options (e.g., connection and auth controls)
  • Highly configurable via a YAML-based configuration file
  • Designed as a single binary/daemon with minimal external dependencies

Use Cases

  • Host a private IRC network for a team, community, or friends with modern client compatibility
  • Provide a stable IRC home with account-based identity and registered channels
  • Run an IRC network optimized for mobile/roaming clients with history replay and bouncer features

Limitations and Considerations

  • Best user experience depends on IRCv3-capable clients (older clients won’t benefit from modern features)
  • IRC ecosystem varies by client; some advanced capabilities may not be uniformly supported

Ergo is well-suited for administrators who want an IRC network with modern usability features without deploying separate “services” components. Its integrated approach and IRCv3 focus make it a practical choice for secure, always-on IRC communities.

3kstars
220forks
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#5
Databag

Databag

Databag is a self-hosted, end-to-end encrypted messenger with group chat, file sharing, and multi-device access via web and native clients.

Databag screenshot

Databag is a self-hosted messaging server and set of clients focused on private communication using end-to-end encryption. It provides direct messages and group chat, with an emphasis on keeping message content encrypted so the server primarily stores ciphertext.

Key Features

  • End-to-end encrypted messaging for direct and group conversations
  • Web client plus native clients (project provides multiple client options)
  • File and media sharing within conversations
  • Multi-user server with account management
  • Designed to minimize server-side access to plaintext message content

Use Cases

  • Private team or family chat where the server operator should not read messages
  • Small organizations that need an internal messenger without relying on SaaS
  • Secure group discussions with sharing of attachments and media

Limitations and Considerations

  • Smaller ecosystem than mainstream messengers; integrations and federation may be limited depending on client/support
  • Feature set and client maturity may vary across platforms

Databag is a practical option for running your own encrypted messenger when you want a simple, controlled deployment and encrypted-by-default conversations. It fits best for small groups that value privacy and can standardize on the supported clients.

1.4kstars
91forks
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Why choose an open source alternative?

  • •Data ownership: Keep your data on your own servers
  • •No vendor lock-in: Freedom to switch or modify at any time
  • •Cost savings: Reduce or eliminate subscription fees
  • •Transparency: Audit the code and know exactly what's running