European Messenger Apps

Conversations Logo

Conversations

Germany
EU
Open Source

Conversations is an open-source messaging application designed for seamless communication. It focuses on providing a secure and private environment for users who prefer decentralized chat solutions. The application is built on the...

Delta Chat Logo

Delta Chat

Decentralized
Open Source
Self-Hostable
Decentralized

Delta Chat is a unique messaging application that aims to provide a secure and private communication experience. Unlike traditional messaging platforms, Delta Chat leverages existing email infrastructure, allowing users to send and...

Element.io Logo

Element.io

United Kingdom
Open Source
Self-Hostable
Decentralized

Element.io is a prominent platform that provides secure and decentralized communication services, focusing on privacy and user control. With a robust set of features designed for both individual and enterprise use, Element...

ginlo Privat Logo

ginlo Privat

Germany
EU

ginlo Privat is a secure messaging app designed to prioritize users' privacy and data protection. Developed in Germany, it offers end-to-end encryption for user communications, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential and...

monocles chat Logo

monocles chat

Germany
EU
Open Source
Decentralized

monocles chat is an Android chat app for the open XMPP protocol, based on Conversations with features from blabber.im and Cheogram. It is free software under the GPL-3.0 and developed in the...

Olvid Logo

Olvid

France
EU
Open Source

Olvid is a European digital privacy company offering a secure messaging application that prioritizes user confidentiality and data protection. The app enables private communication without compromising users' personal information.

SKRED Logo

SKRED

France
EU
Open Source

SKRED is a decentralized communication platform focused on privacy and security, allowing users to connect and share information without the worry of unauthorized access or data leakage.

Snikket Logo

Snikket

United Kingdom
Open Source
Self-Hostable
Decentralized

Snikket is a European-based messaging platform that focuses on privacy and decentralization. Designed to provide secure communication, Snikket utilizes the XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) standard, allowing users to chat, share...

Stoat Logo

Stoat

United Kingdom
Open Source
Self-Hostable

Stoat is an open-source chat app for friends and communities, formerly known as Revolt. It is operated by Revolt Platforms Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with its registered office...

TeleGuard Logo

TeleGuard

Switzerland

TeleGuard is a European-based secure messaging platform designed to prioritize privacy and data protection for its users. With an emphasis on confidentiality, it provides a safe alternative to mainstream messaging applications.

Threema Logo

Threema

Switzerland
Open Source

Threema is a secure messaging application that places a strong emphasis on privacy and data protection. Developed in Switzerland, Threema enables users to communicate without compromising their personal information, making it a...

Twinme Logo

Twinme

France
EU
Open Source

Twinme is a European messaging application designed with a focus on privacy and user control. It enables secure communication, allowing users to connect with friends, family, or colleagues without revealing sensitive personal...

Wire Logo

Wire

Switzerland
Open Source

Wire is a secure messaging platform designed for individuals and businesses seeking to enhance their communication privacy. With a strong emphasis on security and encryption, Wire offers a suite of features that...

Non-European but Open Source

The Open Source category highlights projects that, while originally developed in countries outside of Europe, allow anyone from around the world to contribute. These projects are not bound by geographic location—anyone, regardless of where they are based, can review, modify, and improve the code. The key factor is that the source code is available for anyone to examine, ensuring that the product can be independently verified and trusted, regardless of its origin. By featuring open-source projects, we promote transparency, collaboration, and innovation on a global scale.

Signal Logo

Signal

USA
Open Source

Signal is a secure messaging app that prioritizes user privacy and data security, allowing users to send text messages, make voice and video calls, and share media easily.

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European messengers differ in how they work: some run on one operator's servers, others use open protocols such as Matrix or XMPP, or ordinary email. This page lists the main options with the operator's base, checked on the providers' own websites in October 2026.

Main options

  • Threema: operated by Threema AG in Pfäffikon, Switzerland.[1] Ownership passed from Afinum to Comitis Capital at the beginning of 2026, and the company says headquarters and servers stay in Switzerland.[2] The apps are open source with reproducible builds.[3]
  • Element: a client for the open, federated Matrix protocol, developed by Element Creations Ltd, headquartered in the UK. The code is licensed under the AGPL.[4]
  • Wire: operated by Wire Swiss GmbH in Zug, Switzerland.[5] The group does its research and development in Berlin.[6]
  • Olvid: operated by Olvid SAS in Paris.[7] The app holds a CSPN certification from the French agency ANSSI.[8]
  • Delta Chat: developed with merlinux GmbH in Freiburg, Germany. It sends messages over email infrastructure, needs no phone number and encrypts end to end by default.[9]
  • Conversations: an open-source Android client for XMPP, licensed under the GPLv3, so it works with any XMPP server.[10]

Other messengers on this page

The page also lists Snikket, Signal, TeleGuard, ginlo Privat, SKRED, monocles chat, Stoat and Twinme. Headquarters, licence and ownership differ a lot between them, so open each product page before you switch.

Sources

  1. [1] Threema AG: Contact Threema: Support, Sales & Press Info. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
  2. [2] Threema AG: Who Owns Threema? Comitis Capital Explained. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
  3. [3] Threema AG: Open Source - Threema. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
  4. [4] Element Creations Ltd: About Element. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
  5. [5] Wire Swiss GmbH: Imprint | Wire Swiss GmbH. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
  6. [6] Wire: About Us | Secure Messaging from the Heart of Berlin. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
  7. [7] Olvid SAS: Olvid - Privacy Policy. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
  8. [8] Olvid SAS: Manuals - Olvid. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
  9. [9] merlinux GmbH: merlinux GmbH - About merlinux. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
  10. [10] Conversations: Conversations: the very last word in instant messaging. Retrieved October 18, 2026.