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Apple Messages (iMessage) alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Apple Messages (iMessage): only available on Apple devices, and mixed iPhone and Android groups lose features. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Apple Messages (iMessage), then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. WhatsApp currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Signal logoSignalFreeYesWindows, macOS, Linux +25 of 562.6
  1. Signal logo

    1. SignalTop pick

    Best for: Anyone who wants the strongest mainstream privacy without giving up a familiar chat app

    FreeOpen sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Apple Messages (iMessage)

    Encrypted chats that work across Apple, Android and desktop devices alike.

    Pros

    • Everything end-to-end encrypted by default, including groups
    • Collects almost no metadata
    • No ads, tracking or paid tier; open source

    Cons

    • Needs a phone number to register
    • Desktop app only works linked to a phone
    • Smaller network than WhatsApp in most countries
    Visit Signal Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Signal a good Apple Messages (iMessage) alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    License
    AGPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Organisation
    Independent nonprofit
    Checked Oct 25, 2026signal.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Ads and tracking
    None
    Checked Oct 25, 2026signal.org(opens source in a new tab)
    End-to-end encryption
    Always on
    Checked Oct 25, 2026signal.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Desktop app
    Requires Signal on your phone
    Checked Oct 25, 2026signal.org(opens source in a new tab)

The best Apple Messages (iMessage) alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

WhatsApp logo

Best Apple Messages (iMessage) alternative for most people

WhatsApp

Works the same on iPhone and Android, so mixed groups keep every feature.

Signal logo

Best Apple Messages (iMessage) alternative for a free option

Signal

Encrypted chats that work across Apple, Android and desktop devices alike.

Telegram logo

Best Apple Messages (iMessage) alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Telegram

Cross-platform with desktop and web apps for people leaving the Apple ecosystem.

Signal logo

Best Apple Messages (iMessage) alternative for open source

Signal

Encrypted chats that work across Apple, Android and desktop devices alike.

Beeper logo

Best Apple Messages (iMessage) alternative for Mac

Beeper

Pulls many chat networks into one inbox on Apple and non-Apple devices.

WhatsApp logo

Best Apple Messages (iMessage) alternative for Windows

WhatsApp

Works the same on iPhone and Android, so mixed groups keep every feature.

Signal logo

Best Apple Messages (iMessage) alternative for Linux

Signal

Encrypted chats that work across Apple, Android and desktop devices alike.

WhatsApp logo

Best Apple Messages (iMessage) alternative for iPhone and Android

WhatsApp

Works the same on iPhone and Android, so mixed groups keep every feature.

Google Messages logo

Best Apple Messages (iMessage) alternative for working in the browser

Google Messages

The Android counterpart for RCS texting if you are moving from iPhone to Android.

Apple Messages (iMessage) alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Apple Messages (iMessage)?

WhatsApp ranks first right now. Works the same on iPhone and Android, so mixed groups keep every feature. Signal and Google Messages follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Apple Messages (iMessage)?

Yes. WhatsApp (free), Signal (free), Google Messages (free) and Telegram (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Apple Messages (iMessage)?

Yes: Signal.

Which Apple Messages (iMessage) alternatives work on Linux?

Signal, Telegram and Beeper run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Apple Messages (iMessage)?

The complaints we hear most: only available on Apple devices; mixed iPhone and Android groups lose features; RCS encryption depends on both carriers.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Apple Messages (iMessage), reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.