Status alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Status: wallet features add complexity for chat-only users, and small user base outside crypto circles. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Status, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Session currently ranks first.
No alternatives match these filters.
Show all 4 alternativesThe best Status alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Status alternative for most people
SessionAlso needs no phone number, with onion routing and a simpler chat-only app.
Best Status alternative for a free option
SimpleX ChatChat-only privacy without crypto features or tokens.
Best Status alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
TelegramLarge communities and built-in crypto wallet features on a mainstream app.
Best Status alternative for open source
SignalThe simplest strong-privacy messenger if you don't need a wallet.
Best Status alternative for self-hosting
SimpleX ChatChat-only privacy without crypto features or tokens.
Best Status alternative for Mac
SessionAlso needs no phone number, with onion routing and a simpler chat-only app.
Best Status alternative for Windows
SessionAlso needs no phone number, with onion routing and a simpler chat-only app.
Best Status alternative for Linux
SessionAlso needs no phone number, with onion routing and a simpler chat-only app.
Best Status alternative for iPhone and Android
SessionAlso needs no phone number, with onion routing and a simpler chat-only app.
Best Status alternative for working in the browser
TelegramLarge communities and built-in crypto wallet features on a mainstream app.
Status alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Status?
Session ranks first right now. Also needs no phone number, with onion routing and a simpler chat-only app. SimpleX Chat and Telegram follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Status?
Yes. Session (free plan + paid), SimpleX Chat (open source), Telegram (free plan + paid) and Signal (free) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Status?
Yes: Session, SimpleX Chat and Signal. SimpleX Chat can also be self-hosted.
Which Status alternatives work on Linux?
Session, SimpleX Chat, Telegram and Signal run on Linux.
Why do people switch from Status?
The complaints we hear most: wallet features add complexity for chat-only users; small user base outside crypto circles; delivery can be slower than server-based apps.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Status, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.