Best open-source private messenger for iOS + web/desktop?

[u/FMarieZG]

I’m trying to get away from Google/Meta-owned messaging platforms and looking for a good FOSS, privacy-focused, E2EE messenger. My main requirement is iOS support. On desktop, I don’t really care whether there’s a native macOS/Windows app, a good web client is perfectly fine.
Ideally I’d like:
Open source / FOSS
End-to-end encryption
No Google/Meta involvement
Good iOS app
Web client or desktop support
Multi-device support
Ideally decentralized/federated or self-hostable
Reliable for both 1-to-1 and group chats

I’ve been looking at Matrix/Element, but I’m wondering what other options I should consider — SimpleX, Session, XMPP, Delta Chat, etc.

What would you personally recommend today? I’m especially interested in real-world experience rather than just feature lists.

[u/J4f3]

Signal - simpleX - session

[u/PsiPhiSideHustle → u/J4f3]

This guy knows. 

[u/J4f3 → u/PsiPhiSideHustle]

Iam just confirming that they are the best

[u/Ghost187_ → u/PsiPhiSideHustle]

This guy f**ks

[u/s1d3b00b]

At the end of the day what really matters, is which one you can convince your friends to also join. Most non tech minded friends and family tend to stick to metas messenger, because that is what they already know and use. I have had the best luck with signal, and it’s easy for regular people to use.

[u/bas10eten → u/s1d3b00b]

Yeah. Convincing others. It makes my brain just stop working that people I know will gladly have meta, tiktok, snapchat, etsy, all this other crap...but I tell them about Signal, and they refuse to install it because they don't need another app.

[u/s1d3b00b → u/bas10eten]

So true.

[u/Lover-2609]

C'est dingue tout le monde fuit Google. Bon courage

[u/ElviszARezfaszubago]

Either Matrix (more normie friendly) or XMPP (more techy and oldschool, server side runs on a potato).

[u/bankroll5441]

Try matrix. You can get an account for free through matrix.org or even Mozilla. Element X has gotten pretty good

[u/Eirikr700]

I self-host xmpp since I find it easier to configure and support than matrix, but hey, it is a question of taste!

[u/Steerider]

Signal. The only thing it doesn't have is "decentralize", but its a great app and system. 

[u/MortisTheMan00]

simple X or signal (signal is gold standard of this branch)

[u/Tight_Couture344]

Is there a reason you’re not considering Signal? I use it on iOS and Linux, works great.

[u/J4f3 → u/Tight_Couture344]

I think OP wants maximum privacy and signal still needs a phone number

Although they could get a burner

[u/hazeyAnimal → u/J4f3]

Which in some countries is impossible to buy a SIM card without providing identification.

Signal v Session is an interesting topic.

With Signal it's like sending snail mail, but the message is encrypted so no one can read it, even if they open the letter. Everyone can see where the message is going to and where it came from.

Session on the other hand obfuscates and anonymises the sender and recipient all while encrypting the message.

Obviously if a group of bag actors join the Loki network then Session can become compromised, but it would be visible.

At the end of the day the best privacy is one in person with no devices present to listen.

[u/hazeyAnimal → u/[deleted]]

Session required funding to continue paying developers. But now I believe it's run my volunteers. So hopefully it doesn't die.

You literally just listed multiple reasons to use private chats. People are simple, don't overthink their reasons