Axolotl

Axolotl is an open source encrypted instant messaging client for Android that offers end-to-end encryption. It allows secure communication by using the Off-the-Record Messaging protocol.

Social & Communications Instant Messaging

encryption privacy secure-messaging open-source

Axolotl alternatives ➤

Axolotl: Open Source Encrypted Instant Messaging Client

Axolotl offers end-to-end encryption and secure communication using the Off-the-Record Messaging protocol, making it a popular choice for Android users.

What is Axolotl?

Axolotl is an open source encrypted instant messaging application for Android devices. It was created by Open Whisper Systems as a secure and private alternative to traditional messaging apps.

The main feature that sets Axolotl apart is its use of end-to-end encryption. This means that messages are encrypted on the sender's device and only decrypted when they reach the recipient. At no point is the message transmitted or stored in plain text that could be intercepted by third parties.

To accomplish this, Axolotl uses the Off-the-Record (OTR) Messaging protocol. OTR uses a combination of asymmetric cryptography, key exchanges, and hashing to ensure authenticity, integrity, and secrecy of communications. Unique encryption keys are generated for every device and conversation.

In addition to encryption, Axolotl also has features like perfect forward secrecy, deniability, and future secrecy. This further protects past communications even if a device or encryption key becomes compromised somehow in the future.

By using Axolotl, users can enjoy secure instant messaging with strong privacy protections against surveillance and unauthorized access to their conversations. Its open source nature also allows transparency into its encryption implementations.

Axolotl Features

Features

End-to-end encryption
Perfect forward secrecy
Deniable authentication
Off-the-record messaging protocol
Open source

Pricing

Open Source

Pros

Strong encryption and privacy

Free and open source

Easy to use interface

Cross-platform compatibility

Cons

User base smaller than commercial apps like WhatsApp

Requires recipient to also use Axolotl

Development stalled in recent years

Official Links

Official Website
https://axolotl.chat/

The Best Axolotl Alternatives

Top Social & Communications and Instant Messaging and other similar apps like Axolotl

Here are some alternatives to Axolotl:

Signal

Matrix.org

Tox

Briar

Zulip

Suggest an alternative ❐

Telegram is a popular cloud-based instant messaging and voice over IP service launched in 2013 by Pavel Durov and Nikolai Durov. It emphasizes security and speed over other messaging applications. Some key features of Telegram include:End-to-end encrypted messaging, video calls, group chats, file sharing etc.Sync across multiple devices like mobile,...

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Signal

Signal is a free, open source software application for iOS, Android, and Desktop that employs end-to-end encryption, allowing users to send end-to-end encrypted group, text, picture, and audio & video messages, and have encrypted phone conversations between Signal users.First released in July 2014, Signal is developed by the Signal Foundation...

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Matrix.org

Matrix.org is an open standard, open source, decentralized communication protocol for secure and private communication over IP. It allows different communication platforms and apps to interconnect via APIs and SDKs, facilitating messaging, voice/video calling, IoT communication, and more.Matrix aims to create a unified global namespace for communication that spans geographies,...

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Tox

Tox is an open-source, peer-to-peer instant messaging and video calling platform that focuses on privacy and security. It provides end-to-end encryption for chats and calls to ensure user data remains private.Unlike many other messaging apps, Tox does not rely on central servers - it uses a distributed network where users...

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Briar

Briar is a free, open source peer-to-peer messaging app designed for activists, journalists, whistleblowers, and anyone who needs a secure and private means of communication. It provides encrypted messaging, forums, and blogs without relying on a central server which could be monitored or blocked.Briar forms connections only between trusted friends...

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Zulip

Zulip is an open-source team chat application developed by Zulip, Inc. It brings conversations from different channels into one easy-to-follow flow, allowing you to keep up with multiple ongoing discussions simultaneously via threads.Some key features of Zulip include:Public and private streams for organizing conversationsThreaded messaging to trace conversations over timePowerful...

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Keybase

Keybase is a secure messaging and collaboration platform that focuses on privacy and security. It utilizes end-to-end encryption for chats and calls to keep conversations private. Additionally, Keybase uses blockchain-based authentication to verify users' identities.Some key features of Keybase include:Encrypted messaging and file transfers - Chats, group conversations, and file...

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Conversations

Conversations is an open source, encrypted instant messaging client for Android. It enables secure communication by implementing the Off-the-Record encryption protocol and the Tor anonymity network to prevent eavesdropping and surveillance.Some key features of Conversations include:End-to-end encryption using OMEMO to keep chats, group chats, calls and file transfers private.Support for...

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FluffyChat

FluffyChat is an open-source desktop chat application for the Matrix protocol. It is designed to provide an easy-to-use and feature-rich chat experience while protecting user privacy through end-to-end encryption.Some key features of FluffyChat include:Encrypted chat, audio calls, video calls, and file sharing using the Matrix protocolSupport for communities/groups with public...

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Delta Chat

Delta Chat is a free and open source decentralized messaging app that allows users to send and receive end-to-end encrypted messages. It is different from other messaging apps in that it uses the existing email infrastructure for communication rather than requiring a separate server network.Some key features of Delta Chat...

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