1
Profanity
profanity-im.github.ioAlso covers messaging
Profanity provides text-based access to XMPP services as a console chat client written in C.
Alternatives
The Best Profanity Alternatives in 2026
24 alternatives3 free · 7 open source
Looking for something like Profanity? Here are 24 alternatives, ranked by how closely they match it on purpose, features and platforms. Of these, 3 are free or have a free plan and 7 are open source.
Profanity lets users connect to XMPP messaging services from a terminal interface.
Top picks at a glance
First suggestionProfanityProfanity provides text-based access to XMPP services as a…Free or freemium optionSimpleXSimpleX Chat is an encrypted messenger without user IDs…Open source optionAltusThe Altus desktop client packages WhatsApp Web with themes…
Quick comparison
| # | Alternative | Pricing | Open source | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Profanity | — | Not stated | Android, Linux, Web |
| 2 | Altus | — | Yes | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| 3 | matterbridge | — | Yes | — |
| 4 | xabber | — | Not stated | Android, Web |
| 5 | Fluux | — | Yes | — |
| 6 | Ferdium App | — | Yes | — |
| 7 | SimpleX | Free | Not stated | Android, iOS, Web |
| 8 | WeeChat | — | Yes | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| 9 | XMPP Clients / Resources | — | Not stated | Android, iOS, Linux |
| 10 | Slack | — | Not stated | Web |
All Profanity alternatives
2
Also covers messaging · open source
The Altus desktop client packages WhatsApp Web with themes and notifications, providing a desktop interface for messaging.
3
Also covers messaging · same kind of open-source project · open source
Matterbridge connects chat platforms including IRC, Slack, Discord, Telegram, Matrix, and Mattermost through message bridges.
4
xabber
xabber.comAlso covers messaging
Xabber provides open source XMPP chat on Android and the web, including account registration and messaging features.
5
Also covers messaging · same kind of open-source project · open source
Fluux Messenger is a cross-platform XMPP client for communities and organizations.
6
Also covers messaging · same kind of open-source project · open source
Ferdium brings multiple messaging and productivity services together in one desktop application.
7
Also covers messaging · free
SimpleX Chat is an encrypted messenger without user IDs, where people can connect through a link or QR code to message and call.
8
Also covers messaging · open source
WeeChat is a fast, light and extensible chat client with a text-based user interface.
9
XMPP Clients / Resources
xmpp.org/getting-startedAlso covers messaging
This guide helps newcomers start chatting with XMPP by explaining how to choose and use compatible clients.
10
Slack
camel-kwr1314.slack.com/join/shared_invite/zt-…Also covers messaging
Slack provides team communication with an interface described as faster and more organized than email.
11
Awesome Fluxer
github.com/awesome-fluxer/awesome-fluxerAlso covers messaging · same kind of open-source project
A community-maintained list collects Fluxer libraries, utilities, clients, bots, and other projects.
12
Twist
twist.comAlso covers messaging
Twist organizes team collaboration through asynchronous written conversations in a messaging app.
13
Pidgin
pidgin.imAlso covers messaging
Pidgin signs in to accounts on multiple chat networks through a single desktop messaging program.
14
Also covers messaging · free
Fluxer provides free and open source messaging for friends, groups, and communities through a chat app.
15
Ferdium
ferdium.orgAlso covers messaging
Ferdium brings messaging services into one productivity app, with its site identifying ferdium.org as the official domain.
16
Sila
silahq.comAlso covers messaging
Sila provides messaging for teams and AI agents to work together in the same conversations.
17
Also covers messaging · same kind of open-source project · open source
Zulip provides an open-source team chat server and web application for team collaboration and focused discussions.
18
Mattermost
github.com/mattermost/mattermostAlso covers messaging · same kind of open-source project
Mattermost provides self-hosted collaboration with chat, workflow automation, voice calls, screen sharing, and AI integration.
19
Awesome Stoat
github.com/stoatchat/awesome-stoatAlso covers messaging · same kind of open-source project
This community list gathers libraries, bots, clients, and tools for the Stoat chat app.
20
Also covers messaging · same kind of open-source project · open source
WhatsApp Chat Exporter parses chat databases from Android or iOS backups and exports readable HTML or structured JSON.
21
Mumble
github.com/mumble-voip/mumbleAlso covers messaging · same kind of open-source project
Mumble provides open-source software for real-time voice chat with low latency.
22
Chitchatter
chitchatter.imAlso covers messaging
Chitchatter enables peer-to-peer messaging without a central chat server, using a serverless and decentralized approach.
23
Also covers messaging · free plan
Proton Meet provides video calls with privacy protections from the creators of Proton Mail, supporting online meetings.
24
Prose
prose.orgAlso covers messaging
Prose offers an open source alternative to Slack and Teams, with plans and information for large nonprofits and education groups.
No alternatives match this filter.
Alternatives to similar tools
Proton Meet24 alternativesAltus24 alternativesmatterbridge24 alternativesAwesome Fluxer24 alternativesProse24 alternativesAwesome Stoat24 alternatives
What is the best alternative to Profanity?
Based on features, tags and platforms, the closest alternatives to Profanity are Profanity, Altus, and matterbridge.
Is there a free alternative to Profanity?
Yes. SimpleX, Fluxer, and Proton Meet are free or offer a free plan.
Are there open-source alternatives to Profanity?
Yes: Altus, matterbridge, Fluux, and Ferdium App.
Alternatives are suggested from the purpose and features described in our listings. Different pages for the same product appear once. Read each description to check whether it fits your task. How we choose alternatives · Suggest an alternative