1
Also covers encrypted messaging, messaging, and open source · same kind of open-source project
Moderate Matrix communities with Mjolnir, a bot that can handle malicious invites, spam, and other server issues.
Alternatives
The Best ssh-chat Alternatives in 2026
24 alternatives4 free · 4 open source
Looking for something like ssh-chat? Here are 24 alternatives, ranked by how closely they match it on purpose, features and platforms. Of these, 4 are free or have a free plan and 4 are open source.
Run an SSH server for chat so users can join a command-line conversation with this project.
Top picks at a glance
First suggestionMod BotModerate Matrix communities with Mjolnir, a bot that can…Free or freemium optionSignalSignal offers private messaging, with its site introducing…Another optionDevzatChat over SSH with Devzat, a terminal-based developer…
Quick comparison
| # | Alternative | Pricing | Open source | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mod Bot | — | Yes | — |
| 2 | Devzat | — | Yes | — |
| 3 | Molly | — | Yes | Android |
| 4 | Conduit | — | Not stated | Web |
| 5 | Element | — | Not stated | Web |
| 6 | Rocket.Chat | — | Not stated | Web |
| 7 | Delta Chat | — | Not stated | Web |
| 8 | Signal | Free | Not stated | Web |
| 9 | Jami | Free | Not stated | Web |
| 10 | qTox | Free | Not stated | Web |
All ssh-chat alternatives
2
Also covers encrypted messaging, messaging, and open source · same kind of open-source project
Chat over SSH with Devzat, a terminal-based developer community for games, music, discussion, and technology news.
3
Also covers encrypted messaging, messaging, and open source · same kind of open-source project
Use Molly, an Android fork of Signal focused on additional security features.
4
Conduit
gitlab.com/famedly/conduitAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging
Conduit provides a Matrix-powered chat server, described by its project as simple, fast, and reliable.
5
Also covers encrypted messaging and messaging
Matrix communication is available through Element, an end-to-end encrypted messenger for interoperable servers.
6
Also covers encrypted messaging and messaging
Rocket.Chat provides real-time messaging, voice, video, AI, and related collaboration tools for organizations.
7
Delta Chat
delta.chatAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging
Delta Chat offers decentralized messaging with multi-profile and multi-device support, plus links to chatmail relays.
8
Also covers encrypted messaging and messaging · free
Signal offers private messaging, with its site introducing a communication experience centered on privacy.
9
Also covers encrypted messaging and messaging · free
Jami offers distributed, open-source communication software with end-to-end encryption.
10
Also covers encrypted messaging and messaging · free
Use qTox, a free instant messaging application without advertising, to connect with friends and family.
11
Damus
damus.ioAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging
Damus offers a social network described as user-controlled, with versions listed for iOS, iPad, and Apple silicon Macs.
12
Eylenburg Comparisons
eylenburg.github.io/im_comparison.htmAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging
This page compares instant messaging services and discusses how their approaches to user privacy differ.
13
Also covers encrypted messaging and messaging · free
Tox provides instant messaging for connecting with others amid corporate and government surveillance.
14
Secure Messaging Apps
securemessagingapps.comAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging
Privacy Matters compares secure messaging apps by security and privacy features, with a filterable table of services.
15
Ricochet Refresh
ricochetrefresh.netAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging
Ricochet Refresh aims to update the Ricochet project for private and anonymous instant messaging, with its code available as open source.
16
Desktop
briarproject.org/download-briar-desktopAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging
Briar Desktop is available for download on Linux, Windows, and macOS, with the project site providing operating system links.
17
Ecosystem
matrix.org/ecosystemAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging
The Matrix.org ecosystem page introduces projects built around Matrix, an open protocol for secure decentralized communications.
18
Berty
berty.techAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging
Berty Technologies develops tools for communication freedom and lists its Wesh network and Berty messenger projects.
19
Briar
briarproject.orgAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging
Briar provides secure messaging, with information about how it works, project news, and downloads on its site.
20
Linphone
linphone.orgAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging
Linphone offers real-time communication software for VoIP, video calls, and instant messaging.
21
Stickers
signalstickers.orgAlso covers encrypted messaging and messaging
Signal Stickers is a community-organized gallery of sticker packs for Signal, with more than 6,500 packs and an option to propose one.
22
Also covers encrypted messaging and open source · same kind of open-source project
Run Databag, a lightweight federated messenger designed for self-hosting on a personal server.
23
Also covers encrypted messaging
Session is a private messenger that routes messages through an onion network, with a stated goal of avoiding metadata collection.
24
Browser Recommendations
privacyguides.org/browsersAlso covers encrypted messaging
This guide recommends privacy-protecting browsers and compares how they guard against tracking.
No alternatives match this filter.
Alternatives to similar tools
Signal24 alternativesJami24 alternativesElement24 alternativesRocket.Chat24 alternativesGetsession.org24 alternativesBrowser Recommendations24 alternatives
What is the best alternative to ssh-chat?
Based on features, tags and platforms, the closest alternatives to ssh-chat are Mod Bot, Devzat, and Molly.
Is there a free alternative to ssh-chat?
Yes. Signal, Jami, and qTox are free or offer a free plan.
Are there open-source alternatives to ssh-chat?
Yes: Mod Bot, Devzat, Molly, and Databag.
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