5 messaging apps for Linux that make chatting online fun again

Messaging has become the de facto communication standard for many people. One primary reason for this is that messaging offers instant gratification. It also opens up new worlds of discussion for users with similar interests.

Let me explain.

Also: 5 Linux commands for managing external drives – and how I use them

When most people think of messaging, they think of texting, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger. But did you know there are other services that allow you to create rooms, public chats, and other types of discussions that other people can join? Or you can hop onto a service like Matrix, locate a room that interests you, and jump on board. 

You can also simply have a one-on-one chat with a friend, colleague, or loved one. To do this, you’re probably assuming you have to use services such as Facebook Messenger, Slack, Twitter, Android Messages, or iMessage. 

Once upon a time, there were unified apps that could combine all of your messaging accounts into one easy-to-use interface. Over time, the services made it impossible for those apps to continue to work well, so the apps became obscure and rarely used.

Fortunately, other options are available, and I want to introduce you to them.

Let’s chat.

1. Session

If you’re serious about privacy and security, Session should be on your radar. I’ve already covered the Session messaging service but it deserves a mention here because it is so privacy-oriented. What Session does is minimize sensitive metadata to give users privacy and protection from any form of surveillance. 

Also: This new fully encrypted messenger app is serious about privacy

Instead of a normal user ID, Session creates a randomly generated string of characters that you can copy and send to other users so they can chat with you. And thanks to end-to-end encryption, you and those you’re messaging can only read your chats. Of all the messaging apps I’ve ever used, this is by far the most private and secure. 

Session is available for free as a Linux AppImage.

2. Rambox

Rambox is one of the last remaining apps that allows you to integrate all of your chat accounts into a single point of entry. Rambox supports a vast number of services, including Android Messages, Discord, Facebook, Google Chat, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, Notion, Outlook, Telegram, TikTok, Trello, TweetDeck, WhatsApp, and more. 

Also: The best VPN services of 2024

You can add as many services as you like, sign in to those accounts, and use them from the Rambox desktop app or the web interface. Rambox has a free option that allows unlimited apps, up to 2 instances per app, and more. There’s also a Pro plan for $5.85/month and an Enterprise plan for $14/month. Check out the pricing/feature matrix to learn more about the plans.

Rambox can be installed using Snap.

3. Element

Element is a desktop app for the Matrix service. Matrix allows you to create public rooms and invite people to your new room. Or, you can join one of the many public rooms from the Matrix servers. There are rooms dedicated to a host of topics but if you don’t find a topic that meets your needs, create the room and invite people in. 

Also: Wiping a Windows laptop? Here’s the safest free way to erase your personal data

There are other desktop apps for Matrix but Element is, by far, the best. The only pitfall of creating a public room in Element is getting people to join. You can send them invites via email but locating the address to share via other methods can be a bit challenging. Even with that caveat, Element/Matrix is a great combination for messaging/chatting with people around the world.

Element can be installed via the standard repositories of your Linux distribution, Snap or Flatpak.

4. Rocket.chat

Rocket.chat is one of my favorite chat apps but it is slightly limited because it is its own thing. What I really appreciate about Rocket.chat is that you can deploy a server on your LAN and create a localized chat service that can only be accessible to those within your network. That means you could create a safe space for family, friends, or colleagues. 

Rocket.chat also includes all of the collaboration features you’re accustomed to with the likes of Slack, so not only can you chat but also share files, create rooms, and share DMs. If you’re interested in learning how to deploy a Rocket.chat server, check out this how-to. It’s much easier than you might think and, in the end, you’ll enjoy a private chat/collaboration service.

The Rocket.chat desktop app can be installed for free via the standard Linux repositories, Snap, or Flatpak.

5. Discord

Discord offers messaging, voice, and video and is similar to Element, but uses a completely different service. Very much like Rocket.chat, Discord is a very popular service, especially for gamers. Discord also offers an easy route to joining discoverable communities, which you can search by keyword or name. 

Also: How to install Steam on Linux to start playing thousands of games

Once you’ve joined a group, you can take advantage of the messaging feature to communicate with like-minded people. With Discord you can sign into multiple communities and even create your own. Each community will have its own rules, so make sure to follow them, otherwise you risk getting booted. 

Discord can be installed and used for free as either a DEB or tar file from the Discord download page.