Best European alternatives to Signal in 2026

Element

Video Conferencing

EU Based

Element is a secure, decentralized messaging and collaboration platform built on the Matrix protocol. It offers end-to-end encrypted chat, voice, and video calls across all major platforms, with self-hosting options and bridges to tools like Slack and Teams.

SchildiChat is an open-source Matrix protocol client built on Element, offering a more traditional instant messaging experience. It features a unified chat list for direct and group chats, optional message bubbles, end-to-end encryption, and additional usability settings.

Xprivo

Cybersecurity

EU Based

Xprivo is a privacy-focused communication platform that enables secure messaging and data sharing. It helps users control their personal information and communicate without compromising privacy.

Matrix is an open standard protocol for decentralized, encrypted real-time communication supporting instant messaging, VoIP, and IoT. It federates across independently hosted servers with no central control, and bridges multiple chat platforms.

Threema

Cybersecurity

EU Mentions

Threema is a privacy-focused encrypted messaging app that requires no phone number or email to register. It offers end-to-end encrypted chats, calls, and group messaging, storing minimal metadata and keeping user data off central servers.

Wire

Video Conferencing

EU Mentions

Wire is a secure messaging platform offering end-to-end encrypted chats, voice and video calls, and file sharing. It requires no phone number to sign up and supports multiple devices across desktop and mobile platforms.