Chat platforms are sticky because of the network effect, not the tech. Switching is easier than it looks.
General instant messaging
If you currently rely on WhatsApp and want more control over data, lower long-term costs, or a open-source licensing model, Tinode covers most of the same ground.
Most open-source alternatives require more setup than their commercial counterparts and may lag on polish, mobile apps, or ecosystem integrations. Check the project’s documentation for current feature parity with WhatsApp before committing.
This recommendation is indexed from awesome-oss-alternatives. Read their full project notes for the latest changes.