Messaging has firmly established itself as the primary mode of communication for countless individuals, largely due to its promise of instant gratification and the vibrant discussions it fosters among users with shared interests. While many associate messaging with popular platforms like texting, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger, there exists a diverse array of services that facilitate public chats, dedicated rooms, and more interactive discussions.
For those seeking a more tailored messaging experience, consider exploring the following innovative platforms that cater to various needs and preferences.
Session
For individuals prioritizing privacy and security, Session is an essential contender. This messaging service minimizes sensitive metadata, providing users with robust protection against surveillance. Instead of relying on conventional user IDs, Session generates a random string of characters for users to share, ensuring that only intended recipients can access their conversations. With end-to-end encryption, your chats remain confidential, making Session one of the most secure options available. It is conveniently offered as a free Linux AppImage.
Rambox
Rambox stands out as one of the few applications that allows users to consolidate multiple chat accounts into a single interface. Supporting a wide range of services—including Android Messages, Discord, Facebook, Google Chat, Instagram, and WhatsApp—Rambox enables seamless integration for all your messaging needs. Users can add unlimited services, with a free version allowing up to two instances per app. For those seeking enhanced features, a Pro plan is available for $5.85 per month, while an Enterprise plan is offered at $14 per month. Installation is straightforward via Snap.
Element
Element serves as a desktop application for the Matrix service, allowing users to create public rooms or join existing ones on various topics. While there are other desktop apps for Matrix, Element is widely regarded as the best. The challenge lies in attracting participants to your public room, as sharing invites can be somewhat cumbersome. Nevertheless, Element provides a robust platform for global messaging and chatting, making it a valuable tool for connecting with others. It can be installed through standard Linux repositories, Snap, or Flatpak.
Rocket.chat
Rocket.chat is a favored choice for those looking to establish a localized chat service. Users can deploy a server on their local area network (LAN), creating a secure communication space for family, friends, or colleagues. Beyond basic messaging, Rocket.chat offers collaboration features akin to those found in Slack, enabling file sharing, room creation, and direct messaging. For those interested in setting up a Rocket.chat server, comprehensive guides are available, simplifying the process. The desktop app can be installed for free via standard Linux repositories, Snap, or Flatpak.
Discord
Discord combines messaging, voice, and video capabilities, making it a popular choice, particularly among gamers. Similar to Element, Discord facilitates the discovery of communities based on keywords or names. Once part of a group, users can engage in discussions with like-minded individuals. Each community operates under its own set of rules, so adherence is crucial to avoid being removed. Discord is accessible for free, available as either a DEB or tar file from its download page.
