most popular online chatting websites

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Find strangers worldwide, the new modern Omegle and OmeTV alternative. Connect with real people, enjoy ad free text and video chats, and build genuine friendships.

Chat with Random Strangers With Similar Interests

Talk to online strangers who love what you love, Chat about hobbies and enjoy fun conversations - all from one place! Making new friends based on interests is made easy.

Simple and Fun Video Chats

Enjoy video chats with strangers worldwide, our platform is designed to make it easy and safe to connect with people from all over the world. Meet new people, make friends, and have fun!

From Strangers to Friends

Discover new people, make real and genuine connections, learn new languages or just have casual text or video chats. Our platform is designed to help you experience the best of online chatting.

The best site to Chat with Male and Female Strangers.

Many text and video chat apps offer various features for meeting random strangers or chatting without bots, but not all of them are modern, secure and feature rich with a diverse interesting people from around the globe.

Experience authentic face to face encounters with real people from all over the world.

Friends & History

Had a fun chat but skipped by accident? Find them in your chat history and add them as a friend.

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Want to narrow down your search? Use interests, genders or locations to filter the strangers you meet.

Not in the mood for video? No problem! You can also chat with strangers via text messages. Full of features.

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We make use of advanced AI technologies and enhanced spam protection to keep your chats clean.

Feature rich

From sending photos, videos, having voice calls, to sharing GIFs and adding avatars, we have it all.

Don't take our word for it

We've asked random strangers, both men and women, to try our Omegle alternative platform for video and text chat. Here's what they had to say about our safe space for chatting with strangers:

— Chitchat.gg is the best Omegle alternative I've tried! It made connecting with strangers through video chat fun and easy. It's user-friendly, quick, and I've had engaging conversations with people worldwide. A fantastic way to meet new people and find friends in a safe environment.

Stranger #1

Beta Tester

I recently felt lonely and struggled to make friends, but this Monkey app and Ome.tv alternative changed that. It's simple to find someone to text chat or video chat with, and I've made new friends from all over the globe. We've even added each other on Discord and Snapchat. A real game-changer for safely chatting with strangers!

Stranger #2

Skeptical at first, I quickly became a fan of this platform as an alternative to ChatHub and Omegle. It's spam-free, well-moderated, and helped me connect with people from around the world through both text and video chat. I've used platforms like Omegle before, but this one is the best for safe, random chat experiences.

Stranger #3

I've tried many platforms to video chat with strangers, but they were all flawed. Chitchat seems like the best Omegle alternative, and I've been really enjoying it! I hope it becomes the number one platform for random video chat because it really deserves it. I've made lots of friends from different countries and I'm thrilled with the safe, fun environment it provides.

Stranger #4

Premium User

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The Best Chat Sites (Reviews & Lists)

A list of the best free online chat rooms.

• Best Chat Rooms

The Best Free Chat Rooms

We have visited each chat site and examined every chat service and feature to create an honest review. We have compared the pros and cons of each and determined which chat rooms are the best for various types of chatting. We have NOT been paid to include any of the links or change any of the rankings. This is NOT a sponsored page and there are NO affiliate links.

Top 10 Chat Sites

• Best overall chat site for everyone – 321Chat
• Best big chat site– Chat-Avenue
• Most unique chat site– Wire Club
• Best webcam chat rooms– PalTalk / CamFrog
• Best UK chat rooms – UK Chat
• Best chat for kids– KidChat.net
• Best chat for teens – Teen-Chat.org
• Best individual webcam rooms– Tinychat
• Best roleplay based chat – RolePlay.chat
• Best one on one chat room – Chatib / Chatiw

321 Chat has chat rooms on a wide variety topics. The chat offers many features and configurable user options which allow chatters to edit everything from overall look and feel of the room to who is allowed to private message you. A big The moderation of the rooms is what sets 321Chat apart from most other chats. There are rules and there are people around to enforce them this keeps the site from becoming a troll breading ground a instead fostes a sense of community. 321Chat.com first opened in 2002, since that time the number of room topics has continued to grow. To date, there are 14 different room topics for various ages, races, religions and sexual orientations.

Chat Avenue

Outlasting mega chat hubs like AOL and Yahoo!, Chat-Avenue's (roughly) 4,000 concurrent chatters makes it the web's largest chat site. Chat Ave has come a long way from its origins in 1999. Today they are in the process of creating their own chat software as they transition away from the use of 123FlashChat. For now, visitors to Chat-Avenue have the choice to use Flash Chat or another php based chat. Keep an eye on Chat-Avenue over the next few months for the release, which promises to be both mobile friendly and webcam enabled.

WireClub is a truly wonderful online community. Yes, they require you to register in order to enter their chat rooms but it is a chat experience like no other. Their chat software seamlessly integrates features in a natural and intuitive way. Clicking on a username makes their profile fly out with quick access to their picture, badges won and options to chat, message, friend, block or report. They also have a virtual credit system you can use to give gifts, badges and other fun things.

PalTalk / CamFrog

CamFrog & PalTalk are owned by the same company and both function in rather similar ways. They both require you to download their software and register for free. Once connected the default option is to live stream your webcam which means most chatters have webcams you can view. CamFrog and PalTalk limit the number of cams your can view at once or the length of time you can watch unless you become a paying member. Memberships range from $4 to $40 per month and offer various levels of benefit.

UKChat is obviously UK based, but there are a fair number of chatters from other English speaking countries such as the United States and Canada. UKChat runs latest version of Stelivo chat which means it is mobile friendly and webcam enabled. Another feature of UKChat which shouldn't go unnoticed is their seamless integration of chatter profiles with their forum. Room titles vary from Lobby, Cafe and Trivia to more specific rooms based on location like Northern Ireland and Wales. Overall, UKChat.com is a great chat site.

KidsChat.Net

KidsChat.net uses a new chat software called CodyChat that looks beautiful. The chat is easy on the eyes, animations glide by and user options are numerous. Clicking on a chatter gives you quick and easy access to their profile, where you can see all the background information on the user. You can also stream music while you chat but control the volume so it's not over powering. Overall this is a top-notch chat.

Teen-Chat.Org

Teen-Chat.Org is a small but well designed chat site. It also uses CodyChat. The clean design offers a wonderful user experience. Teen-Chat is a webcam chat but you can only share your cam in one on one settings, no publishing to the entire room. Chatters can also upload profile pictures which are used as chat avatars. This chat software is still in development and should continue to grow and offer new features in the near future.

TinyChat is a webcam focused group chat community. There are hundreds of rooms both small and large which function much like video conference calls where multiple people can be seen on cam at once. Every chat room is created by and administered by users of the site. TinyChat seems to only work on Chrome, Firefox and Opera. Though it seems to have problems with those browsers as well at times. Perhaps their Apps, available for both Apple and Android work better.

RolePlay.Chat

RolePlay.Chat is the best RP chat site we have come across which is why there are over 500 chatters here at all times. The custom built chat and website is quite unique. The colorful rooms, users avatars and profile pages are amazing!

Chatib / Chatiw

Chatib & Chatiw are two chat sites owned by the same company running the same software loading the same chat room but with two different interfaces. Both websites are based on having 1 on 1 chat conversations. There are chat rooms where multiple people can participate at once on Chatib but this seems to be a secondary part of the site that very few people participate in. Upon entering you are presented with a list of chat names along with their gender, city and Country. You can search for people based on country and gender. You to find chatters from around the world but most of the participants are in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom & Australia. You can also pay a monthly fee for VIP acess which will grant you special features and deminished ads.

Chatogo offers several rooms for vairous topics but the most popular are general chat, roleplay chat and anime chat. Chatogo uses CodyChat software.

Y99 is a relatively new chat site but is quickly growing and regularly has about 200 chatters online at any given time. The most popular room is the Lobby, which you are logged into by default but their other rooms included Teen Chat, Roleplay and Dating. The chat site and its rooms are primarily English speaking but the site seems to be building an International following as the Indian Friends room can regularly be spotted with as many as 50 chatters in it.

TripSit Chat

TripSit Chat is a chat site for and about drugs. There are rooms for people with questions about drugs as well as rooms for people who are currently on drugs. Chat room names include Assistance, Sanctuary and Here to Help as well as Stim Chat, Opiates Chat, Benzos Chat and Psychonautics Chat. The website also offers a large amount of information on virtually every drug around. The chat is IRC based and has hundreds of chatters.

RP Haven (Roleplay Haven) is a custom built roleplay community. The chat was specifically designed to facilitate roleplay of all kinds; Fantasy, Medieval, Sci-Fi, Anime, Realistic and more. Membership is free but required to enter.

Buzzen Chat

Buzzen is an online community organized around chat. The chat topics are wide ranging and user created. These rooms have a bit more feeling than the typical "Teen Chat". Most of the chat rooms require you to register to enter but you can view the list of rooms and descriptions as a a visitor and registration is quick and free. Members have access to additional Buzzen features such as member photo albums, groups and user blogs.

Chat27 is a wonderful designed website with a friendly community. The chat room itself uses a basic IRC software but has a much more modern feel than most IRC rooms you may come across. The site was started with a South African focus but seems to have grown to be inclusive of chatters from around the world.

B-Gay isn't the prettiest of chats but it has a long history and is part of an online gay news website, publishing information on love, travel, dating advice, and current events. You can expect to find about 50 gay chatters here at any given time. B-Gay has used a number of different chat software packages over the years and as of now they are using Rumble Talk which allows for webcam usage even though the interfase seems very basic.

Gay Chat Zone

GayChatZone is a chat site merged with a personals site. Membership is free but required to access any part of the site. Once you join you can enter the chat site which has about 50 chatters connected at most times. Each chatter's profile is easily accessible making it feel much like a close community of chatters than a random group of anonymous men.

Buzz 50 is a social hub for chatters over 50 years old. The traditional chat room which uses FlyZoo software is sparely populated and requires registration. But everyone who is logged into the site site can be messaged directly through the same software. There are typically 50-100 members online. Buzz 50 is run by Mike and Mila, the creators and members of the site. They are very welcoming and are part of the reason this community has grown over the years.

Senior Chatters

SeniorChatters is a senior chat community that requires you register before you can chat. While membership is free and allows you access to group chat, extra features such as the ability private message and enter various topical rooms come at a cost. Fortunately the price of a "premium" membership is relatively cheap. What is unfortunate is the choice of chat software they use which we would not give high marks.

Health Chat

Healthful Chat has an incredibly long list of therapy, health and mental health chat rooms and nearly all of them have active conversations going on. There are usually about 100 chatters in the Depression chat room, 50 in the Anxiety, Bipolar and Alcohol & Drug chat rooms. But there are many more niche rooms with smaller populations such as obesity chat, PTSD chat, lupus chat, and bereavement chat. This site can be a great resource for those in need of help with their health and someone to talk to.

ChatHour / WeirdTown

Chat Hour and WeirdTown Chat are seperate websites that put you into the same chat room (ChatHour is the most updated). They have been around since 1999. The chat room is a straight forward text based chat that requires membership to enter. What is not apparent to guests visiting the website is that there are over 100 active chatters in several different rooms. ChatHour Members are allowed to upload pictures and private message each other. You can also download apps in the The App Store and Google Play to connect.

SpinChat is a social networking site that revolves around chat. You must register, confirm your email address and fill out your profile in order to enter the chat. This level of registration makes the bonds within the community that much stronger. When you login to the chat you are presented with a list of usernames, profile pictures and location of the chatters connected. The two most popular rooms at SpinChat are "30plus" and "International" which have about 50 people in each room.

xAT Chat is a unique chat site. xAT lets you earn credits which you can use to buy special "powers" / (abilities) as well as avatars and other special features which you can trade with other users. Members can create their own rooms, interact on the forum and play online games with each other.

ChatBlink has a basic but pretty nice looking chat we have not seen anywhere else. You are show a list of users, their age, gender and location. You can then open up 1-1 chat conversations with any of them by clicking on their name.

Lycos, once dominated the online search market and ventured into many different areas including chat. The company diminished over the years but their chat site still exists. Lycos Chat has about 100 chatters logged in at any given time. You must register to chat but it only takes a few seconds. The chat room is pretty basic but is always monitored which keeps the room peaceful and the regulars coming back.

USA Chat Now

USAChatNow is a custom built chat platform that has a lot of personality. You do not have to be a member to chat nor do you need to pay anything. However... VIP members get some pretty neat abilities such as the ability to upload picture and youtube videos to the chat, use any image for your avatar, have a custom made name plate that sparkles, blinks or moves in some other way. You also get a VIP tag next to your name in the user list.

ICQ-Chat.Com

ICQ-Chat offers easy online access to the ICQ chat rooms, found on IRC. Yes you could download the ICQ Software to gain access to the chat rooms but the desktop application is geared towards instant messaging friends rather than chat rooms. We actually found it quite difficult to get in the chat rooms from the app. So... ICQ-Chat.com makes the list as the best way to reach ICQ channels like #chat, #Students, #20_Something, #30_Something, #40_Something and more.

Chatzy allows anyone to create a chat room of their own. You can browse these rooms by searching their database of chats. Searching for virtually any term will bring up multiple Chatzy created rooms on that topic. From family friendly to X-rated, Chatzy has chat rooms for everyone about anything but popular ones can be hard to find.

Second Life

Second Life is a massive virtual 3D world in which people can make characters modeled after themselves or pretend to be a totally different person. What makes Second Life unique is the ability to create and add new content to your environment, this content can be generated for free but some requires real life money to obtain. Second Life is only for adults and is more of a interactive world rather than your typical group-chat and for those reasons we can not rank it very high.

Christian Chat

Christian Chat is pretty unique. It is just as much an audio chat as it is a text chat. When the webpage loads, an audio stream is broadcast to the room. The chat room and microphone are moderated / controlled by the host but everyone is free to type within the room. The website also has a forum which boasts thousands of members and hundreds of threads.

ChatBazaar recently changed over to a new chat software which is mobile friendly but no longer offers webcams. Most chatters are 40+ and there are typically about 75 chatters connected.

VPChat is a blast from the past! This site has hardly changed since the 90s, yet remains relatively popular. VPChat requires you to download its software to enter its virtual rooms which have user uploaded avatars and online games you can enter. There are generally 50 to 100 chatters present at all times.

ChattUSA is a 1 on 1 chat platform. When you login, you are given a list of chatters, their gender and the country they are from, most but not all are from the USA. You can message each person and start individual text conversations with them. There are typically about 200 chatters in the user list but we have questions about how many of them are bots. Often the second you message someone they will respond with a canned message asking you to contact them off site.

321 Chat offers webcam chat rooms on a wide variety topics. The chat offers many features and configurable user options which allow chatters to edit everything from overall look and feel of the room to who is allowed to private message you. 321 Chat is one of a limited number of chat sites which allows webcams to be viewed by the entire room which also work on mobile devices. 321Chat.com first opened in 2002, since that time the number of room topics has continued to grow. To date, there are 14 different room topics for various ages, races, religions and sexual orientations.

KidzWorld is a social network for kids. Because this site is explicitly for minors there are more precautions taken. Membership is required to chat and swearing, being "gross" and "rude" are not allowed.

ChitPit is a teen chat site that uses ChatWee software. The chat room is not your typical online chat room. Everyone who visits the website is automatically logged into to a room that functions much like Facebook messenger.

Chat Family

Chat Family is a chat site that goes back to 1997. At its peek you could find hundreds of chatters here looking to have family friendly conversations. Today there are far fewer people frequenting this online community which includes rooms for teens as well as adults.

Originally this was the webs "Top 50 Chat Sites" but some chats closed down and we did not want to add horrible or empty chat sites just to get the count back up to 50. If you are wondering what happened to a chat site that you used to go to you should check the chat graveyard for chat sites that died .

Follow us for 321Chat status updates.

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Messaging New Friends: Top Places To Chat Online

Chatting with people online can have benefits like reduced loneliness and increased social support . However, it can also come with risks, such as encountering scammers, accidentally downloading malware, and experiencing bullying. For this reason, it can be vital to exercise caution when chatting with others online . A few websites you may try can include Discord, Twitch, and Telegram, each of which may offer opportunities to speak with others about topics you’re interested in. If chatting with people via the internet isn’t enough to relieve feelings of loneliness, you might consider reaching out to a licensed therapist for professional support.

Potential benefits of using an online chat site

Some people have a stereotypical image of online chat rooms as hostile places filled with people venting rage or posting misinformation. While  internet spaces can sometimes become forums for hate speech and other kinds of negative communication, they may also offer benefits to many people.

Interacting with others may feel easier in a chatroom or social platform

Perhaps the most straightforward way that chatting online can be helpful is by making it easier to interact with others. Some people may find it difficult or impossible to leave their homes, whether due to physical disability, quarantining to avoid the spread of disease, or mental health challenges like agoraphobia .

If you’re in a similar situation, chatting over the internet could enable you to talk with other people despite these obstacles. This might be helpful if you struggle with anxiety in social situations .

Connecting with a support network has mental health benefits

Talking to others online may do more than relieve boredom. For some people, it could make an important difference in their mental health. Taking part in social groups may have defensive effects against mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. Online platforms like chatrooms, social media sites, or messaging apps allow us to communicate with family and friends and enable us to meet new friends and connections.  If you think your feelings of loneliness affect your psychological well-being, finding people to chat with online might offer relief.

The top places to chat online may offer a sense of community

The helpful effects of online communities could be even more significant for people whose identities are stigmatized by those around them. For example, many transgender people report that connecting with others through the internet can be an important part of coping with the mental health impacts of discrimination. Web-based chat can be an important way for marginalized people to find others with similar experiences, even if their families or local communities are not supportive.

Risks of using a chatroom, social network, or other online platform

Despite the potential advantages described above, there may still be some hazards to watch out for when chatting with strangers online . Perhaps the most well-known is the risk of being tricked out of your money by unscrupulous people pretending to be friends, romantic partners, potential employers, or would-be business partners. The Federal Trade Commission reported that  romance scammers may have taken more than $500 million in 2021 — an 80% increase over the previous year.

Online chat spaces like chatrooms and social network platforms can be popular among scammers due to the fact that they can serve as an endless source of new potential targets. It’s generally a bad idea to send money, personal details, or explicit photos of yourself to anyone you’ve never met in person.

You also may want to make it a rule not to download software or click on links sent to you in dubious chat rooms. Doing so could leave your computer infected with malware.

Exercise caution when using any online forum or site

There may also be mental health risks in spending lots of your time in online chats. These kinds of discussions often have very little moderation. As a result, they may be targeted by people who are more interested in abusing or belittling people than having a friendly discussion. 

Some may even post content encouraging self-harming behaviors . This content is usually removed quickly from mainstream social media sites, but smaller personal chats may not be as effectively moderated. 

Top places to chat online: Exploring popular options

Where can you go if you’re interested in chatting with other people over the web? Here are some excellent options to choose from. Remember that these sites and apps may not be exempt from the risks described above, so you’ll probably want to exercise caution when using them.

Discord: Text and voice chat with a (slight) gaming emphasis

Many people have heard of Discord only as a tool for teams to communicate while playing Call of Duty or World of Warcraft. Yet, it’s generally evolved into something much more than that. Although it was originally created for gamers, the company reported in 2020 that 70% of its users were not using it primarily for gaming. It’s mainly gained a reputation as a multipurpose messaging site that can be used to host online communities of all kinds.

With a free account, Discord users can enter personal servers to communicate with friends, but there are also many servers open to the public. Each server typically hosts dozens of channels where you can exchange text messages or even voice chats with users from around the web. Discord generally has servers for a wide range of purposes, including the following: 

• Streaming and discussing games
• Creating art
• Bringing together fans of particular TV shows, YouTube channels, podcasts, etc.
• Chatting about filmmaking or other creative pursuits
• Talking about sports (and fantasy sports)
• Exchanging memes

There may also be some servers where users can simply talk about anything with no topic limitations. ChillZone may be one of the best-known servers for this, but there can be many others.

Many of Discord’s public servers are moderated, though this may often be handled by bots or volunteers. This app may not be a complete free-for-all, but there’s no guarantee that you won’t see offensive or upsetting content. 

Twitch: Streaming-focused chat spaces

Twitch is another platform originally centered around gaming that’s grown far beyond its initial purpose. The app is still built around the channels of content creators who stream live videos for their audiences, but it’s generally no longer just about playing and commenting on games.

Thanks to the rise of “TwitchIRL,” it’s now possible for streamers to talk about anything and everything, and this less-structured content seems to be overtaking game-related streamers in popularity. (Of course, there are still plenty of game streaming channels for those who are interested.)

A big part of Twitch’s appeal for many users is the ability to chat with one another or with the streamers they’re watching. Many channels have developed into tight-knit online communities. And the discussion doesn’t necessarily end when the stream does — users often arrange to hop into other channels to continue conversing there. 

Even if you’re not particularly interested in watching a live stream while talking, there are often “Just Chat” channels dedicated entirely to hosting conversations. Twitch can be a great place to talk and bond with people over common interests.

Telegram: Cross-platform messaging site for those with safety concerns

If you like the idea of a free messaging service with built-in safety features, you may be interested in Telegram. This service generally enables chat groups ranging from small-group threads for close friends to large-scale discussion forums. 

Some have argued that Telegram may not be as reliable as it claims. Regardless of how safe it is, you probably can’t be too careful about discussing sensitive information over the internet. However, as long as you remain cautious, Telegram can be a great resource for meeting and interacting with new people.

Connecting with a therapist can also help with loneliness

While online chat groups may ease feelings of isolation, they typically can’t provide the same kind of dedicated mental health support as a licensed therapist. If you’re struggling with depression , anxiety, or other negative emotions related to loneliness, it may be best to seek help from a professional. These days, you can do that online, too. 

Benefits of seeking help through online therapy

Platforms like BetterHelp can empower you to conduct therapy sessions remotely, which can be a fast and convenient way to find a therapist. It may also be a more comfortable option if you find in-person social interactions difficult. 

A 2020 study investigated the efficacy of online cognitive behavioral therapy for loneliness. It found that the online intervention generally decreased the amount of time participants spent feeling lonely , suggesting that online therapy may be a valid form of treatment for feelings of loneliness.

Where do people go online to chat?

If you’re wondering where to chat online, there are many group chat rooms to available. From Discord to Twitch to Telegram , various platforms exist to connect with individual users or groups of people around the world about specific topics.

Sites and apps that facilitate conversations between strangers carry a degree of risk. Public chat rooms may attract scammers, expose your computer or phone to malware, and create an open forum for bullying. Incognito chat rooms may provide a more supportive and moderated environment, but it may be beneficial to continue exercising caution.

What is the best site to chat discreetly?

If you like the idea of a free messaging service with built-in safety features, you may be interested in Telegram. This online, free service enables chat groups ranging from small-group threads for close friends to large-scale discussion forums. 

Though you can use Telegram to create your own chat room with friends and co-workers, it also hosts thousands of group chat threads where you can talk with people you don’t already know. Some may be dedicated to topics like pop culture, philosophy, and images from around the world, while others can function as unstructured hangouts. There’s also a special feature that may enable you to connect with users and groups close to your location in an incognito chat.

Regardless of how safe the app claims to be, there is always a risk associated with chatting with strangers online and it may still be beneficial to avoid discussing sensitive information.

Are there any free chat sites?

Yes, there are many free chat sites. You can choose from social media platforms, dedicated chat room apps, messaging apps, online forums, and anonymous chat apps. A few examples of these include:

• Chatroulette

Which is the most popular site to use to chat online?

Little data is available to point to one chat site as the most popular overall. However, certain chat sites, such as Discord, have experienced a surge in popularity following the COVID-19 pandemic. The app now has more than 140 million users. 

What is the safest chat room?

No chat room is completely safe. Despite the potential advantages of chat rooms, there are still potential hazards associated with chatting with strangers online, particularly if you’re interested in connecting via video chat. 

Online chat spaces can be popular among scammers because they provide a large source of potential targets. Avoid sending money, personal details, or explicit photos of yourself to people you haven’t met in person. You also may want to make it a rule not to download software or click on links sent to you in chat rooms. Doing so could leave your computer infected with malware.

There may also be mental health risks associated with spending excessive time in online chats. These kinds of discussions often have little moderation. As a result, they may be targeted by people who are more interested in abusing or belittling people than having a friendly discussion. Some may even post content encouraging self-harming behaviors. This content is usually removed quickly from mainstream social media sites, but smaller personal chats may not be as effectively moderated. 

Large chat sites are more likely to have policies in place to help keep users safe, including content moderation, virus scanners, and terms of use. A few examples of these include Discord, Twitch, Telegram, Signal, and Paltalk.

Do chat rooms still exist?

Yes, chat rooms still exist. The online chat room is still a popular means to easily communicate with strangers and new friends. People may use group chat rooms (or an incognito chat room) for various reasons including:

• Interacting with other people if they cannot leave their home
• Alleviating boredom
• Expressing their feelings 
• Meeting new friends online
• Connecting with others facing similar experiences
• Seeking support during challenging times

Is it safe to use the Omegle chatroom?

Omegle was a free chat room website that connected people to random strangers. Though the virtual space was used to connect new people and nurture an online dating scene, it was also frequently used to spread inappropriate content. For several years, the website faced accusations that it enabled sexual predators to thrive online. In 2021, a woman sued Omegle for matching her into a random chat with an older man who sexually exploited her when she was 11-years old. The website, and the free chat rooms associated with it, was shut down in November 2023 .

Is using a messaging app or online community forum safe?

• Helpful Chatrooms Online For Mental Health: Chat Room Guide Medically reviewed by April Justice , LICSW
• Is It Normal To Talk To Random People Online In Chat Rooms? Medically reviewed by Karen Foster , LPC
• Relationships and Relations

11 Online Chat Alternatives That Don't Come With Omegle's Baggage

This past November, Omegle shut down . For many, Omegle was a site where you could hop on and be connected with an assortment of strangers and chat over text or video. Of course, that idea has some major negatives. Namely, letting complete strangers of all types meet on a mostly unmoderated site, with the option available to surf through a completely unmoderated side.

Unfortunately, many users on Omegle encountered harrowing results, with the least sinister of them being flashed by strangers. Things only get worse from there. In 2021, a young woman sued Omegle for an incident that occurred when she was 11. Said incident involved her being matched on Omegle with a serial predator. The girl's abuse over the internet at the hands of the predator lasted for nearly four years.

And that's far from the only case. There are many stories of young people encountering harrowing situations on Omegle. The aforementioned lawsuit made a big point to showcase the "defective design" and lack of proper warnings on the site. The lawsuit highlights that the site only had a warning that any user must be 18 or over, or be 13 and up with parental supervision. However, there was no actual gateway beyond that. To use Omegle, you didn't even need to verify your age.

With all that baggage in mind, surely there are other similar services that don't carry quite the same risk. Good news is — there is. In fact, there are plenty of online chat alternatives that don't come with the issues that Omegle faced. What makes a good service depends on what you value in a site like Omegle, but generally, the safer, the better. A simple user interface goes a long way as well, as Omegle was a very easy site to use.

Chatroulette

If you can remember some of the earlier days of the modern internet, you can surely remember one of the pioneers in random video chat, Chatroulette. Launched in 2009, the platform instantly connected users with strangers through video, offering a thrilling and unpredictable experience. With a click of a button, users are paired with a random stranger for a face-to-face conversation.

Chatroulette thrives on spontaneity, and that's precisely what sets it apart. The platform's algorithm ensures that each connection is a surprise, making every interaction an adventure. This element of randomness opens the door to diverse conversations with people from various cultures and backgrounds, making it a truly global experience.

Navigating Chatroulette is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly interface. The minimalist design allows users to focus on the essence of the platform — connecting with others. With features like instant video chat and text messaging, Chatroulette provides a seamless and immersive experience for those seeking spontaneous and genuine connections.

While the openness of Chatroulette is part of its charm, the platform has implemented safety measures to enhance the user experience. Over the years, Chatroulette has taken steps to curb inappropriate content and maintain a positive environment. One major step in that direction is requiring a login. While unappealing to some, requiring a login can go a long way toward curbing some of the worst issues Omegle faced.

Chatspin introduces a unique feature with its face mask filters, which allow an extra layer of anonymity on top of the standard anonymity that comes with using these kinds of chat sites. Another standout feature of Chatspin is its array of filters that allow users to customize their search criteria. Filters range from region and gender to interests and language, giving you the power to control your chat experience. This level of personalization sets Chatspin apart, ensuring that each interaction aligns more closely with your preferences.

Chatspin recognizes the importance of connecting with a global audience. With multi-language support, the platform breaks down language barriers, enabling users from different parts of the world to engage in meaningful conversations. This inclusivity adds a dynamic layer to Chatspin, making it an attractive option for those looking to explore diverse cultures and perspectives.

One caveat is that if you would prefer to do text-only chatting, the process can be a little annoying on Chatspin. The site will repeatedly warn you that the site is made for video chatting, before finally letting you do chat only.

The platform employs robust moderation tools to create a secure environment for users. The reporting system on Chatspin allows community members to flag inappropriate behavior, ensuring that the Chatspin stays safe.

Shagle sets itself apart by providing a range of features that cater to diverse preferences. From traditional video chat to gender and location filters, the platform allows users to customize their interactions. The availability of features like virtual masks adds to the overall air of customization on Shagle.

For those who prefer a more targeted approach to meeting new people, Shagle incorporates gender and location filters. This functionality allows users to refine their search criteria, ensuring that each connection aligns more closely with their preferences. Whether you're looking for conversations with users from a specific region, or sharing thoughts with individuals of a particular gender, Shagle's filters provide control over your online interactions.

Shagle embraces creativity with the virtual masks, which come in a wide range of items ranging from bunny ears to a Hunter S. Thompson filter. For those who prioritize anonymity, Shagle provides options to blur or obscure parts of the video feed, allowing users to control the level of disclosure during interactions.

Of the various online chat sites, Shagle stands out as having one of the best interfaces available. No login is required to use Shagle, but there are many features that require logging in, which marks a good incentive to actually make an account.

CamSurf boasts a user-friendly interface that simplifies the video chat experience. The platform's design ensures that users can effortlessly navigate through the site, making it accessible to individuals of all technological proficiencies. CamSurf's intuitive layout ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience, which helps it stand out among some of the clunkier options available.

One of the big downsides of CamSurf is its lackluster filtering options, which don't go very far. Especially when they're locked behind logging in, they really don't allow for too much filtering of users. Being able to filter by country and age can be important for safety, and locking those features behind logging in does limit the site's safety features.

However, the platform maintains a strict stance against inappropriate behavior, ensuring that users can help to keep the platform safe. The reporting system empowers the community to actively contribute to the platform's safety, making CamSurf a reliable space for users seeking secure online interactions.

Perhaps the biggest standout of CamSurf is its mobile app, which is one of the best available for these services. Whereas some other apps feel like something you could do yourself with Safari shortcuts on your iPhone, CamSurf feels like a great dedicated mobile app.

Tinychat's claim to fame is its strong emphasis on group video chat. While most chat platforms focus on one-on-one interactions, Tinychat thrives on the energy of communal conversations. Users can create or join existing chat rooms, facilitating discussions with multiple participants simultaneously. This group-oriented approach adds a social dynamic to the platform, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy shared experiences.

One of Tinychat's standout features is its customizable chat rooms, allowing users to personalize their online space. Users can create themed rooms based on shared interests, hobbies, or topics, creating a sense of identity within the Tinychat community. Most online chat sites don't have a real sense of community in the same way that the average social media site does. However, Tinychat has the closest you can get on a site like this.

Although it doesn't capture the truly random experience that Omegle has, the site offers a great way to chat with like-minded folks of similar interests. It also has a solid mobile app, which isn't too common on this list.

A small caveat to note about Tinychat is that there are a ton of ads on the site. While some features are locked behind logging in, getting rid of the ads is further tiered behind a paid subscription to Tinychat.

At the core of Chatrandom's appeal is its commitment to delivering truly random video chat experiences. The platform's algorithm ensures that users are connected with strangers from different locations and backgrounds, injecting an element of unpredictability into each interaction. This randomness sets the stage for exciting and diverse conversations, making Chatrandom a space for social exploration.

Chatrandom incorporates filters that allow users to refine their matches based on gender, country, and interests. This additional layer of control ensures that users can tailor their experience, connecting with individuals who align with their preferences and interests, whether they're looking for casual conversations or more specific connections.

One of Chatrandom's most interesting features is a swipe system similar to that popularized by Tinder . However, Chatrandom's swipes are more based on swiping over to a new chat. The intuitive UI of Chatrandom also includes the best flagging and reporting setup on any of these sites, which is definitely a plus in the safety column. Moreover, some of its more robust features are locked behind logging in, which adds incentive to do so.

Fruzo is a bit of an oddball in this environment, as it's technically an offshoot of Chatrandom. Fruzo in particular is made specifically with the intention of chatting to make friends or date online. Of course, a random chat site is one of the worst ways to approach either thing, but the randomized chat experience of Fruzo can be taken as it is while ignoring the specific intention of actually meeting people.

Given the nature of Fruzo (it was made for meeting people), you can pay for a more controlled experience where you can actually choose who you speak to on the platform. It also has the face mask filters of other similar platforms. The platform seems well-filtered, but it is notable that it has one of the weaker UIs of the various chat platforms. If you ever fostered genuine connections on Omegle and would like a similar site that's centered around that experience, Fruzo is a great alternative.

Emerald Chat

What sets Emerald Chat apart is its focus on providing users with structured conversations based on shared interests. Upon entering the platform, users are prompted to select topics or categories they find engaging. Emerald Chat then pairs people with similar interests, fostering conversations that are not solely based on chance but on shared passions.

The platform offers both text and video chat options, allowing individuals to choose the mode that best suits their comfort level. Whether you prefer the spontaneity of face-to-face conversations or the thoughtful exchange of text messages, Emerald Chat accommodates a variety of communication styles. Those text chats can also be group chats as well. The site also maintains a generally positive environment. The platform employs community moderation tools to ensure that conversations are safe and civil. Additionally, users can provide feedback on the quality of their interactions, allowing the community to actively contribute to the platform's integrity.

Emerald Chat combines functionality with a user-friendly interface. Navigating the platform is intuitive, and the inclusion of webcam effects adds a playful element to video chats. Users can enhance their visual experience with filters and effects, contributing to a more enjoyable and engaging interaction.

Bazoocam's allure lies in its fusion of random video chat with creative features. Users are connected with strangers for face-to-face conversations, as usual; what sets Bazoocam apart is the incorporation of games and visual effects during chats. This twist adds an element of surprise and entertainment to each interaction, making the platform into a playground for spontaneous and imaginative conversations.

One standout feature of Bazoocam is the availability of games and challenges that users can participate in during video chats. From simple icebreakers to more elaborate games, these interactive elements foster engagement and create a lighthearted atmosphere. This innovative approach adds a layer of fun to the random connections, making Bazoocam a playful alternative for those who enjoy a bit of entertainment during their online socializing.

While Bazoocam embraces randomness of connections, it also offers users the option to filter matches based on geography and language. These filters provide a degree of personalization, allowing users to connect with individuals who share similar backgrounds or speak the same language. This combination of randomness and choice adds versatility to the Bazoocam experience.

Navigating Bazoocam is straightforward, with a user-friendly interface that puts the focus on spontaneous interactions. The platform also implements safety measures to ensure a positive experience for users. Reporting tools empower the community to address inappropriate behavior, and Bazoocam's moderation system maintains a respectful and enjoyable environment.

LiveMe stands out by combining live streaming capabilities with random video chat features. Users have the option to broadcast themselves in real time, sharing their experiences and talents, or simply engaging in casual conversations. This convergence of live streaming and video chat makes LiveMe the most unique option available.

A distinctive feature of LiveMe is its emphasis on interactive broadcasting. Users can showcase their creativity, musical talents, or everyday activities, inviting real-time commentary and engagement from viewers. This unique blend of live content creation and interaction distinguishes LiveMe as a platform that goes beyond traditional random video chats, which helps to build a sense of community that is all too rare on this kind of site.

LiveMe introduces a virtual gifting system that allows viewers to send gifts to broadcasters as a form of recognition and appreciation. This feature adds an element of gamification to the platform, encouraging positive interactions and creating a supportive environment for content creators. However, this does have the drawback that every other streaming gifting system can have, such as folks keeping up overly simplistic, long chats for gifts.

LiveMe has strong moderation tools to ensure a secure and respectful environment. Users can report inappropriate content or behavior, and the platform actively addresses such concerns. This commitment to safety is crucial in maintaining a positive atmosphere for both content creators and viewers.

In the realm of Omegle alternatives, Chitchat stands as a beacon of simplicity in online interactions. If you're seeking a straightforward text-based chat platform without the frills, Chitchat offers a minimalist yet engaging space for those who just want to text chat with a stranger.

Chitchat differentiates itself by focusing solely on text-based conversations. There are no video or audio elements on the site. This simplicity creates an environment where users can engage in meaningful conversations without the distractions of multimedia, allowing the power of language to take center stage.

Navigating Chitchat is refreshingly uncomplicated. The platform's user-friendly interface is as simple as entering interests, and then chatting. You can skip chats, as well as report chatters, who are given randomly designated usernames.

Chitchat embraces the randomness of connections by pairing users from around the world for text-based conversations. If you used Omegle a lot for purely text-based interactions, Chitchat is probably the best alternative in terms of simplicity while also rising above some of the worst features of Omegle.

Recommended

Best chat apps

The best chat apps for mobile let you send texts, share photos and even make video calls

Get one of the best chat apps loaded onto your phone, and you never have to worry about staying in touch. And staying in touch with friends and family is exactly what you'll want to do, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to keep us from being together in person.

There's no shortage of chat apps available for both Android and iPhones, but the best ones blend texting, voice and video chat. Some focus on the ability to play games with the folks on the other end of the line, while others make it easy to swap pictures. And some chat apps have even gotten into collaboration and productivity, helping people stay connected with colleagues when they're stuck working remotely.

• Best video chat apps let you see who you're talking to
• Find the best WhatsApp alternatives

The default chat apps on your phone — both Apple and Google make their own Messages app for iOS and Android, respectively — pack in a lot of features. But if you're looking for a different focus or some speciality capabilities, these are the best chat apps for taking your conversations in a different direction.

The best chat apps for Android and iOS

Signal is the most popular chat app at the moment, as people flock to this encrypted chat app in the wake of concerns of privacy on Facebook Messenger and other apps. Signal's become so popular recently, that the service has had a hard time keeping up with demand .

You can understand why people consider signal to be the best chap app. Folding in both of Open Whisper Systems' private messaging and calling apps RedPhone and TextSecure, Signal is an all-in-one messaging and voice call solution that uses end-to-end military grade encryption. You can send text, voice, group messages, media and attachments. Ease of use and strong, open source, regularly audited encryption makes it a favorite of the security conscious, with accolades from the likes of Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates.

If you're interested in giving this chat app a try, check out our guide to getting started with Signal .

• Download Signal: Android , iOS

Chatting is all well and good, but sometimes when you link up with friends over a messaging app, you also want an element of fun and games. That's exactly what Houseparty delivers, as a video chat app that also lets you play interactive quizzes and other games while enjoying some face-to-face time with your friends.

There's definitely an orientation toward teens with Houseparty, but others are finding and using the app to stay connected in this shelter-in-place age. You'll get an alert when your friends are "in the house" — using the app and ready to chat, basically — and starting a game is as easy as clicking the dice icon in the app's window.

Houseparty lets you chat with 10 people at a time, and while that's up from a previous limit of eight, it still feels positively exclusive at a time when rival apps are expanding the number of people allowed into chats.

• Download Houseparty: Android , iOS

Viber is easy to set up and offers a variety of options after a series of updates to this top chat app. The general idea remains the same, though: Viber uses your phone number as your login, and the app syncs with your phone to help you find Viber-using contacts. 

You can use this app to send text, stickers and emoticons, photos, voice and video messages for free to other Viber users. The Viber Out feature lets you call non-Viber numbers and landline phones worldwide (for a fee). 

Viber has ushered in interface changes that speed up messaging performance, and you can make video calls with up to 20 users. A self-destructing message feature — only available in secret chats originally — is included in all one-on-one chats if you don't want your texts lingering.. 

• Download Viber: Android , iOS

A mobile messaging app for the post-Snowden age, Telegram is aimed squarely at the security conscious user. Telegram features fast, encrypted chat messaging, with client-server encryption for standard chats. A Secure Chat mode provides end-to-end encryption so that only you and your intended recipient can read it. You can even set messages to self-destruct. You can share videos, documents and participate in group chats of up to 200 users.

If you want to find out more, we've got a guide that explains what Is Telegram and how to use it .

• Download Telegram: Android , iOS

Facebook Messenger

While Facebook's attitude toward user data has turned off some users, Facebook Messenger remains a popular choice among the best chat apps. And there's a good reason people stick with the service: Not only does Messenger draw on Facebook's extensive reach, allowing you to message all your friends on the social network, Facebook continues to add features. Last year, for example, launched Facebook Messenger Rooms , a video chat feature that will support up to 50 people. Messenger users can now chat with people on Instagram without having to fire up that app.

Even with the constant influx of features, Facebook Messenger works as it did before. Users sign in via Facebook and can send other users the usual chat messages, as well as voice messages and voice and video calls to other Messenger users, with extra features like GIF support and photo and location sharing. And Facebook has continually updated Messenger's look, with an emphasis lately on making things more streamlined.

• Download Facebook Messenger: Android , iOS

WhatsApp may be part of the Facebook family, and it may be adding many Messenger features as Facebook looks to unify its messaging offerings. But WhatsApp retains a passionate user base who consider this the best chat app for their needs. Some of those users have flocked to other apps, though, after WhatsApp changed its policy on personal data, forcing you to share more data with Facebook.

Users who've stuck with WhatsApp can send text, photos, voice and short video messages to their WhatsApp contacts. The app has continuously added new features to its toolkit, such as emoji, and fully encrypted messaging between WhatsApp users. Like Messenger, WhatsApp include video chat features, with 50 people able to join a call.

You can learn about most of the app's features from our guide on how to use WhatsApp , but be sure to keep the app updated to add new features and safeguard against attacks.

• Download WhatsApp: Android , iOS

Productivity and team-oriented messaging app Slack has been a hit for corporations and casual users alike with its mix of messaging, scheduling, management tools, and app integration. Slack covers your IM basics with real-time messaging synced across devices and also supports file sharing, direct and group messaging tools. 

In addition, the app features a system of chat channels, allowing you to quickly set up subgroups for task or topic-oriented discussions. Slack archives your communications, allowing you to search through old messages, channels and shared files, and includes integration with a variety of services such as cloud storage, Asana, Zendesk and more. 

Premium plans provide more features, such as expanded file storage and better app integration. Check out our favorite Slack tips and tricks.  

• Download Slack: Android , iOS

Microsoft Teams

If your company already takes advantage of Microsoft's Office 365, then you could do just as well with Microsoft Teams, the tech giant's own productivity-oriented messaging app. 

Teams offers a rich set of features, from your basic group messaging, chat channels and organization tools to video and voice calls and file sharing. You get a fully searchable chat, customizable notifications, enterprise security and compliance features, and integration across the entire Office suite of tools and a variety of other services. Teams requires an Office 365 account.

Microsoft keeps adding a number of features aimed at people who want to stay productive during the pandemic, including a dynamic view for presentations and the ability to have 1,000 people join in on a call . Rival Zoom offers high call limits, too, but you need a large meeting add-on from that service.

• Download Microsoft Teams: Android , iOS

For a messaging and collaboration app that's less formal and business-like, check out Band, a group chat and coordination platform that's designed for more informal groups like friends, family, study groups or your neighborhood sports team. 

Users can create custom groups and invite their friends, broadcasting general announcements through a community board while also providing more focused private chats. Group members can share files, create photo albums, participate in polls, and coordinate events with a shared calendar, giving you a robust toolkit for everyday messaging and group coordination tasks.

• Download Band: Android , iOS

Exactly as the name implies, GroupMe is a social messaging app with group conversations in mind. Once you've got a user account set up, you can easily create groups and add contacts by searching for them through phone numbers or email address for easy solo and group chatting. 

GroupMe's feature set covers your basics with emojis, stickers, and GIFs, as well as URL content previews within the chat window. There's even support for group chats over SMS, for relatives and contacts who don't have a smartphone. A neat feature we liked is the inclusion of an in-app Gallery that helps you keep track of photos and videos shared in your groups. 

• Download GroupMe: Android , iOS

With more than 1 billion users, WeChat is looking to extend its reach globally beyond China where it's become a very popular chat app. 

WeChat provides users with free mobile instant messaging, video and voice calls, group chat, and multimedia messaging (images, video, audio, stickers, etc). Up to 500 people can  take part in chats, while a Time Capsule feature gives you the ability to create video messages that disappear after a day.

The app also includes quirky features such as "Friend Radar," "People Nearby" and "Shake" to quickly find new people to chat with nearby. Android Wear and Apple Watch apps are also available if you want to take your chats to your wrist.

• Download WeChat: Android , iOS

As WeChat is to China so is Line to Japan. But Line has expanded beyond its home base to now serve more than 600 million users worldwide. 

Line ranks among the best chat apps by providing chat, photo, video, and audio messaging, along with lively stickers and location sharing, as well as a social network-like Timeline system. The app's got support for monstrously large group conversations and calls with up to 200 participants, and also has a provision for making paid international calls to mobile and landline numbers. 

In addition, Line lets users follow their favorite brands, celebrities, and companies with official channels so that you can get the latest buzz about them. A Keep features makes it easy to store particular images, messages and videos so that you can reshare them with friends.

• Download Line: Android , iOS

Discord has quickly become one of the best go-to apps for gamers looking to communicate and coordinate both in and out of game. Featuring robust voice and text chat features, Discord allows users to create and join group servers and organize discussion around named text and voice channels for easily compartmentalizing discussion threads. 

Users can engage in voice chat, send text and photo messages, and easily send invite links to servers for their contacts. Gamers will particularly enjoy a Go Live feature that lets you broadcast gameplay privately to up to 10 friends in your Discord server's voice channel.

While Discord is free, a $9.99/month Nitro subscription provides premium features like animated avatars, custom emoji and expanded upload limits for photos and files.

• Download Discord: Android , iOS

Snapchat rose up the ranks of the best chat apps as a simple self-destructing photo and video sharing and messaging app. But the addition of nw features have helped Snapchat stay popular among younger users. 

At the app's core, users can send each other Snaps — photos, short videos, or messages that are only visible for a limited time before disappearing. But Snapchat has added more features such as funny filters and photo editing tools, a more advanced story sharing system, bitmojis, and adaptive chat. And even with those changes, Snapchat hasn't lost that nebulous sense of cool that's helped keep it relevant in the fast evolving social media landscape. 

• Download Snapchat: Android , iOS

While Microsoft's Skype is best known for its video and voice call functionality, the app also boasts a reasonably robust instant messaging system. It lets you send text, photos and even short video messages to other Skype users, even when they're not online. Additionally, you can use Skype Credits to make calls to mobile phones and landlines. 

Cross-platform functionality between desktop and mobile, business-friendly features in Skype's professional versions, and the app's sheer ubiquity have kept the old warhorse relevant even in the face of stiff mobile competition. Microsoft is also looking to increase the power of bots in Skype , as it works to enable artificially intelligent programs to handle tasks like reservations.

• Download Skype: Android , iOS

Voxer takes a more voice-oriented approach than a lot of the other best chat apps, allowing users to send voice messages similar to a walkie-talkie or push-to-talk device. 

Users can listen to messages live in-app or play back messages like voice mail later on; they can also send and receive text, photos, videos, and location messages. In addition to direct messaging, the app supports groups of up to 500 individuals, and optional encrypted messaging using the Signal protocol. 

Voxer is free, but a premium subscription unlocks features such as unlimited message history, message recall, admin controls for group chats, a hands-free walkie-talkie mode, and an option for an extra loud Extreme Notifications mode for noisy environments.

• Download Voxer: Android , iOS

European firm Wire Swiss offers its own feature-rich encrypted messenger that's compliant with European data protection laws. Wire features end-to-end encryption for text messages, voice and video calls, with support for GIFs, audio and video clips, and sketches, and local and Dropbox file sharing. 

The app also offers multiplatform cross-device syncing and support for multiple accounts, allowing you to separate personal and work communications. Wire uses its own Proteus encryption protocol inspired by Signal, and its code is open source and subject to external security audits. The mobile and web versions of Wire are free, with a premium tier available for businesses. 

• Download Wire: Android ,  iOS

Wickr Me is a free end-to-end encrypted-messaging app that allows users to send private, self-destructing messages (text, photo, video, and voice) to other Wickr contacts. 

The app takes user privacy seriously, using strong encryption and deleting metadata such as geotags and message times, and users can configure how long it takes for messages to self-destruct. A Secure Shredder included in the app even allows you to securely erase attached files, messages and other data to prevent recovery. 

Security is a point of pride for Wickr; there's even a $100,000 bug-bounty program for anyone who gets in touch with the company to point out a security flaw.

• Download Wickr Me: Android , iOS

Threema is a mobile end-to-end encrypted messaging app that uses the NaCl cryptography library to protect your communications. When you fire up the app, it generates a unique Threema ID key, allowing you to use the app completely anonymously, with the option of associating it with an email address or phone number, and scannable QR codes available for user verification. 

In addition to the usual raft of messaging features such as encrypted text, voice, picture and video messaging, Threema includes file sharing (20MB per file), group messaging and a polling system for getting feedback from friends and contacts.

• Download Threema: Android , iOS

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