Tox as a Linux alternative to Signal
Updated
Our verdict
Tox can replace Signal for users who need a fully peer‑to‑peer encrypted messenger on Linux. It supports one‑to‑one and group chats, voice and video calls, and file transfer without a central server. It is suitable for privacy‑conscious users who prefer a decentralized architecture. However, it lacks some of Signal’s polished UI, end‑to‑end encryption verification, and the same level of user‑friendly key management. For casual users who value simplicity, Signal may still be preferable.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 4.67.1
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both provide end‑to‑end encrypted text, voice, and video communication
- Both are free, open‑source and cross‑platform
- Both allow file and media sharing
What is different
- Signal uses a centralized server for contact discovery; Tox is fully peer‑to‑peer
- Signal offers a more polished, mobile‑friendly UI; Tox’s UI is more basic
- Signal’s key verification is built into the app; Tox requires manual trust setup
- Signal supports push notifications via a server; Tox relies on direct P2P notifications
- Signal’s group chats are managed by a server; Tox’s groups are optional password protected and fully decentralized
Opening your Signal files
Signal stores messages in an encrypted SQLite database that is not directly readable by Tox. There is no built‑in export feature that Tox can import. Users would need to manually copy media files or use third‑party tools to migrate message history, which is not supported out of the box.
Switching from Signal to Tox, step by step
- Install Tox client from your distribution’s repository (e.g., sudo apt install toxclient).
- Create a new Tox ID and share it with contacts via Signal or another medium.
- Add contacts by entering their Tox IDs or scanning QR codes.
- Export any media from Signal and manually upload it to Tox if needed.
- Adjust notification settings in Tox to match your preferences.
Key features of Tox
- End‑to‑end encrypted text chat
- Voice and video calls over P2P
- File transfer without a central server
- Cross‑platform clients (Linux, Windows, macOS)
- Group chats with optional password protection
- Customizable avatars and status messages
- Support for multiple accounts
- Open‑source codebase
How to install Tox on Linux
sudo apt install toxsudo apt install toxFrequently asked questions
Is Tox as secure as Signal?
Both use strong encryption, but Signal’s server‑based architecture allows automatic key verification and forward secrecy. Tox’s peer‑to‑peer design removes a central point of failure but requires users to manage trust manually.
Can I use Tox on my phone?
Yes, Tox has official clients for Android and iOS, though the iOS version is still in beta. The desktop experience is more mature.
Does Tox support push notifications?
Tox does not use a central server for notifications, so push notifications rely on the device’s native mechanisms and may be less reliable than Signal’s.
3 other alternatives to Signal
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