Tox as a Linux alternative to WhatsApp
Updated
Our verdict
Tox can replace WhatsApp for users who prioritize privacy and don't rely on phone-number-based contacts. It supports encrypted texts, voice and video calls, file transfers, and group chats without central servers. However, it lacks mobile-first design and seamless sync across devices, making it less convenient than WhatsApp for casual users. If you're technically comfortable, don't mind setting up a new contact system, and want full control over your data, Tox is a solid alternative. It's not ideal if you depend on staying in touch with people who won't switch.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 4.67.1
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- End-to-end encryption for messages and calls
- Voice and video calling over internet
- Group chat support with encryption
- Cross-platform clients including Linux, Windows, and mobile
- File transfer capability
What is different
- Tox uses generated IDs instead of phone numbers, so finding contacts requires sharing IDs manually
- No automatic mobile-desktop sync; devices operate independently
- No cloud backups or message history sync across devices
- Smaller user base, making adoption harder
- Less polished mobile experience compared to WhatsApp
Opening your WhatsApp files
Tox does not support importing WhatsApp chat history, media, or contacts directly. There's no standard tool to convert or import .txt exports from WhatsApp. Media files sent via Tox are stored locally in user-defined directories but use standard formats (like MP4, JPG, PNG) that can be viewed outside the app. Since both apps encrypt data in transit, but use incompatible protocols, there's no way to migrate conversations or attachments between them.
Switching from WhatsApp to Tox, step by step
- Install a Tox client like qTox on Linux (available in Debian and Ubuntu repos)
- Generate your Tox ID and share it with contacts
- Ask your contacts to install Tox and add your ID
- Use QR code or alphanumeric ID to add friends
- Set up profile, avatar, and status
- Start messaging, calling, or sending files peer-to-peer
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
Can I use Tox without a phone number?
Yes, Tox generates a unique ID instead of requiring a phone number. You share this ID to connect with others.
Is Tox really encrypted?
Yes, all communication in Tox—messages, calls, and file transfers—is end-to-end encrypted by default using strong cryptography.
Do I need to keep my computer on for Tox to work?
Yes, because it's peer-to-peer, the recipient must be online for messages or calls. There's no central server to store messages when offline.
2 other alternatives to WhatsApp
Signal DesktopEnd-to-end encrypted messenger for text, voice, and video calls, requiring a paired phone account.Open sourceFreeFlatpakSignal Desktop vs WhatsApp
TelegramTelegram is a fast, secure, cloud‑based instant messenger with unlimited file sharing and cross‑device sync.Open sourceFreeFlatpakTelegram vs WhatsApp