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Tox

Rating: 3.8
User Satisfaction: 65%
Tox is a tool that enables encrypted, peer-to-peer messaging and calls so that users can connect without relying on central servers or having their conversations monitored.

Alternative To

Overview

Tox is an open-source messaging protocol and ecosystem that lets you chat, call (voice/video), share files and screens peer-to-peer (P2P)—without relying on central servers. It’s built for users who want more control and privacy. 

If you’re worried about surveillance, centralised servers being compromised or corporate data collection, Tox offers an alternative: your data doesn’t go through “the cloud” in the usual sense. The network is distributed, and the software is free and ad-free. For creators, activists or anyone when trust and privacy matter, Tox can be compelling.

Details

Tool Launch / Founded Date

Approx. 2013-06-23

Best for

Privacy-conscious individuals or groups Activists or teams avoiding centralised infrastructure Developers wanting a P2P messaging base or protocol alternative

Access Type

Free (open source) — you download a client, use for free, no adverts.

Licensing Model

Fully open-source. Users get full rights over software (modify, inspect). Communication rights follow client implementations.

Feature

  • P2P messaging with no central server controlling your data.
  • End-to-end encryption for all communication (text, voice, video, files).
  • Multi-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux, FreeBSD, Android, etc.) via different clients.
  • Voice calls, video calls, screen sharing, file transfer and group chat (depending on client) built into ecosystem. 
  • Free to use, open source, no adverts, no corporate server sits in the middle.

Pricing Tables

Free
$0 USD (Free Forever)
  • All features provided via open source software (text, voice, video, file sharing, group chat) as supported by chosen client.
  • No adverts, no forced paid upgrades. 
  • Usage is self-hosted/peer-hosted (via the network of peers) — you provide your own connectivity.

Analytics

Traffic Analysis

Domain Rating
67
Organic Traffic
3334
Majority Users
United States

Visits Over Time

No visit data found.

Traffic Sources

No traffic data found.

Last Update Date: 2025-11-18

FAQ

Can I use Tox to chat with anyone without installing anything? ▼
No — you (and your contact) need to install a Tox-compatible client. Because it’s peer-to-peer, both parties must run a client and have a valid Tox ID.
Can I use the output (i.e., chat transcripts, recordings, files) commercially? ▼
The software is open source so you have full rights for the software side. For content you share, you own whatever you create/share — but you should always check the specific client’s licensing and any residual metadata.
What happens if one of us goes offline? Will messages queue? ▼
Because it’s decentralized without a central server to buffer messages, some clients require the other user to be online for the message to deliver. Behavior depends on client implementation.
Does Tox integrate with other tools (Slack, Teams, etc.)? ▼
Integration support is limited — Tox is not built for enterprise workflows out of the box. If you need heavy integration, you may need to build custom tooling or pick a different messenger.
Does Tox collect my data or train on my content? ▼
No; there is no central server collecting your communications. The project is open-source and the network is peer-to-peer. That said, you should verify the client you use and ensure you trust the build.
What do I get on the “top plan” vs basic? ▼
There’s no paid tier — you get everything the client supports for free. The main difference in client features comes from which client you choose and how actively maintained it is.

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