Signal requires your phone number, which is not only quite bad for privacy, but also easy to block 2FA for your government if it decides it doesn't like private chats.

xmpp + omemo. Signal is centralized, matrix leaks tons of metadata to sync between services...

Both are options that I'm personally not too fond of, but can nonetheless respect that these probably fit the threat model of some people. Signal is not self hostable, not all that private (still better than whatsapp atleast), and it's servers are located in the States. Does have some FOSS clients like molly atleast.

Matrix is a bit more complicated in my opinion. While the protocol itself is fine, the history behind it is what makes me not want to use it personally. Namely, it being a project that emerged from Amdocs, an Israeli telecommunications company previously suspected of eavesdropping and spying on people. While open-source and self-hostable, it has a network effect going on where everyone registers on the main instance and self-hosting is apparently incredibly resource intensive. Plus, most instances require you to give an email address.

Personally, I'd recommend looking into GNU Jami and XMPP. XMPP may not have encryption as a built-in component of the protocol in the way that it is with Matrix, it nonetheless exists as an option and there's plenty of no-email-required instances. XMPP is also less resource intensive to self host should you wish to do that.

Jami doesn't work with servers but is instead distributed and peer-to-peer along with being libre software. Only knock against this one is that the desktop client is based on electron, which isn't a problem for me personally but there are people who're nonetheless opinionated about that.

well what are your criteria? Asking for advice without saying what you need isn't tremendously useful and, as has happened, mostly just results in people recommending whatever they personally use for whatever reasons.

@jksalcedo

Without a doubt, #DeltaChat: open source, free, and privacy-friendly.
Matrix is a good option, but it’s too complicated for ordinary people who aren’t tech-savvy, while Signal relies on Amazon and Google’s servers...

Matrix is only really enjoyable with unencrypted chats.

I have fairly recently switched phones. Now, a good number of older messenges fail to decrypt. Even when I don't switch devices, a group chat for a three day long event with a very small group already gave us lots of fun decryption errors. Oh, and I have this other fun group chat where Fluffy Chat constantly reminds me that people whose devices I haven't verified will be able to read my messenges every time I send something. Also, Matrix has coutless clients with different feature sets and I heard calls are a pain to ßet up.

Signal, on the other hand, just works. Federation and decentralization is obviously nice but a functional product is more importmant. I haven't had a chance to try XMPP unfortunately.

XMPP

Delta chat and session (RIP): they dont ask for accounts or ID to chat

Both. Signal for friends and family. Matrix for fedi friends.

Matrix is just far too convoluted. Signal seems to be the easiest one to use. SimpleX is the best.

I think Matrix sucks honestly. Issues with encryption making messages unreadable, outdated clients that all have or lack different features, extremely slow development, not prioritizing features that would pull users from apps like Discord and make it a more attractive platform for the average person.

Encryption is cool and good and necessary, but Matrix will never be mainstream and even something relatively new like Fluxer, which is an unencrypted and open source Discord clone, is going to be more popular once it gets out of beta if it isn't already. Strictly due to usability.

They serve different purposes because Matrix is built more for communities and Signal for instant messaging. But if you're deciding between any sort of encrypted messaging app, I strongly prefer DeltaChat, which is basically a WhatsApp clone in the way it looks and functions. It is not good for large communities because it doesn't have "servers" and "channels" and all users have the same authority. Meaning anyone can invite and kick anyone else from any chat. But it beats Signal since you don't need to give it any personal information.

Currently using Signal. If Canada passes Bill C-22 Signal will leave so I'll have to find another messenger app.

SimpleX seems like a good one. Doesn't use Google notifications which is great for degoogled devices. Set it to check every 10 minutes instead of constantly and it's very easy on the battery. Messages come in right away if the app is open, such as when having a conversation with a contact.

Edit: SimpleX is also very easy to use, as simple as Signal. This is important to get non-tech people on-board.

Signal. The app is miles better. I do use matrix too tho for some communities and for keeping an eye for the development

What really helps with such decisions is your use model and threat model. Then a nice matrix that compares them all. Haven't come across a good updated comparison in a while. Would be good to see a shared link here.

Signal. I use it with frs and family. No need for hosting Matrix for now.

As an actual usable service with feature forward apps? Signal. But I prefer the relative discretion of matrix. I like more layers between me and the rest of the world in my private communications

Matrix, Signal's too centralised and XMPP is good just reserved for important use, not as popular, easy to use or convenient as Matrix.

@jksalcedo Delta chat is the best

I prefer SecureBit Chat . No account, P2P, EE2E, Quantum resistent.

Signal is more like WhatsApp, Element/Matrix is aiming to be more like Telegram or Discord.

IRC is the best (jk)

Matrix for maximum protection

Signal for non-techie family and friends who are not also vendors on the Darknet