Tox

Spec sheet

Purpose

Tox is messaging software that connects users with friends and family for private communication.Read 9 Oct 2026 · tox.chat

Support

The About page directs general user support questions to Reddit forums or mailing lists and says emails asking the project for general support will be ignored.Read 9 Oct 2026 · tox.chat

Android client

The official client list includes aTox for Android.Read 9 Oct 2026 · tox.chat

Cryptography

The FAQ names Curve25519 for key exchanges, XSalsa20 for symmetric encryption, and Poly1305 for message authentication codes.Read 9 Oct 2026 · tox.chat

Decentralized network

Tox says it has no central servers and that its network is made up of its users.Read 9 Oct 2026 · tox.chat

Desktop client

The qTox client supports Windows, Linux, macOS, and FreeBSD, with text messaging, audio and video calls, screen sharing, file transfers, and text and audio group chats.Read 9 Oct 2026 · tox.chat

Development status

The download page warns that clients are alpha software under heavy development, may have usability bugs or security vulnerabilities, and have not had a professional security audit started.Read 9 Oct 2026 · tox.chat

Encryption

The FAQ says end-to-end encryption with perfect forward secrecy is the default and only mode for messages.Read 9 Oct 2026 · tox.chat

File sharing and groups

Tox supports file sharing without artificial limits or caps, plus group chats with chat, calls, video, and file sharing.Read 9 Oct 2026 · tox.chat

Messaging and calls

Tox supports instant messaging and encrypted voice calls.Read 9 Oct 2026 · tox.chat

Privacy limitation

Tox says it does not cloak a user's IP address when communicating with friends, and that adding someone to contacts reveals the IP address to that person.Read 9 Oct 2026 · tox.chat

Project structure

Tox describes itself as a volunteer-developed free and open-source project, not a company or other legal organization.Read 9 Oct 2026 · tox.chat

Video and screen sharing

Tox supports video calls and desktop screen sharing.Read 9 Oct 2026 · tox.chat

Plans and prices

Every Tox plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• Encrypted Messaging Apps#29 of 437.4