Jami vs Messenger
Jami
jami.netMessenger
meta.comSide by side
| Figure | Jami | Messenger |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 8.8 (#2) | 8.0 (#17) |
| Encryption | Jami states that its communications use end-to-end encryption with perfect forward secrecy and comply with the X.509 standard. | Meta says Messenger personal messages are becoming end-to-end encrypted by default, protecting message and call content so Meta cannot see or listen to it in transit. |
| Founded | 2004 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Montreal, Quebec, Canada | Menlo Park, California, United States |
| Purpose | Jami is free/libre, end-to-end encrypted communication software for private messaging and calls. | Messenger is a free messaging app for staying in touch, exploring interests, building communities, and sharing. |
| Support | Jami directs users to its forum for questions and lists [email protected] as a contact address. | Meta’s Messenger site links to a Help Centre, business resources, developer resources, and privacy and safety information. |
Plans
In their own words
Jami
Jami is free/libre software for private messaging and calls, with end-to-end encrypted communications and peer-to-peer connections. It offers instant messaging, audio and video calls, group chats, and recorded audio and video messages. Users can hold video conferences and create rendezvous points without third-party hosting, as well as share files or screens and stream media. Jami says it does not require a server to relay data between users; it also states that communications use perfect forward secrecy and comply with the X.509 standard. One account can link multiple devices, and account creation does not require personal information. Jami can also function as a regular SIP client. Optional extensions include green screen, watermark, auto answer, local AI transcription, audio filter, and video segmentation. These extensions are unavailable to iOS users, and features vary by client. Platforms listed include Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows, along with API and extension access. Jami also provides an OpenClaw channel plugin; bot accounts and API access are supported on desktop Linux, macOS, and Windows. The project is led by Savoir-faire Linux Inc. and supported by a global community of free software contributors.
Messenger
Messenger is Meta’s free messaging app for chatting and calling friends and family on Facebook and Messenger without needing a phone number. It is available on Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. Alongside messages and voice and video calls, it supports high-definition photos, animated stickers, GIFs, reactions, and chat themes. Stories photos and videos and shared Notes disappear after 24 hours, while sent messages can be edited for up to 15 minutes. Meta AI can answer questions, give advice, and help with homework, but is available only in select languages and countries. Meta says personal messages are becoming end-to-end encrypted by default, protecting message and call content in transit from Meta seeing or hearing it. Encrypted chat history can be saved in secure storage and accessed with a six-digit PIN or a key stored in Google Drive or iCloud. Disappearing messages are available only in end-to-end encrypted conversations and last 24 hours. The desktop apps for Windows and macOS offer group video calls, notifications, and chats synced across mobile and desktop.