uTox/uTox
FreeµTox the lightest and fluffiest Tox client
FreeFree tier
Inputs: text, audio, video, fileOutputs: text, audio, video, file
About uTox/uTox
μTox is the lightweight, cross-platform Tox client. Tox is a peer-to-peer, end-to-end encrypted instant messaging protocol where encryption is the default and only mode. μTox supports primary platforms Windows 7+ and Linux, with secondary support for OpenBSD, FreeBSD, NetBSD, and DragonFlyBSD (macOS is unmaintained). It offers complete translations for multiple languages and features themes, avatars, text chat with history, audio and video calls (including webcam and desktop sharing), screenshots, file transfers with inline images, group chats, and Tox URI support. It is still alpha software, so bugs and crashes may occur, but contributions are welcome.
Key Features
End-to-end encryption as default
Cross-platform (Windows, Linux, *BSD)
Multi-lingual (complete translations for German, Russian, Swedish, Polish, Spanish, Hungarian, Estonian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian)
Themes support
Text chat with history
Audio and video calls (webcam or desktop sharing)
Screenshots
File transfers with inline image support
Group chats
Tox URI support (clickable Tox links)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and fast client
- Full end-to-end encryption by default
- Open source with active community
- Supports multiple platforms
- Includes audio, video, file sharing, and group chats
- Multi-lingual user interface
Cons
- Still alpha software, may encounter bugs or crashes
- macOS version is unmaintained
- Not designed for Android (recommends aTox instead)
- Lacks modern features like disappearing messages or federation
Best For
Secure peer-to-peer instant messagingEncrypted voice and video callsPrivate file sharingGroup communication with encryptionCross-platform encrypted communication
FAQ
What is Tox?
Tox is a peer-to-peer, end-to-end encrypted instant messaging protocol with encryption as its default and only mode.
Is uTox free?
Yes, uTox is open source and free to use under the terms of the license (View license).
Which platforms are supported?
Primary support for Windows 7+ and Linux, secondary support for OpenBSD, FreeBSD, NetBSD, and DragonFlyBSD. macOS is unmaintained. An Android version exists but is not designed for mobile use; aTox is recommended instead.
Does uTox support group chats?
Yes, uTox supports group chats with end-to-end encryption.
Can I share files and images?
Yes, uTox supports file transfers with inline images.