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Free Messaging Apps Tools Built in Europe

13 free and freemium messaging apps — GDPR-compliant, no credit card required

13 free options2 completely freeGDPR Compliant

Completely Free

No paid plans, no credit card, no hidden costs — 2 products

Free Plans Available

Generous free tiers with optional paid upgrades — 11 products

What You Give Up vs Paid Messaging Apps

What free options get right

  • +Core messaging apps features for personal use
  • +Full GDPR compliance and EU data residency
  • +No data harvesting or surveillance capitalism
  • +Often open source with community support

Typical trade-offs

  • -Storage or user limits on free tiers
  • -Fewer integrations with third-party tools
  • -Community support instead of priority support
  • -Less polished UI compared to big-budget US products

For most individuals and small teams, the free EU messaging apps listed above cover all essential features. If you need enterprise-level capabilities, browse all Messaging Apps including paid options.

5 of these are also open source

Many free EU messaging apps are open-source projects you can self-host and audit.

View Open Source Messaging Apps

Free Alternatives to US Messaging Apps

Looking for a free replacement? These EU tools can replace popular US services at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these messaging apps really free?

Yes. Products in our "Completely Free" section like BeReal, HERE WeGo Maps & Navigation are genuinely free to use with no payment required. They are funded through donations, grants, or as open-source community projects. The "Free Plans Available" section lists products with generous free tiers that cover most personal use, though they also offer paid plans for advanced features.

What's the catch with freemium messaging apps?

Freemium messaging apps offer a free tier with core features, but limit certain capabilities such as storage space, number of users, or advanced functionality. The free plan is typically sufficient for personal use or small teams. If you outgrow it, you can upgrade to a paid plan -- but unlike US freemium services, these EU-based products do not monetize your personal data.

Which free messaging apps is best?

The best free messaging apps depends on your needs. BeReal is our top-rated option based on quality score, features, and user feedback. HERE WeGo Maps & Navigation is also excellent. All listed products are EU-based and GDPR-compliant, so your data stays protected regardless of which you choose.

Are free EU messaging apps as good as US products?

Many free EU messaging apps are comparable to or better than their US counterparts for core features. The main advantage is that EU-based services are natively GDPR-compliant and do not sell your data or expose it to US surveillance laws. While some US products may have larger ecosystems, the free EU alternatives listed here cover the essential features most users need.