13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (2024)

While working on a local network, network users often want to communicate locally, without the need of an internet connection.

In this case, they will need a LAN messenger, that allows network users to exchange messages and files locally, without the need of a centralized server.

If you are looking for a solution for network (LAN) file transfer and sharing app, we got you covered here.

19 Open-source Free LAN File Transfer and File Sharing Apps and ScriptsLAN (Local Area Network) file sharing is a method of transferring files between devices that are connected to the same network. This can be done by creating a shared folder on one device and allowing other devices on the network to access it. Alternatively, it can be done by usingMEDevel.comHamza Mousa

In this article, we offer you several open-source free LAN messenger that can be installed, and used totally free of charge for anyone.

1- LAN Messenger

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (3)

LAN Messenger is our first pick it works on all popular platforms, and comes with dozens of useful features and simple user-friendly interface for anyone to use.

LAN Messenger encrypts messages by default, using AES encryption with RSA as the key exchange mechanism.

It supports file transfer out-of-the-box, and comes with built-in notification, broadcast messaging, contact manager, a logger, and multilingual interface.

LAN Messenger works on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

The app is built using C++ and Qt, and it is released under GPL-3.0 License.

LAN Messenger - free and open source

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (4)free and open source

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (5)

2- BeeBEEP

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (6)

BeeBEEP is a free open-source P2P LAB messenger that does not require any server to exchange messages between users.

It is an ideal solution for office users who use the same local network.

BeeBEEP is originally developed by Marco Mastroddi, who released it as an open-source project under the GNU General Public License version 3.0 (GPLv3).

BeeBEEP Features

  • Easy to use (no server required)
  • Secure peer to peer chat
  • Groups
  • File and Folder Transfer (with resume feature)
  • Message history (all messages can be saved)
  • Offline messages
  • BeeBOX (a shared folder as DropBox but in your computer)
  • BeeSHARE (share your file and folders like p2p software)
  • Desktop sharing
  • Voice messages

BeeBEEP - Free Office Messenger - Official Website

Welcome on BeeBEEP official website. Always keep your messages private.

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (7)B e e B E E PMarco Mastroddi

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (8)


3- Squiggle

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (9)

Squiggle is a free server-less peer to peer LAN messenger. Just download and run it, and you're ready to talk to everyone on your LAN.

It is written using C# and intended for Windows users.

Squiggle is released under the MIT License.


Squiggle Features:

  • Server-less peer to peer LAN chat, No installation required. Just download, unzip and run
  • Group chat, Broadcast chat and Private chat
  • Bridge for connecting two LANs across subnets or WAN.
  • Supports localization i.e. you can replace the translation file to use Squiggle in your native language.
  • Fast (multiple) file transfer
  • Spell Check, Buzz, Emoticons, Audio Alerts, Tray Popups
  • Contact groups, Display message, Display Pic, Chat commands, Message aliases
  • Chat history, Status history
  • Voice Chat

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (11)

4- Technitium Mesh

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (12)

Technitium Mesh is a secure, anonymous, peer-to-peer (p2p), open source instant messenger designed to provide end-to-end encryption.

The primary aim of this instant messenger is to provide privacy which is achieved using cryptography and anonymity using Tor network.

It can be used over Internet and private LAN networks (without Internet) for instant messaging and file transfer with support for private chats and group chats.

Technitium Mesh is an open-source project, released under the GPL-3.0 License.

The app currently is available only for Windows operating systems. (Windows Vista, 7, 8.1, and 10).

Technitium Mesh Primary features

  • P2P that uses Distributed Hash Tables (DHT).
  • Private: No metadata is recorded or stored
  • Works on LAN without any internet connection
  • Supports anonymous profiles using Tor Network to hide user identities
  • Uses RSA 2048-bit keys to generate profiles.
  • The protocol is secured with AES 256-bit encryption with Authenticated Encryption.

Mesh | A secure, anonymous, peer-to-peer, instant messenger!

Technitium Mesh is a secure, anonymous, peer-to-peer (p2p), open source instant messenger that is designed to provide end-to-end encryption.

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (13)A secure, anonymous, peer-to-peer, instant messenger!

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (14)

5- termchat

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (15)

termchat is a terminal LAN messaging app that works directly from your terminal and allows messages exchange for all local network users without any central server connection.

The app is easy to configure, use as it comes with a set of easy to remember commands.

termchat is written in the Rust programming language, and can be installed using Cargo (Rust package manager), or at Arch Linux directly from the AUR packages repos.

For other platforms and operating systems, users can clone the repo, and build it from source.

termchat is released under the Apache-2.0 License.

GitHub - lemunozm/termchat: Terminal chat through the LAN with video streaming and file transfer.

Terminal chat through the LAN with video streaming and file transfer. - GitHub - lemunozm/termchat: Terminal chat through the LAN with video streaming and file transfer.

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (16)GitHublemunozm

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (17)

6- KouChat

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (18)

KouChat is a free lightweight LAN chat app for Android and desktop. It is a cross-platform app, written in Java which means it runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

With KouChat you don't need to worry about extensive app configuration or hidden tricks, it is click and run app.

The app comes with a built-in system tray icon, system notification, chat topics option and other dozen features.

It is originally developed by "Christian Ihle", who released it as an open-source project under the GNU LESSER GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE
Version 3.

KouChat highlights

  • Group chat with all the connected users.
  • Private chat with any user.
  • Choose your own nickname.
  • Set the topic of the group chat.
  • System tray / notification area support.
  • See who is currently writing.
  • Send and receive files.
  • Use away mode when you don’t want to be disturbed.
  • Choose the color to use for your own messages and info messages.
  • Chat logging.
  • Console mode.
  • Smileys.
  • Send messages in any language supported by Unicode.
  • No configuration needed.

Download KouChat

  1. Android: F-Droid, Google Play

GitHub - blurpy/kouchat: KouChat

KouChat. Contribute to blurpy/kouchat development by creating an account on GitHub.

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (19)GitHubblurpy

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (20)

7- Khernet

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (21)

Khernet is a free open-source lightweight chat application for your local LAN.

It is a portable app that can work directly without install, and it does not require any centralized server.

Khernet is released under the MIT License, which allows commercial and personal use, modification, distribution, but it comes without any liability and warranty.

Khernet Features

  • Portable mode and installed mode.
  • No centralized server.
  • Use emojis on contact names 🙂.
  • E2E (End-to-end) encryption.
  • Supported types of messages: Text (includes emojis), Markdown (includes emojis), Image, GIF, Audio, Video, and Any binary file.
  • Online and offline updates (for restricted environments 🤐)

GitHub - lemalcs/Khernet: Standalone chat application for LAN.

Standalone chat application for LAN. Contribute to lemalcs/Khernet development by creating an account on GitHub.

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (22)GitHublemalcs

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (23)

8- Meshenger

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (24)


Meshenger is a free Android messenger that allows voice and video calls over the local network without any internet access.

It is an open-source app that is released under the GNU General Public License v3.0.

Meshenger Highlights:

  • uses IPv6 link local by default
  • encrypted communication
  • encrypted database
  • database backup
  • night mode

Download Meshenger

GitHub - meshenger-app/meshenger-android: P2P Voice/Video phone App for local networks.

P2P Voice/Video phone App for local networks. Contribute to meshenger-app/meshenger-android development by creating an account on GitHub.

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (25)GitHubmeshenger-app

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (26)

9- Hive Chat

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (27)

Hive Chat is a free cross-platform features-rich local network app that allows users to exchange messages, and files without being online.

Hive Chat supports large file exchange by default as it uses multithread TCP server since its last official release, it also allows users to customize, edit images as they share it, and it comes with other many useful features.

Beyond its support for Windows, Linux, and macOS, Hive Chat is the only app on this list that works directly on Raspberry Pi and ARM embedded Linux systems.

GitHub - HiveChat/hive-desktop: 🐝 A small LAN chat app

🐝 A small LAN chat app. Contribute to HiveChat/hive-desktop development by creating an account on GitHub.

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (28)GitHubHiveChat

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (29)

10- Lanchat

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (30)

Lanchat is a free lightweight open-source LAN chat and file transfer app that works for different platform such as Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Unfortunately, it is no longer developed and maintained by its original developer, but it is usable and stable.

Lanchat: The Open-source LAN/ Local Network Messenger is No longer maintainedLanchat is a free open-source messenger app for local network messaging (LAN), that works for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It features a built-in encryption, file transfer, automatic connection and terminal UI. Unfortunately, the developer has stopped developing it, even though it has many users sta…MEDevel.comHamza Mousa

11- Tuber-time

Tuner-time is a free web-based open-source P2P (Peer-to-peer) video chat that is designed for corporate LAN networks.

The project is released as an open-source under the MIT License.

Tuber-time features

  • Video chat with up to 15 people (limited only by user interface)
  • Buttons to selectively mute audio and turn off video
  • Client and server written in a single language: JavaScript
  • Supported without client software by browsers with WebRTC

GitHub - trailofbits/tubertc: Peer-to-Peer Video Chat for Corporate LANs

Peer-to-Peer Video Chat for Corporate LANs. Contribute to trailofbits/tubertc development by creating an account on GitHub.

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (33)GitHubtrailofbits

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (34)

12- Video Chat (LAN)

Video Chat is a free simple video chat application over the local network that uses sockets to exchange data, messages and stream.

It is originally developed by Anil Shanbhag & Ashwin Paranjpee, IIT Bombay, in a Hack Night over the weekend, for educational purposes.

GitHub - anilshanbhag/videochat: Video Chat over LAN

Video Chat over LAN . Contribute to anilshanbhag/videochat development by creating an account on GitHub.

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (35)GitHubanilshanbhag

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (36)

13- Softros LAN Messenger

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (37)

This one is a free LAN messenger for android that allows Android users on the same network to chat privately and securely.

It does not have any ads, on in-app purchase, and supports VPN out-of-box.

Softros LAN Messenger - Apps on Google Play

Softros LAN Messenger is a instant LAN messaging software for home or office.

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (38)Apps on Google PlaySoftros Systems LLC

13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (39)

Final thought

LAN chat apps and messengers are essential tools not only for personal and individual usage, but also for corporates which has a local secure private network.

As we listed the best popular open-source free LAN messenger and chat alternatives, we listed only the most usable ones as our collection has 30+ projects, but either incomplete or abandoned projects.

If you know of any other open-source similar project that we didn't list here, email us, and we will add it.

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12 Open-source Chat and Messaging Development SDK and FrameworksWhile deciding to build chat or a messenger application the developer often look for different options, at the end it’s all about the requirements. There are many commercial services and development tools to build chat/ messaging applications with different features set. However, it’s difficult to…MEDevel.comHamza Mousa
19 Open-source Free LAN File Transfer and File Sharing Apps and ScriptsLAN (Local Area Network) file sharing is a method of transferring files between devices that are connected to the same network. This can be done by creating a shared folder on one device and allowing other devices on the network to access it. Alternatively, it can be done by usingMEDevel.comHamza Mousa
Airshare: Free P2P and Network File Sharing (Open-source)Cross-platform content sharing in a local networkMEDevel.comHamza Mousa
13 Open-source Free LAN Messengers and Local Network Chat Clients (2024)

FAQs

What is the use of LAN Messenger? ›

LAN Messenger is a software application designed for communication between users in a local network environment. It allows users to send instant messages, share files, and collaborate within the local network without the need for an internet connection.

Is LAN Messenger free? ›

LAN Messenger is a free and open source cross-platform instant messaging application for communication over a local network. It does not require a server. A number of useful features including event notifications, file transfer and message logging are provided.

Does LAN Messenger work with WiFi? ›

No internet connection required

As the name suggests, LAN Messenger works inside the local network and does not require internet access.

How to get LAN Messenger? ›

Install Output LAN Messenger Server
  1. Download Output Messenger Server from Downloads page.
  2. Save the installation file to your desktop.
  3. Right-click the installation file (outputmessengerServersetup.exe) and select Run as administrator.
  4. Follow the instructions to install Server.
  5. Click Finish when you are done.

How do I check my LAN Messenger history? ›

History Viewer

To access the module, click the View Message History button found on the toolbar of the main Softros LAN Messenger window. The History Viewer window will appear on your desktop. A list of the users you have ever contacted through Softros LAN Messenger is located on the left.

Why would LAN be used? ›

The devices can use a single Internet connection, share files with one another, print to shared printers, and be accessed and even controlled by one another. LANs were developed in the 1960s for use by colleges, universities, and research facilities (such as NASA), primarily to connect computers to other computers.

How to chat in LAN network? ›

Type the command to send a message.
  1. msg /SERVER:COMPUTERNAME * /TIME:60 "Hello! ...
  2. Replace "COMPUTERNAME" with the name of the PC you're trying to send the chat to (check your local network for the name of this computer if you don't know it).
Jun 8, 2021

Is LAN Messenger safe? ›

Security, Safety and Privacy

The Softros LAN chat software encrypts all data with AES-256 and works strictly within your company network as self-hosted chat.

What is the port number for LAN Messenger? ›

Port 19771 (TCP/UDP) - Softros LAN Messenger - WhatPortIs.com.

How do businesses use LAN Messenger? ›

What's more, the LAN messenger allows one user send a message to multiple contacts at the same time, this is useful when you need to discuss an issue with users from different departments and let them reply to follow the same thread. Be informed if there was any urgent issue happen.

Can LAN and Wi-Fi be used together? ›

Yes, you can use both WiFi and Ethernet connections simultaneously to potentially make use of your router's full bandwidth. This setup is commonly known as "link aggregation," "link bundling," or "bonding."

What is the local IP chat? ›

IP Messenger is a completely free chat and instant messaging program that allows you to communicate inside your local area network. This pop-up-style application provides a platform wherein you can stay in contact with different users in your system.

How do I open a LAN connection? ›

How to Connect to a Local Area Network (LAN) Connect a modem to the WAN port on the back of your router. Plug your computer into an open LAN port on your router with an Ethernet cable. Test your network connection, and turn on sharing for files or printers so any connected computer can access them.

How do I access local LAN? ›

There are two ways to connect a device to the LAN: Ethernet and WiFi. Ethernet, or a wired connection, requires an Ethernet cable to physically plug in to the router or switch. If a device can't connect via WiFi or the signal is spotty, a wired connection will provide solid access to the network.

How do I send a message to everyone on LAN? ›

net send * - This will send the message to all of the users on your current domain or workgroup. net send /domain: name - This will send the message to everyone in the specified domain or workgroup. net send /users - This will send the message to all of the users currently connected to the server.

What is the purpose of a LAN server? ›

Purpose. The role of a server is to share data as well as to share resources and distribute work. A server computer can serve its own computer programs as well; depending on the scenario, this could be part of a quid pro quo transaction, or simply a technical possibility.

Are LAN connections safe? ›

An Ethernet connection is much more secure than a WiFi connection. Data on an Ethernet network can only be accessed by physically attaching a device to the network, while data on a WiFi network travels through the air and can be more easily intercepted.

What is LAN good for? ›

A LAN can be used to connect computers in a building. You can also use communication devices and cables to connect computers. Communication devices are hubs, switches, and routers that are part of a LAN. Ethernet cables are also connected to hubs, switches, and routers via rj45 ports.

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