Top Free Instant Messaging Software with File Sharing Capabilities

Cloud‑based messenger offering fast file transfers (up to 2 GB per file), secret chats, bots, and large group channels.

Classic video‑calling app that also offers instant messaging and file transfers up to 300 MB per file.

Widely used mobile and desktop messenger with end‑to‑end encryption and support for sending photos, videos, documents, and voice notes up to 2 GB.

Privacy‑first messenger with strong end‑to‑end encryption; supports sending images, videos, PDFs, and other files up to 100 MB.

Community‑focused platform with voice, video, and text chat; free tier allows file uploads up to 8 MB (or 100 MB with Nitro boost).

Collaboration hub with chat, video calls, and file sharing (10 GB per user, 2 GB per file) integrated with OneDrive.

Team messaging with searchable history (10 k messages) and file sharing up to 1 GB per file.

Integrated with Google Workspace; supports direct messages, rooms, and file sharing via Google Drive.

Cross‑platform messenger with end‑to‑end encrypted chats and file sharing up to 200 MB.

Popular in Asia; supports stickers, voice/video calls, and file sharing up to 1 GB per file.

All‑in‑one app for messaging, social media, and payments; file sharing up to 100 MB per file.

Mobile‑first messenger with chat bots and file sharing (photos, videos, GIFs) up to 10 MB.

Simple group chat app that allows sharing photos, videos, and documents up to 5 MB.

Open‑source, decentralized messenger with end‑to‑end encryption and unlimited file sharing (subject to server limits).

Self‑hosted open‑source chat platform; free community edition supports file uploads (default 10 MB, configurable).

Open‑source Slack alternative; free community edition offers unlimited messaging and file sharing (default 100 MB per file).

Peer‑to‑peer messenger with strong encryption; supports sending files of any size (limited by bandwidth).

Secure collaboration tool with end‑to‑end encryption; free plan includes file sharing up to 25 MB per file.

Decentralized, open‑source communication platform; supports encrypted file transfers of any size.

Privacy‑focused messenger that works over Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, or Tor; allows sending files up to 10 MB.

Vietnam‑centric messenger with chat, voice/video calls, and file sharing up to 100 MB.

Multi‑protocol desktop client (supports XMPP, IRC, etc.) with plugins for file transfers.

Threaded open‑source chat; free tier includes file uploads up to 25 MB.

Business‑oriented chat with free plan; supports file sharing up to 10 MB per file.

Team messenger with unlimited messages and file sharing up to 2 GB per file on the free tier.

Free version provides instant messaging, voice/video calls, and file sharing up to 100 MB.

Collaboration tool from Zoho; free tier includes file sharing up to 100 MB per file.

Team messaging platform with free plan; supports file uploads up to 100 MB.

Desktop companion to Signal mobile app; retains same encryption and file‑sharing limits (100 MB).

Free version for schools; includes chat, video, and file sharing (10 GB per user).

Free community servers allow file sharing up to 8 MB per file (or 100 MB with Nitro boost).

Desktop client for Telegram with the same 2 GB per‑file limit and secret chat support.

Browser‑based version of WhatsApp; retains 2 GB per‑file limit and end‑to‑end encryption.