We use messaging apps to send messages, images, and files, which can potentially reveal a lot of personal information about us. Consequently, encrypted messaging apps are essential to maintaining security and privacy online.
However, the sheer number of messaging apps offering end-to-end encryption makes it difficult for most users to determine which ones are best suited for their needs. To resolve this problem, we’ve curated a list of the best encrypted messaging apps on the market today. These are:
- Signal: The best encrypted messaging app overall
- Messages: The best encrypted messaging app for the Apple ecosystem
- WhatsApp: The best encrypted messaging app for everyday use
- Session: The best anonymous encrypted messaging app
- Threema: The most secure paid messaging app
- Telegram: The most feature-rich encrypted messaging app
- Wickr Me: The best enterprise messaging app with strong encryption
- Viber: The best encrypted messaging app for communities
- Wire: The best encrypted messaging app for small businesses
- Dust: The best encrypted messaging app with added privacy features
- Zangi: The best encrypted messaging app for remote locations
While an encrypted messaging app is a great first step toward online security and privacy, it is not enough by itself. Using a VPN is also highly recommended, since it encrypts all your data and internet activity. NordVPN is our highest-rated VPN due to its stellar speeds, vast server network, and excellent security features.
Check out the rest of the article for a detailed breakdown of each of these apps!
Today’s messaging apps do a lot more than facilitate text-based communications. They allow for file uploads, voice recordings, video calls, chats, and even let you share stories. However, many of the world’s best messaging apps collect and use personal data in order to retarget and push relevant ads.
Moreover, your data isn’t safe if you’re using a conventional messaging app that doesn’t use end-to-end encryption. In case of a hack, any third party can easily access all of your information. If you take your privacy seriously, using an encrypted messaging app should be an absolute priority.
This article discusses some of the best encrypted messaging apps, including key features and usability. For enhanced encryption, beyond just messaging, using a VPN is a must. It encrypts all your online traffic, preventing snooping by hackers, your ISP, and the government. NordVPN is one of the most secure VPNs, as it uses enhanced encryption and doesn’t log user data.
Top 11 Best Encrypted Messaging Apps in 2024: A Detailed Comparison
Here’s a brief overview of how the best encrypted messaging apps stack up against each other.
| Messaging App | Supported OS | Price | Default E2EE | Open Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signal | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux | Free | ✔ | ✔ |
| Messages | iOS, iPadOS, macOS | Free | ✔ (not for text messages) | ✖ |
| iOS, Android, Windows, macOS | Free | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Session | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux | Free | ✔ | ✔ |
| Threema | iOS, Android | $3.99 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Telegram | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux | Free | No | ✖ |
| WickrMe | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux | Free | ✔ | ✔ |
| Viber | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS | Free | ✔ | ✖ |
| Wire | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux | Free | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dust | iOS, Android | Free | ✔ | ✔ |
| Zangi | iOS, Android | Free | ✔ | ✖ |
Now, we’ll look at each encrypted messaging app in detail and discuss its pros and cons.
1. Signal: The best encrypted messaging app overall
You should use Signal if you:
- Prefer open-source messaging services
- Want a messaging service run by a non-profit
- Are looking for an app with audited security
You should not use Signal if you:
- Want a completely anonymous messaging app
- Want an app that's widely used
Why we picked Signal:
Signal is one of the most secure apps on the market. Its encryption protocol is strong and reliable and is even used by other messaging apps, like WhatsApp. However, unlike WhatsApp, a non-profit runs Signal and is unlikely to monetize your data.
Signal’s encryption relies on the concept of perfect-forward secrecy, which changes the encryption key after each message. More importantly, it uses a combination of high-end encryption protocols, as its low-level cryptographic algorithms make it virtually impossible to crack.
Moreover, it boasts other key security features, such as disappearing messages and password-protected conversations. Signal is also open-source, so anyone can review its source code to see how it leverages user data.
Not only does Signal offer top-notch security, but it also comes packed with useful communication features. You can use the app to send messages, images, documents, and files. You can also create groups of up to 1,000 people, and host video calls with 40 people!
What are Signal’s drawbacks:
There are a couple of downsides to Signal, though. For instance, it doesn’t allow for anonymous sign-ups and requires a user’s phone number when creating an account.
Moreover, Signal doesn’t have a large user base despite a major uptick in the past couple of years. As a result, some of your contacts may not use the app. Though, to be fair, there’s only so much you can ask of a free app that doesn’t monetize your data.
2. Messages: The best encrypted messaging app for the Apple ecosystem
You should use Messages if you:
- Have an Apple device
- Mostly communicate with others who have Apple devices
- Prefer messaging services that integrate with other applications
You should not use Messages if you:
- Use a non-Apple operating system
- Prefer open source encrypted messaging applications
Why we picked Messages:
If you have an Apple device, you probably already know about Messages, the integrated messaging app built into all Apple products. Messages is a convenient option to send encrypted messages, images, videos, and voice notes between Apple users and is considered one of the most secure messaging apps.
The service, iMessage, uses the company’s Apple Push Notification service to send encrypted messages between users. This is a binary protocol developed by Apple that encrypts content using TLS. Additionally, Apple has a firm stance on privacy, so you don’t have to worry about your information being used or resold.
Recent versions of iMessage also support disappearing messages, and users can limit the number of times recipients can view a message. In iOS 15, links received on iMessage automatically appear in Safari and other Apple apps, making it easy to keep track of information that contacts have shared with you.
What are Messages’ drawbacks:
However, the end-to-end encryption on Messages is limited only to Apple devices, and you must enable it from the Messages app settings.
Moreover, there’s a big problem with iCloud backups. These are enabled by default. When the device backs up your messages to the cloud, it encrypts them first. However, Apple received a copy of the encryption key, too.
If you really want to clamp down on security, you can disable iCloud backups for messages and create locally encrypted backups instead via Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows).
3. WhatsApp: The best encrypted messaging app for everyday use
You should use WhatsApp if you:
- Want a widely used encrypted messaging app
- Prefer a convient and simple user feature
- Utilize payments and other value-added features
You should not use WhatsApp if you:
- Are wary of Meta's data sharing and use
- Want an open-source encrypted messaging app
Why we picked WhatsApp:
WhatsApp is the most used messaging app globally, with over 2 billion users. WhatsApp conversations have been encrypted end-to-end, using Signal’s protocol, since 2016. As a result, it offers a secure and safe way to connect with your friends and family through messages, voice and video calls.
WhatsApp’s security also includes two-step verification, which requires a PIN to verify your phone number. Like Apple’s iMessage service, it also doesn’t store messages on its servers while in transit to the recipient.
WhatsApp’s popularity stems from the variety of features it offers users. These include large groups, disappearing messages, money transfers (in some countries), and file sharing.
What are WhatsApp’s drawbacks:
However, Facebook owns WhatsApp. It’s obvious that the two companies exchange metadata. While this excludes chats and messages, law enforcement and other agencies can use metadata to identify the sender of a message or determine their location.
WhatsApp was also targeted by the Pegasus surveillance hack, enabling governments and other entities to surveil its users. You can reduce some of these concerns by checking and altering your WhatsApp privacy settings.
WhatsApp should be your pick if you’re looking for a widely-used encrypted messaging app with rich features. However, if you want to ensure total security and privacy of all your online communications, use NordVPN to encrypt all your online activity.
4. Session: The best anonymous encrypted messaging app
You should use Session if you:
- Want to use an anonymous messaging app
- Prefer an open source and decentralized network
- Want an app developed by a non-profit
You should not use Session if you:
- Are looking for a widely used messaging app
- Prefer apps that are easy to set up
Why we picked Session:
Session takes the fourth spot on our list of best secure messaging apps as it’s a free, anonymous, encrypted messaging app that doesn’t require any personal information. Instead of using your phone number or email address, Session generates “Session IDs” to register and identify users.
It also uses a novel decentralized approach to routing and storing messages. In other words, each message is encrypted and routed through three different community-operated nodes, which makes it difficult for any individual node to collect meaningful information about the message.
Session’s applications are very usable, unlike other apps which offer a similar level of anonymity. It features group chats with up to 100 people and also lets you send voice notes and attachments.
What are Session’s drawbacks:
While Session offers a decent suite of features, it lacks some customization features that other encrypted messaging services offer. For instance, users can’t change the wallpapers of their secure chat.
Users have also faced difficulties in joining Session group chats when using iOS and Android. It remains unclear whether the company has resolved the issue.
5. Threema: The most secure paid messaging app
You should use Threema if you:
- Want an encrypted messaging service for your enterprise
- Do not want to provide any information to create an account
- Prefer open source messaging applications
You should not use Threema if you:
- Want to try the app for free
- Are looking for an app built for individual users
Why we picked Threema:
Threema is a private messaging app that prioritizes user safety and security above all else and requires a paid subscription. It uses an incredibly robust encryption protocol, entitled the Network and Cryptography Library (NaCL), to encrypt all messages, voice notes, and even calls. Threema’s open-source nature further adds to its credibility as a secure messaging app.
You don’t need to include your personal information to set up a Threema account. Instead, the app generates a unique ID key to contact users. Additionally, Threema deletes users’ messages from its servers regularly. The app also offers the ability to protect individual chats using a dedicated PIN.
Even contact lists are stored locally on the user’s device, so the app has virtually no information at all about its users. Moreover, groups on Threema are decentralized, which means that no information is stored about which groups a user has joined. Threema is also one of the best WhatsApp alternatives, too.
What are Threema’s drawbacks:
It’s clear that Threema really is a top-notch encrypted messaging app. However, this top-notch security comes with a price of $3.99 for a single-user license.
The lack of widespread adoption, especially amongst English speakers, is another downside. But, if you work in a high-risk industry and really want to buckle down on user privacy, this is a small price to pay, given the features that Threema offers.
You should look no further than Threema if security and anonymity are your foremost priorities when selecting a messaging app.
6. Telegram: The most feature-rich encrypted messaging app
You should use Telegram if you:
- Want to communicate with large groups and communities
- Value features like folders and bots
You should not use Telegram if you:
- Want an app with default end-to-end encryption
- Have concerns over Telegram's properietary encryption protocol
Why we picked Telegram:
Over the last few years, Telegram has become the go-to messaging app for users wanting to interact with large groups. Groups with up to 200,000 people can be created on Telegram! Some other nifty features include folders to organize your chats and unlimited file sharing. Telegram is considered so secure that many governments and even third-party organizations use it.
Telegram is considered the best secure messaging app as it also packs some solid security features, such as a “Self-Destruct Timer” and two-step verification (commonly known as two-factor authentication). Moreover, Telegram deletes accounts automatically after six months of inactivity.
Moreover, the app is open source and has a running hacking/bug bounty that rewards anyone who can decrypt Telegram messages with $300,000.
What are Telegram’s drawbacks:
While Telegram has no dearth of features, its security is slightly questionable. For instance, it encrypts messages using its MTProto encryption, which is not as reliable as other proven protocols.
Moreover, users need to switch to “Secret Chat” mode to enable encryption. In other words, encryption is not enabled by default. Metadata, which includes timestamps and geolocation, is sent with Telegram messages, allowing surveillance and identification.
Telegram’s utility far exceeds that of a regular messaging app, and it’s one of the best text messaging apps if you’re looking to interact with larger groups. However, its encryption remains questionable. For leak-proof encryption of all your online activity, get a NordVPN subscription at a starting price of $ 2.99 per month.
7. Wickr Me: The best enterprise messaging app with strong encryption
You should use Wickr Me if you:
- Want high-grade encryption for all your chats
- Value additional privacy features, such as auto-deletion
- Prefer open source encrypted messaging applications
You should not use Wickr Me if you:
- Want an app with robust file sharing and group video calling
- Are wary of your data being stored on AWS
Why we picked WickrMe:
Wickr has built a reputation as a privacy-first messaging app. It’s so secure that American Forces use it to communicate securely with each other.
Messages on Wickr are protected using 256-bit perfect-forward secrecy, which means that a new key secures every message. This makes it very difficult for hackers to decipher user messages even if they manage to hack the servers, which would be a feat in itself since all data is backed on AWS.
Additionally, Wickr messages are auto-deleted after being read or once the user-determined period expires. Some other notable security features include multi-factor authentication, device encryption at rest, and secure link previews. Wickr is also one of the best apps for working safely from home.
What are WickrMe’s drawbacks:
However, the free version, which caters to individuals, lacks some important value-added features. For instance, file sharing is limited to a mere 10 MB. Video and voice calls are 1:1 only, i.e., there are no group calls. Chat groups can also have up to 10 members.
Wickr’s recent purchase by Amazon has also set off some alarm bells amongst privacy enthusiasts. But, for now, there’s no indication that Amazon intends to whittle away its focus on privacy and security. Hence, Wickr remains one of the best secure text messaging apps on the market for enterprise use.
8. Viber: The best encrypted messaging app for communities
You should use Viber if you:
- Want high-quality encrypted voice and video calls
- Regularly communicate with large communities
You should not use Viber if you:
- Prefer open source encryption protocols
- Want an anonymous messaging app
Why we picked Viber:
Viber by Rakuten is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world. All messages, calls, and videos are end-to-end encrypted by default on the security front.
Users can also set self-destruct times for all messages in the chat. Moreover, you can use a PIN to hide chats and prevent unauthorized access. While a number is required for sign-up, it can be hidden when starting new chats. This helps reduce the personal information visible to other Viber users.
You can add an unlimited number of members to a Viber Community without disclosing the member’s phone number. As a result, Viber is particularly useful for content creators wishing to communicate with their fans. It is actually one of the best apps for encrypted messages in censorship-heavy Russia.
What are Viber’s drawbacks:
Viber is one of the best overall encrypted messaging apps you can use. However, its encryption protocol is not open-source, which detracts from transparency. Moreover, creating a Viber account requires a phone number, so it’s not completely anonymous.
9. Wire: The best encrypted messaging app for small businesses
You should use Wire if you:
- Want a secure way to communicte with your team at work
- Value built-in team management and productivity features
- Prefer open source encryption protols
You should not use Wire if you:
- Want an encrypted messaging app designed for individual users
- Are looking for a popular and widely used messaging app
Why we picked Wire:
Users can send 100% end-to-end encrypted messages, files, and images using Wire. Its encryption protocol is open-source and can be verified by anyone. Wire is located in Germany, which is a relatively privacy-friendly nation.
Its target market is mainly comprised of enterprises and companies. As a result, Wire offers several team management functions, such as encrypted video conferencing, calendar integration, and billing. Up to five members can use Wire’s free version. The app also features team management, messaging, and zero-trust cloud.
What are Wire’s drawbacks:
Given its small user base and focus on enterprises, Wire isn’t the best option for individual users. Indeed, customer support and calendar integrations are only available for the Enterprise versions.
But if you’re simply looking to connect securely with your team at work, it’s one of the best options on this list. For more individual-oriented security, you can pick up a NordVPN subscription, too, and encrypt all your online activity!
10. Dust: The best encrypted messaging app with added privacy features
You should use Dust if you:
- Want your messages to be deleted automatically
- Like to communicate with a small group of people
You should not use Dust if you:
- Want a feature-loaded encrypted meassging app
- Like having a record of your conversations
Why we picked Dust:
Dust claims to be the world’s most secure messaging app. It uses a mix of 128-bit and RSA encryption to protect all messages. More importantly, messages are deleted 100 seconds after being read or after 24 hours if left unread.
Messages on Dust are sent through Dust’s RAM-based servers, which means there is no permanent storage. This is one of the best ways to ensure your information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. This technology is also used by some of the top VPN providers.
While signing up for Dust, you must also provide a phone number. However, this is not displayed to your other contacts on Dust, making the app virtually anonymous.
In addition to messages sent to friends and family, you can also use Dust to send “Blasts” to a user’s followers. These are like private Tweets or broadcasts. Screenshots of messages are also disabled by default on the app.
What are Dust’s drawbacks:
Dust lacks some notable features available on other apps due to its heavy focus on security. For instance, you can’t make voice or video calls. Groups can only consist of 26 users, a far cry from Telegram’s 200,000.
Moreover, the fact that messages are automatically deleted makes it particularly difficult to carry conversations forward.
11. Zangi: The best encrypted messaging app for remote locations
You should use Zangi if you:
- Want a messaging service that uses its own servers
- Prefer full anonymity while signing up
- Use messaging apps in limited internet connectivity area
You should not use Zangi if you:
- Regularly use value-added features like file sharing
- Want an app which your friends or colleagues use regularly
Why we picked Zangi:
Zangi makes our list due to its security protocols and user-focused features. It employs robust end-to-end encryption, ensuring that communication remains confidential between parties.
Unique to Zangi is its low data usage, making it ideal for areas with limited internet connectivity. Additionally, Zangi operates its own servers, which reduces dependency on third-party services and enhances privacy. Its user interface is intuitive and offers a range of features like instant messaging and voice and video calls.
What are Zangi’s drawbacks:
Despite its strengths, Zangi has a few limitations. One significant drawback is its limited user base, which can hinder communication with a wider network.
Another issue is the lack of some advanced features, such as extensive file-sharing capabilities or large group chat functions. These constraints can affect users looking for a more comprehensive communication tool.
How We Selected the Best Encrypted Messaging Apps
In our quest to identify the best encrypted messaging apps, we relied on the following critical factors:
- Encryption standards: We prioritized apps with end-to-end encryption like Signal Protocol or AES, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can read messages. This level of security is essential for protecting sensitive communications.
- Additional privacy features: Additional features such as self-destructing messages, screenshot prevention, and anonymous messaging options play an important role in augmenting online privacy and security.
- Usability: An intuitive interface enhances user experience and encourages wider adoption and consistent use.
- Price: We evaluated the pricing carefully, ensuring that the cost of the app is justifiable by its features. It’s important that the app offers value for money, especially if it’s a paid service.
Encrypted Messaging Apps That Didn’t Make the Cut
The apps listed in the previous section provide the best combination of encryption, security, and usability. However, there are several other apps that provide encrypted messaging but lack other important features, so they didn’t make the cut. These apps are:
Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world. You can send normal texts and voice messages while using the app. Enabling “Secret Conversations” on Facebook Messenger encrypts your messages end-to-end using Signal’s protocol. Users can also enable self-destructing messages, with a time period of five seconds to 24 hours.
Despite these security features, we do not recommend Messenger, as encryption is not enabled by default. Moreover, Facebook has a noted history of sharing user data with third parties, as was revealed in the Cambridge Analytica scandal.
Silence
Silence is a messaging app that brings encryption to SMS and MMS. It acts as a replacement for the default messaging app and applies Signal’s encryption protocol to normal messages.
While this is certainly a useful tool, there haven’t been any recent updates on Silence. As a result, we’re apprehensive about recommending it to our readers. The lack of updates means the app is more susceptible to exploits and hacks.
Line
Line is more than just a messaging app. Its app ecosystem includes VoIP calls, gaming, healthcare, and money transfers. These features make it the most popular messaging app in parts of Asia.
However, it only encrypts messages. It does not encrypt voice notes, images, or files. Doubt also exists about how robust Line’s encryption protocols really are. As a result, we don’t recommend Line.
Use a VPN for Maximum Online Security
Using any one of the apps mentioned above is a great way to secure the messages, photos, files, and videos you share. However, securing your privacy online goes beyond just using a secure messaging app. It also includes the sites you visit, the social media platforms you use, and the different apps you interact with.
A virtual private network is one of the most effective ways to secure your online privacy completely. It encrypts and reroutes your internet activity, preventing malicious actors or third parties from identifying you online.
There are several premium VPNs to choose from, but if you’re looking for top-of-the-line VPN software, then we’d recommend using NordVPN. It’s incredibly affordable and offers great speeds, terrific privacy and security, and an extensive network of servers.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
Final Thoughts: Using Encrypted Messaging Apps
With data breaches, hacks, and surveillance on the rise, using the best encrypted messaging app is a must to preserve your digital privacy. Signal is the best overall messaging app, as it’s open-source, uses a reliable encryption protocol, and has all the essential features you’d expect.
If security and privacy are your foremost concern, then Dust and Wickr should top your list. However, these apps lack notable features like voice calling. Using a VPN alongside encrypted messaging apps further boosts your online privacy by encrypting all your online activity. NordVPN is one of the most secure VPNs, boasting market-leading encryption and a proven no-logs policy.
Learn more about messaging apps by reading some of our other articles:
- Signal vs. WhatsApp: How Are They Different and Which Is Right For You?
- Telegram vs. WhatsApp: Which One is More Private?
- Best Privacy-Focused Ramadan Apps
We provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the best encrypted messaging apps in the section below.
Signal is the most secure messaging app right now. However, there are several other popular secure messaging apps that you can try out like Messages and WhatsApp.
Both iMessage and WhatsApp provide end-to-end encryption for messages, chats, and other files. However, messages received from non-iOS devices through iMessage are not encrypted.
On the other hand, all messages on WhatsApp are encrypted. But, some metadata and other information is shared with Facebook, WhatsApp’s parent company.
Signal is the best encrypted messaging app on the market. It uses a reliable encryption protocol and is open-source. Moreover, a non-profit foundation owns and runs the app and it has no incentive to monetize user data.
Signal’s utility features, such as voice calling and file sharing, are also on par with other leading encrypted messaging apps.
what's app is not open source
Hi Kakashi. Yes, we do mention that WhatsApp is not open source in our table for the cons of WhatsApp.