When it comes to chatting with friends, family and coworkers, there are so many different apps to choose from. Most people use a number of different apps to communicate with different groups of people. There are a lot of apps that offer an excellent private messaging experience and we have created a list of the best private messaging apps below.
If you are looking for the best app for private messaging then you have come to the right place. We have created a list of the best private messaging apps below.
Table of Contents
Best Apps For Private Messaging
Messaging apps make it easy to communicate and connect with people around the world. However, with new ways to communicate and connect via technology, there are also new ways for your privacy and security to be breached. Private messages could potentially be read by third parties, the organizations behind the apps, and governments who collect private information on their citizens. It’s useful to remember that popular apps like Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, or Facebook Messenger do not use end-to-end encryption, so your conversations and files may not be fully secured. On the other hand, there are many chat apps that offer messaging services that have upped their game on the security and privacy fronts by using end-to-end encryption. This measure prohibits anyone from seeing the contents of the message except for you and the intended recipient. The best secure chat programs are not only becoming more sought-after, they are becoming crucial in today’s technologically-connected world.
Features To Consider When Selecting a Service
KEY FEATURES NICE-TO-HAVES
End-to-End Encryption (E2E)
Multi-Mode Communication (voice, text, video)
Synchronization Across Platforms/Devices (mobile, desktop, web)
Destructing Messages
Independence From Big Tech Companies
Open Source
What is Secure Messaging?
Secure messaging can involve a lot of elements, so we have chosen the most important factors to qualify an application to be a secure messaging app. End-to-end encryption, multi-mode messaging, and synchronization among different platforms/devices are the three main keys to look for when deciding on the best messaging program to use.
End-to-end encryption is a way of creating secure messaging apps by encrypting information so that only the players engaged in communication can read the messages, excluding Internet service providers, the app maker, the government or anyone else. From the moment a message is typed, to the time it spends in transit, to the second it’s received, no one else can see that message. Currently, this method is the safest, most private method of messaging. If an app is not end-to-end encrypted, deem it non-private. The message only decrypts using a locally stored key or secret code when it passes from the sender to the receiver, ensuring direct secure messaging. Encryption does not allow copies of messages to be stored anywhere, including on servers.
Multi-mode communication allows for users to send messages through texts, videos, and audios When a platform allows for messages to be send via multiple modes, it usually allows the user to delete whatever kind of message comes through.
Multi-platform support provides the opportunity to sync messages across mobile, web, and desktop platforms. If a user feels more secure storing private messages in one location and deleting them off of another, this can up one’s data privacy.
The Best Apps for Secure Communication
There are a multitude of viable, available options out there when choosing a secure messaging program that emphasizes data privacy. We have created a list of the best, most reliable messaging apps that keep your information secure and confidential- to make our list, an app must have end-to-end encryption, synchronization over multiple platforms/devices (mobile, desktop, tablets), and multi-mode communication (voice, video, audio). Then, we have listed out additional features after those key ones that make an app secure.
Here is our take on the best secure messaging apps on the market today:
- Signal Private Messenger
Signal
Signal: Speak freely
Millions of people use Signal for instant, free, and encrypted communication because it is known as one of the most secure messaging apps on the market. Signal secure messaging is one of the only apps that has its privacy-preserving technology always enabled; this default system ensures that there is never a risk of sharing moments or sending messages to a non-intended recipient. Signal is a cross-platform encrypted messaging service dedicated to end-to-end encrypted voice calling and encrypted texting. Encryption has always been the core of the company’s product, and when it was acquired by Twitter, the aim was to improve its privacy-protecting platform even further. For more security, users have the ability to choose different disappearing message intervals for each conversation that they have saved in their chat history. Signal is an Open Source project supported by donations and grants, so there are no advertisements, no affiliate marketers, and no secret tracking. Signal doesn’t have the keys to decrypt messages, so the company will never have access to content its users are exchanging.
Features
Open Source Protocol
Self-destructing messages after given time frame
Uses phone’s data connection to void SMS and MSS fees
Encrypted stickers
Group chat
View-once media
Cost: FREE w/ no ads
Number of Users: Signal doesn’t publish statistics about how many users they have, but Android’s Google Play store reports that Signal has been downloaded between 1 and 5 million times, and the iPhone App Store does not publish this data.
- Wire
Wire
Wire: The most secure collaboration platform
Another secure chat app option is Wire. Wire is another one of the very few apps that sets end-to-end encryption as the default to protect your messages, images, and files. Wire’s encryption works transparently in the background and does not need to be activated because it is always on. Additionally, a new encryption key is used for every message, reducing the impact of a single compromised key. It is 100% open source, so its source code is available for users to verify, inspect, and improve through GitHub. Wire does not sell analytics or usage data to third parties. This secure messaging program› is fully compliant with the strict data protection laws in Switzerland and the European Union, and it’s the most publicly audited collaboration and communication software on the market.
Features
Conferencing
Timed/ephemeral conversations
100% open source
File sharing
Group Chats
Cost: Free version for personal use and paid one for organizations (large enterprises) w/ no ads
Number of Users: Wire reported that its daily active users are in the hundreds of thousands.
- Threema
Threema
Threema: Seriously secure messaging
Threema is a private chat messaging app that prides itself on its guiding principle: the restraint on metadata. To ensure that no data is misused, Threema’s servers permanently delete a message after it has been delivered to the recipient. Information usually managed on a server is managed locally on the user’s device, meaning that any type of conversation is protected against eavesdropping. By design, there is no fallback to decrypted connections, so nobody else except for the intended recipient can read a Threema message. Threema is open source, so users can independently verify the correctness of the encryption. Additionally, you don’t have to provide an email or phone number to sign up, which helps offer you an extra layer of security.
Features
Create polls
Chat anonymously
Develop distribution lists
Hide confidential chats and use passwords to protect them
Verify contacts through QR code
Cost: :$2.99
Number of Users: 4.5 million
- Telegram
Telegram
Telegram: A new era of messaging
Telegram is a popular platform for heavily encrypted conversations. Voice calls and group chats involve end-to-end encryption (if both parties have Telegram). There is an option to self-destruct messages, files, photos, and videos in a certain amount of time after they have been sent and received. It even has self-destructing messages. For a more secure messaging experience, users can turn on secret chats from the app’s advanced settings, which forces the app on the other side of the secret chat to delete messages if you choose to do so. These kinds of chats are device-specific, so you can only access them from their device of origin. If your device is secure, your secret chats will be, too.
Features
Private messages can self-destruct
Distributed servers are spread globally for security and speed
Open API and protocol
No limits on the size of media and chats
Ability to coordinate groups of up to 200,000 members
Messages can be destroyed with a timer
Send documents of any type
Cost: FREE w/ no ads
Number of Users: Over 200 million
- Pryvate
Pryvate
Pryvate is a secure messaging app available for Android and iOS devices that enhances the protection of conversations via triple-encrypted chat, video, email, and browsing. Pryvate takes security seriously. It offers world-class RSA 4096-bit, SHA-256 encryption technology that does not rely upon servers, but instead provides a direct connection to co-workers, clients, and friends. Users can easily erase sensitive messages or call history from their device with Pryvate’s auto-delete timer and even remotely wipe messages from their message recipient’s device, too. Pryvate is dedicated to growing its catalog of utility-based features, with plans to offer TOR mobile web browsing, a secured cryptocurrency wallet, PryvateX – a cryptocurrency exchange integration, and an integrated distributed applications portal.
Features
Remote Wipe functionality
Auto Delete messages
Screenshot Spy functionality
Anti-blocking tech to ensure unrestricted global access
Access to a secure, private agnostic email (integrated with Microsoft Exchange)
Cost: FREE
Number of Users: Unknown
- Wickr Me
Wickr
Wickr: The most secure & private collaboration platform
Wickr is one of the only secure messaging apps that can truly be used anonymously. This application allows users to communicate with others either one-to-one or in groups with fully encrypted text messages, voice messages and memos. Wickr can be a collaboration tool instead of just a messaging app as there is the ability to share screens, locations, and online statuses. Wickr does not require an email address or phone number upon registration, ensuring that user data is not collected and therefore, the app does not have access to it. Encryption is turned on by default, and transparency reports are available to anyone who uses Wickr. This application uses Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) and supports Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Wickr does not log IP Addresses or other metadata.
Features
Self-destructing messages
Open Source
Search across all files and messages
Transfer photos, videos, and files securely (free plan: 1gb file transfer)
Create Teams and Networks to mirror your company organization
Secure screen and location sharing and online status
Up to 30 days data retention
Integration with internal database, email system, CRM, or another essential app (directly integrates with SalesForce, Jira, Zendesk)
API allows for custom integrations with in-house apps
Cost:
Basic plan: Free
Silver: $4.99
Gold: $9.99
Platinum: $25
Number of Users: Unknown
- Viber
Viber
Viber: Free and secure calls and messages to anyone, anywhere
Users can send voice and text messages, photos and videos to groups of any size using Viber. It also offers fully encrypted voice and video chats on mobile devices and major desktop operating systems as long as you select the correct sharing method. The company has stepped up its game when it comes to their end-to-end encryption as it used to be that only one-on-one communications were protected, but now group chats are also secured by E2E.
A unique feature of this app is that every chat is color-coded based on its current level of encryption:
Green means the chat is encrypted, and the contact you are connected to is trusted.
Grey means that the chat is encrypted, but the contact hasn’t been marked as trusted.
Red means there is a problem authenticating the contact.
Features
HD video calls
Chat Extensions allow to search GIFs, videos, restaurants, events, etc. through websites without ever leaving chat
Trusted Contacts verify identities of who you’re chatting with by exchanging secret keys
Instant messaging
Stickers
Service Messages
Instant Voice message
Public and Group Chats w/ unlimited members
Delete Seen Messages
Cost: Free
Number of Users: Over one billion
- Silence
Silence
Silence: SMS/MMS encryption made easy
Silence used to be called “SMS Secure”, as it is a spin-off from Signal. The end-to-end encrypted app works like an SMS/MMS application, as you can use it even if you aren’t connected to the internet on your phone. Silence is regularly audited by security experts in public view to make sure the code hasn’t been unlocked by any third party or government agency that wants to get its hands on users’ conversation history. Additionally, you don’t have to sign up with login credentials, upping its privacy and security status. This secure messaging app is open source, so anyone can check the code for errors or vulnerabilities.
Features
Prevents communications being screen-shotted at the other end
No servers or internet connection required
Messages encrypted locally
Open Source
Cost: Free
Number of Users: Unknown
- iMessage
iMessage
iMessage: Message who you want, how you want
iMessage has always been on top of offering end-to-end encryption between users. Additionally, this secure messaging app allows users to control how long the message stays and how many times the recipient can view it. The main security issue that users complain about is the option to backup your iMessages to iCloud. Messages stored in the cloud are encrypted by keys controlled by Apple, so if your iCloud were ever hacked, those messages could be revealed. However, the solution is to avoid storing private messages on web-based platforms like iCloud for heightened security measures.
Features
Mute notifications or leave group chats
Block phone numbers and contacts
Backup iMessages through iCloud
Tailor iMessage Settings
Uses the Internet instead of phone network when communicating with other iOS or maOS users
Control “Read Receipts”
Customization of message profile/personality with GIFs, animations and Memojis
Cost: Free
Number of Users: 1.3 billion
- Line
Line
Line: Free messaging whenever, wherever
Line is a free, secure messaging app available for a variety of smartphone devices and PC. This secure platform was developed by a team of Japanese engineers as a way to communicate after the Tōhoku earthquake that destroyed the area in 2011. The telecommunications infrastructure was damaged throughout the country, so the only solution for communication was through Internet-connected means. Shortly after this messaging app was built, LINE added end-to-end encryption to boost privacy and called the feature “Letter Sealing”. All users can use it, but it must be turned on manually.
Features
Letter Sealing
Over 10,000 Stickers of characters and celebrities
Follow official accounts of favorite artists, celebrities, brands, and TV shows for news and promotions
Share text, photos, and videos on Timeline
Add friends by the “Shake It!” function, when both people shake their devices close to one another to exchange contact information
Live Video
OpenChat- online space to meet new friends with similar interests based on app activity (only in Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia)
Cost: Free
Number of Users: Over 700 million
Most Secure App?
After analyzing and comparing these ten secure messaging apps, we believe that Signal is the best one to choose. It is 100% open source, and they are funded by donations and grants instead of corporate money that is dependent on user- data. Since it was created by a group called Open Whisper Systems, is was written by and has the support of some of the world’s top experts on privacy and security. Their implementation has been reviewed by the most well-known security experts and cryptographers. The messaging protocol integrated into Signal is considered to be the most secure one out of anything on the market today, proven by the fact that other services use the app’s messaging protocol for their most secure modes, including Wire, Skype’s Private Conversations and Facebook Messenger’s Secret Conversations.
Signal
What About Whatsapp?
As of January 7, 2021, Facebook updated its privacy policy, changing data-sharing practices for WhatsApp. The updated policy states that “WhatsApp receives information from, and shares information with, the other Facebook Companies. We may use the information we receive from them, and they may use the information we share with them, to help operate.” Therefore, users must agree that Facebook can share their data with advertisers, as business conversations hosted with the social network might be readable and used by companies to target consumers. As a result, tech expert Elon Musk recommended users choose Signal, which is listed first in this post. If you are interested in building your own clone of WhatsApp after this news, follow this tutorial to get a chat messaging application up and running in 20 minutes, allowing you to define its security measures! Start a free chat trial now to build a WhatsApp clone.
Need HIPAA Compliance for Healthcare Communications?
Viable communication solutions between medical organizations and patients is a need that is taking off across the healthcare industry. In this field especially, messaging platforms must be secure and HIPAA compliant. After carefully researching this specific space, you can read our take on the top 10 secure healthcare messaging programs or review our list of the 34 best telemedicine apps.
Didn’t Find a Good Fit? Build Your App In-House
We have mapped out the best apps above, but if that’s not enough, you might want to build your own platform in-house. Check out Stream’s Messaging API for more information about building your own secure communication solution in-house. Stream Chat was created to be the product on the market with the most amount of features, the highest scalability, and the quickest speed, so if you want to build your own secure messaging app and don’t want to worry about your customers experiencing a seamless chat solution, you’ve come to the right place.
Conclusion
The lack of comprehensive privacy on older, big-name services has led to the development of the newer apps featured above with more features focused on security. Headlines about security breaches come out day after day in our digitally-connected world, so we are forced to become more cautious about the dangers of identity and data theft. In the online world, data privacy and security matters more than ever with the looming risks of being spied on or having your conversations shared without knowing about it. Therefore, choosing to use some of the most secure chat apps to communicate with friends, family, and coworkers protects you against any kind of malicious actor trying to steal your data.
While all the secure apps mentioned in this article have end-to-end encrypted messaging, the ability to sync messages among a multitude of devices and platforms, and multi-mode communication (voice, text, video), each clearly has its strengths and weaknesses. Choosing which one to use can only be done by calculating which additional features are most important to you.
encrypted messaging app android
The best encrypted messaging apps can help you protect your own privacy. They make it hard for anyone else to eavesdrop on your private chats and calls, including (in most cases) the people running the apps themselves. Some of these apps are developed and maintained by huge corporations, while a few are run by scrappy start-ups.
Many of the best encrypted messaging apps are so heavily encrypted that even government intelligence agencies and police can’t break into them. End-to-end encryption as used by Signal, Threema, WhatsApp and others means only the sender and the recipient of a message and or a call can see or hear the content.
Notes: Apple’s iMessage protocol also uses end-to-end encryption, but the Messages app that displays those encrypted messages also handles unencrypted SMS text messages. If you enable iCloud backups of your iPhone, law enforcement may be able to see some of your iMessage and WhatsApp messages, according to this FBI training document.
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Here are some of the best encrypted messaging apps available right now for Android and iOS.
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- Signal (Android, iOS: Free)
Best encrypted messaging apps: Signal
(Image credit: Signal Foundation)
Signal is a fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. It’s a free all-in-one messaging, voice-call and group-chat solution that uses its own end-to-end encryption protocol.
You can send text messages, voice calls, group messages, media and attachments to your phone contacts, all without having to mess with PIN codes or special login credentials. Recent updates have added user-friendly features such as custom wallpapers and animated stickers, and Signal group video chats can now have up to 40 participants.
All Signal messages can be set to self-destruct after a certain amount of time. A Chrome browser plugin lets you use Signal from your desktop as well. You can transfer Signal accounts from one Android phone to another, and from one iOS device to another. A new update lets you change phone numbers while keeping Signal account data as long as you’re staying on the same device.
Signal’s encryption protocol is so strong that WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger use it too. But unlike Facebook, Signal’s parent company is a non-profit foundation created by an anarchist cryptographer and one of the founders of WhatsApp.
Ease of use and strong, open-source, regularly audited encryption makes Signal a favorite of the security-conscious, with accolades from Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates. User-friendliness without compromising on security makes Signal a fantastic option for users looking for an encrypted messaging and calling app. Here’s our guide on how to use Signal.
Download Signal: Android, iOS
- Threema (Android, iOS: $3.99)
Best encrypted messaging apps: Threema
(Image credit: Threema)
Threema is a very secure end-to-end encrypted messaging app that uses the NaCl cryptography library to protect your communications.
When you fire up the app, it generates a unique Threema ID key, allowing you to use the app completely anonymously — no names required. Otherwise, you can associate your account with an email address or phone number, which makes it easier for other Threema users to find you.
You’ll also get a scannable QR code that you can present to other Threema users if you meet in person but don’t want to exchange names.
In addition to the usual raft of messaging features such as encrypted text, voice, picture, and video messaging, the app also includes file sharing (20MB per file), emojis, group messaging and a polling system for getting feedback from friends and contacts.
While some other secure-messaging apps that haven’t reached WhatsApp or Telegram adoption levels have pivoted toward the enterprise market to stay afloat, Threema still has one foot planted firmly in the consumer market. Charging a few bucks for the app makes that financially possible.
So what’s the downside? Threema hasn’t really caught on in the English-speaking world, so you may have a hard time finding other users unless you speak German. But its impeccable security is well worth spending $4 for.
Download Threema: Android, iOS
- WhatsApp (Android, iOS: Free)
Best encrypted messaging apps: WhatsApp
(Image credit: Facebook)
The world’s most widely used stand-alone chat and call app, WhatsApp has used Signal’s end-to-end encryption protocol on all messages since 2016.
Its developers are continuously adding tweaks to the app’s security and privacy features, such as fine-tuned group invitations and controls so that you’re always aware who is reading your group chats.
The app is also testing transfers of chat history when switching between iOS and Android phones and using a single account on four different devices at once. Updates to WhatsApp have made it possible to have end-to-end-encrypted backups and has added the ability to make disappearing chats your default. You can also transfer your chat history from iPhone to Android, and the iOS beta suggests an Android-to-iPhone transfer feature is coming soon.
In 2014, WhatsApp was bought by Facebook, which later broke its promises to WhatsApp’s founders that it wouldn’t “monetize” WhatsApp. (The founders left, and one co-founded Signal.) Some WhatsApp user behavioral data is now shared with Facebook, which created more demand for WhatsApp alternatives, but the messages remain entirely walled-off.
No matter who owns it, WhatsApp remains one of the easiest ways for anyone to use end-to-end encrypted messaging. If you’re not comfortable with Facebook’s presence, there are plenty of other options on this page.
Users who want to be absolutely sure about their security can verify each chat’s 60-digit security-verification code or QR code that you can compare with a contact to ensure that your conversation is encrypted. You’ll also want to make sure your messages are backed up with WhatsApp itself and not with Apple’s iCloud.
Combined with WhatsApp’s ubiquity, ease of use and the ability to send voice messages, photos, and video messages, and conduct group chats, this makes for a robust and fully encrypted mobile-messaging app.
Download WhatsApp: Android, iOS
- Telegram (Android, iOS: Free)
Best encrypted messaging apps: Telegram
(Image credit: Telegram FZ-LLC)
Like Signal and WhatsApp, Telegram lets users link their phone number to a Telegram account to send fast, encrypted messaging over the internet, with client-server encryption for standard chats.
But Telegram is much more than just a messaging service. It has grown into a worldwide social-media platform, with huge user groups and broadcasts that let accounts reach millions of followers in an instant. It has uses far beyond secure messaging.
However, end-to-end encryption is not enabled by default on Telegram. To get it, you’ll have to switch to a Secret Chat mode. You can set messages to self-destruct, share videos and documents and participate in group chats of up to 200,000 users. (Yes, Telegram really does support group chats that large.) However, chats with more than two participants won’t be end-to-end encrypted.
A caveat? Telegram uses its own custom MTProto encryption rather than a more proven system. The consensus among information-security experts is that aside from its group chats, Telegram may not be very secure, although the FBI doesn’t seem to have figured out a way to break in. Here’s our guide on how to use Telegram.
Download Telegram: Android, iOS
- Silent Phone (Android, iOS: $9.95 per month)
Best encrypted messaging apps: Silent Phone
(Image credit: Silent Circle)
Silent Circle is a trusted provider of secure-communications software that provides encrypted video and voice calls, as well as encrypted, self-destructing messaging and file transfers.
Encryption keys are held by subscribers themselves, not by Silent Circle, so while your encrypted messages may pass through Silent Circle’s network, the company can’t read your data.
The downside is the rather high price. Installing the Silent Circle app is free, but it won’t work until you pay $9.95 per month. Silent Circle is aimed at enterprise users who need total privacy for work. As such, you probably won’t encounter many people who use it for personal communications.
Download Silent Phone: Android, iOS
- Wire (Android, iOS: Free)
Best encrypted messaging apps: Wire
(Image credit: Wire Swiss GmbH)
Wire features end-to-end encryption for instant messages, voice and video calls, with support for GIFs, audio and video clips, and sketches, and local and Dropbox file sharing. The app also offers multiplatform cross-device syncing and support for multiple accounts, allowing you to separate personal and work communications.
Wire uses its own Proteus encryption protocol based on the Signal protocol, and its code is open-source and subject to external security audits. The mobile and web versions of the app are free, with a premium tier available for businesses.
The parent company, Wire Swiss, was originally founded and run out of Switzerland, famous for its privacy laws. The holding company moved to the United States in 2019, which alarmed some users, but then moved to Berlin in early 2021.
Like Silent Circle and Wickr, the company seems to have retooled its website to appeal primarily to business users. But you can still get Wire’s free consumer desktop software from the “Download” link at the bottom of the site’s front page, and the mobile apps from the app stores.
Download Wire: Android, iOS
- Wickr Me (Android, iOS: Free)
Best encrypted messaging apps: Wickr
(Image credit: Wickr)
Wickr Me is a free end-to-end encrypted-messaging app that allows users to send private, self-destructing messages (text, photo, video, and voice) to other Wickr contacts. Think of it as a more secure Snapchat.
Wickr takes user privacy seriously, using strong encryption and deleting metadata such as geotags and message times. Users can configure how long it takes for messages to self-destruct. A video-key verification system adds a new layer of security, with users verifying each other with short bursts of encrypted video.
The app’s security is a point of pride for Wickr; there’s even a $100,000 bug-bounty program for anyone who gets in touch with the company to point out a security flaw.
However, the consumer Wickr Me app is not as versatile as some other encrypted messaging apps. Group chats are limited to 10 members, and audio and video calls are one-to-one only.
Wickr was bought by Amazon in June 2021, which may alarm some users worried about the retail giant’s privacy issues. Like Silent Circle and Wire, it also seems to have retooled its primary marketing strategy to appeal primarily to business users.
Download Wickr Me: Android, iOS
- Viber (Android, iOS: Free)
Best encrypted messaging apps: Viber
(Image credit: Viber Media)
Viber offers end-to-end encryption on all platforms. Originally developed in Israel, the app is now owned and operated by Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten. It offers many of the same bells and whistles as Telegram, including stickers and communities, and, most recently, augmented-reality filters to jazz up selfies.
A neat feature for Viber is a color-coded lock icon to quickly show users how protected a conversation is (gray for encrypted communications, green for encrypted communications with a trusted contact, and red in the event that there is an issue with the authentication key). Viber has self-destructing Secret Chats, including in group chats and on its desktop app, plus a Hidden Chats feature for hiding chatrooms on a shared device.
All of this is in addition to Viber’s solid mobile-messaging feature set, including text, voice, and group messaging all tied to your phone number. The app and communications with other Viber users are free, but you’ll have to pay a bit for calls to non-Viber users.
Download Viber: Android, iOS
- Facebook Messenger (Android, iOS: Free)
Best encrypted messaging apps: Facebook Messenger
(Image credit: Facebook)
The near-ubiquitous Facebook Messenger may not be the first app you think of when it comes to encrypted messaging, but the mobile versions of the app include end-to-end encrypted communication options in the form of Secret Conversations.
Based on the same encryption system used in Signal, Secret Conversations requires users to opt into the feature. It allows them to send and receive encrypted text, pictures, and stickers to and from a single mobile device, with the option for time-limited self-destructing messages a la Snapchat.
Most recently, Messenger has added options for end-to-end encryption of one-to-one voice and video calls, and for end-to-end encryption of group chats, calls and video chats.
That said, Facebook Messenger is still vulnerable to being screen-grabbed, and the opt-in and single-device limitations can be an issue. Also, it’s Facebook.
Download Facebook Messenger: Android, iOS
- Silence (Android: Free)
Best encrypted messaging apps: Silence
(Image credit: Silence)
If you’re looking for an SMS/MMS app that offers a bit more security than your standard text message, check out Silence, an open-source Android app that takes the Axolotl encryption protocol pioneered by Signal and applies it to telephone-based SMS.
Silence works just like your normal text messaging app, sending normal text messages to your contacts through SMS, with the option of sending encrypted SMS messages to other Silence users.
But be forewarned: Signal itself dropped its efforts to build SMS/MMS secure messaging in 2015 because it decided it wouldn’t be able to do it properly. Silence is, or was, trying to push forward where Signal chose not to.
Silence is available in the Google Play Store, though American users won’t be able to install it from there, apparently due to trademark issues. Also, the Google Play version hasn’t been updated since March 2018.
A slightly newer version (August 2019) available to Americans can be found in the F-Droid open-source app repository, even though we don’t normally recommend sideloading apps.
Given the length of time without an update, the project may have been abandoned by its developers, although the Silence website was still up, and its warrant canary recently updated, last time we checked.
Download Silence: F-Droid, Google Play
- Dust (Android, iOS: Free)
Best encrypted messaging apps: Dust
(Image credit: Radical App LLC)
Dust, formerly Cyber Dust, throws in multiple security and encryption features in an attempt to maintain user privacy.
The app uses a combination of AES-128 and RSA-2048 encryption to secure posts and messages, and it’s also designed to keep direct messages in RAM as much as possible, rather than in your phone’s permanent storage. Messages can be set to self-destruct within 24 hours or right after being read.
Dust is also set not to display user names in a message and informs you if a screenshot is taken from within the app. In addition to the secure messenger, Dust also packs in a privacy-watchdog feature and a stealth search tool for maintaining privacy while searching the web.
That said, it appears the Dust app is being maintained rather than actively developed, with no major features introduced since mid-2020. We’ll keep an eye on this.
Download Dust: Android, iOS
- Pryvate Now (Android, iOS: Freemium)
Best encrypted messaging apps: Pryvate
(Image credit: Criptyque -Pryvate Limited)
Pryvate Now is built with professional and business users in mind. But the app offers some solid functionality even in its free tier.
The Pryvate Now messenger offers RSA-4096 encrypted voice and IM messaging functions, as well as self-destructing messages. Users willing to spring for premium subscriptions get private voice and video calls, secured conference calls, private email, file storage and anti-blocking measures so that you can use the app globally.
However, like some of the other apps on this list, Pryvate Now seems to be being maintained rather than actively developed. We’ll keep an eye out to watch for any new features.
Download Pryvate: Android, iOS
- Voxer (Android, iOS: Freemium)
Best encrypted messaging apps: Voxer
(Image credit: VoxerPro)
Voxer takes a more voice-oriented approach than most of these apps, letting users send voice messages similar to a walkie-talkie or push-to-talk device.
Users can listen to messages live in-app or play back messages like voice mail later on; they can also send and receive text, photos, videos, and location messages. In addition to direct messaging, the app supports groups of up to 500 individuals, and offers optional end-to-end encrypted messaging using the Signal protocol.
The app is free, but a premium subscription unlocks features such as unlimited message history, admin controls for group chats, and a hands-free walkie-talkie mode. However, you will need to opt in to encrypted messaging with the Private Chat mode — it’s not on by default.
Download Voxer: Android, iOS
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