Best Encrypted Messaging Apps for Privacy

14 minutes read Published 2024-01-28

Most popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and SMS are not secure. They collect your metadata, store your messages on company servers, and often have backdoors for governments. Your private conversations deserve better protection.

Encrypted messaging apps use end-to-end encryption to ensure only you and your recipients can read your messages. Even the app company can't see your conversations. However, not all "encrypted" messaging apps are equally private or secure.

Here are the best encrypted messaging apps that truly protect your privacy and security.

Top Encrypted Messaging Recommendations

Signal (Most Recommended)

Best for: Most users who want maximum privacy with ease of use

Signal is the gold standard for encrypted messaging. It's developed by the Signal Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to privacy. Even privacy advocates like Edward Snowden recommend Signal for secure communication.

Key Privacy Features:

  • End-to-end encryption for all messages and calls
  • No metadata collection (Signal doesn't know who you message)
  • Disappearing messages with custom timers
  • Screen security (prevents screenshots in-app)
  • No phone number discovery by default
  • No chat backups stored on servers

Security Features:

  • Open source and independently audited
  • Perfect forward secrecy (past messages stay secure even if keys are compromised)
  • Advanced post-compromise security
  • Sealed sender (hides who sent messages from Signal's servers)
  • Safety numbers for contact verification

Unique Privacy Protections:

  • Minimal metadata collection (only when messages were delivered)
  • No read receipts unless you enable them
  • Private groups with admin controls
  • Incognito keyboard support on Android
  • Proxy support for circumventing censorship

Setup Tips:

  • Use Signal PIN for account recovery
  • Enable registration lock to prevent SIM swapping attacks
  • Turn on disappearing messages by default
  • Disable typing indicators for maximum privacy
  • Verify safety numbers for important contacts

Considerations:

  • Requires phone number for registration (but can use secondary numbers)
  • Not as feature-rich as mainstream messaging apps
  • Group limits (1000 people maximum)
  • Desktop app requires phone to be online periodically

Element (Matrix)

Best for: Users who want decentralized messaging and complete control

Element is based on the Matrix protocol, which creates a decentralized network for secure communications. You can use Element's servers or run your own Matrix server for complete control.

Key Privacy Features:

  • End-to-end encryption for private conversations
  • Decentralized network (no single company controls it)
  • Option to self-host your own server
  • No phone number required
  • Cross-platform compatibility
  • Bridge connections to other messaging platforms

Decentralization Benefits:

  • No single point of failure or control
  • Choose your server or run your own
  • Communicate across different Matrix servers
  • Federation means your server can talk to others
  • Complete data sovereignty with self-hosting

Advanced Features:

  • Spaces for organizing communities
  • Voice and video calls with encryption
  • File sharing with encryption
  • Extensive customization options
  • Bot integrations for automation
  • Bridges to Discord, Telegram, and other platforms

Considerations:

  • More complex setup than Signal
  • Encryption isn't enabled by default for public rooms
  • User interface less polished than commercial apps
  • Requires technical knowledge for self-hosting
  • Smaller user base than mainstream apps

Session

Best for: Maximum anonymity without phone numbers

Session is built on a decentralized network and requires no personal information to create an account. It's designed for users who want complete anonymity in their communications.

Key Privacy Features:

  • No phone number or email required
  • Onion routing for traffic anonymity
  • Decentralized storage (no central servers)
  • End-to-end encryption for all messages
  • No metadata collection possible
  • Anonymous account creation

Anonymity Features:

  • Random Session ID instead of phone number
  • Traffic routed through multiple nodes
  • No IP address logging
  • No way to link accounts to real identities
  • Disappearing messages
  • Perfect forward secrecy

Unique Protections:

  • Completely anonymous registration
  • Resistant to traffic analysis
  • No central authority can shut it down
  • Open source and audited
  • Works without personal information

Considerations:

  • Smaller network effect (fewer users)
  • Slower message delivery due to onion routing
  • Limited features compared to Signal
  • Battery usage higher due to network overhead
  • Requires sharing Session ID to connect

Briar

Best for: Peer-to-peer messaging without internet dependency

Briar creates a peer-to-peer network for secure messaging that works even when the internet is unavailable. Messages sync directly between devices without using servers.

Key Privacy Features:

  • Completely peer-to-peer (no servers at all)
  • Works over Bluetooth, WiFi, and internet
  • End-to-end encryption for all communications
  • No central authority or single point of failure
  • Messages stored only on your devices
  • Resistant to censorship and surveillance

Unique Capabilities:

  • Works during internet outages
  • Mesh networking between nearby devices
  • No phone number or email required
  • Cannot be blocked by governments
  • Perfect for protest movements and activism
  • Tor integration for internet connections

Considerations:

  • Limited to Android devices only
  • Smaller user base
  • Features are basic compared to other apps
  • Requires physical proximity for initial connection
  • Battery usage can be higher

Wire

Best for: Business users who need encrypted collaboration

Wire provides encrypted messaging with business-focused features like file sharing, video conferencing, and team collaboration tools.

Key Privacy Features:

  • End-to-end encryption for messages and calls
  • No phone number required (can use email)
  • European company with strong privacy laws
  • Open source apps
  • No advertising business model
  • GDPR compliant

Business Features:

  • Team collaboration tools
  • File sharing with encryption
  • Video conferencing for groups
  • Screen sharing
  • Integration with business tools
  • Guest rooms for external communication

Considerations:

  • Based in Switzerland (good privacy laws)
  • Paid plans for business features
  • Metadata stored on company servers
  • Less popular than Signal
  • More complex than simple messaging apps

Messaging Apps to Avoid

WhatsApp

  • Owned by Meta (Facebook)
  • Extensive metadata collection
  • Shares data with Facebook
  • Backdoors built for law enforcement
  • Chat backups not end-to-end encrypted

Facebook Messenger

  • No end-to-end encryption by default
  • Extensive data collection and profiling
  • Messages used for advertising targeting
  • Integrated with Facebook's tracking network
  • Government surveillance capabilities

Telegram

  • Not end-to-end encrypted by default
  • "Secret chats" have limited features
  • Company has concerning privacy policies
  • Servers located in countries with weak privacy laws
  • Metadata collection and storage

Discord

  • No end-to-end encryption
  • Extensive data collection
  • Messages stored permanently on servers
  • Privacy policy allows broad data sharing
  • Primarily designed for gaming, not privacy

SMS/Text Messages

  • No encryption (messages sent in plain text)
  • Stored by mobile carriers
  • Vulnerable to interception
  • Government access without warrants
  • Can be read by anyone with network access

Messaging Comparison

Feature Signal Element Session Briar Wire
Phone Number Required Yes No No No No
End-to-End Encryption ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Anonymity ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
Ease of Use ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Features ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Decentralization ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐

Essential Security Features

When choosing a messaging app, look for these critical security features:

Encryption Standards:

  • End-to-end encryption for all messages
  • Perfect forward secrecy
  • Post-compromise security
  • Authenticated encryption
  • Open source cryptographic implementation

Privacy Protections:

  • Minimal metadata collection
  • No message content stored on servers
  • Anonymous or pseudonymous accounts
  • Disappearing messages
  • No read receipts or typing indicators by default

Authentication Features:

  • Contact verification (safety numbers)
  • Device verification
  • Protection against man-in-the-middle attacks
  • Secure key exchange
  • Regular security audits

Setting Up Secure Messaging

Step 1: Choose Your Primary App

  • Signal for most users (best balance of security and usability)
  • Session for maximum anonymity
  • Element for decentralized control
  • Briar for offline capabilities

Step 2: Configure Security Settings

  • Enable disappearing messages by default
  • Turn off read receipts and typing indicators
  • Disable message previews in notifications
  • Enable screen security/screenshot blocking
  • Set up verification with important contacts

Step 3: Verify Contacts

  • Compare safety numbers in person or through another channel
  • Verify identity before sharing sensitive information
  • Re-verify if you see security warnings
  • Use voice calls to confirm identity when needed

Step 4: Practice Good Security Hygiene

  • Use unique usernames/handles when possible
  • Don't link accounts to other social media
  • Be careful with group messaging
  • Regularly update apps for security patches
  • Use different messaging apps for different purposes

Advanced Privacy Tips

Maximum Anonymity Setup:

  • Use Session or Briar for anonymous messaging
  • Access through Tor or VPN
  • Create accounts without personal information
  • Use separate devices for sensitive communications
  • Meet contacts in person for initial key exchange

Group Messaging Security:

  • Keep groups small and trusted
  • Use admin controls to prevent unwanted additions
  • Verify all group members
  • Consider separate groups for different purposes
  • Use disappearing messages in groups

Backup and Recovery:

  • Signal: Use Signal PIN and avoid local backups
  • Element: Secure backup with strong passphrase
  • Session: No backups possible (write down Session ID)
  • Briar: No cloud backups needed
  • Wire: Use secure local backups only

Migration Strategies

Moving Contacts from Insecure Apps:

  • Export contact lists where possible
  • Message contacts individually about switching
  • Offer to help with app installation and setup
  • Start with most important/security-conscious contacts
  • Use secure apps alongside old ones during transition

Gradual Transition:

  • Install secure messaging app alongside current ones
  • Use secure app for sensitive conversations
  • Encourage friends and family to install secure apps
  • Set secure messaging as default for new conversations
  • Eventually phase out insecure messaging apps

Family and Friends:

  • Focus on immediate family first
  • Explain privacy benefits in simple terms
  • Help with installation and initial setup
  • Demonstrate features that improve communication
  • Be patient with less technical users

Secure messaging is essential for protecting your private conversations. Choose an app that prioritizes your privacy and security, configure it properly, and encourage your contacts to make the switch.

Your communications reveal intimate details about your life, relationships, and thoughts. Don't let corporations or governments eavesdrop on your private conversations. Make the switch to truly encrypted messaging today.