Threema
Threema is a paid messaging app for private and business use, with text and voice messages, voice and video calls, group calls, media sharing, file transfers…
What Threema is
Threema is a paid messaging app for private and business use, with text and voice messages, voice and video calls, group calls, media sharing, file transfers, and desktop access. Users can register without a phone number or email address, and contact synchronization is optional. End-to-end encryption covers messages, media, calls, profile pictures, group names, and member lists. Apps are open source across Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and Threema Web. The regular desktop app and web client require an activated mobile installation. Threema operates its own servers in Zurich data centers belonging to an ISO 27001-certified colocation partner. Its apps undergo regular security audits, including Cure53 audits in 2020 and 2024. The company states that it complies with GDPR and Switzerland’s Federal Act on Data Protection and is not subject to the US CLOUD Act. Business tools include Gateway integrations and Work APIs; Broadcast offers feeds, distribution lists, bots, and centrally managed group chats. A 30-day trial is listed.
Good
- End-to-end encryption covers messages, calls, and group details.
- Account creation does not require a phone number or email.
- Apps are open source across listed desktop and mobile platforms.
- Business APIs and Broadcast tools are available.
Watch out
- No free plan is listed.
- Desktop app and web client require an activated mobile app.
- OnPrem users can communicate only within the same instance.
Who it suits
Threema suits people who want encrypted messaging without giving the service a phone number or email address. Its Work, Gateway, and Broadcast offerings also address organizations seeking messaging and administration tools.
Verdict
Threema combines encrypted personal messaging with business APIs and administration options. Check the desktop requirement and OnPrem communication limit if either affects your setup.
Plans and prices
From Threema's own pricing page, checked 1 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Core | $3 a month | maximum 200 users · central user management · GDPR-compliant · Annual payment |
| Professional | $5 a month | unlimited employees · Threema Broadcast · automation and API access · premium support · Annual payment |
| Private | $6, paid once | private use only · price depends on app store and country |
| OnPrem | Priced on request | self-hosted · full infrastructure and data control · white-labeling · premium support |
The facts
Each one read from Threema's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Broadcast
- Threema Broadcast provides feeds, distribution lists, bots and centrally managed group chats, and is included in the Professional plan.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Business APIs
- Threema Work provides Work API, Broadcast API and an Entra ID connector for directory synchronization, administration and user management.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Compliance
- Threema states that it is GDPR-compliant, subject to Switzerland’s Federal Act on Data Protection, and not subject to the US CLOUD Act.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Desktop requirement
- The regular desktop app and web client require a mobile device with Threema installed and activated.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- Threema provides end-to-end encryption for messages, media, calls, profile pictures, group names and group-member lists.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Infrastructure
- Threema operates its own servers in data centers of an ISO 27001-certified colocation partner in Zurich, Switzerland.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Threema Gateway lets companies integrate Threema into existing software to send, receive and process messages.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Messaging
- Threema supports text and voice messages, voice and video calls, group calls, media sharing, file transfers and desktop use.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Open source
- The Threema apps are open source, with source repositories for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux and Threema Web.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- Threema can be used without providing a phone number or email address, and contact synchronization is optional.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Security audits
- Threema says its apps undergo regular audits by recognized security experts, including Cure53 audits in 2020 and 2024.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Self-hosting limit
- Threema OnPrem users can communicate only with users of the same OnPrem instance.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Support
- Threema provides support forms for the private app and management-cockpit support for Threema Work, plus dedicated Gateway and Broadcast support addresses.checked 1 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2012checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Pfäffikon SZ, Switzerlandchecked 28 Sep 2026
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