18.0
Android messaging app that assigns no profile identifiers, phone numbers or usernames.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSAPI
Best Encrypted Messaging Apps in 2026
Encrypted messaging tools protect chats, calls and backups; the choice turns on Android support and the encryption coverage you need. Compare Android availability first, then check iPhone and iPad, web, Windows, macOS and Linux support. Look at free plans, pricing, group limits, linked devices, calls, disappearing messages and encrypted backups.
27.9
Android app for free, encrypted chats and calls, with web and desktop versions.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWeb
37.9
Wire provides organizations with end-to-end encrypted messaging, calls, conferencing, and file sharing.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
- 4
WhatsApp
Android app for messaging; also available on web, Windows, Mac and iPhone.
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.7Free plan - 5
Olvid
Android app for secure messaging and attachments that does not require personal details to operate.
Free planAndroidiOSWebLinux7.5From €990 a year - 6
Session
Session is a decentralized, end-to-end encrypted private messaging app for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS7.4From $2.99 a month - 7
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…
AndroidiOSWebAPI7.2From $3 a month - 8
BitChat
Android app for nearby Bluetooth mesh chats and internet messaging through Nostr, without an account.
Free planAndroidiOSmacOS7.0Free plan - 9
Signal
Signal is a private messaging app for sending messages and making internet calls.
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS7.0Free plan - 10
imo
imo is a communication app for internet calls and messaging, available on Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows.
Free planAndroidiOSWebmacOS6.9Free plan - 11
Delta Chat
Delta Chat is a free, open-source instant messaging app for mobile and desktop, available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows, with self-hosting also listed.
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS6.8Free plan - 12
FluffyChat
Android app for Matrix private and group chats, calls and video conferences.
Free planAndroidiOSWebLinux6.8Free plan - 13
Keet
Android app for direct chats, audio and video calls, and media transfers with encryption.
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS6.8Free plan - 14
Status
Status combines a crypto wallet, messenger, and browser in one app.
Free planAndroidiOSExtensionLinux6.8Free plan - 15
Zangi
Zangi is an internet communication app for private conversations between people who already know each other.
Free planAndroidiOS6.8From $5 a month - 16
Keybase
Android app with zero-knowledge encryption and file versioning; listed storage limit is 250.
AndroidiOSWebLinux6.7 - 17
Messenger
Android app for chats and calls with Facebook and Messenger contacts; no phone number required.
Free planAndroidiOSWebmacOS6.7Free plan - 18
Briar
Android app that syncs messages peer-to-peer, using Tor online or Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or memory cards offline.
Free planAndroidLinuxmacOSWindows6.6Free plan - 19
Cyph
Android app for private messaging, encrypted group video calls and scheduled meetings.
AndroidiOSWebLinux6.6From $7 a month - 20
Cwtch
Android app using Tor for anonymous peer connections; chats work when both participants are online.
Free planAndroidLinuxmacOSWindows6.5Free plan - 21
Monal
iOS and macOS XMPP client for private and group chats, voice messages, and message history.
Free planiOSmacOS6.4Free plan - 22
Quicksy
Quicksy is a free Jabber/XMPP messaging app for Android and iOS that uses phone numbers for registration and contact discovery.
Free planAndroidiOS6.4Free plan - 23
Skred
Android and iOS app for messages and calls that requires no phone number, email, or subscription.
AndroidiOSWeb6.4From €2.99 a month - 24
Berty
Android and iOS messaging app using a distributed peer-to-peer network for communication.
Free planAndroidiOS6.3Free plan - 25
Element
Android app for messaging, with versions also available for iOS, desktop, web and self-hosting.
AndroidiOSWebLinux6.3
Choosing well
Which platforms does it need to run on?
Start with Android support, then check whether the service also offers iPhone and iPad, web, Windows, macOS or Linux access.
A desktop app can matter if you switch between a phone and computer. Web access may suit shared or managed computers, while a native app can provide a more direct desktop experience.
How much will encrypted messaging cost?
Check for a real free plan before comparing paid pricing. A free trial can help you assess a paid tier before subscribing.
Read the paid-from price and billing unit carefully. Pricing can be listed per user per month or as a monthly plan, depending on the service.
Which encryption features should you compare?
Compare the stated encryption coverage, including whether it applies to the conversations and features you plan to use.
Also check disappearing messages and encrypted backups. These controls address message retention and backup storage rather than the same use case.
How large can groups be and how many devices can link?
Use the maximum group size to match your chats, communities or work teams. A service built for small conversations may not fit a large group.
Check the linked device limit if you move between a phone, tablet and computer. This can affect how easily you keep one account available across devices.
Does it support calls and a desktop app?
Check whether voice and video calls are included, then confirm which platforms support them.
A desktop app is a separate comparison point from web access. Confirm that the computer platform you use is supported before choosing a service.
Questions people ask
Which encrypted messaging apps work on Android?
Check the app's platform listing for Android support first. Android availability varies, so confirm it before comparing other features.
Do encrypted messaging apps have free plans?
Many entries list a free plan, while others use freemium pricing or a trial. Check the pricing model and paid-from price for the app you want.
What encryption features should I look for in a messaging app?
Compare encryption coverage, disappearing messages and encrypted backups. These fields show how protection and message retention are handled.
Can I use an encrypted messenger on a computer?
Check for a desktop app or web access, then confirm support for Windows, macOS or Linux. The available computer options differ by service.
How do I compare group and linked-device limits?
Look at maximum group size and linked device limit. Match those limits to the size of your conversations and the devices you plan to connect.