Best Encrypted Messaging Apps in 2026
Updated
In short: Olvid is ranked #1 of 43 as of 4 October 2026, ahead of Wire and Session. The best-ranked option with a free plan is Wire. The lowest first paid tier on this page is Session at $2.99/mo.
Choosing an encrypted messaging app means considering which conversations and communication features are covered, as well as how people connect across devices. Compared on encryption coverage, voice and video calls, disappearing messages, encrypted backups and maximum group size, the entries also show desktop apps, linked-device limits, free plans and paid starting prices. Signal, Wire and Element appear at the start of the ranking, followed by SimpleX Chat and Session. Consider whether you need desktop access, large group conversations, calls or message controls such as disappearing messages. These differences can help you assess which apps align with the ways you communicate and the devices you use.
43 encrypted messaging apps ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
#1 Olvid Top pick · 7.6 Free plan · €82.50/mo
#2 Wire Runner-up · 7.6 Free plan · €7.45/mo
#3 Session Also great · 7.4 Free plan · $2.99/mo
- Free planFree trial AndroidiOSLinuxmacOSWebWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Encryption coverage
- default
- Desktop app
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms€82.50/mofirst paid tier About OlvidVisit site - Free plan AndroidiOSLinuxmacOSWebWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms€7.45/mofirst paid tier About WireVisit site - Free plan AndroidiOSLinuxmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Paid from
- 2.99 /mo
- Encryption coverage
- mixed
- Maximum group size
- 100 members
- Desktop app
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms$2.99/mofirst paid tier About SessionVisit site - Free plan AndroidiOSLinuxmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Paid from
- 1.99 /mo
- Encryption coverage
- default
- Maximum group size
- 1,000 members
- Linked device limit
- 5 devices
- Desktop app
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - Free plan AndroidapiiOSLinuxmacOSself-hostedWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Encryption coverage
- default
- Desktop app
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - Free plan AndroidiOSLinuxmacOSself-hostedWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Encryption coverage
- default
- Desktop app
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - AndroidiOSLinuxmacOSWebWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Paid from
- 3 /mo
- Encryption coverage
- default
- Desktop app
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms$7/mofirst paid tier About CyphVisit site - Free plan AndroidiOS
- Free plan
- Yes
- Paid from
- 5 /mo
- Encryption coverage
- default
- Maximum group size
- 1,000 members
- Linked device limit
- 1 devices
- Desktop app
- No
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms$5/mofirst paid tier About ZangiVisit site - AndroidiOSLinuxmacOSself-hostedWebWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - Free trial AndroidapiiOSLinuxmacOSself-hostedWebWindows
- Free plan
- No
- Encryption coverage
- default
- Linked device limit
- 2 devices
- Desktop app
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms$3/mofirst paid tier About ThreemaVisit site - WebWindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid
- Free plan
- Yes
- Encryption coverage
- default
- Desktop app
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - AndroidiOSLinuxmacOSWebWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Encryption coverage
- default
- Desktop app
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - WebWindowsmacOSiOSAndroid
- Free plan
- Yes
- Encryption coverage
- mixed
- Maximum group size
- 5,000 members
- Desktop app
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - AndroidiOSLinuxmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid
- Free plan
- Yes
- Encryption coverage
- default
- Maximum group size
- 20 members
- Desktop app
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - AndroidiOSmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Encryption coverage
- default
- Desktop app
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - AndroidiOSmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid
- Free plan
- Yes
- Encryption coverage
- default
- Desktop app
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - WebLinuxiOSAndroid
- Free plan
- Yes
- Encryption coverage
- mixed
- Desktop app
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - iOSAndroid
- Free plan
- Yes
- Encryption coverage
- default
- Desktop app
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroid
- Free plan
- Yes
- Encryption coverage
- default
- Desktop app
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroid
- Free plan
- Yes
- Encryption coverage
- default
- Desktop app
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - WebiOSAndroid
- Free plan
- Yes
- Encryption coverage
- default
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - WebiOSAndroid
- Free plan
- Yes
- Encryption coverage
- default
- Desktop app
- No
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroid
- Free plan
- Yes
- Encryption coverage
- default
- Desktop app
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms
Is your app on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which encrypted messaging app is ranked first on Everything Xiaomi?
Olvid is ranked #1 of 43 with a score of 7.6. Wire is second and Session third.
How many of these have a free plan?
7 of the 25 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, Session has the lowest first paid tier we found: $2.99/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked on what each maker publishes: documentation depth, a free tier and the platforms it runs on. Paid placements never change a rank.