• What makes a messaging app secure?
  • Top 10 secure messaging apps
  • Our top recommendations
  • Expert tips to keep your messages private
  • FAQ: Common questions about the most secure messaging apps
  • What makes a messaging app secure?
  • Top 10 secure messaging apps
  • Our top recommendations
  • Expert tips to keep your messages private
  • FAQ: Common questions about the most secure messaging apps

Most secure messaging apps in 2025: Ranked and reviewed

Featured 27.08.2025 19 mins
Chantelle Golombick
Written by Chantelle Golombick
Katarina Glamoslija
Reviewed by Katarina Glamoslija
Kate Davidson
Edited by Kate Davidson
Most secure messaging apps in 2025: Ranked and reviewed

Many messenger apps aren’t secure: they might quietly collect metadata such as your contacts, chat length, device fingerprints, and location trails to feed ad networks and data brokers.

And if your messages aren’t properly encrypted, they could be intercepted and used for identity theft, deepfake scams, or old-fashioned blackmail.

If you want real privacy when you chat online, you need a messaging app that protects your data. This guide breaks down the top privacy-focused messaging services to help you find one that works for you.

What makes a messaging app secure?

Infographic detailing how to keep your messaging app secure.

The most secure messaging apps prioritize privacy over features. They’re built on proven security principles, transparent development, and a genuine respect for user data. When choosing an app, look for these five pillars:

1. End-to-end encryption (E2EE)

E2EE ensures that only you and your intended recipient can read your messages. The message is locked on your device and can only be unlocked by the recipient’s device. Without E2EE, your private conversations could be exposed to cybercriminals, your app provider, and other third parties.

The best secure messaging apps have E2EE baked in by default for all conversations, not just as an optional setting.

2. Open-source code

Open-source code is a hallmark of trustworthy chat apps. When the app’s source code (the blueprint for how the app is built and how it uses encryption) is publicly available, independent experts can audit it for vulnerabilities and backdoors.

3. Metadata collection and data retention

Even if the content of your messages is encrypted, information about your messages, known as metadata, can reveal a lot about you. This might include who you talk to, when you’re online, and your general location.

Secure apps are designed to collect as little metadata as possible. Some use a zero-knowledge design, meaning they’re built so that they can’t access or hand over your personal information (like your contact list), even if compelled to do so by law enforcement or other authorities.

4. Self-destructing messages and anonymity features

Extra features can provide another layer of protection. These might include:

  • Disappearing messages: Automatically deletes messages after a set time. (Note: This doesn't stop someone from taking a photo of the screen with their camera.)
  • Anonymous sign-up: Allows you to create an account without a phone number.
  • IP address masking: Hides your network address by routing your connection through other networks, making your physical location much harder to identify.
Quick tip: For greater privacy, pair your messaging app with ExpressVPN. It works by hiding your real IP address, which helps conceal your location and prevents network observers from seeing which services you connect to.

 

5. Perfect forward secrecy

Perfect forward secrecy gives each message a short-lived encryption key, one that self-destructs after it does its job. Your app creates the key and protects the message with it, then erases it. This ensures that even if a messaging app’s encryption keys are compromised in the future, past messages remain secure.

Top 10 secure messaging apps

Below, we review the most secure messaging apps of 2025, ranked by their encryption standards, privacy features, and user trust. Before we get into the details, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the leading secure messengers, summarizing their most critical privacy features and limitations.

Quick comparison: How the apps stack up

App E2EE by default? Signup requirement Anonymity level Open source Key differentiator Primary limitation
Signal Yes, for everything Phone number required High (collects almost no metadata) Yes (clients and server) Good standard in privacy, run by a non-profit Smaller user base
Wire Yes, for everything Email or phone number Good (some metadata retained) Yes (clients and server) Secure collaboration suite under Swiss law Free tier is limited
Threema Yes, for everything None (random ID generated) Very high (no personal info needed) Yes (clients only) Can be used with total anonymity Is a paid app (one-time purchase)
AWS Wickr Yes, for everything Business registration N/A (enterprise focus) No (proprietary) Ephemeral messaging for enterprise No longer for personal use; owned by Amazon
Telegram No (only for optional secret chats) Phone number required Low (collects significant metadata) Yes (clients only) Feature-rich with large public channels E2EE is not on by default
Viber Yes, for chats and calls Phone number required Low (collects contact lists and metadata) No (uses an open source library for encryption) Default E2EE with low-cost calls to non-users Backups are not E2EE by default; collects metadata
iMessage Yes, between Apple devices only Apple ID / phone number Medium (E2EE iCloud backups are opt-in) No (proprietary) Seamless security within the Apple ecosystem Only works between Apple devices; proprietary code
WhatsApp Yes, for chats and calls Phone number required Low (shares extensive metadata with Meta) No (proprietary) Most popular app with default E2EE Shares extensive metadata with its parent company, Meta
Session Yes None (random ID generated) Very high (decentralized, hides IP) Yes (clients and server) Decentralized messenger for maximum untraceability Lacks forward secrecy; can have message delays
Briar Yes Nickname and password only Maximum (peer-to-peer over Tor / offline) Yes (client side); No server-side code, as it’s ecentralized P2P. Works offline via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Android only; text-only; high battery usage

1. Signal

Signal messaging app logo.

Widely regarded by security professionals as the gold standard for private communication, Signal combines an open-source protocol with a user-friendly interface.

Key privacy features:

  • Uses the Signal Protocol for all messages, calls, and group chats by default. This protocol provides perfect forward secrecy, meaning each conversation has a temporary key that is discarded, protecting past messages even if a future key is stolen.
  • The code for Signal’s apps and server is publicly available for anyone to inspect for vulnerabilities.
  • Designed to collect almost no data: doesn’t store who you talk to, your message content, or your contact lists.
  • Offers self-destructing messages, disappearing media, and screen security to prevent screenshots on your own device.
  • Lets you authenticate contacts by scanning a QR code.
  • Has a PIN-based system that secures your account and helps you recover it without relying solely on your phone number.

Pros:

  • Provides best-in-class encryption and privacy by default.
  • A nonprofit runs the service, and it has no ads or data monetization.
  • Feature-rich, with encrypted video chat, group calls, and stickers.

Cons:

  • Still requires a phone number to sign up, but you can hide your phone number from other users by using a username.
  • Relatively small user base (around 70 million users) can make it harder to connect with certain contacts.
  • Lacks some of the more advanced features found in other messaging apps like status updates (although this is intentional due to a strong focus on privacy and security).

Read more: See our side-by-side review of WhatsApp vs. Signal for a deeper performance comparison.

2. Wire

Wire logo. The word ‘wire’ in a thin, stylized, lowercase black font on a white background.

Positioned as a secure collaboration suite for both personal and business use, Wire offers strong, audited encryption with data protection compliance under Swiss law.

Key privacy features:

  • Always-on E2EE for messages, calls, and files, which also includes perfect forward secrecy to protect past conversations.
  • Complete source code for all apps and the server is open source and available for public audit.
  • Provides the option to register with an email address instead of a phone number.
  • Offers a self-hosted enterprise version, giving companies total control over their data.

Pros:

  • Compliant with strict European data protection laws like the GDPR.
  • Excels at secure team collaboration with cross-platform sync and screen-sharing over E2EE.

Cons:

  • Retains some metadata needed for functionality, such as participant lists in conversations.
  • Not designed for discovering new contacts, making it less suitable for casual social networking.

3. Threema

Threema logo. A white speech bubble with a padlock inside, above the word ‘Threema.’ in white text on a green background.

Another contender from Switzerland, Threema is a long-standing favorite for users seeking maximum anonymity, thanks to its policy of requiring no personal information to get started.

Key privacy features:

  • Generates a random Threema ID for signup, so no phone number or email is required. Allows for anonymous payments (including Bitcoin) to purchase the app.
  • Provides E2EE for all messages, calls, and files, and includes perfect forward secrecy and self-destructing messages.
  • Designed to generate as little metadata as technically possible.
  • Uses QR codes to let you securely verify contacts in person.

Pros:

  • One of the most anonymous mainstream messengers available.
  • All message content is stored only on your device, not on a server.
  • Client apps are open source.

Cons:

  • Requires a one-time purchase to use.
  • Server-side code isn’t open-source, which requires some trust in the company.
  • Offers fewer integrations with other platforms than mainstream messenger apps like Telegram or WhatsApp.

4. AWS Wickr

AWS Wickr logo. Two white diagonal bars next to the words ‘AWS Wickr’ in white lowercase letters on a dark navy blue background.

Part of Amazon Web Services, Wickr provides fortified ephemeral messaging (messages that are automatically deleted after a set time) with advanced features aimed at enterprise and professional users.

Key privacy features:

  • E2EE for voice, video, and file sharing, and its protocol includes forward secrecy.
  • Self-destructing messages and a “secure shredder” that overwrites deleted files to make them unrecoverable.
  • Deletes all metadata from communications and uses cryptographic measures to protect message content and metadata from external access.
  • Designed for business, with features for managing employee logins and data retention policies.

Pros:

  • Provides powerful administrative controls for enterprise environments.
  • Supports OIDC-based single sign-on so businesses can manage employee logins.

Cons:

  • No longer a tool for individual users: the free consumer version was discontinued in 2023, and AWS Wickr is now a paid business service.
  • Acquisition by Amazon created some uncertainty in the privacy community about its future direction.

5. Telegram

Telegram logo. A white paper airplane inside a blue circle on a 3D white icon, set against a blue background.

Known for its massive user base and feature-rich ecosystem of channels and bots, Telegram offers privacy as an option rather than a default.

Key privacy features:

  • E2EE is only available in secret chats, which you must start manually. These chats use forward secrecy but are limited to two people and don’t sync across devices.
  • Telegram’s apps are open-source.
  • Self-destructing messages and auto-delete timers are available.

Pros:

  • Excellent for managing large group chats and public channels.
  • Cloud-based message sync is fast and convenient, but it’s not end-to-end encrypted.
  • You can be logged in on multiple devices at the same time.

Cons:

  • E2EE is not on by default. Standard chats are only encrypted between your device and Telegram's servers.
  • Collects a significant amount of metadata, such as your IP address, contacts, and who you communicate with, to power its social features. We recommend using ExpressVPN with Telegram to conceal your IP address.

Read more: Compare all the details in our Signal vs. Telegram breakdown.

6. Viber

Viber logo. A white telephone handset inside a speech bubble on a solid purple background.

A popular communication app with a strong presence in specific regions, Viber provides default encryption for private chats but has a business model that isn’t great for privacy.

Key privacy features:

  • E2EE is the default for all one-on-one and group chats, as well as voice, VoIP, and video calls.
  • Offers the option to hide specific chats from the main list and protect them with a PIN.
  • Uses an open-source library for its encryption, but the app itself is not open-source.

Pros:

  • Free app that’s available on multiple platforms, making it accessible for personal and business use without cost.
  • Allows users to make low-cost calls to non-Viber users on mobile or landline numbers, a feature not offered by many competitors.
  • Provides E2EE by default for all one-on-one and group chats, as well as calls.
  • Offers deletion of sent messages from all devices in a conversation, not just the sender's.

Cons:

  • Requires access to your contacts, which means the names and phone numbers on your device are uploaded to Viber’s servers.
  • Collects user metadata like your IP address and (when you grant permission) your precise GPS data.
  • Uses your personal data to contact you with marketing and offers, including from third-party partners.

7. iMessage (Apple Messages)

iMessage logo. The green iMessage app icon with a white speech bubble, next to the word ‘iMessage’ in black text.

Deeply integrated into Apple's ecosystem, iMessage offers powerful encryption for communication exclusively between Apple devices.

Key privacy features:

  • Strong, default E2EE for all conversations between Apple devices.
  • Opt-in “Advanced Data Protection” closes a big privacy loophole by extending E2EE to your iCloud backups, including iMessage history.
  • Employs forward secrecy by generating a new pair of encryption keys for each message sent.
  • Built-in security architecture isolates all incoming message data in a secure sandbox, specifically protecting your device from "zero-click" attacks hidden in links or files.

Pros:

  • Tight integration with the Apple ecosystem makes it a more intimidating target for attackers compared to services running on more fragmented operating systems.
  • For high-risk users, Contact Key Verification allows you to verify you’re messaging the correct person and receive alerts if a sophisticated attacker attempts to intercept the conversation.
  • Automatically strips tracking parameters from links, reducing the amount of personal data shared with Apple or third parties by default.

Cons:

  • Only works between Apple devices. When you message an Android user, it falls back to unencrypted SMS (green bubbles).
  • The “Advanced Data Protection” feature has to be manually enabled to ensure that even Apple can’t access your iMessage backups stored in iCloud.
  • Source code is proprietary and can’t be audited by independent experts.

8. WhatsApp

WhatsApp logo on a green background, surrounded by white line-art icons like a sun, paper plane, and user profiles.

As the world's most popular messaging app, WhatsApp brings default E2EE to billions of users, but it comes with some data privacy trade-offs.

Key privacy features:

  • All messages, calls, photos, and videos are secured with E2EE by default.
  • Includes two-factor authentication (2FA), an important defense against account takeover via SIM swapping or other phishing attacks.
  • Gives you the power to decide who sees your personal information, like your profile photo, status, and more.

Pros:

  • Uses the Signal Protocol for encryption.
  • E2EE backups for iCloud or Google Drive can be enabled, extending E2EE to saved chat histories.
  • Multi-device feature means you can use the app on your other devices without your phone needing to stay connected to the internet.

Cons:

  • Proprietary, so you must trust Meta’s implementation of the Signal Protocol.
  • Requires a phone number for signup, tying your digital presence to a real-world identifier.
  • Collects and shares extensive metadata with its parent company, Meta. While the content of your messages is private, who you talk to, when, from where, and for how long is not.
  • Monetization strategies, including the integration of more business and advertising features into the platform, raise concerns about how user metadata will be used for commercial purposes.

Read more: Dig deeper into WhatsApp’s privacy claims with our article, Is WhatsApp safe?

9. Session

Session messenger logo. A green, stylized ‘S’ icon above the word ‘SESSION’ in white capital letters on a dark gray background.

Built for extreme privacy, Session is a decentralized messenger that uses Tor’s onion routing principles for near-total anonymity.

Key privacy features:

  • Chats use the Session Protocol, built on the well-tested libsodium library. Only you and your recipient hold the keys, blocking outsiders from reading your messages.
  • Messages are bounced between multiple volunteer-run servers (an onion network) to hide their origin and your IP address. This means there are no central servers to hack or subpoena.
  • No phone numbers or email addresses required: it creates a random Session ID for you so your real identity never lands on its servers.

Pros:

  • One of the most anonymous and untraceable messaging apps available.
  • Decentralized network design prevents the logging of user metadata.
  • Code is fully open-source and can be independently audited at any time.

Cons:

  • Routing process can cause delays in message delivery, especially for large files.
  • Current Session Protocol has dropped forward secrecy.

10. Briar

Briar messenger logo. A green hashtag icon next to the word ‘BRIAR’ in dark gray capital letters.

Designed for people needing to communicate in the most challenging conditions, Briar operates without central servers and can even function offline.

Key privacy features:

  • Moves messages over the Tor network when the internet works and falls back to direct Wi-Fi or Bluetooth syncing when it doesn’t.
  • All communication is E2EE and includes forward secrecy.
  • You choose only a nickname and a password; the platform never asks for a phone number or email.
  • Peer-to-peer design eliminates a single point to store or subpoena contact data.
  • Fully open-source and regularly audited.

Pros:

  • Maximum resilience and anonymity, making it ideal for high-risk situations, e.g., activists in blackout zones or areas with internet censorship.
  • No metadata: your list of contacts is stored only on your phone, and because the app's programming is public, security experts can check every new version for safety.

Cons:

  • Doesn’t have an iOS client; only available on Android. Desktop builds exist, but iPhone users must look elsewhere.
  • Continuous syncing process can use more battery than other messengers.
  • Limited to text chats and file and image sharing; no voice, video, or rich media, making it less convenient for everyday social use.

Our top recommendations

Best overall secure messaging app: Signal

With its strong focus on privacy and ease of use, Signal stands out as a top all-around choice. Its development is funded by a nonprofit foundation, not by selling data. Every message and call is protected by its world-class, open-source Signal Protocol by default. With minimal data collection, it’s the top choice for everyday private communication.

Best for anonymous messaging: Session

If you want to communicate without revealing your identity, Session is a strong option. It doesn't require a phone number or email to sign up, instead providing you with a randomly generated ID. All messages are routed through a decentralized onion network, which hides your IP address and physical location by bouncing your data through multiple volunteer-run servers.

While Briar offers similar anonymity, Session is available on both iOS and Android and supports a wider range of features, making it a more versatile and accessible choice.

Best for business communication: Wire

Wire is built from the ground up for the security and compliance needs of a business. It combines strong, audited E2EE with features essential for teams, like secure file sharing and guest rooms for external partners. Because it’s compliant with strict data protection laws (like GDPR) and offers on-premises hosting, it gives organizations complete control and sovereignty over their data.

Expert tips to keep your messages private

Infographic detailing how to keep your messaging app secure.

The security of your messaging app is only as strong as the security of your device and your habits. Here are essential tips to protect your conversations.

1. Use strong passcodes

Your phone’s lock screen is the front door to your digital life. A strong passcode is your best defense against someone who gets physical access to your device. Go into your phone’s settings and choose a long passcode (more than the standard 4 or 6 digits if possible).

For an extra layer of security, many apps like Signal also allow you to set a separate lock that’s required to open the app itself. Need help? Follow our guide on locking your apps with passwords.

2. Avoid messaging over public Wi-Fi

Unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, like those at cafes or airports, are risky. Attackers on the same network can potentially spy on your internet activity. Avoid sending sensitive information over public Wi-Fi whenever possible.

If you must use it, protect your connection with a reputable VPN. ExpressVPN creates a private, encrypted tunnel for your data, making it unreadable to anyone snooping on the network.

3. Use ephemeral messages

Get into the habit of using disappearing messages. Setting messages to automatically delete after a set period, from a few minutes to a few weeks, dramatically reduces your digital footprint. This ensures that old conversations don’t remain on your device forever, minimizing the data that could be exposed if a device is ever lost, stolen, or compromised.

4. Keep your device and apps updated

Keeping your device and apps updated ensures the latest security patches are installed, which protects you from known vulnerabilities. Updates often fix bugs that hackers can exploit, improving overall app performance and privacy and keeping your messages secure from unauthorized access.

5. Be cautious with shared devices and backups

This is one of the most common ways encrypted messages are exposed. Your messages are secure in transit, but if you back them up to the cloud without encryption, that backup file can be accessed.

Go into your messaging app’s settings and look for a backup option. If it offers encrypted backups (like WhatsApp and iMessage do), turn this on.

6. Protect your device with anti-malware tools

The most advanced encryption in the world is useless if your phone itself is compromised with malware. Spyware can log everything you type or take screenshots of your messages, for example.

To prevent this, only install apps from official app stores, and be very wary of strange links or attachments. It’s also a good idea to protect your device with a quality antivirus app, which will detect and quarantine malware threats in real-time.

FAQ: Common questions about the most secure messaging apps

Which messaging app is the most secure?

Signal is an excellent choice thanks to a combination of open-source code, forward secrecy, and zero-knowledge architecture. Its small metadata footprint leaves attackers with little to work with.

What is the most untraceable text app?

Session and Briar are designed for untraceable messaging, requiring no personal data and routing your messages through intermediary networks to avoid metadata exposure.

What is the most secure way to send text messages?

Pick an app with E2EE, lock your device behind a passcode, turn on two-factor authentication, and use a VPN to hide your IP. This four-layer approach blocks network snoops, phone thieves, and account hijackers in one go.

Are encrypted apps legal and safe to use?

Encrypted messaging apps are legal in most countries and are safe when sourced from official app stores. However, always check local regulations and avoid unofficial versions.

Can government agencies read my secure messages?

When you use an app with strong E2EE, short-lived keys, and minimal logs, your messages are encoded and unreadable as they travel across the internet. This means a government agency can’t intercept them and read their contents.

Take the first step to protect yourself online. Try ExpressVPN risk-free.

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Chantelle Golombick

Chantelle Golombick

After a decade working in corporate law and five years teaching at University, Chantelle now enjoys freelance life writing about law, cybersecurity, online privacy, and digital freedom for major cybersecurity and online privacy brands. She is particularly interested in the interplay between these digital issues and the law.

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