7 Best Encrypted Message Apps You Should Switch T0
In this modernised world, chatting with your friends and family is accessible just from the tips of your fingers. There are many messaging apps that allow you to chat, collaborate, and even organise meetings. However, not all messaging apps protect your privacy.
This is why you should use an encrypted message app to help protect your privacy. This service is called end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the intended recipients can read your messages. Here are some recommendations so you can message without worrying about anyone spying on your messaging activities.
7 Best Encrypted Message Apps
1. Signal
A good, encrypted messaging application to have on your mobile phone is Signal. It is a great solution for security-conscious mobile users. Signal is a free app for both Android and Apple phones., offering all-in-one messaging, group chatting, and even voice calls.
You can send text messages, group chats, voice calls, media, and files to your contacts without PIN codes or login credentials. Signal messages can even be set to self-destruct after a certain amount of time if needed.
Not to mention that Signal is seamlessly useable with any device you have. For example, you can use it on your mobile phone and desktop. Moreover, Signal’s encryption protocol is the same as Whatsapp and Facebook Messenger use. The only difference is that Signal’s company is a non-profit foundation.
2. Whatsapp
Another encrypted texting software you should consider is Whatsapp. Whatsapp is the most extensively used standalone chat and calls app in the world. Since 2016, it has used Signal’s end-to-end encryption protocol for all messages.
This mobile messenger encrypts your messages by default. Not only that, but Whatsapp even has self-destructing messages and images. With this application, you can send texts, calls, and media, such as pictures or videos, voice messages, and voice calls.
Furthermore, it provides you with a variety of cute and vivid stickers to choose from. Whatsapp is also free for users who have an Android cellphone or any other device. Furthermore, this app is simple to use and provides a wide range of features, making it a popular choice among many users.
3. Telegram
Telegram is also a great option if you want to send encrypted messages. Like Signal and Whatsapp, Telegram allows users to link their phone number to their account. In addition, Telegram users can send rapid, encrypted messages over the internet, with regular chats using client-server encryption.
In addition, Telegram has evolved from being just a regular messaging service. It has grown into a global social media network with massive group chats that can accommodate up to 200,000 participants. It even includes broadcasts, allowing users to instantly reach millions of followers.
Although end-to-end encryption is not enabled by default on Telegram, you can easily enable it by switching to Secret Chat mode. Equally important, Telegram is also available on the desktop, either on the web or as a a downloadable desktop application.
4. Threema
Threema is a high security end-to-end secure messaging software that uses the NaCl encryption library to protect your conversations. When you start the app, it will generate a unique Threema ID, allowing you to use the text messaging app completely anonymously.
However, you can still associate your account with an email address or a phone number. This way, other Threema users can easily find you if they have your email or number. You will also have a scannable QR code that you can show to other Threema users to add you to their phones.
Threema, like the other messaging apps on our list, provides encrypted text, voice texts, images, and video messaging, among other features. In addition, file sharing, emojis, group texting, and even a polling mechanism are all available in the app. Threema is a paid app for Apple and Android phones, costing $3.99, but it is well worth it because of its robust protection.
5. Silent Phone
Silent Phone is another reputable secure-communications service provider. This service provides three options: Silent Phone, an encrypted texting app, and Silent Manager, a management tool to secure communications across your company. Silent World is the third service which allows users to make phone calls to anyone, including non-Silent Phone customers.
Silent Phone includes all the essential features of a secure communications service. For instance, you can send not only text messages but also voice memos, images, videos, and files with Silent Phone. In addition, you can also share your location and contact information with other users. Not to mention the possibility of making secure voice calls.
What is more, all messages sent in Silent Phone will get automatically deleted after some time- further granting you an extra layer of protection. This span can be as short as one minute or as long as 90 days. However, to use this app, you would have to pay a monthly subscription of $9.95.
6. Wire
This free end-to-end encryption messaging application is also one you should check out. Wire supports GIFs, audio, video clips, doodles, local or Dropbox file sharing, and end-to-end encryption for instant chats and voice and video calls.
Wire also has a premium tier available for corporations. In addition, it offers its users multiplatform cross-device synchronisation. Along with support for multiple accounts, allowing the users to separate personal and work communications. This software is available for both Android and iOS devices, as well as those who prefer the web version on their laptops or desktops.
Wire, like Silent Phone, has redesigned its website to cater largely to business customers. However, you can still access the application’s free consumer desktop software, which you can find at the bottom of the site’s front page or from the app store on your phone.
7. Viber
Viber offers you a great end-to-end encryption service accessible on almost every platform. Many of the same features as Telegram are available, including symbols and groups, as well as enhanced filters to spice up selfies.
Viber’s colour-coded lock symbol is a standout feature that immediately reveals how secure communication is. For example, grey for encrypted communication and green for an encrypted chat with a trustworthy person. Finally, a red colour-coded lock indicator indicates that the authentication key is malfunctioning.
Viber also has self-destructing Secret Chats, which may be used in group chats and desktop software. It also includes a Hidden Chats function that allows you to hide chatrooms on a shared device. In addition, all services are free, except for calls to non-Viber users.
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