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Best Encrypted Messaging Apps in 2026
Encrypted messaging apps help send messages and make calls with encryption. This list is for people comparing privacy-focused chat tools for personal or group use across Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and the web.
- 43 apps
- Research read 23 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
Jami
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIExtension+6Jami brings messaging, calls, and conferencing together in a peer-to-peer communication app. Check client-specific feature availability, particularly if you rely on extensions or bot and API access.
- 2
SimpleX Chat
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+4SimpleX Chat pairs identifier-free network design with messaging, groups, and calls across mobile and desktop platforms.
- 3
Briar
Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+1Pick Briar for free, open-source messaging with device-to-device synchronization, offline connections, and default end-to-end encryption.
- 4
Cwtch
Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+1Choose Cwtch for free encrypted peer-to-peer conversations over Tor v3, especially if an open protocol matters.
- 5
Cyph
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3Cyph brings messaging, meetings, and encrypted storage together, with a separate Telehealth offering for patient sessions and records.
- 6
BitChat
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMacChoose BitChat if you want peer-to-peer messaging that can work nearby without internet and can also use Nostr.
- 7
Delta Chat
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3Delta Chat offers default end-to-end encryption and broad platform support at no charge. Note the visible server metadata and the stated limitations around browser access, classic email, and calls.
- 8
- 9
FluffyChat
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+1Choose FluffyChat if you want a free Matrix messaging client across mobile, Linux, and web, with media sharing, calls, and default end-to-end encryption for private chats.
- 10
Berty
Free plan AndroidiPhoneBerty focuses on private, decentralized messaging and offline reach without requiring conventional account details.
- 11
imo
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2imo combines messaging, internet calls and large-group features across several platforms at no charge.
- 12
Keet
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2Choose Keet if you want free peer-to-peer messaging, calls, and uncompressed file sharing across mobile and desktop devices.
- 13
Gajim
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsChoose Gajim for free, open-source XMPP messaging with encrypted conversations, groups, and multi-device synchronization.
- 14
Messenger
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2Messenger combines messaging, calls and media sharing with options for encrypted chats and temporary content.
- 15
ChatSecure
Free plan iPhone - 16
Conversations
Free plan AndroidConversations offers encrypted, federated messaging with broad media and calling support. Server compatibility and the Android-only platform are the main practical considerations.
- 17
Olvid
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3Olvid pairs encrypted messaging with cross-device synchronization and secure calls. Check the call limits and plan details against the features you need.
- 18
Dino
Free plan Linux - 19
Session
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2Session offers private messaging across mobile and desktop, with a free plan and a $2.99 USD monthly Pro option.
- 20
Signal
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2Signal covers everyday messaging, file sharing and voice or video calls, with encryption and group controls. Keep the phone-registration and desktop setup requirements in mind.
- 21
Keybase
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3Keybase offers broad platform coverage with encrypted messaging, files, teams, and Git at no listed cost. Storage limits and terminal-based bug reporting are the main operational details to consider.
- 22
Monal
Free plan iPhoneMacMonal provides broad XMPP messaging and calling features without a listed charge. Privacy details vary by function, especially fallback call servers and locally stored logs.
- 23
Status
Free plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+3Choose Status if you want a free app that combines a crypto wallet with encrypted messaging and browser access, while allowing use without personal contact or payment details.
- 24
Tox
Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+1Choose Tox if you want free, open-source communication with messaging, calls, video, groups, and uncapped file sharing.
- 25
Kontalk
Free plan Android
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price
Check what the free plan includes, whether a free trial is available, and the open-source licence if reading or changing code matters. Compare encryption coverage, group size limits, linked-device limits, desktop support, calls, disappearing messages, and encrypted backups before choosing.
Questions
Are encrypted messaging apps on this list free?
Items include free and freemium pricing models. A free plan is offered by items on the list, so check the plan details for the app you choose.
Which platforms do these apps support?
Platforms represented include Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and the web. Check the platform fields for the app you want.
Can I find open-source messaging apps here?
Yes. Open-source code is offered by items on this list. Review the licence for the tool you choose.
Do any apps offer a free trial?
A free trial is offered by items on this list. Check the individual app's pricing details for trial terms.
What should I compare besides price?
Compare encryption coverage, maximum group size, linked-device limit, desktop app support, voice and video calls, disappearing messages, and encrypted backups.
What is the listed paid price for Cyph?
Cyph lists paid access from $3 per month when billed annually, alongside its free plan.
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