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Best Encrypted Messaging Apps in 2026
- 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
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