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Best Secure Messaging Apps in 2026
Choosing a secure messaging app means weighing privacy controls against the devices and conversations you need to support. Compared on account requirements, encryption coverage, disappearing messages and encrypted backups, these entries offer several criteria to examine. Desktop apps and multi-device support can help you assess how an app fits your setup, while linked-device limits and maximum group size may shape everyday use. Voice and video calls and free-plan availability are also listed, along with paid-from pricing. Olvid, Wire and Delta Chat are among the apps to compare, alongside Session and Signal. Consider how you want to connect devices, manage message history and host group conversations.
- 36 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
Cinny
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2Choose Cinny for a free Matrix client with a clean separation between direct chats and channels, open source, and self-hosting paths.
- 5
Crypho
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2Crypho combines encrypted messaging, file sharing, and video conferencing with group and organizational controls.
- 6
Bridgefy
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone - 7
Cheogram
Free plan AndroidSelf-hostedWebCheogram combines XMPP messaging with gateway connections to other communication networks.
- 8
Cwtch
Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+1Choose Cwtch for free encrypted peer-to-peer conversations over Tor v3, especially if an open protocol matters.
- 9
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.
- 10
- 11
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.
- 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
ChatSecure
Free plan iPhone - 15
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.
- 16
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.
- 17
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.
- 18
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.
- 19
Nheko
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsPick Nheko if you want a free Matrix desktop app with broad messaging features and support for major desktop systems.
- 20
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.
- 21
Telegram
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4Telegram offers messaging, large groups and channels, calls, and developer tools across several platforms.
- 22
Dino
Free plan Linux - 23
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.
- 24
Ricochet Refresh
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsChoose Ricochet Refresh if you want free, open-source messaging with Tor-based identities, local account data, and secure file transfer.
- 25
Viber
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2Choose Viber for free messaging and calls with other Viber users, device syncing, and Communities that can have unlimited members.
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price