Side by side
ChatSecure vs Session
Both stand on encrypted messaging apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan iPhone
Visit ChatSecure 
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2
Session offers private messaging across mobile and desktop, with a free plan and a $2.99 USD monthly Pro option. Note that communities lack full end-to-end encryption and beta calls may expose an IP address.
Visit SessionThe facts
| ChatSecure | Session | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | iPhone | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Pro: $2.99 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | chatsecure.org | getsession.org |
| On encrypted messaging apps | #15 of 43 | #19 of 43 |
ChatSecure: what it does well
Session: what it does well
- Sign-up does not require a phone number or email.
- Encrypted group chats support up to 100 people.
- Attachments are encrypted on-device up to 10MB.
- Open-source code can be independently audited.
- Free plan includes encrypted messaging.
What to know first
- Communities are not fully end-to-end encrypted.
- Calls are beta and one-to-one only.
- Calls may expose an IP address to specified parties.
- Account recovery retrieves messages from the last 14 days.
Alternatives to ChatSecure Alternatives to Session The whole list