Best Encrypted Messaging Apps in 2026
Updated
In short: Olvid is ranked #1 of 43 as of 4 October 2026, ahead of Session and Wire. The best-ranked option with a free plan is Session. The lowest first paid tier on this page is Session at $2.99/mo.
Encrypted messaging apps differ in the communication features and device support they offer. Compared on encryption coverage, voice and video calls, disappearing messages, encrypted backups, and maximum group size, these entries also include desktop app availability and linked-device limits as comparison points. Free-plan availability and paid-from pricing add cost context. Olvid, Session, and Wire are among the apps, as are Delta Chat and Signal. Consider which devices you use, how you communicate with groups, and whether calling, backup, or message controls matter to you, then compare the listed capabilities and plan details.
43 encrypted messaging apps ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
Recognised 40% · Phone app 26% · Documented 20% · Free plan 14% of the score
- 1 Olvid iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.9€82.50/mo Encryption coverage: default
- 2 Session iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.9$2.99/mo Encryption coverage: mixedMaximum group size: 100 members
- 3 Wire iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.9€7.45/mo
- 4 Delta Chat iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.8Free Encryption coverage: default
- 5 Signal iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.8Free Encryption coverage: defaultMaximum group size: 1,000 membersLinked device limit: 5 devices
- 6 SimpleX Chat iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.8Free Encryption coverage: default
- 7 Zangi iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.8$5/mo Encryption coverage: defaultMaximum group size: 1,000 membersLinked device limit: 1 devices
- 8 Cyph iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.4$7/mo Encryption coverage: default
- 9 Element iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.2
- 10 Threema iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.1$3/mo Encryption coverage: defaultLinked device limit: 2 devices
- 11 Berty iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.9 Encryption coverage: default
- 12 Confide iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.9 Encryption coverage: default
- 13 imo iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.9 Encryption coverage: mixedMaximum group size: 5,000 members
- 14 KeeperChat iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.9
- 15 Keybase iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.9
- 16 Messenger iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.9 Encryption coverage: default
- 17 Monal iPhone only RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.9 Encryption coverage: mixed
- 18 Skred iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.9 Encryption coverage: default
- 19 Status iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.9 Encryption coverage: defaultMaximum group size: 20 members
- 20 FluffyChat iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.8 Encryption coverage: mixed
- 21 iGap iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.8 Encryption coverage: default
- 22 Jami iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.8 Encryption coverage: default
- 23 Keet iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.8 Encryption coverage: default
- 24 Molly Android only RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.8 Encryption coverage: defaultMaximum group size: 1,000 members
- 25 Siskin IM iPhone only RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.8 Encryption coverage: mixed
Is your app on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which encrypted messaging app is ranked first on Samsung Mobile US Press?
Olvid is ranked #1 of 43 with a score of 7.9. Session is second and Wire third.
How many of these have a free plan?
7 of the 25 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, Session has the lowest first paid tier we found: $2.99/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked mobile-first: a phone app alongside the web or desktop product, a free tier and the depth of its documentation. Paid placements never change a rank.