Olvid suits people or organizations seeking messaging across mobile and desktop platforms without providing personal details to operate.
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Best Encrypted Messaging Apps 2026
Encrypted messaging apps protect conversations across phones and computers. This list helps you compare tools for messaging, calls and group chats.
Compare free plans, paid starting prices, encryption coverage, group limits, linked devices, desktop apps, disappearing messages and encrypted backups. No scoring rule is published here, so use those fields for your own fit.
Cyph
AndroidiPhone & iPadWeb+3SimpleX Chat
It suits people looking for messaging across mobile and desktop platforms, with encrypted messages, calls and groups.
AndroidiPhone & iPadWindows+4Free chat and calling app for Android, iPhone, Mac, Windows and browsers.
AndroidiPhone & iPadWeb+3Jami
Jami may suit people seeking private messaging and calls across desktop and mobile devices without creating an account with personal information.
AndroidiPhone & iPadWeb+6Wire may suit organizations that need encrypted communication and collaboration across devices.
Threema is a paid messenger for mobile, desktop and web with encrypted chats, calls, groups and optional contact sync.
Session may suit people who want private messaging without signing up with a phone number or email address.
Secure decentralized messaging app for phones and desktops with multi-device chats and chatmail relays.
Free messaging and internet calling app with HD audio, video and group calls for up to 20 people.
Messenger may suit people who want to chat and call Facebook and Messenger contacts without sharing a phone number.
Free app for texts, files, photos, videos, voice messages, voice calls and group video calls.
Keybase is a free app for encrypted chats, file sharing and versioned storage on mobile, desktop and web.
Status is an Android, iOS, desktop and browser app for crypto wallets, messaging and web browsing.
Briar suits activists, journalists, and others who need private communication across online and offline connections.
Cwtch suits people seeking encrypted peer-to-peer messaging across desktop and Android.
Free open-source Matrix app for private or group messages, media, calls and video conferences.
Free peer-to-peer app using nearby Bluetooth relays and Nostr for internet messages on Android, iOS and Mac.
Berty may suit people who want peer-to-peer messaging and default end-to-end encryption, including groups the maker identifies as facing higher risks.
Skred is an anonymous Android, iOS and web app for messages, voice calls and video calls without contact details.
Conversations is an Android Jabber/XMPP app for encrypted messages, media, groups, locations and calls.
Before you choose
Check your platforms
Check support for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux and web before choosing an app. Platform coverage differs across the list.
If you need a desktop app or browser access, confirm that support in the comparison fields.
Compare free and paid plans
A free plan can cover basic use, while paid plans may start at different prices. Signal lists paid service from $1.99 per month, Session from $2.99 per month and Zangi from $5 per month.
Olvid lists a free plan, paid service from €4.99 per user per month and a 30-day trial. Check the currency and billing unit before comparing prices.
Review encryption coverage
Use the encryption coverage field to see what an app protects. Encrypted backups are listed separately, so check both fields when stored conversation history matters.
Disappearing messages provide another setting to compare for conversations you do not want retained indefinitely.
Match group and device limits
Maximum group size matters when chats include a larger community or team. Linked device limits matter when you move between phones and computers.
Compare these limits with the way you plan to use the app rather than assuming they match across services.
Check voice and video calls
The list records whether an app offers voice and video calls. Review that field alongside platform support if calls need to work across phone and desktop devices.