Thousands of articles out there list the most secure messaging app, but they often neglect to mention that the security depends on individual users and their use-cases.
It is relatively similar to what I say in my online privacy guide. You get recommendations to use apps that offer anonymity and the ones that offer end-to-end encryption.
But, what is the perfect secure messenger for your use-case? 🤔 You can figure it out on your own if you understand, “What is a secure messaging app?”
In this article, I aim to explain that to you, and then give you some suggestions as per various use-cases, you can decide accordingly.
What Is A Secure Messaging App?
Any messaging app that lets you privately communicate with someone and offers strong account protection features, is a secure one.
I know the definition can have numerous variations, like:
- An app that offers end-to-end encryption (E2E).
- An app that offers E2E, and features a solid privacy/security policy.
And, I would agree with that. The app needs to have good policies on how they handle and secure data, along with all the security features.
Whether the app is open-source (you can scan through the code and compile it yourself) or not, that is not relevant (theoretically). However, with an open-source app, you get transparency and the trust factor.
With all that said, plot twist, the most secure app that everyone deems it to be, may not be necessarily the one for you.
Why is that? 😱 Let me tell you…
The Use-Case and Convenience Matters
If you are looking to find the most secure messaging app, you’ve like heard of the Signal app.
There’s even a better app than this — more on that below 😉
I’ve been a user of the app since before it was called “Signal”.
It provides end-to-end encryption by default, protects your metadata (doesn’t store your IP address and sender information), and is an open-source application.
All good things about it, including the fact it is developed by a non-profit organization that fights for privacy/security.
So, yes, it is a fantastic recommendation! ✅
But, at the same time, if you’re like my parents and don’t want to give up the convenience of having all your friends, and the ease of use, WhatsApp is secure enough (I can imagine some of you raising your pitchforks🍴 😂).
WhatsApp is the most popular instant messaging presently, with nearly 3 billion monthly active users (source).
And, there is no shame in calling it “secure enough” if you do not fall in the category described in the box below:
Not just limited to what I mentioned inside the red box, if you are actively fighting against censorship, you need secure messaging apps that are resilient to it. And, WhatsApp is not something that fits into it.
However, for users who do not need to hide their IP addresses for communication, aren’t concerned about sender’s/receiver’s metadata being stored by WhatsApp, and the number associated with them. It is totally fine to use it.
If you are just talking to your friends about meeting, catching up with your parents, and having regular conversations, you do not need to ditch your current messaging app (as long as it’s end-to-end encrypted).
I dislike WhatsApp. Despite choosing to delete it, I had to return to it as my contacts wouldn’t switch to alternatives. Even during the WhatsApp privacy policy controversy, while many Indian users tried Signal, they soon stopped using it. So, yes, you can’t call it a secure messaging app if you’re alone in it, right? I hope that makes sense!
Now, assuming, you can switch to alternatives (along with your contacts). What do you pick? Signal app? Yes, that’s one option. Is there anything better than that, or any other options that you can explore?
Yes, there is. Signal isn’t the only answer to your problems (and that’s a good thing).
Better Option Than Signal? Yes!
I find Threema as a superior open-source alternative to Signal because it lets me create an ID without linking my phone number. And, it isn’t subject to US jurisdiction.
Threema utilizes Ibex protocol for secure communications with perfect forward secrecy (which has been audited by researchers).
The Swiss government agencies and the military uses Threema, which is a big deal 😲
I’ve been a user since 2016. Yes, I have dabbled with these secure messaging options for a long time 😇
I paid for it to test things when it wasn’t open-source, and I would definitely not mind paying for it now.
Many Signal users have asked to ditch phone numbers, but that’s unlikely to change. While you can use usernames on Signal, you still link your phone number.
So, yes, if you are serious about secure messaging, you might want to consider Threema.
Of course, it won’t be easy for you to convince your contacts to purchase a messaging app. However, if you’d like, you can do it for your close social circle or for work (they have a separate offering for that).
P.S: There’s also a free and open-source app Session that does not require a phone number. But, I find the user experience poor, so it is on you to try it.
Anything Other Free Privacy-Focused Alternative?
Yes, you can try Element, a decentralized, free and open-source application with collaboration features. You can utilize it as a team messaging app or a secure messenger with end-to-end encryption.
Telegram is a different story. It is not secure by default, but if you want an app that fights back against government orders and can use “secret chats” feature for private conversations. However, it is not an open-source app.
Apple iMessage and Google Messages aren’t the best ones in privacy. But, if you are using it like WhatsApp and communicate with users from the same platform, at least, end-to-end encrypted conversations will be a thing for you.
Takeaway: What Do You Use?
- Use Threema if you value not linking your mobile number, and can choose to purchase an open-source app.
- Use Signal if you want a secure free and open-source alternative to WhatsApp, Google Messages, and Apple iMessage.
- Continue using WhatsApp and any other messenger that offers end-to-end encryption, if you are not fighting against censorship, or if your life is in danger if any associated information is exposed.
- Try Element, if you like the concept of decentralization, and want the ability to collaborate with a team for free along with instant-messaging like features.
- Try Telegram if you can use the “Secret Chats” feature for private conversations and like Telegram’s ability to fight back against government’s request for user data.
What’s your favorite secure messaging app? Let me know down in the comments below!
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