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Almost all Best Encrypted Messaging Apps for Android now let you send private messages. But the fact that some of them are owned by big tech companies like Facebook makes us wonder how trustworthy they are when it comes to our privacy and safety.
Now more than ever, we need a super-safe, open-source, encrypted chat app for Android to protect our privacy from the government and other big tech companies that are getting better at spying on us. About half of Android users worry about their safety when they use chat or VoIP apps. Most of us didn’t know, though, that there are a few secure chat apps for Android that come from the open source community and that we can trust 100%.
There are a lot of free and open-source Android apps out there, but we chose a few of the best encrypted chat and VoIP apps for Android right now. All of the mentioned open source messengers and VoIP apps support end-to-end encryption, and download links are also given. All of them are better than WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook Messenger, Skype, and other similar apps.
Best Encrypted Messaging Apps for Android Comparison Table
| App Name | Encryption Type | Multi-Platform | Cost | Download Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signal | End-to-end encryption | Yes | Free | Download Now |
| Wire | End-to-end encryption | Yes | Free | Download Now |
| Element secure messenger | End-to-end encryption | Yes | Free | Download Now |
| Silence | End-to-end encryption | Yes | Free | Download Now |
| Google Messages | Transport encryption | Yes | Free | Download Now |
| Viber | End-to-end encryption | Yes | Free | Download Now |
| Line | End-to-end encryption | Yes | Free | Download Now |
| Wickr Me | End-to-end encryption | Yes | Free | Download Now |
Signal
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| End-to-End Encryption | All communications are encrypted and can only be read by the intended recipient |
| Group Chats | Create groups with multiple people for private messaging |
| Voice and Video Calls | Make secure voice and video calls with other Signal users |
| Self-Destructing Messages | Messages can be set to self-destruct after a set amount of time |
| Screen Lock | Can be set to require a PIN or biometric authentication to open the app |
| Open Source | Signal’s code is open for review and contributions from the community |
Signal is on the list of 2022’s best private messaging apps. This private chat app is used by millions of people from well-known brands because it lets them talk to each other quickly, for free, and securely. It is also easy to use. Secure texting uses privacy-protecting technology to make sure that sharing moments or sending messages to the wrong people doesn’t happen. All of the info is kept safe with advanced end-to-end encryption.
Since it’s open source, anyone can look at the app’s code to see if it’s safe. But there are some other benefits, like group chats, encrypted voice calls, the ability to archive messages, and the ability to send media without a PIN code or any other kind of credential.
The Good
- A strong emphasis on privacy and security
- Transparent and open source
- Cross-platform compatibility
- a sizable user base
- It is free to use.
The Bad
- In comparison to other messaging apps, it has fewer features.
- There is no SMS/MMS messaging support.
- To register, you must have a phone number.
Wire
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| End-to-End Encryption | All communications are encrypted and can only be read by the intended recipient |
| Group Chats | Create groups with multiple people for private messaging |
| Voice and Video Calls | Make secure voice and video calls with other Wire users |
| Screen Sharing | Share your screen during a call |
| File Sharing | Share files securely with other Wire users |
| Multi-device support | Access your account on multiple devices |
Wire is another safest messaging app. Its main goal is end-to-end encryption, and they have made it the preferred way to protect their users’ messages, photos, documents, and other information. Since wire is always on and works in the background without being noticed, it doesn’t need to be turned on.
Also, a new encryption key is used for each message, which makes it less likely that a single key could be stolen. Wire is an open source tool, which means that users can check out, change, and improve its source code on GitHub. Wire cares a lot about its users’ data, so it doesn’t sell analytics or traffic information to third parties.
The Good
- A strong emphasis on privacy and security
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Interface that is simple to use
- Provides a free trial of premium features.
- File sharing has a large file size limit.
The Bad
- a small user base
- Some premium features are pricey.
- Integration with other apps is limited.
Element secure messenger
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| End-to-End Encryption | All communications are encrypted and can only be read by the intended recipient |
| Group Chats | Create groups with multiple people for private messaging |
| Voice and Video Calls | Make secure voice and video calls with other Element users |
| Screen Sharing | Share your screen during a call |
| File Sharing | Share files securely with other Element users |
| Multi-device support | Access your account on multiple devices |
| Integration with other services | Can integrate with other messaging services, like Slack and WhatsApp |
Element is a really cool and interesting secure messaging tool that will appeal to both individuals and businesses. It’s stable, has most of the features you’re likely to want, is easy to set up, and has some of the best security and privacy features in the business. If you want to get away from the big tech companies, this is a good option.
For users, the biggest problem might be getting all their friends and family to switch to something new. Element isn’t as polished as apps like iMessage, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Slack, and the rest, and it’s not as popular, so this might be the biggest challenge. People who have the time and money to really put into Element, like computers and bridges to other apps, might be the best fit.
The Good
- A strong emphasis on privacy and security
- Transparent and open source
- Supports a variety of platforms
- Excellent integration with other services
- File sharing has a large file size limit.
The Bad
- It can be difficult for new users to understand.
- Some features necessitate the purchase of a paid account.
Silence
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| End-to-End Encryption | All communications are encrypted and can only be read by the intended recipient |
| SMS/MMS Support | Can send and receive SMS and MMS messages securely |
| No Server Storage | Messages are stored only on the device, not on a server |
| Self-Destructing Messages | Messages can be set to self-destruct after a set amount of time |
| Screen Lock | Can be set to require a PIN or biometric authentication to open the app |
| Open Source | Silence’s code is open for review and contributions from the community |
The plain and simple Silence’s main goal is to keep your texts safe and private. Other things, like animated animal stickers, are not as important. It deals directly with SMS and MMS instead of web-based chat systems.
It’s a spin-off of Signal, and it uses the same open source, ultra-secure encryption methods. Security experts check the code regularly in public to make sure it hasn’t been broken or unlocked by a government agency trying to get your conversation information. Silence and Signal can be used together if you want to.
The Good
- A strong emphasis on privacy and security
- Simple and straightforward to use
- It can be set as the default SMS/MMS app.
- There is no need for an account or registration.
- Transparent and open source
The Bad
- In comparison to other messaging apps, it has fewer features.
- Available only on Android devices.
- To use the secure messaging features, the recipient must also have Silence installed.
Google Messages
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| SMS/MMS Support | Can send and receive SMS and MMS messages |
| Rich Messaging | Can send and receive pictures, videos, and GIFs |
| Group Chats | Create groups with multiple people for messaging |
| Smart Replies | Suggests quick responses to messages |
| Message Scheduling | Can schedule messages to be sent at a later time |
| Chat Heads | Can display message notifications as floating bubbles |
Google Messages, which is the default messaging software for Android smartphones, is now introducing end-to-end encryption through the Signal protocol. However, this encryption will only be applied to direct chats between two users. End-to-end encryption will not be applied to group chats, nor will the functionality be enabled automatically in these conversations by default.
Only conversations between two parties—both of whom must have encryption turned on for the conversation to be secure—can be encrypted end-to-end. Even then, encryption is only used for direct communications that are delivered over the internet; it is not used for SMS messages or for group conversations.
The Good
- Many Android devices come with it pre-installed.
- Simple and straightforward to use
- Supports SMS and MMS messaging
- Smart Replies and Message Scheduling are useful functions.
- Chat Heads allow you to multitask while messaging.
The Bad
- Some advanced messaging features have limited support.
- Not as safe as other messaging apps.
- iOS devices are not supported.
Viber
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Free Calls and Messages | Can make free voice and video calls and send messages |
| Group Chats | Create groups with multiple people for messaging |
| Public Accounts | Businesses and organizations can create public accounts for customer engagement |
| End-to-End Encryption | Can enable end-to-end encryption for private conversations |
| Sticker Market | Can download and use stickers in messages |
| News and Games | Can read news and play games within the app |
Over one billion people across the world use Viber, making it one of the most popular and widely used encrypted messaging apps for Android and iOS. Messages, phone conversations, group chats, and file transfers made with Viber are all protected by end-to-end encryption made possible by the app’s proprietary encryption protocol.
You are able to conceal chats from view on the home screen of your Viber app and safeguard them with a PIN. Even if someone steals your phone, the conversations you have that are private will not be compromised. Even while Viber demands your phone number in order to join up for the service, you are still able to start new talks without exposing it.
The Good
- a sizable user base
- Voice and video calls are both free.
- End-to-End For private conversations, encryption is available.
- Businesses and organizations can benefit from public accounts.
- Sticker Market makes messaging more enjoyable and creative.
The Bad
- Some features necessitate a paid account.
- Integration with other apps is limited.
- Some devices may be slow or buggy.
Line
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Free Calls and Messages | Can make free voice and video calls and send messages |
| Group Chats | Create groups with multiple people for messaging |
| Sticker Market | Can download and use stickers in messages |
| Timeline | Can post updates and photos to a personal timeline |
| End-to-End Encryption | Can enable end-to-end encryption for private conversations |
| Line Pay | Can make payments and transfer money within the app |
After the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011, Line was born from the ashes. Following the disruption of regular channels of communication that the disaster caused, the internet corporation Naver developed the app for its staff members. After Line was made available to the general public, its popularity quickly extended across Japan and the rest of Asia. Line is a texting service that also supports phone and video calls, as well as file sharing.
But what sets it distinct are the entertaining additions. Stickers, emoticons, games, and even a function for hiring a cab are all available in this app. Additionally, end-to-end encryption is available, although it is not enabled by default. Despite being a pleasant and safe app, Line has not yet become popular in regions outside of Asia. You can sign up to use the app with either your phone number or your login information from Facebook.
The Good
- Large user base, particularly in Asia
- Voice and video calls are both free.
- Sticker Market makes messaging more enjoyable and creative.
- Line Pay is a convenient feature for making payments. Timeline can be a fun way to share updates with friends.
The Bad
- Integration with other apps is limited.
- Some features necessitate a paid account.
- End-to-End It is not possible to encrypt all conversations.
Wickr Me
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| End-to-End Encryption | All communications are encrypted and can only be read by the intended recipient |
| Expiration Timer | Messages can be set to self-destruct after a set amount of time |
| Shredder | Can securely delete messages and files from the device |
| Voice and Video Calls | Can make secure voice and video calls |
| Screen Lock | Can be set to require a PIN or biometric authentication to open the app |
| Open Source | Wickr Me’s code is open for review and contributions from the community |
Wickr Me is one of the best apps for sending secret messages without being tracked. It was made by a group of security experts and advocates. It’s made so that users can send each other text, voice, picture, or video messages that disappear after a certain amount of time. And you don’t need an email address or phone number to join.
Wickr Me has strong end-to-end security and deletes metadata like message times and geolocation information. And because it’s an open-source system, it goes through strict security audits to make sure that any flaws are found. It also has some security tools that aren’t found anywhere else, such as video verification, which lets users check each other out with short bursts of encrypted video.
The Good
- A strong emphasis on privacy and security
- Messages and files can be set to self-destruct after a certain amount of time.
- Shredder deletes messages and files from the device in a secure manner.
- Voice and video calls are both safe.
- Transparent and open source
The Bad
- a small user base
- Some advanced features necessitate the purchase of a paid account.
- It can be difficult for new users to set up and use.
FAQs
A: Some of the best encrypted messaging apps for Android are Signal, WhatsApp, Telegram Messenger, Threema, and Wickr Me.
A: Encryption works by scrambling the contents of a message so that it can only be read by the intended recipient who has the necessary key to unscramble the message.
A: While nothing is completely hack-proof, encrypted messaging apps are designed to be highly secure and difficult to hack. However, it’s important to note that any app can potentially be hacked if there is a vulnerability in the software or if the user is tricked into downloading a fake version of the app.