Why Encrypted Messaging?
End-to-end encryption (E2EE) ensures only you and your recipient can read messages. Not even the service provider can access your conversations.
Top Recommendations
Signal - Best Overall
Gold standard for secure messaging. Used by journalists, activists, and security experts.
- Open source and audited
- Minimal metadata collection
- Disappearing messages
- Free forever
Session - Maximum Privacy
No phone number required. Decentralized network, onion routing.
- No phone/email to sign up
- Decentralized servers
- Onion routing for metadata protection
- Smaller network effect
Element (Matrix) - Best for Groups
Federated protocol, excellent for communities and organizations.
- Self-host your own server
- Bridges to other platforms
- Great for large groups
- More complex setup
Comparison
| Feature | Signal | Session | Element |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Required | Yes | No | No |
| E2EE Default | Yes | Yes | Optional |
| Open Source | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Self-Host | No | No | Yes |
| Group Size | 1000 | 100 | Unlimited |