WhatsApp is one of the most used messaging apps, but it is not the safest and much less the one that respects your privacy the most. Despite the fact that they sold that it was one of the safest because of its encryption system, we must not forget that this app is free, and belongs to the company Meta (formerly Facebook), so they are using your data as they make it clear in the license agreements that no one reads. In addition, the fact that the conversations are safe and inaccessible has been a pantomime, since we have already seen how they have been accessed in some very mediatic cases.
For all these reasons, in this article, we review the best instant messaging apps in terms of security and respect for privacy of its users refers:
Threema
Threema is one of the most secure and privacy-friendly instant messaging apps. In fact, it is the one they recommend for use in some European governments and for the Swiss Army. It is true that it is paid, but it is quite cheap, and in return you make sure you have an open source app, transparent, with end-to-end data encryption, and with total respect for privacy and anonymity. In addition, all data is stored on servers in European territory, which is a guarantee.
El encryption used by Threema is one of the most powerful, with a reliable encryption library like NaCl, which is also open source so that backdoors cannot be inserted like in other supposedly robust systems. As for the encryption keys, they are generated and stored securely on the user device. No registration required, just a randomly generated ID, and no ads or tracking data.
In terms of functions, it is one of the most complete messaging apps:
- Function to create polls
- Make voice calls
- Make video calls
- Write and send text messages and voice memos
- Sending files of any type (MP3, DOC, MP4, ZIP, PDF,...)
- Creation of chats or groups
- Visual themes with dark mode
- Data sync (optional)
- Identity verification with personal QR code
Signal
Signal is another one of the instant messaging apps that is among the best when it comes to user security and privacy. It's free, and allows you to communicate confidentially, with end-to-end encryption to keep chats private. It is very fast, without any strings or tricks, without ads, without trackers, and without profit.
This app is used by millions of users around the world, and it is very rich in terms of options:
- Creation of chats and groups
- Function to write text and voice notes
- Video calls and VoIP calls
- Dark mode
- Ability to configure and customize alerts
- You don't need too much data for access, just your phone number and little else
- It allows you to send images, with integrated tools to edit, crop, rotate, etc.
Telegram
Of course, a of the best alternatives to WhatsApp by number of users and quality of the app is Telegram. This one surpasses WhatsApp in a multitude of features. That is why it is one of the most used messaging apps, with more than 500 million active users. It is fast, easy to use, allows synchronization with the cloud of messages to access from anywhere, it does not need to expose your phone number (you can use a nickname) or an associated phone number, so you can connect from another client on any device.
Is unlimited use, and totally free. You will never miss conversations. And the most notable features are:
- Management of chats and groups, as well as very practical channels for dissemination
- Capacity for voice calls, video calls, text messages, emojis, GIFs, stickers, etc.
- Possibility of deleting messages both for yourself, for you and for the recipient.
- Editor for messages, in case you make a mistake or regret the message sent.
- Integrated image editor
- Ability to send all types of files
- Private chats that self-destruct over a period of time in the sender's and recipient's app
- Access password (optional)
- Symmetric encryption with 256-bit AES algorithm, and 2048-bit RSA encryption combined, as well as Diffie-Hellman secure key exchange for military-grade security.
- It is 100% free and open source, with APIs for developers
- Possibility of using bots
- Reliable
Wire
Next on the list of messaging apps is Wire. A kind of secure messenger, with strong encryption, and with possibilities for voice calls, chat, sharing all kinds of files, editing drawings, group communication, video calls, voice notes, and much more. Everything can be used from any device, thanks to its synchronization to have the chats wherever you are.
Another important point is that you do not need data, you just use a username and you don't have to share your phone number with your contacts, like Telegram. The only thing that is registered in the app is your phone number and email, which serves as identification. In addition, it is also open source. And its design is excellent for work teams, and it also allows you to delete messages and edit them if they have an error, like Telegram. Something that WhatsApp does not support.
Wickr me
Finally, another of the best secure instant messaging apps is Wickr Me. It may not be the best known and used, but it is quite good. It allows to be communicated in 1:1 chats or in groups of up to 10 people, with encryption capacity even in voice calls, with a type of end-to-end encryption. It also allows you to share files, images, videos, voice notes, etc.
You do not need a phone number or email for registration, protecting your privacy and anonymity. The data will not be stored on the servers of this service, and it also does not get any kind of metadata associated with your communications. It is also open source and transparent, very configurable, although if you are looking for something similar to Telegram or WhatsApp, this app may have some limitations that you might be missing.
