Signal leads the ranking for privacy advocates and security professionals, offering zero-cost, audited encryption. Wire suits enterprises needing on-premise deployment options. Wickr caters to organisations requiring message expiration and mobile-first security without cloud storage dependencies.
RANKENTRYSCORETRENDFROM
1SignalUsed by Edward Snowden himself and recommended by security experts worldwide for its audited, open-source codebase.95.0NEWFree 2WireUniquely offers on-premise and hybrid deployment options, with encryption keys remaining under customer control.92.7NEWFree (personal), €5 per user/month (team) 3WickrIncludes screenshot detection and message expiration with burndown timers, preventing accidental disclosure of sensitive content.90.3NEWFree (Wickr Me), £4.99 per user/month (Wickr Pro) 4ProtonMailLocated in Switzerland with strong privacy laws and zero-knowledge encryption, ensuring data remains inaccessible even to server operators.88.0NEWFree (limited), CHF 4.99/month (Mail Plus) 5TelegramStandard chats use server-side encryption, but Secret Chats offer optional end-to-end encryption with message expiration timers.85.7NEWFree 6ThreemaOne-time purchase model with no subscriptions, and users can register via unique Threema ID instead of phone number.83.3NEWCHF 3.99 one-time purchase 7BriarCan operate entirely offline via Bluetooth mesh networking, making it functional even without internet access.81.0NEWFree 8Matrix (Element)Federated architecture allows users to join any Matrix server, with encryption spanning across server boundaries.78.7NEWFree (self-hosted) 9KeybaseEnables cryptographic identity verification by linking Keybase profiles to social media accounts and DNS records.76.3NEWFree (basic), Custom (team) 10Jami (GNU Ring)Operates entirely peer-to-peer using a distributed hash table, with no central servers, providing complete communication independence.74.0NEWFree The ranking, in detail
01
The gold standard of secure messaging for privacy-conscious users.
Signal is a free, open-source messaging app using the Signal Protocol, developed by the Signal Foundation. It offers encrypted calls, messages, and group chats with no data collection, no ads, and complete transparency about its encryption implementation.
From FreeBest for Journalists, activists, and security professionals requiring military-grade encryption.
95.0
02
Enterprise-grade secure collaboration with EU privacy compliance.
Wire is a secure messaging and collaboration platform offering end-to-end encryption for messages, calls, and file sharing. It supports on-premise deployment, GDPR compliance, and serves both individual and enterprise users with granular permission controls.
From Free (personal), €5 per user/month (team)Best for European enterprises and organisations requiring GDPR compliance and on-premise deployment.
92.7
03
Ephemeral messaging with decentralised architecture for enterprise security.
Wickr (owned by Amazon Web Services) provides secure messaging with optional message expiration, burndown timers, and screenshot detection. It operates via decentralised servers and offers customisable retention policies for sensitive communications.
From Free (Wickr Me), £4.99 per user/month (Wickr Pro)Best for Organisations handling classified information, medical data, or legal correspondence requiring message expiration.
90.3
04
Swiss-based encrypted email with zero-knowledge architecture.
ProtonMail is an end-to-end encrypted email service based in Switzerland, offering protected emails, contacts, and calendar features. It uses zero-knowledge encryption, meaning even ProtonMail staff cannot access user data, and includes secure messaging between ProtonMail users.
From Free (limited), CHF 4.99/month (Mail Plus)Best for Professionals requiring encrypted email communications with external contacts and privacy-first cloud storage.
88.0
05
Fast, cloud-based messaging with optional secret chats.
Telegram is a cloud-based messaging platform offering standard encrypted chats and optional 'Secret Chats' with end-to-end encryption. It emphasises speed, supports large file transfers, and offers group chats with up to 200,000 members.
From FreeBest for Users seeking fast, feature-rich messaging with optional encryption for sensitive conversations.
85.7
06
Swiss secure messenger with no phone number requirement.
Threema is a Swiss-based encrypted messaging app requiring no personal identification, phone number, or email address. It offers end-to-end encryption for messages, calls, and file transfers, with servers located exclusively in Switzerland.
From CHF 3.99 one-time purchaseBest for Privacy advocates and professionals unwilling to link messaging to phone numbers or personal identity.
83.3
07
Decentralised messenger for offline-first secure communication.
Briar is an open-source, decentralised messaging app designed for offline-first operation via Tor, Bluetooth mesh, or local networks. It is ideal for users in environments with poor connectivity or restricted internet access.
From FreeBest for Activists, journalists, and users in regions with internet censorship or unreliable connectivity.
81.0
08
Decentralised, open-source protocol for private team communication.
Matrix is an open-source decentralised communication protocol, commonly used via the Element client. It enables end-to-end encrypted messaging, calls, and file sharing across federated servers, allowing organisations to run private instances.
From Free (self-hosted)Best for Organisations seeking decentralised communication with the option to self-host and maintain complete control.
78.7
09
Cryptographic key management with encrypted messaging and file storage.
Keybase, acquired by Zoom, provides end-to-end encrypted messaging, file storage, and team collaboration tools. It integrates cryptographic identity verification with messaging, enabling users to verify contact authenticity via social media or DNS.
From Free (basic), Custom (team)Best for Technical users and teams requiring cryptographic key verification alongside encrypted messaging.
76.3
10
Decentralised peer-to-peer messaging and calling with no servers.
Jami (formerly GNU Ring) is a free, open-source, decentralised communication platform for messaging, calls, and video conferencing. It operates peer-to-peer via a distributed hash table, requiring no central servers.
From FreeBest for Users prioritising complete decentralisation and peer-to-peer communication without reliance on any intermediary servers.
74.0
Frequently asked questions
What is end-to-end encryption and why does it matter for secure communication?
End-to-end encryption means only the sender and recipient can decrypt messages. Messages are encrypted on the sender's device before leaving it and decrypted only on the recipient's device. This prevents service providers, internet providers, and intermediaries from accessing message content, even if they wanted to.
Is it safe to use free secure messaging apps, or should I pay for premium versions?
Many excellent secure messaging apps are genuinely free (Signal, Briar, Jami). Free does not mean insecure. Signal, for example, is audited by independent security researchers and trusted by journalists worldwide. However, premium versions often add team features, advanced administration, or on-premise options rather than improving core encryption security.
Which secure messenger should I choose if I need to communicate with people outside my organisation?
Signal is the best choice for broad compatibility because it is free, widely adopted, and requires no special technical setup. If external contacts use email, ProtonMail is ideal. For teams, Wire or Matrix allow federated communication. Avoid assuming all recipients have installed a specific platform; Signal offers the highest likelihood of mainstream adoption.