The following are 7 free chat applications that are believed to be the most secure, because they offer E2EE for privacy protection.
If you want private text conversations to be secure, it's very important to choose your chat service app carefully. The reason is, not all messaging services have end-to-end (E2EE) encryption features. So it can jeopardize user privacy.
Simply put, E2EE means that only you (the sender) and the recipient can see the content of the message. Any third party cannot see it, such as cellular operators, internet service providers (ISPs), and cell phone manufacturers.
Some users may want this extra protection to help prevent outside prying eyes and eavesdropping. Both from governments and other organizations that may try to use your private conversations for deceptive acts.
All the apps listed here are free and offer E2EE, so you don't have to worry about privacy.
1. SIGNAL
Signal is one of the most popular chat apps and is a personal destination. It offers a simple and easy to use UI in place of your device's default messaging app.
The Signal app also describes itself as an "independent non-profit company" that contains no ads or trackers within the app. Messages and voice and video calls use E2EE.
2. TELEGRAM
Telegram is included in a secure chat application. This app provides client-server encryption for group and private chats. You can send messages with E2EE by using Telegram's Secret Chat feature.
The Telegram app also has a feature to send messages that self-delete or disappear after a certain amount of time. If you delete a message in a chat, Telegram will also delete it on the recipient's device.
3. WHATSAPP
The services owned by Meta (Facebook's parent company) don't really give a clear picture of privacy. But WhatsApp is an exception. WhatsApp has E2EE enabled for its messages and calls by default. Like Signal and Telegram, WhatsApp lets you create group chats and securely send pictures, videos, and voice messages.
4. WICKR ME
Wickr Me is one of the secure messaging apps. Amazon Web Services bought Wickr Me in 2021. But the service is still a solid messaging app, one that will keep conversations safe.
Wickr Me is geared more towards business use for communicating with colleagues. But that doesn't mean ordinary users can't use it. The free version of the app allows sending encrypted private and group messages, audio and video calls, and file sharing. It also lets the user set a timer to get rid of the message.
5. WIRE
Wire is a simple chat app with a nice UI. This app can send E2EE messages and make E2EE voice and video calls. There are some paid premium options as well, but those plans are best suited for business users looking for a secure collaboration app.
6. VIBER
With Viber, users can get a full-featured chat experience, complete with everything you'd find in a modern chat app, like stickers, GIFs, and message reactions. While it supports E2EE for calls and messages, this app is a bit more cluttered than the rest. Here, users may see ads and channel recommendations while using them.
7. SKRED MESSENGER
What's interesting about the Skred app is that users don't need a phone number or email to register. Skred also doesn't use your phone's contacts to detect if any of your friends are using the app.
Users can only invite people to the app by asking them to scan a QR code from the app directly or by sending the code through another messaging service. Skred supports E2EE messaging in voice and video calls.
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