Best Encrypted Messaging Apps in 2026
Updated
In short: SimpleX Chat is ranked #1 of 40 as of 1 October 2026, ahead of Threema and Signal. The best-ranked option with a free plan is Signal. The lowest first paid tier on this page is Session at $2.99/mo.
Choosing an encrypted messaging app means considering what communication it covers and which devices your team needs to connect. Compared on encryption coverage, voice and video calls, disappearing messages, encrypted backups and maximum group size, the entries also differ in desktop availability and linked-device limits. SimpleX Chat, Threema and Signal lead the ranked entries, followed by Wire and Element. Free-plan availability and paid starting prices round out the comparison. Weigh the messaging controls and calling features you need alongside the device limits that will shape how people can use each app.
40 encrypted messaging apps ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
| # | Platform | Score | Why | From | Free plan | Paid from | Encryption coverage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  SimpleX Chat | 8.7 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | Free | Yes | — | default | View |
| 2 | Threema | 8.0 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | $3/mo | No | — | default | View |
| 3 | Signal | 7.5 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | Free | Yes | 1.99 /mo | default | View |
| 4 | Wire | 7.4 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | €7.45/mo | Yes | — | — | View |
| 5 | Element | 7.3 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | Yes | — | — | View |
| 6 | Session | 7.2 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | $2.99/mo | Yes | 2.99 /mo | mixed | View |
| 7 | Delta Chat | 7.1 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | Free | Yes | — | default | View |
| 8 | Olvid | 7.1 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | €82.50/mo | Yes | — | default | View |
| 9 | Jami | 6.9 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | Yes | — | default | View |
| 10 |  WhatsApp | 6.7 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | — | — | — | View |
| 11 | Cyph | 6.6 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | Yes | 3 /mo | default | View |
| 12 |  Tox | 6.5 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | Yes | — | default | View |
| 13 | Keet | 6.5 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | Yes | — | default | View |
| 14 |  Briar | 6.4 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | Yes | — | default | View |
| 15 | Status | 6.4 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | Yes | — | default | View |
| 16 | Skred | 6.4 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | Yes | — | default | View |
| 17 | Zangi | 6.4 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | Yes | 5 /mo | default | View |
| 18 | Cwtch | 6.3 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | Yes | — | default | View |
| 19 |  Messenger | 6.2 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | Yes | — | default | View |
| 20 |  imo | 6.2 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | Yes | — | mixed | View |
| 21 | Monal | 6.1 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | Yes | — | mixed | View |
| 22 | FluffyChat | 6.0 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | Yes | — | mixed | View |
| 23 |  Dino | 5.9 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | Yes | — | default | View |
| 24 |  Berty | 5.9 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | Yes | — | default | View |
| 25 | Siskin IM | 5.8 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | Yes | — | mixed | View |
Is your platform on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which encrypted messaging app is ranked first on Inferse?
SimpleX Chat is ranked #1 of 40 with a score of 8.7. Threema is second and Signal third.
How many of these have a free plan?
6 of the 25 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, Session has the lowest first paid tier we found: $2.99/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked on what each maker publishes, open and connectable first: a public API, open-source code, the depth of its documentation and a free tier to try it on. Model lists are sorted by the figure in their title, exactly as each provider publishes it. Paid placements never change a rank.