If you are reading this topic, you must be looking for the best privacy-focused instant messaging apps. Several years ago, when Facebook acquired WhatsApp, it became obvious that the users’ personal data would be shared with the social media giant. So, now we have what we have. Though WhatsApp is a free app with end-to-end encryption, it asks your consent to collect and share your personal data with Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading, and you’ll see what top 5 privacy-focused messaging apps are available for 2021.
Signal is the number one WhatsApp alternative you could go for in 2021. It does not ask for any user details while creating a new profile. The only needed data is your mobile number, which is not linked to your profile. And, of course, Signal offers end-to-end encryption.
Besides, Signal can replace your default SMS app which is not encrypted. Signal also includes such useful features as video calling and a possibility to clear messages after a certain time period.
Telegram is as much as respected as Signal is. Its encryption methods are closed and can’t be audited by third-party security experts. It has a very nice and user-friendly interface, which is very important for most users. Take a note, that its end-to-end encryption isn’t enabled by default. Make sure you have activated the Secret mode to protect your communications. With Telegram, you can have group chats, video calls, funny stickers and audio memos.
Threema encrypts all the data, including messages, shared files, and status updates. It offers a higher level of anonymity. You even don’t need to enter your email address or phone number to create an account. This makes Threema one of the best alternatives. With Threema local files remain on your phone and not on third-party servers thus protecting them from hackers or data-collection agencies. Unlike the apps mentioned above, Threema is not a free app, and it doesn’t offer a free trial either. Using Threema you have to pay a monthly fee.
Silence keeps your messages safe and secure, and animated animal stickers are coming as a pleasant add-on. It deals with SMS and MMS without any chat protocols working over the web. In fact, it is a spin-off from Signal, and practices the same open source, ultra-secure encryption methods. If you want, you could use Silence and Signal together. With Silence, you get the benefits of SMS/MMS but without group chats and video calls. To be sure everything is protected, you need to enter a unique passphrase to keep the app locked.
Viber is one of the oldest messaging apps that can be the best alternatives to WhatsApp. All messages are end-to-end encrypted and have the possibility to be self-deleted with a timer. Viber offers a Trusted Contacts feature, enabling to verify the other user’s identity by swapping secret keys. Viber shows your online status, but you can disable it upon necessity. You can also hide conversations, and lock messages with a PIN code. Like WhatsApp, it lets you make audio and video calls free of charge and offers international calls at affordable rates like Skype.
