Thanks to mobile messaging apps, firing off a quick text or catching up via social media is now easier than ever. But remember, when exchanging sensitive messages such as login details and financial numbers, not all chat apps have your back.
The good news is there are secure mobile messaging apps that value data privacy. You just need to choose carefully.
5 Best Secure Mobile Messaging Apps:
1. Signal
Signal is often cited as the benchmark for encrypted messaging apps. It uses the open-source Signal encryption protocol, which is available for anyone’s scrutiny. The app offers basic features and visuals but supports group chats, files, photos, and video sharing. Best of all, it’s ad-free and won’t cost you a dime.
Features:
- Open-source encryption
- Set and manage disappearing messages
- Encrypted messages, calls, and stickers
- Create and share your own sticker packs
- Group chats
Price: Free
2. Element
Previously known as Riot or Vector, Element is a mobile messaging app worth considering. Its standout feature lies not only in its end-to-end encryption but also in its decentralized storage. This means your messages aren’t stored in a centralized location controlled by a single company. You can even set up your own server, giving you added control over your data.
Features:
- End-to-end encryption
- Choose from free, self-hosted, or paid servers
- Cross-platform compatibility with Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, Linux, and web browsers
- Public and private rooms, file sharing, notification control, read receipts, and audio and video calls
- Interoperable with Slack, SMS, Signal, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts, Skype, Discord, and iMessage (needs coding)
Price per month:
- Starter: free up to 200 users
- Business: $5 per user
- Enterprise: $10 per user
- Sovereign: Custom
3. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is undoubtedly one of the most popular secure mobile messaging apps, known for its extensive features. Most of your friends or family members probably have an account, which is its advantage over the other apps in this list.
To protect your messages, WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption and the Signal protocol.
Features:
- Wide-user base
- Video calls, group chats, location sharing, stickers, and file transfers
- Message broadcasting to multiple contacts
- Whatsapp business version is available
Price: Free
4. Rocket.Chat
Rocket.Chat is a secure mobile messaging app for enterprises. It follows strict security standards and complies with HIPAA, GDPR, and CCPA regulations. With its encrypted messaging feature, those in the government and healthcare sectors can exchange messages securely and confidently.
The open-source chat app offers extensive customization and supports multiple integrations.
Features:
- ISO 270001 certified
- Open source code
- End-to-end encryption
- Hosted on-premise
- Compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, Linux, and web browsers
- HIPAA compliant
Price: Free for self-managed plans
5. Threema
Threema distinguishes itself as a secure messaging app designed to safeguard user data from corporate and governmental entities. The app provides users anonymity and immediately deletes messaging information. Its robust encryption and data protection measures make it an ideal choice for individuals and businesses. However, the app isn’t free. You pay once for the mobile app. Its Threema Work plan, which comes with business features, also requires annual payments.
Features:
- Minimal data collection and storage
- Anonymous messaging
- Share images, files, videos, and locations
- GDPR compliant
- Swiss servers
- Available on Android and iOS
- Threema broadcast messaging (separate pricing)
Price:
- Mobile app: $6.99 one-time payment
Threema Work:
- Essential: $2 per user monthly
- Professional: $3.50 per user monthly
- Advanced: $2.50 per user monthly
Importance of Secure Mobile Messaging
A growing number of secure mobile messaging apps help protect user data from prying eyes. Marketing companies may track users and read messages. They may also store copies of your mobile messages, which cybercriminals could hack. Secure mobile messaging apps ensure that only intended recipients can read your messages. Encryption makes it harder for third parties to intercept conversations and use your data for their own gain.
Additionally, secure mobile messaging apps protect sensitive information in various contexts. When companies send messages packed with things like money matters or inside scoops on business, using a secure messaging system means everything stays confidential and private. These apps also help organizations adhere to HIPAA, GDPR, and other data protection regulations.
How to Test Secure Mobile Messaging Solutions
How do you know if the app you’re using for messaging is truly secure?
Aside from reading credible online reviews, testing the app firsthand can help you determine its actual level of security. If you plan on using the app on different devices, test its performance on these devices. An app that works smoothly on Android may be buggy on iOS and vice versa. Test all its additional tools as well.
Thoroughly testing the app to see if it can protect private chats while meeting strict industry standards offers assurance. You will know whether it is safe and reliable enough to cater to your needs of sending and receiving sensitive messages.
