How to choose the best encrypted messaging app: The ultimate guide
Why should you use an encrypted messaging app?
In a world with 5.8 billion unique mobile phone subscribers and 5.3 billion internet users (Meltwater), the majority of conversations are digital. With so many of our interactions taking place online, the opportunities for bad actors to gain confidential information via digital communication channels have dramatically increased. Users who don't take the necessary precautions while messaging risk their personal safety and business security.
On the business side, bad actors are constantly looking for ways to access privileged information. According to the IBM Data Breach Report, 83% of organizations experienced multiple data breaches in 2022. That same report reveals that the financial impact can be significant. In 2022, the global average cost of data breaches was up to $4.35 million, and the number doubled in America to $9.44 million.
On the personal side, texting, emailing, or messaging via unencrypted apps can lead to the loss of private information like passwords, bank accounts, and personal records. In fact, the FBI reports that there are more than 100,000 cases of identity and user data breaches every year.
Messaging apps have a responsibility to provide privacy and protection for users. Customers should feel secure in messaging vendors, delivery drivers, doctors, business reps, and other customers without the risk of being hacked. So, which is the most secure messaging app that businesses and consumers can use?
In this blog, we’ll first answer the question, “What is an encrypted messaging app?” and then examine the top encrypted messaging apps for businesses and consumers.
Let’s dive in!
What is an encrypted messaging app?
An encrypted messaging app is a communication platform that uses end-to-end encryption to ensure the privacy and security of messages. In encrypted messaging apps, messages are encrypted on the sender's device and only decrypted on the recipient's device, preventing intermediaries, including the app service providers, from accessing the content. This encryption typically employs robust cryptographic algorithms that safeguard against unauthorized access and tampering. Secure messaging apps are crucial in protecting sensitive information from cyber threats and ensuring user privacy. Their use has become increasingly important in an era of pervasive digital surveillance and data breaches.
A secure messaging app offers enhanced privacy and security for digital communications. The level of security of a messaging app is generally measured by analyzing its features that are directly and indirectly used to protect the users’ messages from being accessed outside their intended use. Examples of security features for messaging apps include end-to-end encryption (E2EE), self-destructing messages, and two-factor authentication.
What are the 3 best encrypted messaging apps?
The top 3 encrypted messaging apps are:
- Sendbird for business communications
- Signal for consumer communications
- WhatsApp in terms of popularity
13 features to look for in an encrypted messaging app
If you’re looking for a secure messaging app, make sure to investigate your target apps’ feature list—here are the top features to look for.
1. Screen security
One of the first lines of defense for a secure messaging app is the screen and how it displays messages. Here are a few ways apps can protect the data they display on screen:
Prevents or notifies users of screenshots or screen recordings
Doesn’t display message content in notifications
Secondary security for private areas of the app
2. Independent security audits
A security audit conducted by a third-party expert is a great way to find blind spots, identify vulnerabilities, and shore up any weaknesses. Auditors will check technical infrastructure, conduct penetration tests, assess compliance with regulations like HIPAA and PCI, and more. Depending on how your app is used, an outside security audit may be required.
3. User anonymity
This is the ability to use the app without providing personal information like your phone number. This feature is crucial for protecting your identity, especially in situations where anonymity is essential such as whistleblowing, freedom from data profiling, and security against surveillance. User anonymity in secure messaging apps is a cornerstone for ensuring privacy, security, and freedom of expression in the digital age.
4. Ephemeral messaging
Self-destructing or ephemeral messages are ones that persist in the app but are not saved in a database. These are found in many secure messaging apps like Sendbird: Messages in an ephemeral open channel are not saved in Sendbird's database. This means that old messages pushed out by new ones can't be retrieved as they are one-time data. The app should undergo regular, independent security audits.
5. End-to-end encryption
End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a method of communication that prevents third parties from accessing data during transfer from one system to another. In E2EE, the data is encrypted on the sender's device, and only the intended recipients are able to decrypt and read it. Nobody, nor any system in between, can read it or tamper with it in any way.
The best secure messaging apps are end-to-end encrypted. When selecting a messaging platform, it is critical that you ensure that a private messaging app follows this standard.
6. Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication, or at the very least the option to turn it on, is a necessary feature for secure messaging apps. Because MFA requires two or more verification factors to gain access to an account, even if a device is lost or the password is compromised, the unauthorized party still won’t likely be able to access the
7. Rich media or voice and video call support
There is a case for rich media and calls in both business and personal applications. In business, the ability to send images and videos may be a necessity for everyday operations. For personal use, people might enjoy the experience of being able to send gifs, stickers, voice messages, and other rich media as part of their natural conversation, similar to a social media channel. Either way, make sure the secure messaging app you choose supports rich media.
8. Security certificates and regulatory compliance
In business, it’s common that all technology systems need to meet certain compliance standards. If you’re shopping for an encrypted messaging app for work, make sure that the product you’re evaluating has the proper security certificates.
Here’s a sample of what Sendbird can offer:
9. Zero-knowledge architecture
The app should ideally have a zero-knowledge architecture, meaning the service provider knows nothing about your data and contact lists.
10. Cost
Many great texting apps that could qualify as secure, such as WhatsApp, are free. Others with more advanced functionality and utility, particularly for business, may have costs associated with them. You’ll want to understand not only the cost structure of paid messaging apps, but which features and types of support are available and each pricing tier.
Check out Sendbird’s pricing page for an example.
11. Customer satisfaction
Outside of the technical aspects of the app, you’ll also want to check out the satisfaction level of their user base. Go through the case studies and testimonials on their site, but don’t be afraid to visit their profiles on review sites like G2 and Capterra.
12. Data retention and storage
Opt for apps that store minimal metadata and have clear data retention policies. The less data the app retains, the less can be exposed in the event of a breach.
13. Cross-platform compatibility
Ensure the app is compatible across different platforms (iPhone, Android, Linux, etc.) while maintaining the same level of security. This allows for secure communication across various mobile devices without compromising on security features.
6 best encrypted messaging apps for businesses
Sendbird
Sendbird is a customer communications platform that provides chat, calls, AI chatbots, and Business Messaging for businesses to integrate into their mobile and web applications. The Sendbird Chat API helps developers integrate real-time chat functionality into their mobile and web applications. It provides a wide range of features for creating and managing in-app messaging, including one-on-one chat, group chat, and open channels for community conversations. Chats are end-to-end encrypted, and all communication to and from Sendbird servers is encrypted using TLS/SSL with authentication devices for client- and server-side. Sendbird is SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA/HITECH, as well as GDPR compliant.
Pros:
Comprehensive features: Sendbird supports in-app chat, voice, video, and AI chatbots, making it a versatile solution for various communication needs.
High scalability: Designed to handle enterprise-level scale, Sendbird can support millions of users and billions of messages monthly.
Security and compliance: The platform offers enterprise-grade security and compliance, ensuring that user data is protected.
Developer-friendly: Sendbird provides extensive SDKs, APIs, and UI kits for easy integration and customization.
Real-time analytics: Offers real-time monitoring and reporting, helping businesses track performance and optimize their communication strategies.
Cons:
Cost: Because Sendbird is a premium product and offers powerful features, the cost can be high, especially for small businesses or startups.
Learning curve: Due to the extensive features and customization options, new users may encounter a steep learning curve.
Pricing: 30-day free trial, then $399 - $599/month. Custom pricing is also available.
Threema for Work
Threema is a secure messaging app known for its emphasis on privacy and security. Threema does not require a phone number or email to register; it uses a randomly generated Threema ID, which enhances user anonymity.
Pros:
Encryption: Threema uses end-to-end encryption for all communications, including messages, voice calls, and media files, ensuring that only the intended recipients can read the messages.
Open source: Like Signal, Threema is an open-source app that enables the public to detect and remove vulnerabilities or backdoors that threaten security.
No phone number or email required: Threema users can create an account using a unique Threema ID. This is convenient for users who want to keep their personal information private.
Cons:
Not free: Threema is not a free messaging app, and also does not support two factor authentication.
Low popularity: Threema is only available to users who have the app, making it impossible to message people who aren't on the app. Adoption of Threema is low in comparison to apps like WhatsApp.
Pricing:
Essential: CHF 1.50 per year for up to 50 licenses
Advanced: CHF 2.00 per year for up to 500 licenses
Professional: CHF 3.00 per user per month for unlimited licenses
NetSfere
NetSfere boasts industry-leading encryption and allows IT administrators to manage communications. It is another great enterprise option that adheres to global privacy requirements like HIPAA, SOX, and DFA. It's great for industries like financial services, insurance, and travel & hospitality.
Pros:
Encryption: Offers end-to-end 256-bit AES encryption with elliptic curve key exchange algorithms and two-step verification.
Certifications: ISO 27001 certified.
Cons:
Reported audio and video load problems
Pricing not publicly available
Pricing: The Professional plan is free; contact sales for paid plans.
Wire
Wire is a secure collaboration platform mostly used for work purposes. It increases team productivity by allowing users to send messages, files, conference calls, and private conversations.
Pros:
Encryption: Even messages awaiting transfer to their recipients are encrypted and cannot be read by the company.
Open source
Two-step verification: Users can enable two-step verification for added security.
Cons:
Support: Wire offers limited support for its users.
Data: Some logging of personal data.
Limited to Wire users: Wire is only available to users who have the app.
Vulnerability to skilled attackers: Sophisticated attackers may still be able to bypass Wire's encryption.
Pricing: Pricing not publicly available on their website.
Messagenius
Messagenius is a secure messaging app designed for enterprises to facilitate internal communication. It offers on-premises or private cloud installation, ensuring that all communications remain within the control of the organization. Key features include customizable encryption settings, granular user access control, as well as special features for administrators, such as broadcast messages and message priority alerts. Messagenius also includes unique functionalities like Black Box chats for fully tracked communication and Black Hole chats for temporary, self-destructing messages.
Pros:
Data ownership: Complete data ownership with on-premises or private cloud options
Features: Special features for managers and administrators
Integration: Integration capabilities with other software via SDK/API
Cons:
Pricing: Pricing is not publicly listed and requires contact with the sales team for a quote
Setup: May require technical expertise for setup and maintenance due to its self-hosted nature
User requirements: The platform may have a minimum user requirement of 100 licenses, which might be too high for smaller enterprises looking for a secure messaging solution
Pricing: Pricing is not publicly listed and requires contact with the sales team for a quote.
TeleMessage
TeleMessage is a secure enterprise messaging solution designed to help organizations manage, archive, and secure their mobile communications. It offers features such as secure messaging, compliance archiving, and mass messaging capabilities. The platform is particularly useful for businesses needing to comply with regulatory requirements and manage communications across various channels and devices.
Pros:
Comprehensive archiving: TeleMessage captures and archives mobile communications, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Secure messaging: Provides end-to-end encryption and additional security features like PIN code protection and self-destructing messages.
Integration capabilities: Can integrate with various enterprise systems via APIs, enhancing its utility in corporate environments.
Global reach: Supports international operations, making it suitable for multinational companies.
Cons:
Complex Setup: The range of features and integrations may require significant technical expertise to implement and maintain.
Limited consumer focus: Primarily designed for enterprise use, it may not be suitable for general consumer messaging.
Pricing information: Specific pricing details are not readily available and typically require contacting the sales team for a customized quote.
Data privacy concerns: Collects a range of data linked to users, which might raise privacy concerns for some organizations.
Potential overhead: The extensive compliance and archiving features could introduce additional overhead in terms of management and costs.
Pricing: Pricing is not publicly available on their website.
5 best encrypted messaging apps for consumers
Signal
Signal is a messaging app that's well-known for its security and privacy features. The platform offers end-to-end encryption for all messages, as well as the ability to create secure group chats. Signal also lets you verify the identity of the person you're communicating with and set messages to self-destruct, similar to apps like Telegram.
Pros:
Encryption: Signal uses end-to-end encryption of every message, ensuring only the sender and recipient can read the messages. This end-to-end encryption protects against third-party interception.
Open source: As an open source app, Signal's code is publicly available for everyone to review and audit. This helps ensure that the app doesn't contain any vulnerabilities or backdoors that could compromise the security of the messages. But open source software only has the potential to be more secure than closed source. It's up to the builders, developers, and users to keep an eye on it (but not your messages!).
Two-step verification: Enabling two-step verification helps prevent unauthorized access. It's an extra level of security.
No cloud storage: Signal stores messages locally on the device, which means more privacy.
Cons:
Limited features: Signal has fewer features compared to other secure messaging apps. For example, it doesn't offer the ability to send videos or make voice or video calls.
No cloud storage: Signal stores messages locally on the device, which means they aren't accessible from other devices.
Pricing: Free
Telegram
Telegram has excellent features and cross-device compatibility. It makes the list of the most secure chat apps because it offers end-to-end encryption and the ability to create secret chats with self-destructing messages. You can also share photos and videos with this app. Telegram prioritizes security and speed.
Pros:
Encryption: Encryption scrambles data so that only authorized parties can understand what's going on. Only authorized parties can unscramble the message.
Secret chats: Telegram's feature “Secret Chats” allows users to set a self-destruct timer for their messages. This means that the messages will be deleted from the recipient and senders' chat history after a certain amount of time has passed, adding an extra layer of privacy.
Two-step verification: Users receive a code through email or SMS to verify their identity and allow them into the app.
Cloud storage: Messages are not stored locally.
Cons:
Centralized infrastructure: Telegram's servers are owned and operated by a single company, giving that company access to the messages and data stored on its servers. This could be a potential security risk.
Errors and notifications: System errors and unorganized notifications are notable in its online reviews.
Vulnerable to skilled attackers: While Telegram's encryption provides strong protection against most threats, it is still possible for sophisticated attackers to bypass it.
Pricing: Free
iMessage
iMessage is Apple's chat system, only available for iOS devices. Just like Telegram and Signal, it offers end-to-end encryption for all messages. One of the key benefits of iMessage is its integration into the iOS operating system, making it compatible with other Apple products. Another great feature is secure group chats.
Pros:
Encryption: Each user's outgoing message is individually encrypted for each of the receiver's devices.
Integration with other Apple products: Full integration allows iMessages to be sent easily between devices.
Two-step verification: An added security step for users to verify their identity. Usually sent through SMS or email.
Cons:
Limited to Apple devices: iMessage is only available for Apple devices. SMS is used for messages between Apple and Android devices.
Vulnerable to attackers: While iMessage's encryption provides strong protection against most threats, sophisticated attackers may still be able to bypass it.
Pricing: Free
WhatsApp is a multi-platform messaging app that, in addition to being a chat application, allows for video and voice calls, polls, and other reactions. It is end-to-end encrypted and incredibly popular, making it an easy choice for connecting with friends, family, and customers. With more than 2,000 million active monthly users, it has to be one of the most secure messaging apps on the market.
Pros:
Verification and sign-on: Two-step verification and easy sign-on with QR code
Widely used: WhatsApp is used by over two billion people worldwide, making it a convenient choice for messaging with a large number of people from diverse locations.
Cons:
Vulnerability: Vulnerable to skilled attackers in spite of end-to-end encryption
Concerns about data privacy: WhatsApp is owned by Facebook, which has a history of collecting and sharing user data. Some users may be concerned about the potential for WhatsApp to share their data with Facebook or other third parties.
Pricing: Free
Dust
Dust, formerly known as Cyber Dust, is a secure messaging app designed to protect users' privacy and ensure that their communications are kept confidential. Co-founded by Mark Cuban, the app uses end-to-end encryption to safeguard messages and allows users to delete messages from both their device and the recipient's device at any time. Messages on Dust automatically disappear after 24 hours or once they are read, whichever comes first.
Pros:
High security: End-to-end encryption ensures that messages are secure from interception. Messages are never stored permanently on servers.
Privacy features: The app notifies users if a screenshot is taken and allows users to delete messages from both their device and the recipient's device.
Ephemeral messaging: Messages automatically delete after being read or after 24 hours, ensuring no traces are left behind.
Cons:
Limited features: Dust doesn't support video calls, voice messages, or large file uploads.
No chat history: Since messages disappear after being read or after 24 hours, there is no way to access previous conversations, which can be inconvenient for users who need to refer back to past messages.
Low popularity: The app has a smaller user base compared to other messaging apps, which may make it difficult to convince others to use it and limit its usability.
Pricing: Free
So, we’ve reviewed some of the most secure messaging apps. While this is a list of some of the top secure messaging apps, how can you determine which encrypted messaging app to choose?
How to select the best encrypted messaging app
To choose the best secure messaging app for your business, assess your specific needs regarding security, features, compliance, integration, and cost. Start with a clear understanding of your requirements and compare the options based on the criteria listed above. Trial versions can help you make an informed decision by allowing you to test the app's functionality and user experience firsthand. Here are some aspects to consider before making your decision.
1. Core features: Assess the core communication features you need, such as group chats, file or location sharing, reactions, message threading, and calls.
2. Encryption: Ensure the app offers end-to-end encryption for all communications, including chat and calls.
3. Data storage: Check whether the app stores data on its servers. Consider where the app's servers are located and the data protection laws applicable in those regions.
4. Industry standards: Ensure the app complies with industry-specific standards and regulations, for example, HIPAA for healthcare, and GDPR for businesses operating in the EU.
5. Platform support: Ensure the app supports all the platforms your team uses (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, etc.).
6. Integration: Look for apps that can integrate with your existing systems and workflows, such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, JIRA, or other project management tools.
7. Scalability: Choose an app that can scale with your business growth, accommodating more users and increased communication needs.
8. Pricing model: Evaluate the app’s pricing model and ensure it fits within your budget. Consider the cost per user, especially if you have a large team.
9. Free trials: Take advantage of free trials or demo versions to test the app’s features and performance before making a commitment.
Which is the most secure messaging app?
Sendbird stands out as the most secure messaging app for businesses due to its comprehensive security features and enterprise-grade compliance. For individual consumers, Signal is widely regarded as the most secure messaging app available.
Let’s take a closer look.
Which encrypted messaging app is the best for businesses?
For businesses, Sendbird is one of the best customer communications platforms out there. Sendbird provides end-to-end encryption, ensuring messages are protected from interception during transmission. The platform is designed to handle high volumes of messages securely, with robust data protection measures in place. Sendbird’s API and SDKs allow businesses to integrate secure chat functionality directly into their applications, providing a seamless and secure communication experience for users.
Moreover, Sendbird's advanced moderation tools help businesses manage and secure their communication channels effectively. Features such as keyword alerts, automated moderation, and manual message review allow businesses to monitor and control the content shared within their platforms, reducing the risk of inappropriate or harmful communication. The ability to customize and scale the platform further enhances its suitability for businesses of all sizes.
Which encrypted messaging app is the best for businesses?
For individual consumers, Signal is widely regarded as the most secure messaging app available. Signal offers end-to-end encryption for all communications, including text messages, voice calls, video calls, and media files, ensuring that only the intended recipients can access the content.
Signal does not collect or store any metadata about users' communication habits, providing an additional layer of privacy. The app uses the highly respected Signal Protocol for encryption. Signal also includes several features aimed at enhancing user privacy and security, such as disappearing messages, which automatically delete after a set period, and screen security, which prevents others from taking screenshots of conversations.
Start building your secure messaging app today
We’ve discussed the importance of encrypted messaging, its definition, and the top features to look for when selecting an encrypted messaging app. We’ve also gone through the top encrypted messaging apps for businesses and consumers.
If you’d like to build your own secure chat app, Sendbird's chat API is a powerful tool that allows organizations to build their own secure chat and messaging platform within their own branded apps. Sendbird offers customizable features with end-to-end encryption through third-party platforms like Virgil Security. Sendbird's chat API also offers a number of security benefits, including secure group chats and self-destructing messages, giving you even more control over the security of your messaging platform.
One of the best benefits of bringing in-app messaging into your app is the ability to tailor the user experience to the specific needs of your customer base. Whether you're looking to create a messaging platform for e-commerce, professional services, customer service, or something else entirely, you can build on top of Sendbird’s chat API to create a secure chat app that meets the needs of your business.
Ready to build a secure messaging app? Talk with our sales team, start a 30-day free trial, or learn more about Sendbird’s chat API.
