What is the best encrypted text messaging app for Android

Have you ever had to whisper something in another person's ear without anyone else hearing? Most likely, everyone has done this in their life. These days, many people spend more time chatting online than they do face-to-face communication. Do you ever happen to say, write, or send something that others shouldn't hear, read, or see? If yes, then in this case it is best to use a messenger with encryption.

This article is about why you need a secure messenger. We will look at the best encrypted text messaging app for Android, as well as important features when choosing them. Each of these applications has both advantages and disadvantages, each offering a different approach to data security.

What makes a text messaging app secure

The main security issue for messaging apps is privacy. It reflects the extent to which private messages are available to third parties, which companies develop applications, and even whether government agencies collect data about citizens. When evaluating the security of messaging applications, the following key points should be considered:

End-to-end encryption. With end-to-end encryption of private messages, only the sender and the recipient of messages have the keys for decryption. End-to-end encryption means that not only correspondence is encoded, but also all other information that users exchange during communication: documents, photos, videos and music.
Open source. Open source means that the application is open to external review and audit by experts, which can be useful for drawing attention to weaknesses or vulnerabilities in the code.

The best encrypted text messaging app for Android

Automatic messages deletion. Some messengers for Android have the function of completely deleting the correspondence — when it "disappears" after a certain time after reading. Automatic deletion can be implemented by default or as a custom option. Of course, it is not always convenient to not be able to return to old messages and reread them. However, this solution provides a high level of security. No traces — no information for crackers.
Access to messages from the service provider. It is much better if the company that owns the messenger does not have access to users' messages. To do this, messages should either be encrypted with algorithms that are not available for decryption from the server, or simply not be stored there.

How to choose the most secure text messaging app for Android?

To understand which most secure text messaging app to choose, you should consider the following factors:

Encryption standards. Priority is given to applications that support end-to-end encryption. This means that only the recipient and sender can read the correspondence. Such encryption ensures the confidentiality of communication in the text messaging app for Android.
Open source code. By analyzing the code, specialists can understand what the messenger is capable of and whether the developers fulfill their promises. The more popular the program, the more people want to look inside and see the quality of the solutions used. In addition, the openness of the source code allows you to quickly identify errors and vulnerabilities in the most secure text messaging app.
Messenger testing by third-party organizations. If the developers of the app call it secure, this does not mean that it is. This statement should be verified by independent experts.
Automatic destruction of messages. In some text messaging apps, you can set a time after which the correspondence will be automatically deleted — for example, in Anwork.
Ease of use. The simple and clear interface of the app attracts users and increases the popularity of the application.
Minimum collected data. The presence of end-to-end encryption in text messaging apps for Android does not mean that the service knows nothing about you. Most messengers collect some information about their users. Most often, these are phone numbers, but there are also email addresses, IP addresses, connection time, who you connected to. This may affect the confidentiality of communication.

Are there reliable free chat apps for Android

Free chat apps for Android allow people to chat with their family, friends, customers, etc. You can use these apps for group chat, send stickers, make voice and video calls, send multimedia messages, and integrate multiple services. However, not all free applications are reliable in terms of security. Sometimes it's best to pay for a license and be sure that your information is safe.

What are the best text messaging apps for Android

Popular secure text messaging apps for Android

We offer you information about the most secure text messaging apps for Android

Signal

Signal is a popular text messaging app that has established itself as one of the most reliable and secure messaging apps. Information encryption is implemented using the Signal Protocol, which many of its competitors have begun to adopt to protect the privacy of their users. Users have access to disappearing messages: if you activate this function, part of the correspondence is automatically deleted without a trace after a certain period of time.

Signal is equipped with a standard set of functions of a modern app: private and group chats and audio-video calls, file sharing, voice messages, images and videos. Today, more and more new users are installing Signal on the recommendation of famous IT celebrities. In addition to Elon Musk, Edward Snowden and Jack Dorsey advised switching to this messenger.

Among the disadvantages of this secure text messaging app for Android is the mandatory entry of a phone number during registration, which leaves the user no chance of complete anonymity.

Session

Session is a free secure text messaging app. It is anonymous and end-to-end encrypted, and does not collect personal information. Instead of specifying a phone number or email address, the program generates session IDs to register and identify users.

Session uses an advanced decentralized approach to routing and storing messages. Messages are encrypted and transmitted through three nodes that are managed by the community. This makes it difficult for any individual node to gather significant information about the message.

Session is quite easy to use, unlike its counterparts. Group chats can accommodate 100 people, and there is support for voice notes and attachments.

Threema

This secure text messaging app lets you exchange text messages, voice and video recordings, and transfer large files. Threema offers the ability to create polls and newsletters so you can easily and conveniently interact with your contacts.

One of the main advantages of this text messaging app is its strict compliance with data protection regulations and standards. All information related to users is stored locally on their own devices. Threema does not record user data and complies with the high requirements of the GDPR standard, ensuring you maximum privacy. However, it should be noted that Threema does not offer two-factor authentication and is a paid app.

The special feature of Threema is the ability to create unique identifiers that are not linked to the user's personal information. This makes tracking and identifying the sender of messages almost impossible.

Wickr Me

This secure text messaging app for Android is positioned as a tool for anyone who values the security of their personal conversations.

The secure text messaging app actively cares about your privacy by removing metadata such as geolocation information and message time.

Unlike many other messengers, Wickr Me does not require a phone number or email address to create an account. This provides greater anonymity when using the app.

Wickr Me can be a great choice for organizations and government agencies that value the security and privacy of their communications.

Element

Element is not just one of the most secure text messaging app, but an entire app that combines security and collaboration capabilities in one place. An important feature of Element is that the app is open source.

Element benefits from using the Matrix protocol combined with end-to-end encryption. The Matrix protocol is designed specifically to ensure user security and privacy, adding another layer of protection to your conversations.

However, security is not all that this secure text messaging app offers. It is also known for its flexibility and customizability. The user can easily customize the app with various themes, plugins, and integrations to make it as convenient and relevant as possible to your needs.

Silent Phone

Silent Phone is a good secure text messaging app for voice and video calls. It makes it easy to chat, have voice conversations and video calls – all with guaranteed privacy and end-to-end encryption.

Silent Phone allows you to make VoIP calls, has end-to-end encryption and does not require registration via phone. The downside is that it only works on the phone, the computer is not available. In addition, it has a fairly high price.

In addition to messaging, one of the most secure text messaging apps provides the ability to make voice and video calls with the same high level of security. The user's conversations will be reliably protected, and no third party will be able to listen to or read them. And the best thing is that Silent Phone does not contain advertising, so the data will not be used for commercial purposes.

Anwork is one of the best text messaging app for Android with encryption

Anwork is one of the best business communications apps designed for the B2B segment. It is rapidly becoming popular due to the highest level of confidentiality of corporate information and a number of important advantages

An important feature of Anwork is communication in closed groups, which can only be entered by invitation and by entering a special code. Information in groups is securely protected by end-to-end encryption, which means that it will not be intercepted by intruders. All Anwork app messages, images, and files are stored locally on your phone.

Anwork is suitable for both small startups and large corporations. Using the application, you can exchange text messages, make audio and video calls. An interesting option is the ability to set a timer for deleting messages. Along with them, the metadata is also deleted.

By using Anwork, you can:

send text messages;
make video calls;
make audio calls;
create notes;
choose an executor for tasks;
set a timer for deleting the history of correspondence.
enter an emergency PIN to delete the conversation.

Using encrypted text messaging app can improve your business

Conclusion

The best encrypted text messaging apps for Android significantly improve business. Use this software, and you can reliably protect corporate information and user data. When choosing an application, be sure to pay attention to its compliance with the above requirements.

Image designed by Freepik