Best Encrypted Messaging App For Android Of 2023
The best encrypted instant messaging apps for Android provide a simple way to keep your chats, calls, and videos private and secure.
Messaging apps have been common in Android smartphones since their release, but while there are an increasing number of privacy apps available, there are also a growing number of encrypted chat apps.
These aim to better protect users in an internet world where marketing companies are increasingly trying to not just track users but also read their messages. Additionally, private messaging traditionally involves copies of your chat sessions to be saved on the company servers, which could be exposed and published online by a successful hack attack.
Encrypted instant messaging ensures privacy and security by making sure that only the person you are sending your messages to can actually read them. Powerful encryption software built into the messaging apps means that any third-party intercepting those messages will not be able to read them.
With the ever-increasingly popularity of Android phones, encrypted apps have become increasingly popular. Here we feature the best encrypted instant messaging apps currently available.
We've also featured the best privacy tools and anonymous browsers.
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
(Image credit: Element)A super-secure, decentralized messaging platform
Reasons to buy +Strong security features
+Open source software
+Plenty of hosting flexibility
Reasons to avoid -Could use some more polish
-Some aspects more technical
-Occasional mobile bug
Element is a genuinely interesting and appealing secure messaging platform that will appeal to individual users and businesses alike. It's reliable, it comes with just about all the features that you're likely to need, it's simple to set up, and it has some of the best security and privacy features in the business – if you want to escape the clutches of the big tech giants, this is well worth a look.
For consumers, the biggest problem might be getting all your friends and family to switch over to something new – Element doesn't have quite the same polish as the likes of iMessage, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Slack and the rest, and of course it's not as widely used. The best fit for Element might be those who have the time and resources to really invest in it, including servers and bridges to other apps.
Overall, the Element messenger platform scores highly for its approach to security and its commitment to decentralization, and it's definitely going to be of interest to businesses wanting control over their own chats – as well as plenty of individual users as well.
Pricing starts with the Business plan at $5 per user per month when billed annually.
Read our full Element secure messenger review.
(Image credit: Google)The gold standard of encrypted messaging
Reasons to buy +Open source, industry-leading encryption
+Supports disappearing messages too
Signal is widely regarded as the gold standard of encrypted messaging apps, not least because its encryption engine is open source and available for anyone to inspect. That doesn't make it any easier to hack, but it does mean there are a lot more pairs of eyes looking at the robustness of the encryption methods.
Besides the industry-leading encryption on offer here, the app itself is fairly plain and basic in terms of visuals and appearance. It does support group chats though, as well as the sending of files and photos in addition to text, so you're going to be pretty well covered no matter what your needs.
Signal can replace the default SMS app if you want it to, but basic SMS texts aren't encrypted – you and the person you're chatting with both need to have Signal installed for the encryption feature to function properly, otherwise Signal doesn't have enough control over both ends of the conversation.
The app also includes several other useful features on top of the tight security, such as video calling, and disappearing messages that vanish after a certain time period (perfect for those conversations you don't want to stay on the record).
Read our full Signal review.
(Image credit: Google)The fully featured instant messenger
Reasons to buy +Your contacts probably already use it
+Very secure encryption standard
You're no doubt already familiar with WhatsApp as one of the best messaging apps out there, but you might not have realized that it offers end-to-end encryption for your messages – in fact, it uses the super-strong encryption protocol developed by Signal.
There's very little that WhatsApp can't do. As well as the standard text-based conversations, it's able to handle video calls, group chats, location sharing, and the transferring of files of various types. You can ping a lot of people at once with the Broadcast feature, leave voice memos, and more besides.
WhatsApp's immense popularity works in its favor as well, because the chances are that the people in your contacts list already have it installed to keep in touch with friends and family. All those chats are fully encrypted by default – there's no way to turn this off.
What might give you pause when it comes to using this app is that it is, of course, owned by Facebook, which means you're contributing to the data collection practices of the world's biggest social network. Facebook can't read your messages (the end-to-end encryption prevents that), but it can log other data about you for marketing purposes, like the location of your phone.
Read our full Whatsapp review.
(Image credit: Google)Keep your chats securely locked
Reasons to buy +Offers all the key IM features
+Polished and intuitive interface
Reasons to avoid -End-to-end encryption isn't default
Telegram is almost as well-respected as Signal is, although its encryption methods aren't open source and thus haven't been as well audited by third-party security experts. What it does have in its favor is a slicker interface, if that's important to you.
Another caveat about Telegram is that end-to-end encryption isn't enabled by default, so you need to make sure the Secret mode is activated before you can be sure that no one else is going to tap into your communications. Other types of chat and file transfer are encrypted, but only for part of their journey to other parties.
Those issues aside, Telegram impresses in most areas, with features like chat backups and disappearing messages (messages with expiry times attached). You can load up group chats, make video calls and more, and in use it's just as responsive and intuitive as the other messaging apps out there.
If you need all the bells and whistles of an instant messenger, like stickers and audio memos, and even basic photo and video editing software, Telegram is a solid choice. Just be sure to enable the Secret mode for the most secure messaging.
Read our full Telegram review.
(Image credit: Google)The extra secure private messaging app
Reasons to buy +Secure connection
+Minimum data use
+Anonymous messaging
Threema is another secure messaging app that aims to keep your data out of the hands of corporations and governments. The app can be used anonymously, and it's not just messages but also phone calls that can be securely encrypted.
While secure connections are the mainstay of many messengers, Threema goes one further by ensuring no contact details are saved on their servers, and any messaging data that goes through them is immediately deleted once sent.
The result is that local files remain on your phone, rather than in the open on third-party servers where the information could be intercepted by hackers or data-collection agencies.
For all its security considerations, Threema is still a fully-functional messaging app, that allows you to send images, files, videos, and locations, as well as create groups and set up polls among trusted users.
There's no need to sign in with an email or other personally identifiable information, reducing the amount of data required to use it. All in all, Threema offers a very secure experience with security and anonymity in mind.
Read our full Threema review.
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Which encrypted messaging app is best for you?When deciding which encrypted messaging app to use, first consider what your actual needs are, as budget software may only provide basic options, so if you need to use advanced tools you may find a more expensive platform is much more worthwhile. Additionally, higher-end software can usually cater for every need, so do ensure you have a good idea of which features you think you may require from your encrypted messaging app.
How we tested the best encrypted messaging appTo test for the best encrypted messaging app we first set up an account with the relevant software platform, then we tested the service to see how the software performed when accessed by different devices, as well as testing any additional tools that were provided. The aim was to push each encrypted messaging app platform to see how useful its basic tools were and also how easy it was to get to grips with any more advanced tools.
Read more on how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar.
The Best Encrypted Messaging Apps In 2023
The best encrypted messaging apps can help protect your privacy as they make it difficult for anyone to eavesdrop on your private chats including (in most cases) the companies behind them.
Many of the best encrypted messaging apps are so heavily encrypted that even government agencies and police can't break into them. End-to-End encryption, which is used by Signal, Threema, WhatsApp and others, means that only the sender and recipient of a message can see its contents.
Apple's iMessage protocol uses end-to-end encryption as well but its Messages app which is used to view encrypted messages also handles unencrypted SMS text messages. This makes it easy to get confused which is why you're better off using one of the best encrypted messaging apps instead if you want to ensure that all of your chats are secure. It's worth noting that Google's Messages app can also use end-to-end encryption but both people need to have RCS chats turned on.
These are the best encrypted messaging apps available right now for Android and iOS.
The best encrypted messaging apps you can download today (Image credit: Signal Foundation)1. Signal
The best encrypted messaging app for most people
SpecificationsCost: Free
Platforms: Android, iOS
Reasons to buy +Open source and encrypted
+Disappearing messages
+Can secure the app with a password
Reasons to avoid -Phone number required for sign up
Signal is a fantastic messaging solution for security-conscious mobile users. It's a free all-in-one messaging, voice-call and group-chat solution that uses its own end-to-end encryption protocol.
You can send text messages, voice calls, group messages, media and attachments to your phone contacts, all without having to mess with PIN codes or special login credentials. Updates to the app have added user-friendly features such as custom wallpapers and animated stickers, and Signal group video chats can now have up to 40 participants.
All Signal messages can be set to self-destruct after a certain amount of time while a Chrome browser plugin lets you use Signal from your desktop as well. You can transfer Signal accounts from one Android phone to another and from one iOS device to another. In fact, you can even change phone numbers while keeping Signal account data as long as you're staying on the same device.
Signal's encryption protocol is so strong that WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger use it too. But unlike Facebook, Signal's parent company is a non-profit foundation created by an anarchist cryptographer and one of the founders of WhatsApp.
Ease of use and strong, open-source, regularly audited encryption makes Signal a favorite of the security-conscious, with accolades from Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates. User-friendliness without compromising on security makes Signal a fantastic option for users looking for an encrypted messaging and calling app. Here's our guide on how to use Signal.
Download Signal: Android, iOS
(Image credit: Natee Meepian/Shutterstock)2. Telegram
An increasingly popular cloud-based, secure messaging app
SpecificationsCost: Free
Platforms: Android, iOS
Reasons to buy +Intuitive interface
+Syncs seamlessly
Reasons to avoid -End-to-end encryption isn't enabled by default
Like Signal and WhatsApp, Telegram lets users link their phone number to a Telegram account to send fast, encrypted messaging over the internet, with client-server encryption for standard chats.
But Telegram is much more than just a messaging service. It has grown into a worldwide social-media platform, with huge user groups and broadcasts that let accounts reach millions of followers in an instant. It has uses far beyond secure messaging.
However, end-to-end encryption is not enabled by default on Telegram. To get it, you'll have to switch to Secret Chat mode. You can set messages to self-destruct, share videos and documents and participate in group chats of up to 200,000 users. (Yes, Telegram really does support group chats that large.) However, chats with more than two participants won't be end-to-end encrypted.
A caveat? Telegram uses its own custom MTProto encryption rather than a more proven system. Here's our guide on how to use Telegram.
Download Telegram: Android, iOS
(Image credit: Shutterstock)3. WhatsApp
A secure messaging app many of your contacts likely already use
SpecificationsCost: Free
Platforms: Android, iOS
Reasons to buy +End-to-end encryption
+Messages and images can self destruct
+Widely used
Reasons to avoid -Requires phone number
-Owned by Facebook
The world's most popular stand-alone chat and call app, WhatsApp has used Signal's end-to-end encryption protocol on all messages since 2016.
Its developers are continuously adding tweaks to the app's security and privacy features, such as fine-tuned group invitations and controls so that you're always aware who is reading your group chats.
The app is also testing transfers of chat history when switching between iOS and Android phones and using a single account on four different devices at once. Updates to WhatsApp have made it possible to have end-to-end-encrypted backups and have added the ability to make disappearing chats the default. You can also transfer your chat history from iPhone to Android, and the iOS beta suggests an Android-to-iPhone transfer feature is coming soon.
In 2014, WhatsApp was bought by Facebook, which later broke its promise that it wouldn't "monetize" the service which led its founders to leave and one of them co-founded Signal. Some WhatsApp user behavioral data is now shared with Facebook, which has created more demand for WhatsApp alternatives, but the messages remain entirely walled-off.
No matter who owns it, WhatsApp remains one of the easiest ways for anyone to use end-to-end encrypted messaging. If you're not comfortable with Facebook's presence, there are plenty of other options on this page.
Users who want to be absolutely sure about their security can verify each chat's 60-digit security-verification code or QR code that you can compare with a contact to ensure that your conversation is encrypted. You'll also want to make sure your messages are backed up with WhatsApp itself and not with Apple's iCloud.
Combined with WhatsApp's ubiquity, ease of use and the ability to send voice messages, photos, and video messages, and conduct group chats, makes for a robust and fully encrypted mobile-messaging app.
Download WhatsApp: Android, iOS
(Image credit: Threema)4. Threema
A private messaging app worth paying for
SpecificationsCost: $3.99
Platforms: Android, iOS
Reasons to buy +End-to-end encryption
+Private chats
+No phone number or email required
Reasons to avoid -Not free
-Few advanced features
Threema is a very secure end-to-end encrypted messaging app that uses the NaCl cryptography library to protect your communications.
When you fire up the app, it generates a unique Threema ID key, allowing you to use the app completely anonymously — no names required. Otherwise, you can associate your account with an email address or phone number, which makes it easier for other Threema users to find you.
You'll also get a scannable QR code that you can present to other Threema users if you meet in person but don't want to exchange names.
In addition to the usual raft of messaging features such as encrypted text, voice, picture, and video messaging, the app also includes file sharing (20MB per file), emojis, group messaging and a polling system for getting feedback from friends and contacts.
While some other secure-messaging apps that haven't reached WhatsApp or Telegram adoption levels have pivoted toward the enterprise market to stay afloat, Threema still has one foot planted firmly in the consumer market. Charging a few bucks for the app makes that financially possible.
So what's the downside? Threema hasn't really caught on in the English-speaking world, so you may have a hard time finding other users unless you speak German. But its impeccable security is well worth spending $4 for.
Download Threema: Android, iOS
(Image credit: Wire)5. Wire
Secure messaging and collaboration for businesses
SpecificationsCost: Free
Platforms: Android, iOS
Reasons to buy +End-to-end encryption
+Independently audited
+Easy to use
Reasons to avoid -Email or phone number required
-No two-factor authentication (2FA)
Wire features end-to-end encryption for instant messages, voice and video calls, with support for GIFs, audio and video clips, and sketches, and local and Dropbox file sharing. The app also offers multiplatform cross-device syncing and support for multiple accounts, allowing you to separate personal and work communications.
Wire uses its own Proteus encryption protocol based on the Signal protocol, and its code is open-source and subject to external security audits. The mobile and web versions of the app are free, with a premium tier available for businesses.
The parent company, Wire Swiss, was originally founded and run out of Switzerland which is famous for its privacy laws. The holding company moved to the United States in 2019, which alarmed some users, but then moved to Berlin in early 2021.
Like Silent Circle and Wickr, the company seems to have retooled its website to appeal primarily to business users. But you can still get Wire's free consumer desktop software from the "Download" link at the bottom of the site's main page, and its mobile apps on the Play Store or App Store.
Download Wire: Android, iOS
(Image credit: Viber)6. Viber
Secure messaging, voice and video calls all in one place
SpecificationsCost: Free
Platforms: Android, iOS
Reasons to buy +End-to-end encryption
+Disappearing messages
+Hidden chats
+Syncs across desktop and mobile
Reasons to avoid -Not as popular as it used to be
Viber offers end-to-end encryption on all platforms. Originally developed in Israel, the app is now owned and operated by Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten. It offers many of the same bells and whistles as Telegram, including stickers and communities, and, most recently, augmented-reality filters to jazz up selfies.
A neat feature for Viber is a color-coded lock icon to quickly show users how protected a conversation is (gray for encrypted communications, green for encrypted communications with a trusted contact, and red in the event that there is an issue with the authentication key). Viber has self-destructing Secret Chats, included in group chats and on its desktop app, plus a Hidden Chats feature for hiding chatrooms on a shared device.
All of this is in addition to Viber's solid mobile-messaging feature set which includes text, voice, and group messaging all tied to your phone number. The app and communications with other Viber users are free, but you'll have to pay a bit for calls to non-Viber users.
Download Viber: Android, iOS
(Image credit: Meta)7. Facebook Messenger
Encrypted messaging from the social media giant
SpecificationsCost: Free
Platforms: Android, iOS
Reasons to buy +End-to-end encryption
+Disappearing messages
+Hugely popular
+Familiar interface
Reasons to avoid -Sending encrypted messages could be more intuitive
The near-ubiquitous Facebook Messenger may not be the first app you think of when it comes to encrypted messaging, but the mobile versions of the app include end-to-end encrypted communication options in the form of Secret Conversations.
Based on the same encryption system used in Signal, Secret Conversations requires users to opt into the feature. It allows them to send and receive encrypted text, pictures, and stickers to and from a single mobile device, with the option for time-limited self-destructing messages like with Snapchat.
More recently, Messenger has added options for end-to-end encryption of one-to-one voice and video calls and for end-to-end encryption of group chats, calls and video chats.
That said, Facebook Messenger is still vulnerable to being screen-grabbed, and the opt-in and single-device limitations can be an issue. Also, it's Facebook.
Download Facebook Messenger: Android, iOS
(Image credit: Dust)8. Dust
A secure messaging app created by Mark Cuban
SpecificationsCost: Free
Platforms: Android, iOS
Reasons to buy +End-to-end encryption
+Stealth search
+Screenshot notifications
+Data breach alerts
Dust, formerly Cyber Dust, throws in multiple security and encryption features in an attempt to maintain user privacy.
The app uses a combination of AES-128 and RSA-2048 encryption to secure posts and messages, and it's also designed to keep direct messages in RAM as much as possible, rather than in your phone's permanent storage. Messages can be set to self-destruct within 24 hours or right after being read.
Dust is also designed to not display user names in a message and informs you if a screenshot is taken from within the app. In addition to the secure messenger, Dust also packs in a privacy-watchdog feature and a stealth search tool for maintaining privacy while searching the web.
That said, it appears the Dust app is being maintained rather than actively developed, with no major features introduced since mid-2020 but we'll keep an eye on this.
Download Dust: Android, iOS
Do you need an encrypted messaging app?Although regular messaging apps have certainly improved over the years, none of them can match the added security and peace of mind that comes with using one of the best encrypted messaging apps.
Unlike with SMS and MMS messages that can be seen by third parties, with an encrypted messaging app, only the intended recipients can read your messages. This is because the apps detailed above use encryption to prevent others from reading your messages as they don't have the encryption key needed to decrypt them.
Whether you're discussing sensitive personal information, business or anything else you want to keep private, using an encrypted messaging app will prevent your communications from being intercepted.
It's up to you to decide if you really need one but with the number of online threats and other dangers present in the world today, it makes sense to have the added protection for your messages available from one of the best encrypted messaging apps.
10 Essential Android Auto Apps You Should Download Right Now
© Roman Vyshnikov/Shutterstock Google Android Auto App in a carAs technology continues to evolve, it seems like all of our devices are getting smarter, and cars are no exception. Android Auto is an important example of innovation in this field, making it possible to access a variety of apps and services through a car's dashboard. From music streaming to navigation, there is an app for just about anything you need while on the road.
If you're an Android user who frequently drives, it's essential to take advantage of Android Auto and the apps available for it. These apps can make your driving experience more enjoyable while also keeping your eyes on the road instead of on your phone. It's also important to remember that Google Assistant is an integral part of Android Auto. This means that you can use voice commands to control many of the apps and services available on the platform. This feature is particularly useful while driving, as it allows you to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
Here are 10 essential Android Auto apps you should download right now to make your life easier and make the most of this innovative platform.
Waze Navigation & Live Traffic © DANIEL CONSTANTE/Shutterstock Smartphone with Waze app logoGoogle Maps has long been the go-to navigation app for Android users. However, Google Maps isn't perfect, as was made apparent when artist Simon Weckert demonstrated how 99 phones can change traffic flow. That's why Waze, a crowdsourced navigation app, is a great alternative to Google Maps and a useful addition to Android Auto.
Waze relies on its users to provide real-time data on traffic, accidents, and other driving conditions, making it an invaluable tool for drivers. While Google Maps is certainly impressive, it can't match Waze's ability to help you avoid tickets or stay informed about real-time traffic delays. The Waze interface features a colorful, aesthetically pleasing display that is as customizable as it is user-friendly.
With Waze, users can personalize their driving experience by setting up a profile that allows for avoiding freeways, high-traffic areas, and even toll roads. There are minimal distractions in the UI, full integration with most new cars, and big on-screen elements that are easy to interact with while driving. If you happen to run into an issue on the road, reporting it is easy and straightforward. Simply choose a category like Traffic, Police, Crash, Hazard, Map Issue, or Camera, and then select a subcategory to provide a more specific alert.
Waze's app community also sets it apart by giving users the option to check in with their account on the app while driving or opt-in to include their own data, helping the community with more accurate and real-time traffic data. With its clean UI and host of features, Waze is a must-have app for Android Auto.
Spotify: Music And Podcasts © parlanteste/Shutterstock Spotify app logo on smartphone in carGood music can make a long car ride feel shorter, and Spotify has a playlist for every taste, whether you're into country ballads, K-pop, or Scandinavian death metal. As one of the biggest music streaming apps available, Spotify has a well-integrated Android Auto system. The app can control playlists, select songs, and even play Spotify podcasts.
Users can control the app directly from their Android Auto display in their car or use their phone as a remote control, allow
