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. Here we feature the best encrypted instant messaging apps currently available. With the ever-increasingly popularity of Android phones, encrypted apps have become increasingly popular. Powerful encryption software (opens in new tab) built into the messaging apps means that any third-party intercepting those messages will not be able to read them. Additionally, private messaging traditionally involves copies of your chat sessions to be saved on the company servers (opens in new tab), which could be exposed and published online by a successful hack attack.Įncrypted instant messaging ensures privacy (opens in new tab) and security by making sure that only the person you are sending your messages to can actually read them.

These aim to better protect users in an internet world where marketing (opens in new tab) companies are increasingly trying to not just track users but also read their messages. Messaging apps have been common in Android smartphones (opens in new tab) since their release, but while there are an increasing number of privacy apps (opens in new tab) available, there are also a growing number of encrypted chat apps.

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