7. Viber
Users can send voice and text messages, photos and videos to groups of any size using Viber. It also offers fully encrypted voice and video chats on mobile devices and major desktop operating systems as long as you select the correct sharing method. The company has stepped up its game when it comes to their end-to-end encryption as it used to be that only one-on-one communications were protected, but now group chats are also secured by E2E.
A unique feature of this app is that every chat is color-coded based on its current level of encryption:
- Green means the chat is encrypted, and the contact you are connected to is trusted.
- Grey means that the chat is encrypted, but the contact hasn’t been marked as trusted.
- Red means there is a problem authenticating the contact.
Features
- HD video calls
- Chat Extensions allow to search GIFs, videos, restaurants, events, etc. through websites without ever leaving chat
- Trusted Contacts verify identities of who you’re chatting with by exchanging secret keys
- Instant messaging
- Stickers
- Service Messages
- Instant Voice message
- Public and Group Chats w/ unlimited members
- Delete Seen Messages
- Cost: Free
- Number of Users: Over one billion
8. Silence
Silence used to be called “SMS Secure”, as it is a spin-off from Signal. The end-to-end encrypted app works like an SMS/MMS application, as you can use it even if you aren’t connected to the internet on your phone. Silence is regularly audited by security experts in public view to make sure the code hasn't been unlocked by any third party or government agency that wants to get its hands on users’ conversation history. Additionally, you don’t have to sign up with login credentials, upping its privacy and security status. This secure messaging app is open source, so anyone can check the code for errors or vulnerabilities.
Features
- Prevents communications being screen-shotted at the other end
- No servers or internet connection required
- Messages encrypted locally
- Open Source
- Cost: Free
- Number of Users: Unknown
9. iMessage
iMessage has always been on top of offering end-to-end encryption between users. Additionally, this secure messaging app allows users to control how long the message stays and how many times the recipient can view it. The main security issue that users complain about is the option to backup your iMessages to iCloud. Messages stored in the cloud are encrypted by keys controlled by Apple, so if your iCloud were ever hacked, those messages could be revealed. However, the solution is to avoid storing private messages on web-based platforms like iCloud for heightened security measures.
Features
- Mute notifications or leave group chats
- Block phone numbers and contacts
- Backup iMessages through iCloud
- Tailor iMessage Settings
- Uses the Internet instead of phone network when communicating with other iOS or maOS users
- Control “Read Receipts”
- Customization of message profile/personality with GIFs, animations and Memojis
- Cost: Free
- Number of Users: 1.3 billion
10. Line
Line is a free, secure messaging app available for a variety of smartphone devices and PC. This secure platform was developed by a team of Japanese engineers as a way to communicate after the Tōhoku earthquake that destroyed the area in 2011. The telecommunications infrastructure was damaged throughout the country, so the only solution for communication was through Internet-connected means. Shortly after this messaging app was built, LINE added end-to-end encryption to boost privacy and called the feature “Letter Sealing”. All users can use it, but it must be turned on manually.
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