Best and Worst Encrypted Messaging Apps (7 Apps Ranked)

In this video we outline the characteristics that are found in encrypted messaging apps that we need to care about. Then we apply these to 7 apps which I rank from worst to best. Are the most popular encrypted messaging apps the best?
(Sorry for the sound sync issue. My computer has a glitch and it was showing as synced.)
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I'm the Internet Privacy Guy. I'm a public interest technologist. I'm here to educate. You are losing your Internet privacy and Internet security every day if you don't fight for it. Your data is collected with endless permanent data mining. Learn about a TOR router, a VPN , antivirus, spyware, firewalls, IP address, wifi triangulation, data privacy regulation, backups and tech tools, and evading mass surveillance from NSA, CIA, FBI. Learn how to be anonymous on the Internet so you are not profiled. Learn to speak freely with pseudo anonymity. Learn more about the dangers of the inernet and the dangers of social media, dangers of email.
I like alternative communication technology like Amateur Radio and data communications using Analog. I'm a licensed HAM operator.
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[@playsaboutmycat]

7:50 WhatsApp - Stay away 9:30 Telegram 10:17 Signal 11:40 Threema 13:00 XMPP 14:00 Briar 15:44 Session

[@Antonjlavey]

Telegram has feds controlling it now

[@antoniobragah8305]

Thanks for the layout, you rock!

[@DanteMishima]

WhatsApp died when Facebook bought it

[@sskoutofdoors9503]

Thanks!

[@dnomyaryevi869]

I just installed and setup Session. I sent an invitation to my family and friends.

[@false_positive]

the hardest point in privacy is to convince my friends to ditch whatsshit and similar apps.

[@krollpeter]

Exactly.

[@ikust007]

AGREE…😢

[@pwolkowicki]

So true.

[@btimec5290]

Yeah, i find no one cares, or cares to know what is going on

[@babsjr1]

@@btimec5290 Exactly.

[@BooDamnHoo]

Protonmail ought to produce a messaging app that includes end to end encryption like their email.

[@godrilla5549]

*fedmail

[@Vroomfondle1066]

your brain has been hacked by the deep state - you are a sleeper cyborg@@godrilla5549

[@Crazy--Clown]

Lol Proton will Snitch on you, they have a few times in the past.

[@DayzGone]

​@@Crazy--Clownlink?

[@DashhunterLP]

@@Crazy--Clown once, and only because they were ordered by court to do so. even then, proton could only supply information gathered AFTER the order, as nothing was logged beforehand. stop spreading misinformation.

[@ZappyOh]

I view most of these "privacy" things as honeypots. It is way more private to manually encrypt yourself, send via standard channels (mail/chats/etc), and have the receiver manually decrypt.

[@tobykelsey4459]

But then you need an out-of-band co-ordination and encryption setup. OK for a few techy friends or one-off data transfers; not so good for conversations with acquaintances, colleagues and new contacts. The Lokinet/Tor layer also means outsiders don't know how often and with whom you are communicating as well.

[@ZappyOh]

@@tobykelsey4459 ... that is true, we can't have our cake and eat it to.

[@bobbyjohnson116]

Meshtastic look into it

[@Gustavo_fr1ng]

Pgp go brr

[@MorningNapalm]

I have 1 (one) friend who *might* go along with that. Impractical.

[@chrischemlen7999]

Bought a smart TV, wanted it dum TV. Don't seem to make them much anymore. Would Love it if Rob could do a show on this🙏

[@truthdoesnotexist]

Same problem, I want a 4K TV with all the latest display technology but I don't want it to be smart, even if it wasn't a privacy nightmare the software is very poorly made and is extremely annoying and won't beat the PC I have connected to it anyway

[@tweedeldee8122]

@@truthdoesnotexistYea I put a pc behind all my tv's and basically use ithem as a monitor. Don't do any subscription/streaming services. No Amazon or google "smart" (as in spy) infrastructure.

[@be-a-sailnot-a-anchor2053]

Maybe there's a way to open the TV up and desolder the components that make it "smart" and leaving you with a dumb TV maybe ? Idk

[@ao1pointblank]

you can deny it internet access on your home's router portal, and then just use it as an HDMI monitor from a PC or laptop, or a tv box if you really want actual tv

[@JohnSmith-oh9ux]

Just don't connect it to internet... simple problem, simple solution...

[@ryanqvincent144]

Another excellent explanation and recommendations. Thank you. Appreciated.

[@linsqopiring6816]

There are so many options these days it's hard to keep them all straight So good topic.

[@George.___]

Wire seems to be a pretty good private app that doesn’t ask for any personal information. You can use a temporary email to confirm your username and that’s it. Lots of good features like separate locking if the app with pw or fingerprint the moment you switch apps. Message expiration timer Audio voice message Supposedly encrypted Voice calling through the app Including videoconferencing And many more fun features like voice alterations so you sound like an anonymous whistleblower lol etc.

[@mikkamalcolm1632]

Thank You so much Mr Braxmann, your videos are always so edifying and interesting. A candle in the dark.

[@SomeGuy-xf9bc]

I just assume all communication is insecure.

[@simeon2851]

Good assumption.

[@johnmood5653]

That should be assumed, you are correct in doing so.

[@be-a-sailnot-a-anchor2053]

Word ...I agree . I'll even add to this and say I believe any kind of electrical device or gadget that is in your surrounding vicinity pose security/ privacy concerns lol

[@SomeGuy-xf9bc]

@@be-a-sailnot-a-anchor2053 For all we know the OSs themselves are logging everything and reporting back.

[@terrydaktyllus1320]

Do you mean "not secure" or "not private"? There is a difference and you need to understand what that difference is.

[@babsjr1]

Excellent info - just what I am currently concerned about. Thank you!

[@creed7779311]

Can you do an update on messaging apps? I enjoyed this video. Very informative and helpful in choosing the right app.

[@kingdick4508]

Dammit Rob, great topic and video! Thanks!

[@lokemmslokemms4294]

hope your channel will have 1 million subs

[@shockingguy]

Good stuff ROB, as always good stuff 👍

[@adstix]

Rob, please condense this ranking into shorts so it can go viral! Does Session come pre loaded on your de googled phones?

[@julius_prn]

No it doesn't

[@NorthernChimp]

It's easy to find on F-Droid.

[@marcogawa]

Hello Rob! Great videos! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. How about Skype (and private chat) and Line? Thank you again!

[@Crazy--Clown]

Lol Skype is so 90s....... Bin it you stooge

[@jasonmorrison1]

great information (as always Brax) ✌🏼

[@johnross779]

Thank for info. Great video. 👌

[@cemprotecta]

Great video Rob! Quite informative as usual.

[@peregrinemccauley5010]

Bloody great channel . Surprised it hasn't been shut down .

[@busterhimen88]

Braxman for President

[@sarisaf]

Telegram also offers the option of not giving your phone number. In addition, if you are in a group, you can select the option not to reveal your phone number and direct calls prevented.

[@walkingwithshadows]

I like that feature, but they ruined their system for me by blocking signing in by SMS on the desktop, meaning I have almost no contacts left.

[@pavlospilakoutas]

Groups are monitored by moderators

[@meggi8048]

only public groups or is it private groups too?@@pavlospilakoutas

[@ChaceBonanno]

And private conversations that are actually e2ee

[@Perra1901]

To login on desktop I just scan a qr code within telegram and its logged in on the desktop.

[@wh3927]

Brilliant, great information, thanks very much.

[@RodNaugler]

Love this video. Can you also do one for secure video conferencing? Something that allows at least a meta-data free video sharing? We are looking for a secure and private method to at a minimum share a video and audio stream from a camera and screen, but would love to have full video conference. I understand that both Session and Signal do not offer this at the time.

[@suprememasteroftheuniverse]

Video call and conference are anti privacy by definition.

[@RodNaugler]

@@suprememasteroftheuniverse That depends on your definitions. For instance, as soon as more than one person knows a secret, it isn't a secret anymore. Atleast by some definitions. So, the question is based on this idea: What is the best app that not only prevents anyone not involved in the meeting knowing the contents of the meeting, but also prevents them from knowing the meeting is going on. This does not mean that the invites are secure because that relies on the individuals, but just while the meeting is going on, the individual packets are not only encrypted but obfuscated.

[@maicon9]

signal is also soon starting to roll out user names so phone numbers will no longer bee needed to contact someone and you can change it as much as you want

[@mtkoslowski]

The audio is not synced with the video.

[@earlysda]

I set the speed to 2x and it was pretty good.

[@hristohristov1827]

Session is full of bugs and can't really be relied on for normal communication. Session's other problem is that it runs on CPU time devices and thus feeds its network with tokens. In general, I do not recommend using blockchain based messengers. At first I was delighted, but then experience showed otherwise.

[@sebastiannilsson82]

Yeah it’s to buggy ..do u have suggestion for another app instead

[@alexandermoiseyev8496]

​@@sebastiannilsson82wire

[@johnbauman4005]

Yes. A quick read of feedback on the app in the google playstore reveals numerous bug complaints and some unresolved issues for several months. Seems not ready for prime time.

[@haliaeetus8221]

Thanks for that info. I was also disappointed he believes Signal is safely encrypted when Tucker Carlson revealed the encryption is actually breached. If an agency wants to read Signal messages it can.

[@Dundertaker1]

Very informative!

[@RatBotEins]

Telegram does use phone number as identifier, but you can hide it from other users so they will not know your number if you do not want them to.

[@suprememasteroftheuniverse]

But telegram knows so the law enforcement agencies know too.

[@MorningNapalm]

I believe that Signal is adding usernames too.

[@MorningNapalm]

They almost certainly already know your phone number, since you have to register to get one. It is the content and contacts which is most critical. A phone number reveals almost nothing. @@suprememasteroftheuniverse

[@RAM_845]

@robbraxmantech Rob your audio video has a syncing problem?

[@razvand.4844]

What about sessions groups? They recommend using google servers for fast messaging checking in the backround. Is that safe ?

[@sstambuk]

Rob, what about Apple's iMessage? What position would it take on your 7 or 8 Apps list?

[@Llyonard]

Telegram doesnt need to share your phone number btw, you can give just your username

[@agentidle734]

what about Matrix. I remeber you said once that it is not so good for privacy. What makes it a bad choice (asuming to use it without any addressbook servers) ?

[@mLyonJE]

I had a similar thought, especially when I saw the mention of XMPP.

[@jeromehugues]

Certainly because of the centralization he does not like. For sure XMPP is also centralized.

[@theovanveen975]

I like session to but they don't have PFS ( Perfect Forward Secercy ) , in my opinion that is worrying

[@lamberthenriques9116]

What about zangi messenger and atox app. Thanks

[@dkd1228]

I'm impressed that Zuckerberg has advanced to the point where his name has become a verb.

[@smooth111012]

Great info Rob, I use mainly an app called Viber, what’s your view with this one?

[@robbraxmantech]

Viber is a VOIP app. It's not an encrypted messaging app so it is not in this category

[@griffydz1789]

@@robbraxmantech Good or Bad?

[@RagingBad]

​@@griffydz1789Bad 🙄

[@prunabluepepper]

Which of those apps support encrypted voice calls? I believe Threema and Wire do, but I'm not sure about Telegram, Signal and WhatsApp.

[@TheLifeOfaBichon]

Signal does. but a lot of voice audio gets packet loss due to latency in decrypting it on your phone. So convo's cut out.

[@prunabluepepper]

@@TheLifeOfaBichon oh, not good. I think wire and threemav also do that. But I wasn't sure about Telegramm.

[@phr3ui559]

@@prunabluepepper ok

[@ComputerzenAu]

​@@TheLifeOfaBichonnever had this problem unless not on 4g network or above. Generally pretty solid

[@HH-CA]

Signal is the most secure

[@AM-ss9he]

It will not matter AT ALL which one you use. As soon as you type on your keyboard, it's being monitored on the phone. They've just set up a keystroke logger. The BEST communication security is personal, physical communication, never over any other medium.

[@earlysda]

I have no phone, so your comment is obviously mistaken.

[@AM-ss9he]

@@earlysda how did you get that message to me then? Probably a computer. (A modern phone is a computer). So I'm not mistaken and my point still stands.

[@earlysda]

@@AM-ss9heAM, here is what you wrote: "As soon as you type on your keyboard, it's being monitored on the phone." . I don't have a phone, so it obviously is not being monitored on the phone.

[@AM-ss9he]

@@earlysda yes, but a phone is a computer, so you're splitting hairs. Good luck ensuring your communication security when you waste time splitting hairs like that. 👍

[@phr3ui559]

can you elaborate

[@jeromehugues]

What about matrix ? The cost (session) to run oxens servers is a real concern regarding the honeypot trap. Who run those expensive servers ?

[@ChopeZzz]

Great video, thank you. However, the audio is out of sync a bit

[@robbraxmantech]

Sorry. My new computer is not syncing the audios accurately. It appears correct during editing.

[@ageresequituresse]

You've found the resistance to the Signal app to be low? First time I've heard that.

[@HH-CA]

weird , as Signal is the most secure app

[@stephenzakhour8185]

Is there a comparison chart you could provide? Thank you!

[@nunyabidniz2868]

Losing Signal as a "one & done" solution this past year really sucked...

[@HH-CA]

Signal still the most secure app

[@RagingBad]

​@@HH-CAdid you watched the video?

[@kylenorris9585]

What do you use for public facing comunication over sms, mms

[@MauricedeBoer]

Question: currently the new hotness seems to be meshtastic. Great for messaging.. encrypted.. using an IoT mesh network. What would Rob's view be on that? 6:26

[@HealthyLiv1ng]

Is it not a good idea to use a google voice number on Signal or should one just use the number they have with their carrier?

[@2001lextalionis]

very important video, thank you

[@swaglessmonkey]

A privacy enthusiast participating in the games too…

[@nPcDrone]

I really want to know your list but I can not do half an hour. Was signal mentioned?

[@canabitter]

Yes. But top recommendation was Sessions

[@muzungu9625]

@@canabitter Sessions app is developed by Loki Foundation, an Australia-based not-for-profit private technology organisation. Formally launched in February 2020, Sessions is an open-source, public-key-based secure messaging application. LOL...Australia is like NY state

[@rwLincoln]

what would stop a 3 letter agency from posing as an incentivized individual wanting to earn oxen cryptocurrency ---and thereby establishing their own inside track to one piece of the server network ---and then repeating that until they have enough servers on the inside to build their own meta-data and decryption zone

[@sicarioga676]

Rob your bell icon is disabled….not working for me I’m not receiving new updates and videos. Why is it disabled ??

[@zannemairiwoods528]

What do you think of Guardio ?

[@peterm.2385]

I missed out information about business models and a guess how long the messengers might exist amid governments having an interest in breaking down things they can't control.

[@IlllIlllIlllIlll]

Can you compare session to element. Because element works on every platform, and has group chat. With no info on sign up

[@RediscoveryChannel2021]

what about RCS? Seems to be picking up a lot of new users.

[@andrewsvaz]

I like to use Wire also.

[@henrycarlson7514]

So Wise , Thank You

[@ricko_1965]

Would love to see you do a comparision between Session and SimpleX Chat.

[@pingmetal]

Me, too! Those are the only ones that seemed secure to me when I looked them up, but I unfortunately haven't seen or heard much info from people about SimpleX.

[@xxxMrBadExamplexxx]

me too!

[@harrygilsphotovideo]

Would using the crappiest app be better then regular SMS texting though?

[@MCD3007]

@RobBraxmanTech what is your opinion of Skred Messenger, thanks. Liked and subscribed.

[@michaelliu9576]

Hey, where can i find your degoogled phone? it's not on your homepage, nowhere to find it?

[@robbraxmantech]

brax.me is not a store. It is a social media app. Inside it, there's a store.

[@BlommaBaumbart]

Why no mention of Jami? Fits right in here and should be in the top selection.

[@salmanx37]

Link

[@robbraxmantech]

I already said in the video that I cannot review everything. I gave you categories. Jami would not come on top based on the categories. But it will be fine. I gave you the tools to self analyze and judge for yourself

[@D4rk5py]

@@robbraxmantech Where does Jami fail? Because it doesn't use a protocol like Tor?

[@CM-mo7mv]

threema is associated with payment information so this is the identifier

[@polokucoch8112]

Signal doesn't have to use a phone number as an identifier. You can use an ID that you create.

[@ericmajors2102]

What do you think of "Freedom Chat"?

[@julianocc]

What about the matrix protocol?

[@michaelcopple1736]

I am a Signal user and am fond of the fact they removed the Signal to SMS function. Much better for privacy concerns.

[@michaelcopple1736]

@@Deb_InMiami2 I push people to get on Signal or Session. Session is better, though. Robert shows that in the video as a decentralized program. It does not use your phone number so there is no connection to you. Unfortunately SMS is going to be used by many major corporate outlets and other businesses, also those who require a system which logs all texts for accountability.

[@kylenorris9585]

Whats a good puplic facing alternative for sms between your bank or other typs of things that require a phone message like your doctor etc

[@johncobra99]

very good channel

[@hesperianscholar1481]

Braxman you are based, sir.

[@gregg7617]

Best used on OS !🕊️

[@rajuga07]

What about matrix? Is that a good messaging app?

[@PinakiGupta82Appu]

How about GNU Jami and Element? Element Messenger was designed for public group conversation. Jami is close to Briar.

[@robbraxmantech]

As the video says, use the categories I stated and rank them for yourself. It's more important to understand the thought process.

[@PinakiGupta82Appu]

@@robbraxmantech Indeed! It's important to sort out features and consider the threat level before picking an app depending on the use case scenario.

[@jeromehugues]

Hello,@@robbraxmantech We would like a deep comparison of matrix vs session. Because the running cost of the oxen routers node is a real concern about the ownerchip of those servers.

[@haliaeetus8221]

I'll check those

[@relaxbecalm5574]

How to you combat MITM, Man In The Middle ?

[@StopTechnocracy]

Wire?

[@Perra1901]

Whats app and signal use the same encryption system. And acording the new uk law that starts in 28 days daft online security policy. Signal are giving ALL communications to brittish gov. Will later go full coverage for EU.

[@azaziner5851]

what can they give except phone number, last log in and registration dates?

[@MrRudy-vk7xx]

Thank you, sir.

[@glaubhafieber]

Swiss Military uses theeema but they have some kind of a partnership

[@nedmilburn]

Rob... I looked on your website for De-googled phone but there are none apparent. Do I have to sign up just to look at the phones you offer...?

[@robbraxmantech]

It is not a store. It is a social media site. Store is inside

[@nedmilburn]

@@robbraxmantech Thanks... So to clarify... I must create a login to access your store?

[@NorthernChimp]

@@nedmilburn You can sign up with just a random username and password

[@NatureGary4489]

What about Element?

[@radui7468]

How did you convinced your family to use signal? I doesn't work for me.

[@robbraxmantech]

Last year, Signal could be the SMS app so all you had to do was change SMS app and there was no different interface. Sadly, in a very dumb move, Signal took that away. So the resistance today would be more than it was at the time. However, my family continues to use signal and actually uses it more with others, not just with family.

[@lamberthenriques9116]

Also what about speek network app

[@hansmurris6716]

What about iMessage from Apple???

[@Jordan-hz1wr]

Where is SimpleX Chat?

[@muzungu9625]

Gov agencies can do screen scans and keylogers

[@haliaeetus8221]

Yeah. Needs to be a clean open source OS with no unknown apps, no outside automatic updates and no internet or sim card attached to one's name. I'm thinking someone should sell very cheap (like burner phone) devices with this basic containment purpose in focus.

[@timothygarycarolus1018]

I'm on board, and i can convince my company or clients, BUT how do i convince friends and family 😢?

[@gm8329]

If you're able to convince the company, tell your family that it is their IT department head's recommendation on the inside that everyone and their families should switch to [app of choice]. Family are notorious for not listening to each other properly as you'll always be seen first as sibling, parent, child, before you are seen as an expert in any field, regardless of if you are even certified in some cases. If you want family to do something, convince them that a professional and expert that you know of that would earn prestige in their eyes and seen as a professional whose opinion would catch their attention and respect has said it and they'll take it onboard much more readily. Just suffice it to say that I've explored and deduced this for myself over the years. Its easier to use what works rather than the uphill battle of convincing them to see you as anything other than just a family member, because they won't see it that way in even if you tell them directly all of the above. Keep the tool to yourself and use it with everything with them, particularly were you to have one of those family members that doesn't address outstanding health issues. It'll be an invaluable tool for different regards like tech and health as I mentioned, so never illuminate them to the ruse either, else you'll not have it for future. Good luck.

[@rosario9496]

What about Viber? Same as Telegram?

[@mr.boniato6402]

But doesn't CSAM on IOS makes these end- to-end apps insecure?

[@DevineState]

walkie talkie is secure way. sure you can be listened to but who you are no one's gonna know.

[@noyourewrong599]

how about Wire?

[@teveoveote1060]

What about Simple X Chat?

[@endezeichengrimm]

How about Keybase?

[@martycasanova9337]

Just say"I heard" at the beginning of every sentence. Then everything is hearsay. Not admissable in court.🥴

[@kingofkingz235]

Hmmmmm doesn't session have the backdoor open for asuie government 🤔

[@MrCaZzzle]

The audio is not in sync

[@GiC7]

Master, thanks

[@reckneya]

@ 10:35 you state something that is incorrect; You state you need to reveal your phone number to initiate any kind of conversation.This is not true for telegram. You need a phone number for an account. You can then assign a @ handle,which you can also change any time you want. When adding people you've met ontelegram chat groups to your contact, you can opt in or out in revealing your telephone number.

[@southendsites]

Reviews of Session I found on Android were not very good...