Best and Worst Encrypted Messaging Apps (7 Apps Ranked)

[@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.

[@5DimesPlayer]

​@@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.

[@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...

[@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.

[@linsqopiring6816]

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

[@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.

[@diapozitīvs]

Just an update - recently Signal introduced option to not use phone number. Now a handle + two numbers make up your Signal ID. I'm currently set up like this, lifting Signal position above Threema

[@mikkamalcolm1632]

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

[@busterhimen88]

Braxman for President

[@shockingguy]

Good stuff ROB, as always good stuff 👍

[@peregrinemccauley5010]

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

[@langolier9]

Wow, I really like your introduction hook. I am going to be a KZbinr next year and the way you bathed us with oh you don’t wanna miss this one. It’s straight out of local news and I was gonna watch your video anyway but now I’m more excited to watch your video on KZbin, which you made for no money then anything in my basement on a 75 inch TV with virtually unlimited access to billions of dollars worth of movies you are beating Netflix right now every day of the week my friend Handyman Jim LLC wants to sponsor youagain I have not even watched your video yet but something tells me you’re very smart and not subjective. That’s not even the right word is it man I am so stoned right now but still I’m loving every minute of it and you probably think I’m a crazy person right now. I’m not crazy. I’m just bipolar.

[@lokemmslokemms4294]

hope your channel will have 1 million subs

[@adstix]

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

[@rapturo-2]

No it doesn't

[@NorthernChimp]

It's easy to find on F-Droid.

[@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.

[@Sosunny35]

Do you know simpleX chat? It looks like it’s the best in this case but I'm not sure how many people I can get to install and use the app.

[@mtkoslowski]

The audio is not synced with the video.

[@earlysda]

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

[@ryanqvincent144]

Another excellent explanation and recommendations. Thank you. Appreciated.

[@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.

[@RipRoaringGarage]

I use it and like it, but I cannot verify their encryption. Was curious to see it ranked in this vid.

[@Mrcheckh4]

Thanks for making this video, it helped me understand security better.

[@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

[@alexanderSydneyOz]

Excellent review. Thanks so much

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@creed7779311]

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

[@babsjr1]

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

[@cemprotecta]

Great video Rob! Quite informative as usual.

[@jasonmorrison1]

great information (as always Brax) ✌🏼

[@johnross779]

Thank for info. Great video. 👌

[@wh3927]

Brilliant, great information, thanks very much.

[@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

[@dkd1228]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@Sosunny35]

I think SimpleX is the best for now but I'm not sure how many people I can get to install and use the app. Should be talked about more…

[@lamberthenriques9116]

What about zangi messenger and atox app. Thanks

[@Dundertaker1]

Very informative!

[@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

[@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.

[@spinward]

Could you do a review and opinion video on simplex

[@razvand.4844]

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

[@ivans.935]

Question, does it really matter what messaging app is used if an Android user types everything on a keyboard made by Google or Microsoft, that in theory could collect and send all the keystrokes to their servers? Just wondering…

[@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?

[@sicarioga676]

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

[@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.

[@sstambuk]

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

[@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?

[@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

[@IlllIlllIlllIlll]

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

[@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 🙄

[@Hawaiishelldiver]

Never put anything in writing that you don't want to hear read back to you while you're handcuffed to a table in an interrogation room.

[@jeromehugues]

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

[@armo4594]

Element "matrix" is the best. no second close when it comes to security and encryption.

[@FreidaBellSmith-tj8qw]

what about Zangi app????

[@Llyonard]

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

[@henrycarlson7514]

So Wise , Thank You

[@2001lextalionis]

very important video, thank you

[@zannemairiwoods528]

What do you think of Guardio ?

[@musashi4856]

Can Google or Apple intercept messages on devices before they're sent or received when using any of the above apps?

[@robbraxmantech]

another future video will discuss this

[@musashi4856]

@@robbraxmantech Is this a cliffhanger akin to Star Wars Empire Strikes Back or Matrix Reloaded❓

[@CowboyPilot79]

They can scrape the screen

[@musashi4856]

@@CowboyPilot79 What equipment (hardware/software) negates this Faustian Bargain?

[@CowboyPilot79]

@@musashi4856 a chisel and a stone tablet i think

[@teveoveote1060]

What about Simple X Chat?

[@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

[@hesperianscholar1481]

Braxman you are based, sir.

[@mistersir3020]

16:25 False. It does not work on legacy Windows operating system.

[@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.

[@meggi8048]

whats the difference between publishing sessions id on social media and having a phone number for that purpose.

[@robbraxmantech]

A Session ID cannot be associated with an actual person since you cannot see traffic sending or receiving with the session ID. When you publish your session ID. No one knows if anyone is using it

[@meggi8048]

thanks for clarification@@robbraxmantech

[@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.

[@michaelbaker5070]

How can I get Session?

[@stephenzakhour8185]

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

[@harrygilsphotovideo]

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

[@RediscoveryChannel2021]

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

[@blackboxmobile7106]

Hey Rob... What about Element.

[@rajuga07]

What about matrix? Is that a good messaging app?

[@g_1673]

Doesn't the government mandate that all encryption algorithms have a method for certain govt agencies to have a decryption key for, or method of breaking any encrypted messages created with that algorithm? I assume this.

[@robbraxmantech]

No. That's impossible to implement. What they are trying to legislate is client side scanning (the way Apple does). Scan content pre-encryption. So no iPhones for me. This is being considered in the UK as a requirement for example.

[@ComputerzenAu]

​@@robbraxmantechwow Rob I didn't know Apple did this pre scan before encryption! Glad I never used then.

[@StopTechnocracy]

Wire?

[@Jordan-hz1wr]

Where is SimpleX Chat?

[@tco2023]

SimpleX?

[@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.

[@andrewsvaz]

I like to use Wire also.

[@gladysma308]

7:50 WhatsApp is the worst

[@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

[@relaxbecalm5574]

How to you combat MITM, Man In The Middle ?

[@BooDamnHoo]

Used to use Signal before they self destructed themselves. It was problematic for general use because family members found it a problem to send image files. It would often just fail to send images so they quit using it.

[@OPOS-el7tj]

What do you mean by "self-destruct themselves"?

[@BooDamnHoo]

@@OPOS-el7tj When they dropped support for SMS a LOT of people were angered by that and quit using signal as a result. I had to quit well because I had no desire for multiple apps doing (functionally) the same thing. People NEED SMS regardless of security because you cannot two factor with banks or other entities without SMS. Then there is the fact that most people you will text are using SMS or an app incompatible with the Signal system. By dropping SMS support it meant having to install and (mostly) use another app, at which point there was no longer much need for Signal for a minor, specialized case. If they kept SMS support then adoption of Signal would be broader and easier because as more people installed and used it, texting between users was automatically not SMS and was encrypted, AND it was useful with users who didn't have Signal. Now it is a Signal to Signal ONLY app so lots of people quit using it. I was able to get family members to install and use it because it was seamless to use for all texting but after it dropped SMS they all dropped it (plus the problem it has with transmitting images).

[@HH-CA]

what are you talking about ? Signal still the best & more secure , WhatsApp copy what Signal bring to the table but with a back door of course

[@BooDamnHoo]

@@HH-CA You can only communicate with other Signal users. You CANNOT do absolutely essential 2-factor authentication with it. Sure, it's great if your recipient uses Signal (90% chance of NOPE) but beyond that, they crippled their app because they underestimate the intelligence of their user. They dropped SMS because it isn't secure and encrypted. Duh! I used to use Signal as my one and only texting app knowing full well that most comm was insecure because not only did Signal keep reminding you, but I know this stuff rather well and knew that all SMS traffic is open. The devs decided I was actually too stupid to know this, as well as all other users, in spite of their own clear warnings while using the app. They crippled their app AND reduced adoption because MOST people aren't wanting to install and use multiple apps to handle the same activity (texting). If Signal remained a fully functional app for text messaging, more people would adopt it or be willing to switch to it. Convenience really does matter, like it or not.

[@HH-CA]

@@breakfast7595 I never had any issues too especially when you periodically check for updates, it's most UNDERRATED app that actually the best.

[@Inphinityproductions]

Ok. So could you share sources, and testing you have done to back up what you're saying. I mean just a random guy on KZbin saying things isn't good enough.

[@robbraxmantech]

Then you should just go away. Your comments are ludicrous seeing that the categories are pretty black and white (phone number, etc).

[@Inphinityproductions]

Exactly the type of response from someone that can't back up what they are saying.

[@NorthernChimp]

@@Inphinityproductions Everything he said in this video can be found on each app's website. The ranking is from his own reasoning, which he expressed in full words. So as I understand the principle in your comment, I don't see how it applies to this video?

[@ericmajors2102]

What do you think of "Freedom Chat"?

[@biondanishgenomeinstitute8193]

What about Element?

[@robbraxmantech]

Not a fan. Lots of Meta data by design

[@biondanishgenomeinstitute8193]

@@robbraxmantech Yea. But with Session no phone, video or screen sharing. I wish for a system with both functionality and privacy. We are even stuck with Skype for calling regular phone numbers.

[@alankepper9846]

@@robbraxmantechthere are many operators of Element/matrix tech that don’t collect the meta data. LamChat is one for example.

[@polokucoch8112]

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

[@One-Two-T]

Signal has usernames now, and allows users to hide their phone number.

[@julianocc]

What about the matrix protocol?

[@Monolith-yb6yl]

Is a bit weird that you didnt mention simpleX chat...no identity at all and other juicy stuff)

[@ArtOfHealth]

They are still working on it. It works. He wants more to have people use it from within another model. Great crew at SimpleX.

[@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.

[@rosario9496]

What about Viber? Same as Telegram?

[@noyourewrong599]

how about Wire?

[@CM-mo7mv]

threema is associated with payment information so this is the identifier

[@saimirhaluli1407]

What about olvid?

[@MrCaZzzle]

The audio is not in sync