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= Recommended Messengers: Comparison and Recommendations =

This tutorial provides an overview of eight recommended messenger services: '''Telegram''', '''Matrix''', '''Threema''', '''Signal''', '''XMPP (Jabber)''', '''Briar''', '''SimpleX Chat''', and '''Delta Chat'''. It compares the messengers based on their **advantages**, **disadvantages**, **setup**, **data protection**, **privacy**, **platforms**, **features**, and **sources**, with a focus on privacy-friendly sources such as F-Droid, official websites, and GitHub. The goal is to assist users in selecting a messenger that meets their requirements for security, privacy, and usability.

== Summary and Recommendations ==

* '''Maximum Privacy''': '''SimpleX Chat''' and '''Briar''' are ideal as they use no central servers and enable anonymous communication. However, they have limited adoption and restricted features.
* '''Data Protection and Adoption''': '''Threema''' (anonymous, GDPR-compliant, but paid) or '''Signal''' (free, high security, but requires a phone number) offer a good balance.
* '''Tech-Savvy Users''': '''Matrix''' or '''XMPP''' are suitable for users who prefer federated systems or self-hosted servers, but they are complex to set up.
* '''Ease of Use''': '''Telegram''' is widely adopted and user-friendly but has significant data protection compromises.
* '''Email Users''': '''Delta Chat''' is suitable for users with existing email infrastructure but does not support calls.

== Messenger Comparison ==

=== Telegram ===

==== Advantages ====
* '''High Adoption''': Over 500 million users worldwide, 8% weekly usage in Germany.
* '''Versatile Features''': Group chats with up to 200,000 members, channels, bots, file transfers up to 2 GB.
* '''Multi-Device Support''': Cloud-based synchronization for seamless access across devices.
* '''Open-Source Client''': App source code is public, promoting transparency.

==== Disadvantages ====
* '''Data Protection Issues''': Standard chats are not end-to-end encrypted (E2EE), only transport encryption. Secret Chats with E2EE are limited to one-on-one chats.
* '''Metadata Collection''': Stores metadata (e.g., who chats with whom) for up to 12 months.
* '''Centralized Servers''': Messages permanently stored on servers, posing risks of access by operators or hackers.
* '''Unclear Funding''': Long-term business model (e.g., ads, premium features) is opaque.

==== Setup ====
* '''Process''': Install the app, enter phone number, confirm via SMS code. Optional username for contact search without phone number.
* '''Anonymity''': Phone number required, no anonymous usage. Address book access can be denied.

==== Data Protection and Privacy ====
* '''Encryption''': Standard chats use MTProto (proprietary), Secret Chats with E2EE (one-on-one only).
* '''Data Collection''': Metadata and messages permanently stored on servers. Privacy policy only in English.
* '''Server Location''': Globally distributed, headquartered in Dubai (legal uncertainties).
* '''Criticism''': Lack of default E2EE, potential operator access to cloud chats.

==== Platforms ====
* Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Ubuntu Touch, web client.

==== Features ====
* Text, voice, and video calls, group chats, channels, bots, self-destructing messages (in Secret Chats).
* File transfers up to 2 GB, stickers, chat password protection.
* Third-party integrations (e.g., YouTube) with privacy risks.

==== Sources ====
* '''F-Droid''': Forkgram at [https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.forkgram.messenger/ f-droid.org].
* '''Website''': [https://telegram.org telegram.org] (official APK).
* '''GitHub''': Source code at [https://github.com/TelegramMessenger github.com/TelegramMessenger].
* '''Others''': Google Play Store, Apple App Store.

=== Matrix ===

==== Advantages ====
* '''Federated Protocol''': Decentralized, users can run their own servers.
* '''Open Source''': Fully open source (client, server, protocol).
* '''Flexibility''': Chats, groups, audio/video calls (WebRTC), integrations (e.g., bridges to other protocols).
* '''Autonomy''': Ideal for communities or organizations seeking data control.

==== Disadvantages ====
* '''Complexity''': Setup (especially own server) requires technical knowledge.
* '''Data Protection Issues''': Unencrypted metadata (e.g., contact lists) on servers.
* '''Performance''': Some clients (e.g., Element) are resource-intensive or slow.
* '''Low Adoption''': Less popular than Signal or Telegram.

==== Setup ====
* '''Process''': Install client (e.g., Element), choose server (e.g., matrix.org or own), set username/password, optional email/phone number.
* '''Anonymity''': Phone number/email optional, anonymous usage possible, server choice critical.

==== Data Protection and Privacy ====
* '''Encryption''': E2EE for private chats/groups (Olm/Megolm), some metadata unencrypted.
* '''Data Collection''': Depends on server operator, own servers offer maximum control.
* '''Server Location''': Varies, own servers for GDPR compliance.
* '''Criticism''': Man-in-the-middle risks in federated systems, complex key management.

==== Platforms ====
* Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, web client (e.g., Element).

==== Features ====
* Text, voice, and video calls, group chats, file transfers, bots.
* Federated structure, Spaces (chat groups), customizable notifications.

==== Sources ====
* '''F-Droid''': Element at [https://f-droid.org/packages/im.vector.app/ f-droid.org].
* '''Website''': [https://matrix.org matrix.org], [https://element.io element.io].
* '''GitHub''': Element at [https://github.com/vector-im/element-android github.com/vector-im/element-android], [https://github.com/vector-im/element-ios github.com/vector-im/element-ios].
* '''Others''': Google Play Store, Apple App Store.

=== Threema ===

==== Advantages ====
* '''High Data Protection''': No phone number/email, anonymous Threema ID.
* '''E2EE''': Standard for all chats, calls, files, no unencrypted backups.
* '''Data Minimization''': Minimal metadata, messages deleted after delivery.
* '''Swiss Data Protection''': Servers in Switzerland, GDPR-compliant, regular audits.

==== Disadvantages ====
* '''Paid''': One-time fee (~4–5 €), limits adoption (3% usage in Germany).
* '''Low Adoption''': Fewer users than Signal or Telegram.
* '''Proprietary Server Code''': Client open source, server code not fully disclosed.
* '''Security Criticism''': Android version uses partially outdated methods (e.g., SHA-1).

==== Setup ====
* '''Process''': Purchase and install app, Threema ID generated. Optional phone number/email.
* '''Anonymity''': Fully anonymous, no address book access required.

==== Data Protection and Privacy ====
* '''Encryption''': E2EE with NaCl (modern cryptography).
* '''Data Collection''': Minimal metadata, contacts stored locally, messages deleted after delivery.
* '''Server Location''': Switzerland, strict data protection laws.
* '''Transparency''': Open-source client, reproducible builds, external audits.

==== Platforms ====
* Android, iOS, Windows, macOS (desktop with mobile device).

==== Features ====
* Text, voice, and video calls, group chats, file transfers, polls.
* Threema Safe (secure backup), local contact management.

==== Sources ====
* '''F-Droid''': Not available (paid).
* '''Website''': [https://threema.ch threema.ch].
* '''GitHub''': Client at [https://github.com/threema-ch github.com/threema-ch].
* '''Others''': Google Play Store, Apple App Store.

=== Signal ===

==== Advantages ====
* '''High Security''': Standard E2EE for all chats/calls, developed by Open Whisper Systems (Snowden-endorsed).
* '''Open Source''': Fully open source (client/server).
* '''Privacy-Friendly''': Minimal metadata storage, messages deleted after delivery.
* '''Free''': Donation-funded, no ads.

==== Disadvantages ====
* '''Phone Number Required''': No anonymous usage.
* '''US Servers''': CLOUD Act enables US authority access.
* '''Cloud Backups''': Address book backups generate metadata if not disabled.
* '''Low Adoption''': 6% weekly usage in Germany.

==== Setup ====
* '''Process''': Install app, enter phone number, confirm via SMS code. Address book access optional.
* '''Anonymity''': Phone number mandatory, no anonymous usage.

==== Data Protection and Privacy ====
* '''Encryption''': E2EE with Signal Protocol (highly regarded).
* '''Data Collection''': Minimal metadata, phone number anonymized (hashing).
* '''Server Location''': USA, CLOUD Act as a risk.
* '''Transparency''': Open source, security audits, outdated transparency report.

==== Platforms ====
* Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux.

==== Features ====
* Text, voice, and video calls, group chats (up to 250 members), self-destructing messages.
* Audio/video conferences (up to 40 participants), encrypted backups, Audio Magic Eraser.

==== Sources ====
* '''F-Droid''': [https://f-droid.org/packages/org.thoughtcrime.securesms/ f-droid.org].
* '''Website''': [https://signal.org signal.org].
* '''GitHub''': [https://github.com/signalapp github.com/signalapp].
* '''Others''': Google Play Store, Apple App Store.

=== XMPP (Jabber) ===

==== Advantages ====
* '''Federated and Open Source''': Open protocol, self-hosted servers possible.
* '''Flexibility''': Many clients (e.g., Conversations, Gajim), anonymous usage possible.
* '''Proven''': Robust since the 1990s.
* '''Customizable''': Plugins and extensions (e.g., OMEMO for E2EE).

==== Disadvantages ====
* '''Complex Setup''': Server/client selection requires technical knowledge.
* '''Inconsistent Features''': Not all clients support modern features.
* '''Data Protection Risks''': Unencrypted metadata, server-dependent.
* '''Low Adoption''': Little known among non-technical users.

==== Setup ====
* '''Process''': Install client (e.g., Conversations), choose server (e.g., jabber.de), set username/password, email optional.
* '''Anonymity''': Phone number/email often optional, anonymous usage possible.

==== Data Protection and Privacy ====
* '''Encryption''': E2EE via OMEMO in modern clients, not default.
* '''Data Collection''': Server-dependent, own servers preferred.
* '''Server Location''': Varies, own servers for data protection.
* '''Criticism''': Man-in-the-middle risks, inconsistent encryption.

==== Platforms ====
* Android (Conversations), iOS (SiskinIM, Monal), Windows/Linux (Gajim, Dino), macOS (partially).

==== Features ====
* Text, voice, and video calls (modern clients), group chats, file transfers.
* Plugins for bots, integrations, federated communication.

==== Sources ====
* '''F-Droid''': Conversations at [https://f-droid.org/packages/eu.siacs.conversations/ f-droid.org].
* '''Website''': [https://xmpp.org xmpp.org], [https://conversations.im conversations.im].
* '''GitHub''': Conversations at [https://github.com/siacs/Conversations github.com/siacs/Conversations], Gajim at [https://github.com/gajim/gajim github.com/gajim/gajim].
* '''Others''': Google Play Store, Apple App Store.

=== Briar ===

==== Advantages ====
* '''Maximum Privacy''': P2P communication via Tor, no central servers.
* '''Offline Functionality''': Works via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi during internet blocks.
* '''Open Source''': Fully open source.
* '''Anonymity''': No phone number/email, contacts via physical exchange.

==== Disadvantages ====
* '''Limited Features''': Text messages only, no video calls.
* '''Low Adoption''': Few users, challenging for everyday communication.
* '''Battery Drain''': P2P strains battery.
* '''Android Only''': No iOS version, desktop in beta.

==== Setup ====
* '''Process''': Install app, set username, add contacts via QR code or physical exchange.
* '''Anonymity''': Fully anonymous, no personal data required.

==== Data Protection and Privacy ====
* '''Encryption''': E2EE, data stored locally.
* '''Data Collection''': No servers, no third-party storage.
* '''Server Location''': No servers, P2P via Tor.
* '''Transparency''': Open source, community-verified.

==== Platforms ====
* Android, Desktop (Windows/Linux, beta).

==== Features ====
* Text messages, forums, blogs (group communication).
* Offline usage via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, Tor integration.

==== Sources ====
* '''F-Droid''': [https://f-droid.org/packages/org.briarproject.briar.android/ f-droid.org].
* '''Website''': [https://briarproject.org briarproject.org].
* '''GitHub''': [https://github.com/briar/briar github.com/briar/briar].
* '''Others''': Google Play Store.

=== SimpleX Chat ===

==== Advantages ====
* '''Highest Anonymity''': No user IDs, contacts via invitation links.
* '''Decentralized''': No central servers for metadata, temporary relays.
* '''Open Source''': Fully open source.
* '''Flexible''': Text, audio/video calls, file transfers.

==== Disadvantages ====
* '''Low Adoption''': New app, few users.
* '''Complex Contact Setup''': Invitation links complicate connections.
* '''Technical Hurdles''': Relay server selection can be confusing.
* '''Resource-Intensive''': P2P-like structure drains battery.
* '''Complex Contact Setup''': Contacts can only be added via one-time invitation links or QR codes, which must be shared via a separate channel (e.g., email, other messengers). This is less convenient for inexperienced users compared to searching contacts by phone number or username, as with WhatsApp or Signal.
* '''No Verification Option''': SimpleX lacks a built-in function to authenticate communication partners (e.g., via security code comparison like Matrix). Users must ensure QR codes are shared via trusted channels, which can confuse non-technical users.
* '''High Battery Usage''': The background service for notifications is enabled by default, leading to higher battery consumption than established messengers like Signal or Element. Adjusting notification settings requires technical knowledge.
* '''Delayed Group Messages''': In group chats, messages may arrive with significant delays (e.g., hours later), making communication seem unreliable for inexperienced users, especially in larger groups.
* '''No Device Synchronization''': SimpleX does not support automatic chat synchronization across devices (e.g., smartphone and desktop). Users must manually transfer profiles, which is complex for non-technical users.
* '''Limited Device Compatibility''': SimpleX requires at least Android 10 or iPhone 8+, excluding older devices. This can be problematic for users with older smartphones.
* '''Unfamiliar Interface''': SimpleX’s operation is less intuitive than mainstream messengers like WhatsApp. Functions like profile creation or QR code sharing can feel unfamiliar and difficult for beginners.
* '''No F-Droid Availability''': SimpleX is currently unavailable on F-Droid, posing a barrier for users who prefer privacy-friendly app stores. Installation via APK or Google Play requires additional trust or technical knowledge.
* '''Unstable Notifications''': Especially on iOS, notifications can be unreliable due to SimpleX being a young project. This may cause users to miss messages, disrupting daily use.
* '''Limited Adoption''': SimpleX is less widespread than established messengers, reducing the likelihood that friends or family already use it. This complicates onboarding for average users.

==== Setup ====
* '''Process''': Install app, no account needed, add contacts via QR code/invitation link.
* '''Anonymity''': Fully anonymous, no personal data required.

==== Data Protection and Privacy ====
* '''Encryption''': E2EE, modern cryptography.
* '''Data Collection''': No central storage, temporary metadata.
* '''Server Location''': Own relay servers possible, otherwise distributed.
* '''Transparency''': Open source, community-verified.

==== Platforms ====
* Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux.

==== Features ====
* Text, voice, and video calls, group chats, file transfers.
* Temporary invitation links, no permanent IDs.

==== Sources ====
* '''F-Droid''': [https://f-droid.org/packages/chat.simplex.app/ f-droid.org].
* '''Website''': [https://simplex.chat simplex.chat].
* '''GitHub''': [https://github.com/simplex-chat github.com/simplex-chat].
* '''Others''': Google Play Store, Apple App Store.

=== Delta Chat ===

==== Advantages ====
* '''Email-Based''': Uses existing email addresses, no new accounts.
* '''Open Source''': Fully open source.
* '''Federated''': Leverages email infrastructure, no central servers.
* '''Anonymity''': Pseudonymous email addresses possible.

==== Disadvantages ====
* '''Limited Features''': No voice/video calls, only text/files.
* '''Low Adoption''': Little known.
* '''Complex Setup''': Email server configuration can be difficult.
* '''Data Protection''': Depends on email provider.

==== Setup ====
* '''Process''': Install app, enter email address/password, configure IMAP/SMTP.
* '''Anonymity''': Depends on email, pseudonymous usage possible.

==== Data Protection and Privacy ====
* '''Encryption''': E2EE via Autocrypt (with compatible clients), otherwise provider-dependent.
* '''Data Collection''': No storage by Delta Chat, email provider critical.
* '''Server Location''': Depends on email provider.
* '''Transparency''': Open source, community-verified.

==== Platforms ====
* Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux.

==== Features ====
* Text messages, group chats, file transfers.
* Uses email protocol, Autocrypt for encryption.

==== Sources ====
* '''F-Droid''': [https://f-droid.org/packages/com.b44t.messenger/ f-droid.org].
* '''Website''': [https://delta.chat delta.chat].
* '''GitHub''': [https://github.com/deltachat github.com/deltachat].
* '''Others''': Google Play Store, Apple App Store.

== Tips for Secure Usage ==

# Use **end-to-end encrypted messengers** (e.g., Signal, Threema, SimpleX Chat) for sensitive communication.
# Disable **address book access** and **cloud backups** to minimize metadata.
# Use **anonymous accounts** (e.g., SimpleX Chat, Briar, Threema) for maximum privacy.
# Choose **own servers** for Matrix or XMPP for full data control.
# Use a **VPN** to protect IP addresses, especially with centralized services like Telegram.
# Regularly check **privacy policies** and **security updates** of messengers.

== Further Resources ==

* Telegram: [https://telegram.org telegram.org], [https://github.com/TelegramMessenger github.com/TelegramMessenger].
* Matrix: [https://matrix.org matrix.org], [https://element.io element.io].
* Threema: [https://threema.ch threema.ch], [https://github.com/threema-ch github.com/threema-ch].
* Signal: [https://signal.org signal.org], [https://github.com/signalapp github.com/signalapp].
* XMPP: [https://xmpp.org xmpp.org], [https://conversations.im conversations.im].
* Briar: [https://briarproject.org briarproject.org], [https://github.com/briar/briar github.com/briar/briar].
* SimpleX Chat: [https://simplex.chat simplex.chat], [https://github.com/simplex-chat github.com/simplex-chat].
* Delta Chat: [https://delta.chat delta.chat], [https://github.com/deltachat github.com/deltachat].
* Privacy Analysis: [https://www.kuketz-blog.de/messenger-vergleich/ Kuketz IT-Security Blog].

== Notes ==

* The information is based on the status as of May 2025. Regularly check the privacy policies and security updates of messengers.
* For the highest security and privacy, Signal, Threema, SimpleX Chat, or Briar are preferred. Telegram is not recommended for sensitive communication.

Messenger Comparison - Versionsgeschichte

Waldbursche: Die Seite wurde neu angelegt: „= Recommended Messengers: Comparison and Recommendations = This tutorial provides an overview of eight recommended messenger services: '''Telegram''', '''Matr…“