Messenger Comparison

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for Secure Usage

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

Further Resources

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.
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