Encrypted Messaging Apps
Alternatives to Olvid
Olvid is a private messaging app for text and attachments that runs on Android, iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows, Linux and the web. It says it needs no phone number, email address or other personal details, while encrypting messages, files and metadata end to end. Single-use keys protect message history if a key is compromised. The free plan includes unlimited messages, attachments, group discussions, ephemeral messages, multiple profiles and inbound calls. Secure audio and video calls, enterprise directory integrations, MDM deployment and bots extend its reach.
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BitChat BitChat suits people seeking nearby messaging that can work without internet, including during outages or in areas with limited connectivity.
Free plan macOS · iOS · Android8.9 Visit Specs - 02
Jami Jami suits people seeking free/libre messaging and calls without requiring personal information to create an account.
Free plan Open source Web · Windows · macOS · Linux8.8 Visit Specs - 03 SimpleX Chat
SimpleX Chat suits people who want messaging without assigned profile identifiers and need apps across mobile and desktop platforms.
Free plan Open source Windows · macOS · Linux · iOS8.4 Visit Specs - 04
Delta Chat Delta Chat suits people who want encrypted messaging across mobile and desktop, including those who need multiple profiles or devices.
Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux · iOS8.3 Visit Specs - 05 Dino Free plan Linux8.3 Visit Specs
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Session Session suits people who want private messaging without registering a phone number or email address, and who need encrypted group chats or disappearing messages.
From $2.99/mo Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux · iOS8.3 Visit Specs - 07
Wire Wire suits organizations seeking encrypted communications, including those needing private-cloud or on-premises deployment.
From €7.45/mo Free plan Web · Windows · macOS · Linux8.3 Visit Specs - 08 Briar
It suits activists, journalists and others needing encrypted communication across internet and offline connections.
Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux · Android8.2 Visit Specs - 09 imo
imo suits people seeking free internet calls and messaging across mobile, desktop, and web platforms.
Free plan Web · Windows · macOS · iOS8.2 Visit Specs - 10 WhatsApp
WhatsApp suits people who want free messaging, voice and video calls, and group conversations across mobile, desktop, and web.
Free plan Web · Windows · macOS · iOS8.2 Visit Specs - 11 Berty Free plan iOS · Android8.1 Visit Specs
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Cwtch Cwtch suits users seeking decentralized, Tor-based messaging across desktop and Android platforms.
Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux · Android8.1 Visit Specs - 13
Cyph Cyph suits people seeking private messaging, encrypted meetings, and cloud storage across desktop, mobile, and web.
From $7/mo Web · Windows · macOS · Linux8.0 Visit Specs - 14
FluffyChat It suits people seeking a free Matrix client across mobile, desktop, and web platforms.
Free plan Web · Linux · iOS · Android8.0 Visit Specs - 15
Keet Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux · iOS8.0 Visit Specs - 16 Messenger
Messenger suits people who want messaging and calls across mobile, desktop, and web, including chats without a phone number.
Free plan Web · Windows · macOS · iOS8.0 Visit Specs - 17
Threema Threema may suit people seeking messaging without providing a phone number or email address, as well as organizations needing messaging integrations and administration tools.
From $3/mo Free trial Web · Windows · macOS · Linux7.9 Visit Specs - 18 Conversations From €1/mo Android7.8 Visit Specs
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Gajim Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux7.8 Visit Specs - 20
Signal Signal suits people seeking encrypted messaging and calls across mobile and desktop platforms.
Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux · iOS7.8 Visit Specs - 21 ChatSecure Free plan iOS7.7 Visit Specs
- 22 Keybase
Keybase suits people and teams seeking encrypted messaging, file sharing and Git collaboration across desktop, mobile and web platforms.
Web · Windows · macOS · Linux7.7 Visit Specs - 23
Monal Free plan macOS · iOS7.7 Visit Specs - 24
Status It suits people seeking a combined wallet, private messenger, browser connection, and community tool.
Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux · iOS7.6 Visit Specs - 25 OIChat Free plan iOS · Android7.4 Visit Specs
- 26 Quicksy Free plan iOS · Android7.4 Visit Specs
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Siskin IM Free plan macOS · iOS7.4 Visit Specs - 28 Tox Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux · Android7.4 Visit Specs
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Kaidan Linux7.3 Visit Specs - 30
Skred From €2.99/mo Web · iOS · Android7.3 Visit Specs
Choosing instead of Olvid
Readers may look elsewhere for a different network design, larger groups, richer collaboration or a completely free service. Olvid’s paid options start at €4.99/user/mo, and initiating audio or video calls is free for one month before in-app billing, although receiving calls stays free. Compare each alternative’s identifiers, server model, encryption scope, call status and limits, group features, platform coverage and sharing tools. For workplace adoption, also weigh whether its deployment and directory approach fits your organization better than Olvid’s enterprise options.