BitChat Free plan 8.9 Visit 
Threema
threema.com
What it is
Threema is a paid messaging service for private and business communication, supporting text and voice messages, voice and video calls, group calls, media sharing and file transfers. It can be used without a phone number or email address, and contact synchronization is optional. End-to-end encryption covers messages, media, calls, profile pictures, group names and group-member lists. The apps are open source, with repositories for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux and Threema Web. The regular desktop app and web client require a mobile device with Threema installed and activated. Threema operates its own servers in Zurich data centers of an ISO 27001-certified colocation partner. It says its apps receive regular audits by recognized security experts, including Cure53 audits in 2020 and 2024. Business tools include Gateway integrations, Work APIs and Broadcast features such as feeds, distribution lists, bots and managed group chats. Private use costs $6, paid once, with price varying by app store and country; Core starts at $3 a month billed annually. A 30-day trial is listed.
Spec sheet
- Integrations
- Threema Gateway lets companies integrate Threema into existing software to send, receive and process messages.Read 1 Oct 2026 · threema.com
- Privacy
- Threema can be used without providing a phone number or email address, and contact synchronization is optional.Read 1 Oct 2026 · threema.com
- Compliance
- Threema states that it is GDPR-compliant, subject to Switzerland’s Federal Act on Data Protection, and not subject to the US CLOUD Act.Read 1 Oct 2026 · threema.com
- Support
- Threema provides support forms for the private app and management-cockpit support for Threema Work, plus dedicated Gateway and Broadcast support addresses.Read 1 Oct 2026 · threema.com
- Headquarters
- Pfäffikon SZ, SwitzerlandRead 28 Sep 2026 · threema.com
- Founded
- 2012Read 28 Sep 2026 · threema.com
- Broadcast
- Threema Broadcast provides feeds, distribution lists, bots and centrally managed group chats, and is included in the Professional plan.Read 1 Oct 2026 · threema.com
- Business APIs
- Threema Work provides Work API, Broadcast API and an Entra ID connector for directory synchronization, administration and user management.Read 1 Oct 2026 · threema.com
- Desktop requirement
- The regular desktop app and web client require a mobile device with Threema installed and activated.Read 1 Oct 2026 · threema.com
- Encryption
- Threema provides end-to-end encryption for messages, media, calls, profile pictures, group names and group-member lists.Read 1 Oct 2026 · threema.com
- Infrastructure
- Threema operates its own servers in data centers of an ISO 27001-certified colocation partner in Zurich, Switzerland.Read 1 Oct 2026 · threema.com
- Messaging
- Threema supports text and voice messages, voice and video calls, group calls, media sharing, file transfers and desktop use.Read 1 Oct 2026 · threema.com
- Open source
- The Threema apps are open source, with source repositories for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux and Threema Web.Read 1 Oct 2026 · threema.com
- Security audits
- Threema says its apps undergo regular audits by recognized security experts, including Cure53 audits in 2020 and 2024.Read 1 Oct 2026 · threema.com
- Self-hosting limit
- Threema OnPrem users can communicate only with users of the same OnPrem instance.Read 1 Oct 2026 · threema.com
Plans and prices
Core $3 a month Annual payment maximum 200 users · central user management · GDPR-compliant Read 1 Oct 2026 · threema.com
Professional $5 a month Annual payment unlimited employees · Threema Broadcast · automation and API access · premium support Read 1 Oct 2026 · threema.com
Private $6, paid once private use only · price depends on app store and country Read 1 Oct 2026 · threema.com
OnPrem Priced on request self-hosted · full infrastructure and data control · white-labeling · premium support Read 1 Oct 2026 · threema.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- End-to-end encryption covers messages and calls
- Phone number and email are not required
- Apps are open source
- Supports business APIs and Gateway integrations
Limits
- No free plan is listed
- Desktop and web require an activated mobile app
- OnPrem users can message only within their instance
Who it suits
Threema may suit people seeking messaging without providing a phone number or email address, as well as organizations needing messaging integrations and administration tools. Desktop and web users need an activated mobile installation.
Verdict
Threema combines private messaging features with separate tools for organizational communication and integration. Consider the mobile requirement for desktop access and the OnPrem communication boundary when evaluating fit.
Where Specifiction places it
- Encrypted Messaging Apps#18 of 437.9
- Secure Messaging Apps#17 of 368.0
- Instant Messaging Software#15 of 308.0
- Secure Team Chat Software#15 of 307.9
- Business Instant Messaging - Enterprise Software#13 of 218.0
