Signal
FreeEnd-to-end encrypted messaging where privacy is the default, not an option
Every message, voice and video call is end-to-end encrypted by default, invisible to the servers. Run by a nonprofit foundation on donations — no ads, no data collection.
Why we picked it
Signal is the gold standard for private messaging. Its encryption protocol was adopted by giants like WhatsApp, the entire codebase is open source and auditable, and it minimizes even metadata. You don't need to understand cryptography — install it and everything is encrypted by default.
It's run by a nonprofit whose only revenue is donations: no ads, no profiling, no hidden cost behind "free." The one catch is that signup requires a phone number — but in return you get a messenger that genuinely puts users first.