With so much news about data leaks, digital espionage and online scams, many people wonder: which app is really safe for chatting in 2025?

The truth is that the choice of messaging app goes far beyond emojis, stickers or animated groups. Today, what matters most is privacy protection. After all, our conversations involve everything from personal matters to professional and banking data.

If you want more peace of mind when communicating, this post will help you. Below, you'll learn about the most secure apps for messaging in 2025to understand what makes an app reliable and see which one suits your style.

Why does message security matter so much?

Many people still believe that they have "nothing to hide". But digital security isn't just about secrets - it's about control of your own information.

When an app isn't secure, your messages can be:

  • Being read by third parties (even without you knowing)
  • Being stored on vulnerable servers
  • Being intercepted by hackers
  • Being used for commercial purposes, such as invasive advertising

In 2025, with AI analyzing data, increasingly sophisticated scams and an increasingly connected life, protecting your conversations has become a real necessity.

What defines a secure messaging app?

1# End-to-end encryption
This ensures that only you and the person you are talking to can read the content. Not even the app has access to the message.

2# Open source
When the code is public, experts can analyze whether the system is really secure - and this generates more trust.

3# Transparent privacy policy
A good app makes it clear how it handles your data. And ideally don't collect sensitive data or share with third parties.

4# Identity verification
Some apps have extra features to make sure you're really talking to who you think you are.

Now that you know what to look for, let's take a look at the apps that will stand out in 2025 when it comes to security.

1# Signal

O Signal remains a favorite among digital security experts. It's free, simple and has a clear mission: protecting user privacy.

Security features:

  • End-to-end encryption
  • Open source
  • No ads, tracking or data collection
  • Self-destructive messages
  • Possibility of blocking screenshots

It is used by journalists, activists, cybersecurity professionals and anyone who values secrecy.

Even though Signal is basic in terms of customization, it delivers the essentials: secure and lightweight communication.

2# Telegram (with reservations)

Telegram has gained popularity because of the groups, channels and speed of messaging. But it's worth noting: conversations are only encrypted end-to-end in "secret chat" mode.

In other words: in ordinary chat, messages pass through the company's servers and can be accessed if there are any loopholes.

Strong points:

  • Secret chat with real encryption
  • Groups with up to 200,000 members
  • Ability to delete messages for everyone
  • Cloud storage

Telegram is great for those who want organization, speed and control. But if your focus is total privacyYou need to use the right resources within the app.

3# Threema

Less popular, but very robust, the Threema is a Swiss app that focuses entirely on security.

The difference? You no need to provide phone number, e-mail or personal details to use. Everything works with an anonymous ID.

Resources:

  • Real end-to-end encryption
  • No collection of sensitive data
  • Auditable code
  • Local storage (not in the cloud)

Threema is paid for, but it has won over users who want maximum protection without sacrificing a fluid experience.

It's a good option for those who work with confidential data or seek independence from large technology companies.

4# WhatsApp (with improvements)

WhatsApp is still the most widely used messaging app in Brazil and much of the world. And in recent years, it has invested heavily in security.

Today, it has:

  • End-to-end encryption
  • Two-step verification
  • Encrypted cloud backup (optional)
  • Protection against screenshots in specific chats
  • Lock with password or biometrics

The sensitive point is that WhatsApp belongs to Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram). Therefore, there are concerns about the commercial use of data.

Still, for everyday use, it's safe - especially if you activate all the layers of protection available.

5# Session

One of the most radical apps in terms of privacy. O Session does not require a phone number, does not track location and works through decentralized servers.

You create an anonymous ID and chat with whoever you want. Everything is encrypted, with messages that can be deleted automatically.

Resources:

  • Zero data collection
  • No phone number
  • Strong encryption
  • Messages that self-destruct
  • Open source

Session is ideal for those who want to completely escape digital surveillance. It is used by privacy advocates, advanced users and people living in censored countries.

6# Briar

If the subject is offline communication and resistance to censorship, o Briar is unbeatable.

It works even without internet. It uses Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or the Tor network to send messages securely - great for those in conflict zones or in places with no network access.

You can chat securely, even if the system is down.

Resources:

  • Local messaging (without internet)
  • End-to-end encryption
  • No centralized servers
  • No phone number

It's an app for extreme situations, but also for those who take digital security seriously.

How do you choose the right app?

It all depends on your profile. Ask yourself:

  • Do I need total anonymity? → Threema, Session or Briar
  • Want security without the hassle? → Signal
  • I like groups and organization? → Telegram
  • I just want to use the basics, but with protection? → WhatsApp with active settings

You can use more than one. One for everyday conversations, another for more sensitive subjects.

The important thing is understand what each app delivers and don't rely on looks alone.

Extra tips to protect your conversations

Even the most secure app in the world can be compromised if you don't take a few precautions. So:

  • Activate two-step verification
  • Avoid clicking on suspicious links, even from friends
  • Don't save passwords or codes in conversations
  • Update the app frequently
  • Beware of cloud backup (not always encrypted)

Security starts with the right tool - but continues with good user practices.

See also: 7 movies about technology to watch later this year

March 31, 2025