Snooping on text messages is easy. Regardless of intention, anyone can check someone’s phone while busy or distracted. Others can use spy messaging apps to find personal information.
Not all apps are created equal—some are built to be more secure and protective of their user’s privacy. Yet, users don’t value security features at all. As of January 2022, WhatsApp, WeChat, and Facebook Messenger are the world’s most popular messaging apps. This ranking is surprising considering Facebook’s several privacy issues.
App developers aren’t disheartened. They’ve built secure messaging apps that can protect the user’s privacy better than most apps can. Read more to check out an elite selection of secure messaging apps for Android and iOS that you can choose from.
Top Security Features To Look For
Before selecting secure mobile messaging apps, it would be helpful to understand what features make a messaging app genuinely safe. Experts’ secure messaging apps comparison reveals the top security features that users should look for.
Privacy controls that are beyond standard
The best secure messaging apps always feature advanced privacy controls. This feature allows users to set permissions to select fewer people who can view information through their phone numbers. Secure messaging apps for healthcare are valuable since this industry is a constant target for cyber attacks.
End-to-end encryption
With end-to-end encryption, users can encrypt their text messages. These secure messaging apps for iPhone or Android send users encryption keys. These allow them to read the statements safely.
Self-destructing features
Self-destructing features enable the user to provide a shorter time for reading messages. After the set time passes, the transmission automatically deletes itself.
Secure Messaging Apps for Mobile Users
This list features the top four messaging apps known for their security controls.
Confide
Confide app users can deactivate screenshots and allow viewing one line at a time. The messaging app is designed for sending and receiving vanishing messages. Confide is free, but users who want more features like unsent messages can upgrade to a plan with a $5 monthly fee.
Wire
The app is General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant and does not require a telephone number. The Wire app is open source, so users can check its source code. Wire users can send messages safely in any browser (e.g., Opera, Chrome, or Safari).
Signal
Signal offers comprehensive messaging features but removes significant risk through zero ads. End-to-end encryption is the default for the messaging app. Additionally, it provides users with end-to-end encrypted voice calling.
Wickr
Wickr does not collect user data. The user can set a timer so recipients can read the message before it auto-destructs. Also, it has collaboration features that allow users to share screens.
Lower the Risk of Message Snooping
Instant messaging has become a vital part of people’s daily lives. During the pandemic, people sent encouraging messages through secure text messaging apps, which boosted front-liners. People pass essential news to their loved ones through these apps, too.
But security risks undermine these essential functions. Users become vulnerable to virtual and real-world attacks when people spy or snoop. By selecting the top secure messaging apps, users can fight back and protect personal information from access and use in illegal activities.
