Which Messaging App Should You Use If You Actually Want Privacy?

Not all messaging apps are created equal when it comes to privacy. While many advertise encryption, the way they implement it—and what they collect—varies widely. In this post, we'll examine popular messaging apps from a privacy perspective to help you make an informed choice.

Signal: The Gold Standard

Signal has earned its reputation as the most private mainstream messaging app available today. Here's why security experts consistently recommend it:

• Strong end-to-end encryption using the Signal Protocol, considered one of the most secure messaging protocols available
• Open-source code that allows security researchers to verify its security claims
• Minimal metadata collection — Signal is designed to know as little as possible about you and your contacts
• No advertising or tracking — Signal is operated by a non-profit foundation
• Disappearing messages feature that automatically deletes messages after a set time
• Screen security features to prevent screenshots in recent chats list

Signal's primary drawback is its smaller user base compared to other platforms, though this has been growing steadily, especially after privacy policy changes by competing apps.

WhatsApp: Widespread but With Caveats

WhatsApp is the world's most popular messaging app, with over 2 billion users. It offers:

• End-to-end encryption using the Signal Protocol (the same used by Signal itself)
• Widespread adoption — most of your contacts likely already use it
• Feature-rich interface with voice/video calls, status updates, and groups

However, there are significant privacy concerns:

• Owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), a company with a track record of privacy issues
• Collects extensive metadata about who you talk to, when, and how often
• Cloud backups are not end-to-end encrypted by default on many platforms
• Data sharing with parent company Meta for advertising purposes
• Closed source implementation, meaning the code cannot be independently verified

iMessage: Apple's Ecosystem-Limited Option

For Apple users, iMessage provides:

• End-to-end encryption between Apple devices
• Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
• Advanced features like Tapbacks, effects, and app integrations

But it has significant limitations:

• Apple-only — not available for Android or other platforms
• Falls back to unencrypted SMS when messaging non-Apple users
• iCloud backups can compromise encryption since Apple holds the backup keys
• Closed source implementation

Telegram: Popular but Misunderstood

Telegram has grown rapidly with over 700 million users, but its privacy features are often misunderstood:

• End-to-end encryption only in "Secret Chats" — not enabled by default
• Regular chats and groups are encrypted in transit but not end-to-end encrypted
• Server-side storage of regular messages (not end-to-end encrypted)
• Custom encryption protocol that has not received as much scrutiny as established protocols

Telegram's advantages include:

• Feature-rich platform with large groups, channels, and bots
• Client-side code is open source (though server code is not)
• Self-destructing messages in Secret Chats

Messaging App Comparison

Feature	Signal	WhatsApp	iMessage	Telegram
End-to-End Encryption	Yes (Default)	Yes (Default)	Yes (Apple only)	Secret Chats only
Metadata Collection	Minimal	Extensive	Moderate	Moderate
Open Source	Fully	No	No	Client only
Cross-Platform	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Data Sharing	No	With Meta	Some with Apple	Limited

Other Privacy-Focused Options

Beyond the major apps, several other messaging platforms focus on privacy:

• Element (Matrix) — Open-source, decentralized messaging with end-to-end encryption
• Session — Based on Signal's protocol but with additional anonymity features
• Threema — Swiss-based private messenger with minimal data collection
• Wire — Enterprise-focused secure messaging platform

Understanding Your Threat Model

When choosing a messaging app, consider your specific privacy needs or "threat model." For example:

• General privacy concerns: Signal, WhatsApp with adjusted settings, or iMessage might be sufficient
• High-risk situations (journalists, activists): Signal is strongly recommended
• Balance of features and privacy: Element or other Matrix-based clients offer decentralization

How to Improve Messaging Privacy Regardless of App

Whichever app you choose, these practices will enhance your messaging privacy:

• Enable disappearing messages when available
• Disable cloud backups of your message history
• Use screen lock or app lock features
• Regularly verify security codes with important contacts
• Keep apps updated to receive security patches
• Be aware of metadata — who you talk to and when can be revealing even without message content

The Takeaway

If privacy is your primary concern, Signal remains the clear recommendation. Its combination of strong security, minimal data collection, and increasing adoption makes it the gold standard for secure messaging.

However, messaging requires both parties to use the same app. Sometimes privacy comes down to choosing the most secure option that your contacts will actually use. If you can convince close contacts to join you on Signal, that's ideal. Otherwise, choosing the most secure option among the apps they already use—and applying proper settings—is the practical approach.

Remember that digital privacy exists on a spectrum. Perfect privacy is rarely achievable, but by making informed choices, you can significantly reduce your digital footprint and protect your communications from unwanted surveillance.