private messaging Archives

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

5 Best Alternatives to WhatsApp in 2026 (Private & Secure)

The rise of encrypted messaging apps is driven by privacy concerns, as users seek alternatives to traditional platforms that may compromise security. Corporations, hackers, and governments actively monitor online communications for various reasons, making secure messaging essential. Several leading secure messaging apps have been identified: - Signal: Known for robust security features, including end-to-end encryption and open-source transparency. It requires a phone number for registration. - Threema: Allows anonymous communication without personal identifiers and offers end-to-end encryption. It does not have a free version and has a smaller user base. - Telegram: With over 500 million users, it offers self-destructing messages and works across multiple devices, but not all communications are end-to-end encrypted by default. Messaging platforms to avoid include WhatsApp, which collects extensive metadata, Keybase, which has credibility concerns after being acquired by Zoom, and regular SMS, which lacks encryption. When selecting an encrypted messaging app, users should look for end-to-end encryption, third-party testing, open-source code, self-destructing messages, limited data collection, and compatibility with other services. Signal is frequently cited as the most secure messaging app.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

The best private messaging apps of 2026: Expert tested

Threema is a Swiss messaging service founded in 2012, which now has over 12 million users and approximately 8,000 organizations globally. The platform's ownership has recently changed to Comitis Capital GmbH. Threema uses a unique approach to user identity by assigning a random eight-digit ID instead of requiring personal information like phone numbers or email addresses. Messages are stored locally and deleted from servers after delivery, enhancing privacy. It operates on a paid model with a one-time fee, supports anonymous payments, and employs high-grade cryptography for security. Users can send text and voice messages, share files up to 100 MB, and conduct end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls. Threema targets individuals and organizations prioritizing privacy and data protection, while it may not appeal to those seeking free apps or cloud-based chat history. Key features include end-to-end encryption, QR-based contact verification, and local group management capabilities.

AppWizard

January 27, 2026

Wire Secure Messenger Review (2026 Test Results)

The rise of online conversations has highlighted the vulnerabilities of traditional messaging platforms, making secure messaging essential for protecting private communications. Entities such as corporations, hackers, and government agencies aim to monitor and exploit these communications. Without secure messaging services, users' messages are susceptible to interception. Remote work has intensified these risks, as home networks often lack necessary security measures. Several secure messaging apps have emerged, each with varying levels of protection. Signal is noted for its end-to-end encryption, open-source foundation, and self-destructing messages, although it requires a phone number for registration. Threema offers anonymous messaging without data collection and does not require personal information, but it lacks a free version. Telegram has over 500 million users and offers some end-to-end encryption features, but not all communications are secure by default, and it logs user data. Messaging platforms to avoid include WhatsApp due to privacy concerns from its ownership by Facebook, Keybase after its acquisition by Zoom, and regular unencrypted SMS messages. When selecting a secure messaging app, look for end-to-end encryption, third-party testing, open-source code, self-destructing messages, limited data collection, and anonymous signup options. Signal is widely regarded as the most secure and private messaging app.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

YouTube quietly revives in-app private messaging, six years after discontinuing it

YouTube is testing a revival of its in-app private messaging feature, nearly six years after it was discontinued due to low adoption rates. The new initiative allows users to share videos, Shorts, and live streams with friends and is currently limited to select markets and users aged 18 and older. Safeguards such as invite-only conversations, unsend options, and the ability to block or report inappropriate content are included. YouTube's initial messaging feature was launched in 2017 and discontinued in 2019. The renewed feature aims to enhance direct engagement for content creators and provide a streamlined way for regular users to converse about videos. The pilot phase is ongoing, with no timeline for a broader rollout announced yet. YouTube's move to reinstate private messaging aligns with current trends as it faces competition from platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

YouTube tests an in-app private messaging feature again

YouTube is reintroducing its private messaging feature, which was discontinued in 2019, to a select group of users aged 18 and older in Ireland and Poland. Users can share videos, including long-form videos, Shorts, and livestreams, within the mobile app through a full-screen chat interface accessed via the Share button. The feature supports one-on-one conversations and group chats, allowing users to respond with text, videos, or emojis. To ensure user safety, participants must send invites to chat, can unsend messages, block users, and report violations. YouTube will monitor messages for compliance with Community Guidelines.

AppWizard

November 1, 2025

Elon Musk Is Building X Chat — His Answer to WhatsApp and Telegram

Elon Musk is set to launch X Chat, a new messaging app designed to compete with WhatsApp and Telegram, featuring Bitcoin-inspired encryption and a commitment not to sell user data to advertisers. He revealed the project on The Joe Rogan Experience, explaining that his team has revamped the messaging infrastructure of the X platform to create this distinct app. The launch is expected in the coming months, and Musk emphasized that X Chat will operate without advertising hooks. Musk criticized WhatsApp for its data practices, asserting that it allows for potential privacy breaches. In contrast, he aims for X Chat to be a secure platform for sending text, files, and making audio and video calls, available both within the X platform and as a standalone app.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Privacy rankings of popular messaging apps in 2025

Direct messaging through chat applications is not as private as often assumed, with conversations and data potentially used for advertising, AI training, and shared with law enforcement. Users can also be targeted by impersonators and face risks from social engineering tactics. Incogni analyzed 15 messaging apps and social networks based on 18 criteria for privacy, resulting in a ranking where lower scores indicate better privacy practices. The overall privacy rankings are: - Discord: 10.23 - Telegram: 13.08 - Snapchat: 13.39 - Facebook Messenger: 22.22 - WhatsApp: 23.17 When considering practical categories, the rankings change: - Telegram: 4.23 - Snapchat: 7.72 - Discord: 8.14 - WhatsApp: 11.93 - Facebook Messenger: 13.37 WhatsApp received a penalty of 3.4 points due to potential use of chats for AI training. Applications that prioritize privacy typically have secure default settings, with Telegram and Snapchat leading in this aspect, while Discord, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp rank lower. For securing accounts against strangers, Telegram and WhatsApp are the most secure, while Discord ranks lower. In terms of compliance with government requests for data, Snapchat has the highest approval rate at 82%, followed by Meta’s services at 78%, and Discord at 77.4%. All platforms collect varying amounts of user data, with Telegram and WhatsApp collecting the least. Telegram is noted for its extensive privacy settings, while Discord, despite limited data collection, lacks robust default privacy settings. WhatsApp excels in protecting users from strangers and has a modest data collection profile. The analysis did not include niche privacy-focused messaging apps, and only WhatsApp provides end-to-end encryption by default. Users are advised to use official mobile clients to avoid vulnerabilities, and third-party clients pose significant security risks.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Meta Rolls Out New Tools to Protect WhatsApp and Messenger Users from Scams

Meta has introduced new security tools for Messenger and WhatsApp to protect users from scams. WhatsApp will now provide warnings when users attempt to share screens with unknown contacts during video calls. On Messenger, a "Scam detection" feature can be enabled to notify users of suspicious messages from unknown sources. This detection operates on users' devices, maintaining end-to-end encryption, although messages sent for AI review will lose this status. If a scam is confirmed, users will receive information about common fraudulent schemes and options to block or report the account. Meta has also removed over 21,000 deceptive Facebook Pages and accounts and disrupted nearly 8 million scam-related accounts on Facebook and Instagram this year. Scams often involve cybercrime syndicates from Southeast Asia using psychological manipulation to lure victims into investment fraud through emotional connections.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Meta to shut down Messenger apps on Windows and Mac

Meta will phase out its standalone Messenger applications for Windows and Mac computers, with functionality expected to cease around December 15, 2025. After this date, users will be redirected to Messenger.com or Facebook.com. Users are advised to back up their messages and media, and utilize secure storage features for a smooth transition to web-based Messenger or mobile applications. In 2024, Meta launched a Progressive Web App (PWA) version of Messenger, which operates within a browser and offers similar functionalities to the desktop applications. The Messenger desktop app has also been removed from the Mac App Store. Meta is enhancing its Threads app with new features, including private messaging, to compete with other platforms. The company faces lawsuits related to youth mental health concerns and has faced backlash for using user AI chat data for ad personalization without an opt-out option.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

What Is XChat? Musk’s Private Messaging App With Blockchain-Style Encryption

XChat is an encrypted messaging and calling feature integrated into X (formerly Twitter), designed to enhance user privacy and functionality. It offers end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, versatile file sharing, and cross-platform audio and video calls without requiring a phone number for registration. Currently in beta testing for select paid subscribers, XChat aims to transform X into an “everything app” similar to WeChat, combining social networking, messaging, payments, and more while prioritizing user privacy. Developed using Rust, it employs public-key cryptography and may incorporate blockchain-inspired techniques for enhanced security. The platform seeks to merge social interaction with private communication and commerce, allowing for anonymous engagement. Challenges include ensuring reliable encryption, addressing metadata leaks, and gaining user trust to transition from established messaging apps.