Two-thirds of global consumers believe that tech companies have too much control over their data. Similarly, in the U.S., three in four people agree that they don’t have enough control over how companies use their personal information.
Concerns about privacy and data protection are driving many people to seek out anonymous messaging apps—tools that promise secure communication without revealing users’ identities.
Ideally, these apps offer maximum privacy, shielding conversations from surveillance or tracking. However, not all so-called “anonymous” apps deliver on that promise. With so many options available, it’s important to understand which apps truly protect user anonymity—and which fall short.
To help you find the best anonymous messaging app, we’ve analyzed dozens of options, evaluating their pros and cons to shortlist the ones that offer privacy, reliability, and true anonymity.
How We Chose the Best Anonymous Messaging App
Many apps are advertised as “anonymous” even though they aren’t, so our first task was to establish whether an app allows users to hide their identities completely while communicating with others.
We also analyzed the apps based on expanded criteria, including:
- Market presence: How long has the app been on the market?
- User base: How many people use the app?
- Encryption: Does the app use advanced encryption protocols to protect your messages and calls?
- Privacy policy: Does the app share data with third parties?
- User reviews: Are the users generally satisfied with the app?
- Security features: What options does the app offer to protect your identity and prevent data breaches, surveillance, or interception of calls and messages?
- Pricing: Is the app free, or does it require a subscription?
Our list features only the apps that combine genuine user anonymity with robust security options and positive user reviews.
4 Most Secure Messaging Apps for Complete Anonymity
After analyzing the advantages and drawbacks of dozens of privacy-focused messaging apps, we’ve come up with the following list of the top ones:
- Threema
- Session
- Briar
- GhostPost
1. Threema
Threema is advertised as the world’s best-selling secure messenger. It was founded in 2012 and has over 12 million users.
The app allows full anonymity—you’re not required to provide your email address or phone number to use Threema. Rather than using your personal info as a unique identifier, the app assigns you a Threema ID (a randomly-generated eight-digit string). You can link your email address or phone number to your Threema ID, but you don’t have to.
To be able to guarantee your privacy, Threema features robust security options, including:
- Strict data storage policy: Contacts and group chats are stored in a decentralized way on user devices instead of the Threema server. Whenever a message is delivered, it’s automatically deleted from the app’s server for complete privacy. Threema also doesn’t track who communicates with whom.
- Advanced encryption: Threema uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for all your communication, including texts, voice and video calls, media files, group chats, and even status messages.
User reviews from the App Store and Play Store are overwhelmingly positive. People love the privacy they get with Threema, although they state there might be a learning curve, especially if you’re used to mainstream messaging apps.
This App Store review sums it up:
In addition to the slight learning curve, Threema doesn’t offer a free version, although users say the app is well worth its price. There is one plan for individuals and three for companies:
- PRIVATE: $6 (one-time payment)
- CORE: $3 monthly, per user (annual payment)
- PROFESSIONAL: $5 monthly, per user (annual payment)
- ONPREM: Custom
2. Session
Session is a privacy-first instant messaging app that prioritizes user confidentiality and anonymity. It may not have a huge user base (around one million users), but it boasts advanced security options that allow you to hide your identity while communicating with others.
The app is based on a decentralized network, which means it doesn’t use a single central server to collect and store your data, eliminating the chances of breaches and leaks.
The app relies on an onion routing system to move your messages. The system encrypts your data in multiple layers (analogous to the layers of an onion) and runs it through numerous nodes, with each peeling a single data layer until your message is delivered. This advanced system allows your complete anonymity.
Besides the onion routing system, Session protects your privacy through:
- Session Account IDs: When you sign up for Session, you’re not required to provide your email address or phone number, so your identity remains hidden. No data collection equals no breaches.
- A lack of trackers: Session doesn’t track your data, so the platform can’t sell it to third parties.
- Open-source code: You can see and audit the app’s code to track its activities and ensure that every privacy protection claim made by its founders stands.
The best part is—Session is completely free and has zero ads.
User reviews are solid, but many report delays when sending messages or initiating calls. Several users also mention a lack of message synchronization across devices.
3. Briar
Briar is often ranked as the best Android private messaging app. It’s primarily designed for journalists and activists who need an easy and safe way to communicate, but anyone can use it if they seek privacy and anonymity. It features the following:
- Private and group messages
- Blogs
- Forums
To use the app, you need to create a unique nickname and password—you don’t provide any personal information. When you send messages, they are synchronized and stored on your device. Briar uses decentralized servers for maximum protection and privacy.
Here are other notable functions you’ll get:
As for the price, Briar is completely free. While it may sound perfect, user reviews reveal a few potential drawbacks. For instance, the app doesn’t support video or voice chat, which would come in handy for journalists and individuals who may need to quickly get their message out.
Many users also mention that the app drains the battery faster than expected. Finally, Briar is available only on Android devices, which significantly limits the app’s accessibility.
4. GhostPost
GhostPost is an anonymous social media app—it allows you to join discussions, get/give advice on a specific topic, or simply share your thoughts with others without revealing your identity.
The app doesn’t collect personal data, so there’s nothing to share with third parties. Instead of signing up with your name or email address, you simply create a unique screen name to post and interact anonymously. In addition to letting you share your thoughts and concerns with users worldwide, GhostPost offers the following key features:
- Text messaging with users in private, not just through posts
- Voice chatting with others in real-time via voice conversations
- Photo sharing to enhance your conversations (you can upload or use the image library)
The app isn’t flawless—some potential drawbacks to consider include:
- Limited transparency around privacy: The app doesn’t have a website, and the info available on the App Store and Play Store doesn’t provide enough details on how exactly GhostPost protects your privacy.
- Few user reviews: GhostPost was released in 2024, and it has only a few reviews so far.
If you’re not sure whether GhostPost is the right option, give it a try—it’s free, so you can see if it fits your needs.
Final Verdict: What Is the Best Secure Messaging App for Anonymity?
Each of the four apps we’ve reviewed offers full anonymity. So, which one is the best? That ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and requirements.
For example, Threema may be the right option if you’re looking for an app that has been on the market for a while or has a large user base and plenty of reviews. On the other hand, if you enjoy testing new apps and their functionalities, you may go for GhostPost.
When choosing the right app, always consider whether its functionalities match your needs. For example, if you need video or voice chat, Briar may not be a suitable option. But if you would like to send messages even when you don’t have internet access, Briar is the perfect fit.
Price may also be a significant factor for some users—if you’re looking for free options, consider Session, Briar, or GhostPost.
Keep in mind that “anonymous apps” aren’t synonymous with “secure” or “encrypted” ones. An app can offer strong encryption without hiding your identity, and vice versa—so if anonymity is your priority, choose carefully.
Why You Should Extend Privacy to the Network Level
Using an anonymous messaging app enables you to protect your privacy while communicating with others through the app. But, it doesn’t offer network-level protection—the private data stored in your phone may be broadcast to apps or networks, often without you even knowing. Worse yet, hackers could access your device and all the stored information by exploiting the vulnerabilities in weak cellular infrastructure.
Most big carriers rely on outdated legacy infrastructure that cannot protect you from all privacy and security threats. Unfortunately, telco data breaches have become more frequent in the last few years, and major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile have often been targets of cyber attacks. As a consequence, data of millions of users has been compromised, which is concerning.
For network-level anonymity, switch to a privacy-first carrier such as Cape. Our advanced security and privacy features replace outdated, vulnerability-prone systems with the latest protocols that support anonymity and security by design.
Another feature unique to Cape is its cloud-based mobile core. Most MVNOs in the U.S. are “Light” MVNOs—they lease access to an MNO’s infrastructure and core, use the same SIM cards and security controls, and focus purely on customer-facing elements like marketing, billing, and support.
Cape is a “Heavy” MVNO. This means that while we also lease access to physical towers, we retain control of both the core network and SIM cards. Unlike traditional MNOs, Cape’s core network is fully cloud-based and free of vulnerable legacy infrastructure. This gives us unprecedented control over security and privacy, allowing minimal data collection, strict signaling protections, and more.
Experience Maximum Network-Level Security With Cape
Cape is a security-first network designed to protect against the most advanced tracking and surveillance methods while providing high-quality, uninterrupted coverage.
Unlike major carriers, who expect you to put blind faith in them and trust them with your most sensitive data, Cape has a unique “Don’t trust us” philosophy. Our system is based on minimal trust requirements—as nobody can steal the data you don’t provide.
In addition to minimal data collection, Cape is powered by robust security and privacy features, including:
All these features, plus unlimited nationwide 4G and 5G data, texts, and calls, are available for only $99/month—no hidden costs, taxes, or contracts.
Start Using Cape Today
If you want to enhance network-level security, creating a Cape account is the logical next step. All you need is an eSIM-compatible device, and you can get started by visiting cape.co/get-cape.
To help you improve your network security, Cape has partnered with Proton, a leading provider of privacy-first technology. Upon signing up, Cape subscribers can get Proton Unlimited or Proton VPN Plus for just $1 for six months.
If you’re looking for a secure communication ecosystem, you can also browse the smartphones available at http://shop.cape.co/. You can opt for phones with GrapheneOS pre-installed, which can reduce the device’s attack surface and vulnerability to cyberattacks. You can also explore Cape deals that lower your monthly phone bill down to just $15 per month.
