
Olvid
French end-to-end encrypted messenger that needs no phone number, email or address book access.
- Verified facts
- 4 of 4
- Alternatives ranked
- 4
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About Olvid
Olvid is a secure messenger from France designed around a simple promise: it asks for no personal data at all. There is no phone number, email or name required, it never reads your address book, and contacts are added by scanning a QR code or through introductions. Messages, calls and attachments are end-to-end encrypted with protocols designed so that even a compromised server reveals nothing useful. It has security certification from France's cybersecurity agency ANSSI and is used by French government ministries. Everyday features include groups, unlimited file sizes and multi-device sync. The basic app is free; paid options add features such as starting secure calls and using several devices, and there are business plans. The apps are open source. It runs on Android, iPhone and iPad, plus Windows and Mac. Without contact discovery, getting friends connected takes more effort than in phone-number messengers, and its network remains small outside France.
Best for: People and organisations who want a European messenger that collects no personal data.
Pros and cons
What works
- No phone number, email or address book access
- Strong cryptographic design with French state certification
- Open-source apps on mobile and desktop
Why people leave
- No contact discovery; adding people takes effort
- Some features such as starting calls need a paid option
- Small network outside France
Top Olvid alternatives
See all 4- 1
Threema66.5Also anonymous and audited, from a Swiss company, with a one-time price.
- 2
Signal62.6Free with full calling and a larger network, though it needs a phone number.
- 3
Session59.6No personal data and free, with onion routing for extra metadata protection.
- 4
Wire57.2A European encrypted messenger with email sign-up and business features.
Why people left Olvid
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Olvid: common questions
Is Olvid free?
Olvid has a free plan and paid plans.
Is Olvid open source?
Yes. The source code is on GitHub at olvid-io/olvid-android.
What platforms does Olvid run on?
Olvid is available for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
What are the best alternatives to Olvid?
The highest-ranked Olvid alternatives right now are Threema, Signal and Session. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.