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Threema

Swiss end-to-end encrypted messenger you buy once and can use without a phone number or email.

PaidOpen sourceMessaging apps
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About Threema

Threema is a privacy-focused messenger from Switzerland. Instead of registering with a phone number, each user gets a random Threema ID, so you can use it anonymously; linking a number or email is optional and only helps contacts find you. Messages, calls, groups, polls and files are end-to-end encrypted, and data is kept on your device rather than on Threema's servers, with optional encrypted backups through Threema Safe. The apps are open source and have been independently audited. Unlike most messengers, the private version is a one-time purchase rather than free, which funds the service without ads or data collection. A separate Threema Work product for organisations adds central management and an on-premises option. Apps run on Android and iPhone, with desktop and web access that pair with your phone. The cost and smaller network are the main obstacles: you have to convince friends to pay too.

Best for: Privacy-minded people who want an anonymous messenger and are happy to pay once.

Pros and cons

What works

  • No phone number or email needed
  • Open-source apps, independently audited
  • One-time price, no ads or data harvesting

Why people leave

  • Costs money, which deters friends from joining
  • Much smaller network than WhatsApp or Signal
  • Desktop app depends on the phone app

Top Threema alternatives

See all 5
  1. 1Signal logo
    Signal

    Free, with similar end-to-end encryption and a larger network, though it needs a phone number.

    66.5
  2. 2Session logo
    Session

    Also anonymous with no phone number, free, and routes messages through an onion network.

    62.6
  3. 3Olvid logo
    Olvid

    A French no-phone-number messenger with a free tier and strong cryptographic design.

    59.6
  4. 4Wire logo
    Wire

    Another European encrypted messenger, with a free tier for personal and small-team use.

    57.2
  5. 5SimpleX Chat logo
    SimpleX Chat

    Free and open source, with no user IDs at all rather than a random ID.

    55.3

Why people left Threema

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

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Reviews

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Threema: common questions

Is Threema free?

No, Threema is a paid product. Price: One-time purchase (about 6 CHF/EUR/USD) (checked on Threema's own site).

Is Threema open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at threema-ch/threema-android.

What platforms does Threema run on?

Threema is available for Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.

What are the best alternatives to Threema?

The highest-ranked Threema alternatives right now are Signal, Session and Olvid. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 5 Threema alternatives