As a messaging app, Threema prioritizes security, anonymity, and transparency, as you don't need to provide your phone number or email to use this service. All users get a randomly generated 8-digit Threema ID, so you can keep your personal details private.
All your text messages, voice and video calls, file transfers, location sharing, and polls are protected with end-to-end encryption based on NaCl/libsodium library. Threema complies with Swiss privacy regulations and doesn't store any of your information or metadata apart from what is absolutely necessary to deliver your messages.
When you download Threema, you can be sure all your past communication is safe, even if privacy keys are compromised, as the app uses Perfect Forward Secrecy. With this app, you can enjoy group chats with hundreds of people, voice conferencing, built-in polls, as well as multiple customization options, and high-quality resolution for any files you send or receive.
Why should I download Threema?
Threema is a great choice for anyone who values user privacy and data security, as this messaging app doesn't rely on centralized identities and minimizes the metadata it collects. All of that helps avoid various surveillance methods and data leaks. One of the reasons is that you don't need to provide your email address or phone number to sign up for this service. When you download Threema and start using it, you are assigned a randomly generated Threema ID, which is your number when using the app. You can add contacts by scanning QR codes, which is also a secure way of verifying identity.
With Threema, you get end-to-end encryption for messages, calls, group chats, files, and profile statuses thanks to the app framework based on the NaCl library. On top of that, Threema also encrypts your metadata so there's no information left on servers about who you're sending messages to, when, or how often. As soon as our message is delivered, all information about it is removed from the servers, so the app keeps no logs or backups.
Even though Threema offers enhanced security, it still provides you with all the features found in commercial products. You can have high-quality voice and video calls, share various files with your friends without compromising their resolution, you are able to set up group chats with hundreds of people and record audio notes, share your location, format your replies, add reactions, or create threads by quitting another person.
As an open-source project, you can access Threema code on GitHub and review it either yourself or send it for a security audit. The app is fully transparent and is often checked by independent institutions to confirm its privacy and security focus. In order to use Threema as a private user, you need to purchase its license with a one-time payment, but there are also multiple plans for companies if you're looking for a business solution. You can download Threema on mobile devices with iOS and Android, Windows, macOS, or Linux computers, or access it through a web browser.
With Threema Work and OnPrem, you can use features such as managed deployments, internal directories, user and role management, and various API calls for alerts, automation, or private notifications. You can also host Threema on your own infrastructure, remove any branding with white labelling, and get premium support. These features are especially useful for those working in healthcare, government, or logistics.
Is Threema free?
While Threema is not free, you can buy it at a modest price with a one-time payment. This allows the app to function without ads or monetizing user data. The price can vary depending on your device and marketplace, but it shouldn't be an expensive option.
There are also multiple variants for businesses and enterprises, and these Threema plans are based on subscription, and their price depends on the feature set you select. There's also a pay-as-you-go solution for developers called Threema Gateway.
What operating systems are compatible with Threema?
You can download Threema primarily on mobile devices, so you need a smartphone or tablet running Android (5.0 or newer) or iOS (version 15 or higher).
There's also a dedicated desktop client currently in a beta version, which you can install on macOS, Windows, or Linux computers.
Apart from that, Threema is also available as a web service and to connect your mobile devices, all you need to do is scan the QR code on the website, and you'll be logged in.
What are the alternatives to Threema?
Another open-source solution is Session – Private Messenger, which is also designed to handle anonymous communication. You don't need to provide any personal details to sign up, and the app uses a decentralized network to connect and deliver messages. Session will encrypt all your messages and files, but you can't have voice or video calls as this feature is not yet supported. You can download Session for free on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Signal is a well-known and popular solution that also offers encrypted messaging and comes from an open source project. With Signal, you can send messages and various files, have voice and video calls, and create group chats. It also supports disappearing messages. It's an easy-to-use solution with a familiar interface, but you must provide your phone number to sign up for the service. Signal is offered for free, and you can get it on iOS and Android mobile devices as well as macOS, Windows, and Linux computers.
Olvid is a highly secure solution that offers private identity management and end-to-end encryption. To sign up, you don't need to add your phone number. The app works on decentralized servers and uses asymmetric cryptographic keys to identify different users. There's a free version for personal users that you can install on Android and iOS devices as well as on computers, but if you're looking for something for your business, Olvid offers paid plans with different enterprise-level features.
