Apps with Disappearing messages
6 apps
Top Disappearing messages apps ranked by the community
WhatsApp is Meta's messaging app for text, voice notes, photos, group chats and voice or video calls. Personal messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default using the Signal Protocol, and each account is linked to a phone number. Companion apps run on desktop and the web, and WhatsApp Business lets companies chat with their customers.
8 WhatsApp alternativesPros
- Huge user base makes it easy to reach almost anyone
- Personal chats and calls are encrypted by default with the Signal Protocol
- WhatsApp Business lets companies talk with their customers
Cons
- Owned by Meta, which collects metadata about how you use it
- Every account is tied to a phone number
Cost / LicenseFreeProprietaryCategoriesSignal is a free, open-source messenger run by the nonprofit Signal Foundation. Messages, calls, group chats and media are end-to-end encrypted with the Signal Protocol, and the service is designed to collect as little metadata as possible. Registration requires a phone number, though usernames let you chat without sharing it, and the app has no ads or trackers.
10 Signal alternativesPros
- Signal Protocol encrypts messages, calls and groups end to end
- Run by a nonprofit, with minimal metadata and no ads
- Usernames let you chat without revealing your phone number
Cons
- A phone number is still required to register
- Fewer of your contacts are likely to use it than mainstream apps
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesMessenger is Meta's chat app for messaging and calling people you know on Facebook, with group chats, voice and video calls, reactions, stickers and media sharing. Personal chats and calls have been end-to-end encrypted by default since late 2023, and disappearing messages are available. It runs on iPhone, iPad and Android as well as in the browser.
8 Messenger alternativesPros
- Easy way to reach Facebook contacts without swapping phone numbers
- Personal chats and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default
- Rich group chats, video calls, reactions and stickers
Cons
- Collects extensive data linked to your Meta profile
- Requires a Facebook account to use
Cost / LicenseFreeProprietaryCategoriesViber is a messaging and calling app from Rakuten Viber, offering one-to-one and group chats, voice and video calls, stickers, and large public communities and channels. Chats and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default, and disappearing messages are available. Paid Viber Out credits let users call regular mobile and landline numbers.
8 Viber alternativesPros
- Chats and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default
- Large public communities and channels
- Viber Out credits let you call regular mobile and landline numbers
Cons
- Ads and sponsored content appear in the app
- A phone number is required to sign up
- Widely used in some countries but rare in others
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesSession is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted messenger that needs no phone number or email: an account is just a randomly generated Session ID. Messages are relayed through a decentralized network of community-operated nodes using onion routing, which hides IP addresses and limits metadata. It supports one-to-one chats, small private groups and larger communities on desktop and mobile.
9 Session alternativesPros
- No phone number or email: an account is just a random Session ID
- Onion routing hides IP addresses and limits metadata
- Decentralized network of community-operated nodes
Cons
- Messages can arrive more slowly than on centralized apps
- Small user base compared with mainstream messengers
- Losing your recovery phrase means losing your account
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesSimpleX Chat is an open-source messenger that does not assign users any identifier, not even a random one: contacts connect through one-time links or QR codes. Messages are end-to-end encrypted and pass through relay servers that keep no user profiles, and anyone can run their own relays. It supports groups, voice and video calls, disappearing messages and multiple chat profiles.
9 SimpleX Chat alternativesPros
- No user identifiers at all, not even random ones
- Anyone can run their own relay servers
- Groups, calls, disappearing messages and multiple chat profiles
Cons
- Connecting through one-time links is less convenient than a contact list
- Small user base, so few contacts will already be on it
- Using one account across several devices is limited
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategories
