Communication

Messaging and mail, without the tracking.

7 apps · 4 fully verified · 5 with a free tier · 6 open source

Element

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Encrypted Matrix messaging & calls

Checked

Proton Mail

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Encrypted email from Switzerland

Verified

Signal

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Speak freely, message privately

Verified

Talkano

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AI customer assistant for your business

Checked

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Fast cloud-based messaging at scale

Verified

Threema

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Swiss messenger without phone numbers

Verified

Thunderbird

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Open-source email, calendar & chat

Checked

Decide faster

The Privacy Starter Kit Element vs Signal Signal vs Telegram Thunderbird vs Proton Mail

How these communication apps were checked

Every app on this page carries a dated Trust Report. We download each build from the developer’s own release channel, verify its code signature and SHA-256 checksum, run a multi-engine malware scan, list the permissions it declares, count the tracker SDKs in the package, and record any published CVEs against the shipping version. Findings are stated with a date, never compressed into a score, and never for sale. See the full method ›

Of the 7 communication apps listed here, 4 have passed every check in the current review window and 5 offer a genuinely free tier. Missing something? Tell us what to verify next.