Choosing the right messenger: a comprehensive guide to the Top 5
Modern messengers have become an indispensable part of our daily lives, enabling us to send messages, share photos and videos, and engage in group chats and calls. They keep us connected with family, friends, and colleagues worldwide. However, with a vast array of applications like WhatsApp, Telegram, SENDS, Signal, and many others, the question arises: which messenger should you choose? We're breaking down the top 5 best messengers for various tasks, highlighting their pros and features.
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messengers globally, owned by Meta (formerly Facebook). It's known for its ease of use and extensive functionality.
Key Features:
Text Messages: Send one-on-one or group text messages.
Voice and Video Calls: Free internet calls to individual users and in group chats.
Voice Messages: Quickly send voice notes.
Media Files and Documents: Easily share photos, videos, audio recordings, and documents (PDF, DOC, XLS, etc.).
Statuses: A feature similar to Instagram "stories," where users can post photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours.
WhatsApp Web/Desktop: Access chats from your computer.
Payments: In some countries (e.g., India), a payment function is available directly within the app (WhatsApp Pay).
Business Accounts: WhatsApp Business allows companies to interact with customers, send automated messages, and create product/service catalogs.
Security:
End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): WhatsApp uses the Signal Protocol for end-to-end encryption of all messages, calls, media files, and documents. This means that only the sender and recipient can read the content, and even WhatsApp doesn't have access to it.
Backup: Chat backups to Google Drive or iCloud are not end-to-end encrypted by default, though WhatsApp offers the option to encrypt them.
Metadata Collection: Despite end-to-end encryption of content, WhatsApp collects some metadata, such as message timestamps, IP addresses, device information, and so on.
Privacy Policy: WhatsApp has faced criticism for its privacy policy, particularly after updates that involved sharing some data with its parent company, Meta. While message content remains encrypted, these changes raised concerns among some users regarding the collection of data about their behavior.
Telegram
Telegram is a cloud-based messenger known for its speed, extensive features, and emphasis on privacy (though with some nuances). It has a significant user base worldwide.
Key Features:
Cloud Synchronization: Messages are stored in the Telegram cloud, allowing access from any device, even if you've logged out. This also simplifies switching to a new device.
Channels: A broadcasting feature for large audiences (one-to-many). Channels can be public or private.
Groups: Telegram groups can accommodate up to 200,000 members and offer flexible moderation and permission settings.
Secret Chats: A separate feature offering end-to-end encryption (E2EE), self-destructing messages, and a ban on forwarding/screenshots. These chats are tied to a specific device.
Large File Sending: Ability to send files up to 2 GB.
Bots: A developed platform for creating bots that can automate tasks, play games, provide information, and more.
Speed: Telegram is positioned as one of the fastest messengers.
Themes and Customization: Extensive interface customization options.
Video and Voice Calls: Supports both private and group voice/video calls.
Telegram Premium: A paid subscription offering additional features such as increased file upload limits, accelerated downloads, ad removal, additional reactions, and more.
Security:
Encryption: Telegram uses its proprietary MTProto encryption protocol. End-to-end encryption (E2EE) in Telegram is active only in "secret chats" and for voice/video calls. Regular cloud chats are encrypted between the client and Telegram's servers but not end-to-end from one user to another without Telegram being able to decrypt them.
Cloud Data: Since most chats are stored in the Telegram cloud, this means that theoretically, Telegram could access their content if required by a government or other authorities. However, Telegram claims it does not provide data to third parties and has a robust protection infrastructure.
Open Source: Telegram's client applications are open source, while its servers are not.
General Reputation: Telegram is often associated with a high level of privacy, but users should understand the difference between "secret chats" and regular cloud chats.
SENDS
SENDS Messenger (or simply Sends) is a mobile messenger that positions itself as an application focused on user security and privacy. It is gaining popularity in Ukraine, European, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries, concentrating on providing a secure and feature-rich communication experience.
Key Features:
Security and Confidentiality: This is one of SENDS' main focuses. The app uses end-to-end encryption, meaning only you and your recipient can see or hear your messages and calls. Even SENDS itself does not have access to their content. The absence of data sharing with third parties is also declared.
Self-Destructing Messages: Ability to send messages that automatically delete after a certain period.
Private Group Chats: Create groups for communication with an emphasis on confidentiality.
Device-Level Security: Security measures integrated at the device level.
Fast Message Delivery: High speed of message transmission is claimed.
File Sharing: Ability to send photos, videos, and files of any size.
Multi-Device Access: Synchronize messages across all your devices.
Cloud Storage: Secure storage of messages and media in the cloud.
Customization: Ability to personalize the app with themes, wallpapers, etc.
Bots and Automation: Integration of bots to increase productivity.
Integrated Payments (Planned): Developers have announced a future feature that will allow users to send and receive money directly within the app.
Security:
High Level of Security: End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) is applied. SENDS states that it uses end-to-end encryption for all messages and calls. This means only the sender and recipient can read or listen to the content of the communication. Even SENDS itself does not have access to the decrypted data.
Privacy First: SENDS positions itself as an alternative to traditional messengers, providing stricter control over privacy and data protection.
No Data Sharing: The app declares a zero-data-sharing policy, meaning your personal data will not be sold or transferred to third parties. SENDS emphasizes that it does not collect or share user data with third parties. This is an important aspect for users who want to avoid targeted advertising and monitoring of their behavior.
Growing User Base: SENDS notes a rapid increase in the number of users, especially in the Indian market.
Available for download on the App Store and Google Play, as well as for desktop.
SENDS Messenger aims to fill a niche for users who are increasingly concerned about the security and privacy of their online communications.
Signal
Signal is positioned as the "gold standard" for secure communication and is often recommended by security experts. It is a non-profit project developed by the Signal Foundation.
Key Features:
End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) by Default: All messages, calls (voice and video), group chats, and file sharing in Signal are end-to-end encrypted by default. It uses the Signal Protocol, which is considered one of the most secure.
Metadata Privacy: Signal is designed to collect a minimal amount of metadata. Even information about who is communicating with whom is maximally hidden.
Self-Destructing Messages: An easy-to-use feature for sending messages that automatically disappear after a certain time.
Screenshot Blocking: Ability to prevent screenshots in chats (on Android).
Signal PIN Security: A feature that protects your profile and settings even if your device is lost or stolen.
Phone Number Registration: While Signal requires a phone number for registration, it tries to separate it from the user's identifier.
Open Source: All of Signal's code, including client and server components, is open source, allowing independent experts to verify its security.
Security:
High Level of Security: Signal is widely recognized as one of the most secure messengers. Its encryption protocol is even used by other applications (e.g., WhatsApp).
Minimal Data Collection: Signal collects very little data about its users. In 2016, when the US government demanded data about a Signal user, the company was only able to provide registration time and last connection.
Fully Open Source: This ensures transparency and the possibility of security audits.
Briar
Briar is a messenger designed to provide secure, private, and resilient communication, especially in situations where traditional communication networks (the Internet) may be unavailable or subject to censorship and surveillance. Its main difference from most other messengers is that it does not rely on central servers.
Security:
P2P (Peer-to-Peer): Briar is a messenger designed to work without central servers. Messages are transmitted directly between user devices (peer-to-peer).
No Phone Number/Email Required: No phone number or email address is needed for registration. Users create an account stored locally on the device. Contacts are added by exchanging links (Briar links) or scanning QR codes, which eliminates the possibility of searching for users by personal data.
Offline Capabilities: Can work even without an internet connection, synchronizing messages via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (local network).
Tor Integration: When connected to the internet, it uses the Tor network to ensure anonymity and resistance to censorship.
End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): All communications are end-to-end encrypted.
Key Features:
Forums and Blogs: In addition to personal messages, Briar allows for the creation of encrypted forums and blogs.
Target Audience: Designed for journalists, activists, and anyone who needs a high level of security and resistance to surveillance and censorship.
Disadvantages: Primarily available on Android (an iOS version may be under development). It does not have the advanced functionality of mainstream messengers.
