Threema vs Session
A detailed comparison to help you choose between Threema and Session.
Threema Swiss messenger with no phone number or email required. | Session Decentralized messenger — no phone number required. | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4 (330 reviews) | 4.2 (58 reviews) |
| Pricing Model | paid | free |
| Starting Price | From $4.99/mo | Free |
| Best For | Best for users seeking privacy and security tools | Best for users seeking privacy and security tools |
| Free Tier | ||
| API Access | ||
| Team Features | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Tags | — | — |
Threema
Pros
- + No phone number required for sign-up
- + Ibex protocol adds forward secrecy for chats
- + E2EE covers calls, chats, and files
- + Encrypts group metadata like names and members
- + Open-source apps with public repositories
- + Regular third-party audits listed by Threema
Cons
- - Server-side code isn’t open source
- - No multi-mobile-device sync for one Threema ID
- - Private app requires upfront payment
- - Business tiers billed annually per user
Session
Pros
- + No phone number or email required
- + Onion-routed message transport hides IP addresses
- + Decentralized network supports offline message delivery
- + Open-source clients with public GitHub repos
- + Publicly documented third-party security audit
- + Android can use F-Droid repo
Cons
- - Fast push uses FCM, exposing IP and token
- - Research shows practical attacks on Protocol V1
- - Some features have different metadata properties than texts
- - UX can be less reliable than mainstream messengers
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